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What to expect when pregnant

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Pregnancy can be one of the most beautiful and wonderful experiences in a woman’s life. It can also get pretty nerve wrecking. After all, your body is changing in ways that it never has before. After you find out that you are expecting, your first questions may be about what you should expect. Fortunately your pregnancy term is of nine months, enough time for you to get used to the changes in your body and the additional weight that you will carry. Here are some basic changes that you could expect. Do keep in mind that pregnancy experiences may vary from one woman to another.


Physical changes: Nausea and mood swings are characteristics of morning sickness that affects most pregnant women in the first trimester. If it makes you feel any better the nausea is caused by the high level of pregnancy hormones in your body that help care of your unborn child.

It takes a few weeks before you start to show. In fact, for some women the first trimester may seem uneventful from this perspective. Slowly you can expect to lose your waistline and will begin to gain weight. The centre of gravity of your body will change and it is good idea to wear steady and comfortable footwear.

From your second trimester you may experience backaches. A regular and apt exercise routine is recommended to strengthen your back muscles and help you stay fit. Heartburn and breathlessness is often experienced by pregnant women, as the fetus pushes up against your stomach and lungs. Eat smaller and frequent meals and ensure that you have a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

You can expect skin changes. While some women tend to glow, others complain of dry skin and itchiness. It is recommended that you take care of your body and enjoy the special ways your body changes. A gentle massage with a body lotion of your choice after a bath will make you feel and look good. You may also wish to get your hair styled in a fashion that is easy to maintain.

Emotional changes: Mood swings are often experienced during pregnancy. While most are caused by the influx of hormones raging through your body, apprehension regarding the delivery is also expected in the third trimester. You may feel fatigued easily and may also tend to be more sensitive than you usual. It isn’t unheard of pregnant women crying while watching sentimental movies.

It is a good to read pregnancy books and visit relevant sites with your partner so that the two of you have a good understanding of your pregnancy. Get together with friends and pamper yourself. Remember you may not have so much time to mingle in the initial weeks after the birth.

It is natural for you to be apprehensive about the delivery and child care. Regular visits to your obstetrician will help you understand how your baby is growing. You may want to complete your shopping for maternity wear and for your unborn child at least four to six weeks before your due date.

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