The Birthing Body

What happens to your body during pregnancy

Creating life is such an enormous miracle, it is a process where many changes take place. Some visible to the eye and others happen behind the scenes.

𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭

Some of us may start to ponder, what is going to happen to our lives? How about my career? Will I be a good parent? Can I do this? It is normal to have such thoughts - take the time to reflect upon them

𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

Your breasts/chests can feel tender, you may feel fatigued. Hormones can cause the skin to become darker, some experience skin sensitivity (and even rashes). Oh, estrogen can also cause your gums to become more sensitive (you may bleed more when you brush your teeth)

𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

With your body now growing this little miracle, there are changes to the hormones produced. This can also result in feeling more emotional; laughing one moment and crying the next

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

You may notice a heightened sense of smell and taste. Some may experience food aversions and nausea, certain smells can trigger the feeling of being sick! Also, did you know that your eyesight could potentially get affected too?

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

Your heart has to work extra hard to pump blood to you and your baby. Muscle cells in the heart get bigger to do so. Your blood pressure may also increase in the process

𝐆𝐮𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

Pregnancy hormones can also affect your gut - progesterone causes the muscles in your stomach and your intestines to become more relaxed. This affects the rate of digestion and can also lead to constipation

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

Breathing is affected, you may find yourself running out of breath. The upward movement of your diaphragm pushing up towards the other organs as your baby grows can cause shortness of breath. Nosebleeds and stuffy nose are some common changes

𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

Your body releases a hormone called relaxin, which helps the joints, ligaments, muscles and bones to become more relaxed. This helps the body become more flexible to help baby pass through the birth canal. However, this can also result in aches and discomfort during pregnancy. It can also cause misalignment to your pelvis and spine.

The birthing body should be honoured and respected. If your loved one, friend, family member, even random people you see on the streets… remember that they are growing life (it is tiring!), and it’s a big deal. 𝐂�