To accommodate the growth and the safe delivery of your baby, your body produces more estrogen and progesterone, your blood volume goes up, and your energy levels may fluctuate.
As a consequence, you may experience unexpected changes. Some changes can be uncomfortable.
However, other changes may be welcomed. For example, many women experience stronger nails and hair due to higher levels of estrogen.
It helps to know what changes are common and expected in pregnancy so you can prepare for them and avoid excessive worry about your and your baby’s health. To provide you with a better understanding of what your journey towards becoming a mother may look like, we asked Dr. John Macey to explain some of the unexpected changes a body undergoes during pregnancy.
Heightened sense of smell
Estrogen can also influence the strength of your sense of smell. With higher levels of estrogen, especially in the first part of the pregnancy, you may notice your sense of smell getting stronger.
With a stronger sense of smell, it’s also important to avoid strong odors, as they can contribute to nausea and morning sickness.
Voice changes
Progesterone is a hormone that relaxes the joints and ligaments, making it easier for the baby to be delivered via the birth canal.
However, the relaxation of the joints occurs all over the body, including in the chest and back. Posture changes can lead to changes in your voice. The build-up of fluids during pregnancy can also impact the sound of your voice, causing it to sound deeper.
Glowing skin
Due to increased blood circulation, your skin may look shinier. Unfortunately for women who already have an oily complexion, increased blood flow can cause the sebaceous glands to produce even more sebum, which leads to breakouts.
Blurred vision
Blurred vision can occur due to water retention and fluctuating hormones. Water retention puts pressure on the eye, making the cornea thicker.
Elevated estrogen can reduce your tear production, causing your eyes to become dryer and your vision to become blurrier.
Increased risk for gum disease
Gum disease is common in pregnant women. Up to 75% of pregnant women experience gum inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
Elevated levels of estrogen aid in the development of the baby but also raise the inflammation levels in your body. This increases your risk for gum disease.
To keep your inflammation levels low, eat a diet low in sugars and processed foods, and avoid refined oils and trans fats.
Get in touch with a pregnancy specialist
With a specialist on your side, it’s easy to navigate all the changes that occur while pregnant. Contact us to schedule an appointment and ensure that you and your baby are doing well.