First off, congratulations on getting pregnant! You are about to embark on a wondrous journey that will surely change your perspective on life, love and relationships.
That being said, there are many things that come with a pregnancy, things that may affect the other aspects of your life. So it’s best to take a quick look at some of the many changes you may encounter as you start your journey through pregnancy.
What are the first changes in my body when become pregnant?
Obviously, you can expect your tummy to grow much, much bigger as it is now the temporary home of your soon-to-be-baby. What could surprise you is how much bigger your breasts could grow too! Your increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause your breasts to be fuller or more tender so you might need to shop for maternity bras a couple of sizes bigger than your normal bra size.
Some women may also experience changes in their skin, such as the formation of varicose veins or stretch marks. Varicose veins usually form because of the increase in blood volume during pregnancy as well as the pressure on the large veins behind that uterus that causes the heart to slow down on its return to the heart. Stretch marks, on the other hand, are caused by the stretching of the skin to accommodate the baby and may appear as red, pink, or brown streaks.
How does my behavior change when I become pregnant?
One of the more common (and dreaded) pregnancy side effects is “morning sickness”, which can actually happen at any time during the day. While the exact cause of “morning sickness” has not been clearly established yet, studies seem to indicate that it is connected to hormonal changes, such as the increase of estrogen. Whatever the cause, having a bad case of the “morning sickness” may keep you running to the bathroom all day long.
You may also notice a change in your food preferences, as many women report unusual cravings during pregnancy. You may also experience a loss of appetite, a metallic taste in your mouth or extra sensitivity to particular smells or tastes. Which, unfortunately, may mean you might not enjoy eating the same food you used to enjoy before pregnancy.
How do my relationships change when I become pregnant?
A pregnancy can affect your various relationships in different ways. Your relationship with your partner should become deeper and even more intimate, especially if he’s totally into the pregnancy too! Your friends will most likely be very supportive too but don’t be surprised if their support manifests in varying ways and degrees.
One of the biggest changes may occur with your mother or mother-in-law. Now that you are about to join the ranks of motherhood, you may find yourself drawn even closer to your mother or mother-in-law, as they are now your best resource for pregnancy information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and involve them in any aspect of your pregnancy that you comfortable sharing with them
GO ENJOY
At the end of it all, a pregnancy is a wonderful journey that ends with the most precious gift of all; a baby. So go enjoy the ride and the treasure that awaits at the end of it.
References
