Body Changes During Pregnancy

Not all of the changes you're sure to experience during pregnancy can be considered "cute". Below is a list of classic body changes you'll probably be unlucky enough to experience and ways to reduce their affect on your life.

Clumsiness/Forgetfulness

No ones knows why, or maybe I've just forgot, but clumsiness and forgetfulness go hand in hand with pregnancy. Whatever you pick up, you're sure to drop down -- and NOT where you intend, and then when you finally get whatever it was that you dropped (possibly more than once) to where you intend, you won't remember having done so. While there is nothing you can do, try not to worry about it too much -- the clumsiness and forgetfulness will go away once you have your little one in your arms.

Gas

"Excuse me" has probably never been higher on your list of common phrases you use in a day. Just take comfort in the fact that as hard as your body tries, your gas will never be as loud or obnoxious as your husband's.

Body Hair

Increased hormones during pregnancy will have your hair growing longer, faster and more lustrous than ever before -- and in all sorts of places you'd rather it not! Wax it, pluck it or shave it, just don't let your tummy beard get in the way of your self esteem. It will be gone for good once you give birth.

Heartburn

During pregnancy, your uterus grows rapidly and your stomach is pushed up and under your diaphragm. Any contents of your stomach have a tendency to get pushed up back up past the valve that separates your esophagus from your stomach, resulting in the unpleasant burning sensation we all know as "heartburn". Laying off the spice and opting to eat small meals throughout the day rather than 3 large meals will help you to avoid the backup. Its safe to pop antacids, so carry them with you where ever you go.

Round Ligament Pain

Got a stabbing pain in your pubic bone area? That's due to the stretching of the ligaments that run from the top of your expanding uterus to your pubic bone area. As they stretch, they cause lots of pain. The good news is, the pain usually stops during the 24th week of pregnancy.

Feet and Ankle Swelling

You've heard the phrase "barefoot and pregnant" but never thought it was to be taken literally until you woke up this morning and couldn't get your feet into any of your shoes! Does that sound familiar?

Swelling of the extremities, while unsightly, is common during pregnancy. Its only a cause for concern when you notice swelling in your face or more than slight swelling of your hands (especially when accompanied by a headache that won't go away with Tylenol or a pain in your chest that feels different than heartburn), or excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles or if one of your legs is much more swollen than the other.

Call your doctor to alleviate your concerns, and definitely use it as a good excuse to put your feet up and let someone else do the chores tonight! And know that you are not alone. As I'm typing this, my typically small, thin, high-arched (not to mention beautiful) feet look remarkably like sausages and I cannot feel my ankle bones! I'll probably have to leave work barefoot and pregnant!

Nasal Congestion/Nose Bleeds

Blood volume increases by as much as 50 percent during pregnancy. This change is most noticeable to the person sharing your bed while you are snoring all night long, and to you when your nose starts to bleed for no apparent reason. Saline Nose drops and the occasional use of nasal spray can help with the congestion. To stop bleeding, pinch your nose for 5 to 10 minutes. To avoid nose bleeds during pregnancy, treat your nose with extra care -- blow it gently, sneeze with your mouth open and avoid excessively dry areas.

Bleeding Gums

You've probably already noticed that your gums bleed much more easily too, yet another symptom of the increased blood flow during pregnancy. While its annoying, it will stop as quickly as it started and your gums will go back to normal after you give birth.