Body Changes

Hormones are largely responsible for almost all maternal body changes during pregnancy.

As the early embryo implants, hormones are released into the woman's bloodstream which dock to receptors located all over the body. Therefore, pregnancy affects nearly every organ and body system, causing a cascade of physical changes and related symptoms.

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Body Changes Introduction

Women experience numerous and diverse physiological changes to support a growing pregnancy, which begin almost immediately.

Body Systems/Organs

Abdominal Muscles

The strength and function of the abdominal muscles protect the core’s ability to adapt with pregnancy while also preventing back and pelvic pain.

Back and Spine (and Back Pain)

Pregnancy greatly affects the back, its muscles, and the spine; some women may even have to deal with these physical changes long after delivery.

Bladder and Pelvic Floor

The bladder and pelvic floor changes that occur during both pregnancy and vaginal delivery can potentially cause urinary problems; however, most women will likely completely recover postpartum.

Blood Volume

Blood volume increase is one of the most significant physical changes of pregnancy and can lead to numerous different symptoms and conditions.

Brain

Although physical changes within the brain during pregnancy have recently been identified, research into pregnancy-related brain changes is still considered very new.

Breasts

Significant breast changes occur within the first half of pregnancy. These changes can cause rapid enlargement, visible veins, soreness, and even stretch marks.

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system is the first major organ system to change during pregnancy and is one of the most important in ensuring the success of the health of both mother and baby.

Cervix

The cervix undergoes remarkable changes during pregnancy, from changing in color, to strengthening and lengthening, only to reverse at the end of pregnancy and soften, thin, and dilate.

Ear, Nose, and Throat

Pregnancy affects almost every aspect of the ear, nose, and throat – symptoms of which can be pretty intolerable. These symptoms are primarily due to the increased body fluid during pregnancy.

Eyes and Vision

Pregnancy can increase the risk of numerous eye and vision changes – most of which reverse postpartum. These changes can lead to symptoms that may be very unexpected for some women, but fortunately are considered mostly harmless.

Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas

Changes to the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are mostly caused by the increase in progesterone during pregnancy, which may cause organ motility to slow down (similar to the stomach).

Gastrointestinal Tract

Hormones have a significant effect on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes slowing it down, impeding it, or changing its regular pattern of digestion.

Hair and Nails

As a result of hormones, the hair cycle is altered during pregnancy but returns to normal several months after delivery.

Hands and Feet

Increased fluid volume and the hormone relaxin are responsible for most physical changes and symptoms related to the hands and feet during pregnancy.

Hormones

Hormones affect almost every aspect of pregnancy, from ensuring its success, to causing a limitless number of symptoms, and from initiating labor and delivery to eventually producing colostrum and breast milk.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

HCG levels are important in determining the health of the fetus in early pregnancy. Higher or lower than expected levels at certain points during pregnancy can be associated with certain complications.

Immune System

The latest research indicates a pregnant woman’s immune system is not suppressed – it adapts to the pregnancy, allows it to thrive, and does not make a pregnant woman more susceptible to contracting infections.

Kidneys

Kidneys work a lot harder during pregnancy. They are responsible for a significant increase in both urine production and the elimination of waste, and maintain the critical balance between sodium and fluid.

Lungs (Respiratory System)

Pregnancy causes unique changes to the respiratory system. The rib cage spreads up and out, the diaphragm is pushed up, muscle strength is reduced, and women can feel out of breath from normal everyday activities.

Musculoskeletal System

Connective tissues of the body loosen and stretch to accommodate the growing uterus and to allow the baby to pass through the bones of the pelvis during vaginal delivery.

Ovaries

Correct function of the ovaries (through hormones) regulates the menstrual cycle and allows for ovulation and successful implantation.

Skin

Regarding noticeable physical signs and symptoms, skin changes may affect more pregnant women than any other organ system.

Teeth and Gums

Pregnancy causes changes to the gingiva (gums) during pregnancy that can negatively affect the health of the entire mouth without proper care.

Uterus

The uterus changes in size, weight, volume, and blood flow in order to support, develop, and protect a pregnancy. Researchers are still learning about how the uterus performs these functions, to include its response to labor hormones and contractions.

Vagina

Like the cervix, the vagina undergoes remodeling of its tissues to support stretching of its walls during delivery and a return to normal (as much as possible) in the postpartum period.

Weight

Researchers have tried to determine the “most optimal” weight gain range that can lead to the most positive pregnancy outcomes, based on a woman’s weight/BMI prior to pregnancy.

Body Changes

Body Systems/Organs

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