Pregnancy is an exciting time for women filled with many firsts and a lot of the unknown. Each month feels like a brand-new experience that comes with changes and new milestones for you and your growing baby.

In this article, we explore some of the changes to your body to prepare and embrace them. For specific advice related to your personal health conditions, it is important to seek qualified medical advice from your pregnancy healthcare team, which can include your local pharmacist.

While much of the concentration is on the baby’s development and progress during pregnancy, it is important to note the rapid adjustments your body goes through. Here are some areas of change that you may experience.

Body Temperature

Are you wondering why you suddenly feel warm when everyone else is cold? Or why you may be waking up sweating? Fluctuation in normal body temperature is a common side effect of pregnancy. This is primarily due to an uptick in your metabolic rate during pregnancy.

Feet Growth

If you’ve ever imagined throwing out all your shoes and starting fresh, this might be your chance. It may sound odd, but many women report their feet growing during pregnancy; it can be an entire shoe size in some cases. This increase may last after pregnancy.

Confidence Shifts

Confidence can change noticeably during pregnancy. Some mums happily share that they have an increased confidence boost during this time. They see themselves in a new light, one that is filled with strength and newfound courage.

Some mums experience the complete opposite of a confidence boost, with body changes creating self-conscious feelings and vulnerability. Clothes don’t fit, moving may become laboured, and moods change.

If pregnancy creates feelings of anxiety and you need support outside of your existing healthcare team, Beyond Blue can be contacted on 1300 22 4636 (more information here).

Belly Button

Sometime between six to nine months (maybe even earlier), women may begin to notice their belly button going from an innie to an outie. This occurs from the force of the soon-to-be mums growing uterus into the abdomen.

You can be sure that your body will change during pregnancy. This may affect your mind and mood. Being aware that these changes are coming will help you transition through this period more positively.

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Written by Chelsea D.

Chelsea is a mum of one and pregnant with another. She writes about pregnancy, parenting, and body positivity.

All articles are provided as general information and are not intended, nor may it be construed, as medical advice or instruction. Information and opinions expressed are believed to be correct and accurate to the best knowledge and judgement of the authors. Readers should consult their appropriately qualified health care professional prior to taking any action or inaction.