Amazing Facts About Pregnancy
By Lisa Barry
Being pregnant can be hard work; from extreme fatigue to swollen ankles it doesn’t always feel like the miracle of life. It’s important to remember that your body is going through some incredible transformations to create a whole new life; here are 5 interesting facts about what happens to a pregnant woman’s body to remind you just how awesome you are.
1. Your pregnant body makes more blood
Your heart is put under a lot of strain supporting both you and your unborn child. Don’t worry though, your body is prepared for it and your heart adapts. Your heart rate rises from 70 beats per minute to 90 beats per minute and the actual volume of blood increases by nearly 50%. So next time you get on the scales you can reassure yourself that some of that extra weight isn’t the second helping of cake you just had, it’s just blood.
2. Your heightened sense of smell protects your baby
From the moment of conception your body becomes instantly protective. Your mama bear job is to protect your baby and your body has developed some clever ways to do it. Having a heightened sense of smell may make you feel nauseous but it’s there to save your baby’s life by keeping you away from foods that may potentially harm your baby.
3. Your uterus grows to the size of a watermelon during pregnancy
The normal uterus is the modest size of an apple, during pregnancy it grows to 500 times its size. By the end of your third trimester it will be roughly the size of a watermelon.
4. Your bones become soft
When you are pregnant your body has to adapt to the growing human inside you. It’s not just your muscles that have to stretch but your bones have to move as well. Your body will release extra doses of the hormones oestrogen and relaxin that relax the ligaments and soften the bones. Relaxin also makes your body more flexible, although a heavily pregnant woman that struggles to get her socks on may argue with that!
5. Indigestion helps your baby get the nutrients it needs
Having indigestion is an unpleasant symptom of pregnancy but like many other symptoms it serves a purpose for your baby. To ensure your baby gets all the nutrients it needs your digestion physically slows down to allow your body the time to transfer them. This may be uncomfortable for you but rest assured your baby is reaping the benefits.
So next time you feel the strain of pregnancy on your body give yourself a pat on the back, you’re doing a great job and one you were designed to do just perfectly.