Physical Changes you Can Expect During Pregnancy

My cousin gave birth to a beautiful baby girl about 17 months ago. While she was pregnant with her daughter, she kept a journal of all the changes that her body went through up until she gave birth. I decided to write an article on it.

Conception to 8 Weeks

According to my cousin's doctor, she was already two weeks pregnant when she missed her first period. She was also six weeks pregnant when her second period was missed. At this stage of the pregnancy, she began to feel nauseated and developed morning sickness. She felt very tired and her breasts felt tender.

9th to 12th Week

During this stage of the pregnancy, she gained 1 and a half pounds. Her breast size increased. She began to urinate more frequently. Tiredness continued to ensue here and morning sickness along with nausea became more pronounced.

12th to 16th Week

While being pregnant during this stage, she started to feel a little better in the 16th week. She didn't feel quite as sick and had more energy. She began eating more and gained 2 pounds. She also began feeling constipated. Mood swings occurred from being happy to being sad.

16th Week to 20th Week

At this stage during her pregnancy, she gains 3 pounds. She is starting to show for the first time and her usual clothes are no longer able to fit her. She starts to enjoy being pregnant here she begins to crave certain foods. Her doctor warns her that during this period, she could become prone to urinary tract infections. The doctor advises her to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

20th to 24th Week

During this time in her pregnancy, she gained 3 pounds. Her breasts grow larger and she also noticed a white fluid discharge. She did research for this and found out it is called colostrum. It is known as first milk. This produces during the pregnancy and into the first couple of days into breastfeeding. Constipation continues and the doctor mentions that my cousin should expect it until the end of her pregnancy. She also notices that her hair becomes thicker and more oily during this time.

24th to 28th Week

While she is pregnant here, stretch marks begin to appear on her hips and legs. Contractions become apparent during this stage. Her appetite appears to be good and the nausea she had has almost subsided. The doctor mentions to avoid eating spicy or greasy meals because heartburn might occur. She gains another 3 pounds here.

28th to 32nd Week

Throughout this time in her pregnancy, she gains 4 more pounds and this is probably due to the fact that this is the baby's greatest growth period according to her doctor. She can feel the baby kick against her ribs. She feels uncomfortable here and gets tired quite easily. When she is up, she feels light in the head. Her feet, ankles and hands begin to swell when she is up for a long period of time or if it is hot.

32nd to 36th Week

During this last stage of her pregnancy, she is having trouble being able to sit or lay down for a long period of time. When the baby kicks hard, she has trouble breathing. Tiredness becomes even more pronounced and she sweats quite easily.