The real period of magic: How your body evolves

Pregnancy is a time of great changes. Growing a little life inside you is a kind of change, but at the same time, there will be changes in you physically. The rapid changes in physical and hormonal characteristics during pregnancy can make a woman feel like she is a completely different person than she was before, which is very true in a way.

Various aspects of your body undergo drastic changes during the first three months to accommodate the growing fetus inside you. levels soar high and low, causing fluctuations in blood circulation, skin texture, and pigmentation. If you think that because you're pregnant, everything will be fine, you're mistaken–unless you're already aware of the unexpected changes that come with it.

Changes in your body during pregnancy have a significant impact on the way you live your life. Here are some of the lesser-known pregnancy side effects and symptoms to give you a bit of a heads up.

Skin pigment variation

You probably already know that your skin tone changed slightly after pregnancy. And that's not just because of your hormones going crazy. The truth is, during pregnancy, a lot of changes happen in your body, and that includes your skin. Hormones may cause your melanin cells to create more pigment, darkening your freckles, areolas, and the linea nigra, which runs down your abdomen. It can also go a little too far with the "tan dial," resulting in chloasma, or random blotches on the skin. Hyperpigmentation is more evident in women with darker skin tones, but it usually resolves after giving birth. Skin requires attention while pregnant as the skin gets lightened and there can be certain other alterations too.

Sore Boobs

Sore boobs are one of the first pregnancy symptoms that many women encounter. Your body's hormones are preparing your breasts for breastfeeding. As the milk ducts fill with lactate early in pregnancy, they expand and stretch. All of this makes your breasts more sensitive, particularly your nipples. This could make you feel uneasy. The increased levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone can cause a woman's breasts to become sore during pregnancy. The most common causes of sore boobs include engorged or blocked milk ducts, hormonal changes, and an oversupply of breastmilk.

Constipation

Extra progesterone is coursing through your system right now, and it's crucial. The recommended course of action appears to be to move more, drink more water, eat smaller meals, and boost your fiber consumption. You might as well memorize this statement because it is pretty much the cure-all for everything. Fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, bran cereals, prunes, and whole-grain bread are all good options. For a delightful fruit salad, cut up apples, bananas, figs, and strawberries. For a delicious side dish, roast sweet corn, Brussels sprouts, and carrots.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are bulging veins in your rectum or bottom orifice. Itching, burning, discomfort, and bleeding are all possible side effects. They're prevalent during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. To avoid this, stop standing or sitting for a long period. It exerts a strain on your lower body's veins. With your doctor's consent, exercise for 30 minutes most days. If you must sit for extensive periods, take a stroll every hour or so. Drink plenty of water and have some fruit. You will get more than okay.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a common symptom during pregnancy. You will feel a low burning in your chest and it will gradually move to the throat area. Acid reflux and heartburn can be exacerbated by changes in your hormones and body shape. Symptoms can be prevented and relieved by making a few dietary and lifestyle modifications. Whenever you feel this way, drink a cup of warm milk with a tablespoon of honey. Always try to sit up straight when you eat. Don’t eat late at night. Don’t lie down right after eating.

Leg cramps

You're not alone if you suffer from terrible leg cramps. Many pregnant women have them during the second or third trimester, and they usually occur at night. Nobody knows why pregnant people experience increased leg cramps. Changes in blood circulation and tension on your leg muscles from carrying more weight could be to blame. Cramps can be caused by a lack of calcium or a change in the way your body uses calcium. Leg cramps normally pass in a matter of minutes. Try to take calcium supplements with the consent of your doctor. Stretch your leg, heel first, and wiggle your toes if you get a cramp. To relax the muscle in your calf, gently massage it. Always keep your muscles hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Getting sweaty

Sweating is your body's natural technique of regulating your temperature. Your body temperature rises somewhat during pregnancy. This is an unavoidable side effect of childbirth. Hormonal changes, a rise in blood volume, and weight growth are all factors in this minor increase. Sweating cools you down and keeps you from overheating, which could be dangerous for you and your baby if you overheat. Sweating isn't usually a cause for concern during pregnancy. Excessive sweating, on the other hand, can be a sign of something other than pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you're worried about your perspiration.

Pregnancy can be beautiful, it is filled with excitement, anticipation, and even some worry. A great trick to managing these body changes is to keep an open mind regarding how your life will change, both during and after pregnancy. Brace yourself for the wait, and enjoy the time.