Pregnancy: Changes your organs go through Inside Your Body

Foods to balance Hormones

Authored & Verified by:

Dr. Reubina Singh

MS (OB/GYN), MBBS - Senior Infertility Specialist

The Body’s Hilarious, Incredible Journey Through Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be exhilarating, hopeful, and honestly a lot of “Wait, WHAT is changing inside me?!” Imagine each of your organs springing into action, adapting, and sometimes even getting a little frustrated as they adjust to the new demands of growing a baby. In this lighthearted exploration, we’ll tag along as your body’s systems rally to support you on this extraordinary journey.

“Oops… We’re Pregnant!”: How the Body Responds to Pregnancy News

The moment pregnancy begins, it’s like your entire body gets the memo and jumps into action. Think of it as a military-style “total mobilization” order! Every organ takes on a new role, working harder to support you and your baby. Here’s a sneak peek at the inner teamwork happening:

Heart: “OK, now I need to pump more blood!”

During pregnancy, your heart is pumping up to 50% more blood to ensure oxygen and nutrients get to the baby. With every heartbeat, your body is working for the both of you.

Lungs: “More oxygen needed? Got it!”

As your baby develops, your body requires more oxygen, so your lungs are working overtime. This often means your breathing rate increases to meet the demand.

Kidneys: “Uhhhhh, excuse me… I need to pee?”

With extra blood flow, your kidneys are filtering more, which leads to the classic early pregnancy symptom: frequent bathroom trips.

The Baby Gets Bigger, and So Does the Blood Flow

Your heart and blood vessels are dedicating extra effort to keeping you and your tiny tot thriving. As the baby grows, your body produces an additional circuit of blood to support them—imagine managing three blood circuits instead of two! This increased blood flow is essential but also brings some noticeable side effects:

Swollen feet and ankles: Carrying extra fluid and weight can make your legs feel puffy. Gentle exercise or a foot massage can help.
Higher blood pressure: The added demands on your circulatory system might elevate your blood pressure slightly, but routine check-ups will keep things in check.

Hormones: The Unseen Supervisors of Every Change

Behind every bodily adjustment are the pregnancy hormones calling the shots. While they keep things running smoothly, they also bring a few surprises:

Mood Swings

One minute, you’re over-the-moon excited; the next, you’re sobbing over a TV commercial. Thank estrogen and progesterone for those emotional roller coasters.

Increased Appetite

Growing a baby means your body needs more nutrients, so it’s natural to feel hungrier or crave specific foods. Those midnight snack attacks? Totally normal.

Fluid Retention

Hormones encourage water retention, which can lead to bloating and swollen legs. Staying hydrated and elevating your feet can help ease the discomfort.

Cravings and Nutrient Needs

Your body, now sustaining two lives, often cries out for specific nutrients, inspiring pregnancy cravings. While some cravings may seem unusual (pickles with ice cream?), they’re your body’s way of signaling what it needs:

Nuts and seeds: Packed with healthy fats and proteins, they’re perfect for satisfying cravings and supporting baby’s development.
Foods rich in calcium and iron: Think leafy greens, dairy, and lean meats to meet your increased demand for these essential nutrients.

Following these cravings (in moderation) while maintaining a balanced diet can keep you and your baby well-nourished throughout pregnancy.

Overcoming the Final Hurdles: Third Trimester Struggles

As you approach the finish line, your body undergoes a few more dramatic changes to prepare for delivery. Here’s what’s happening:

Baby Bump Expansion

As your baby grows, so does your bump. The added size might squish your organs, causing occasional discomfort.

Pelvic Pressure

The baby’s position can put pressure on your lungs and bladder, making it harder to breathe and increasing bathroom trips.

Fatigue

The extra weight and strain on your body can leave you feeling exhausted. Don’t hesitate to rest or take naps when needed.

The Big Moment: Labor and Delivery

When your baby is ready, your water will break, signaling that labor is near. This is when your body’s incredible journey hits its peak:

Contractions: Your uterus starts contracting to help push the baby down the birth canal.
Hormones: Oxytocin (the “love hormone”) kicks in, intensifying contractions and preparing your body for delivery.
Pushing: Once your cervix is fully dilated, it’s time to push. With the help of adrenaline and your amazing muscles, you’ll soon meet your little one.

Guidelines for a Smooth Pregnancy Voyage

To make your pregnancy journey as comfortable as possible, keep these tips in mind:

Drink water: Your expanding blood volume and fluid needs mean staying hydrated is key.
Eat balanced meals: Indulge in cravings occasionally, but focus on nutrient-rich foods.
Rest: Take breaks, prop up your feet, and don’t hesitate to nap.
Manage stress: Relaxation techniques like mindfulness or spending time with loved ones can help keep stress at bay.

Embrace the Unique Adventure of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a magical, transformative journey—a time to marvel at your body’s resilience and its ability to create new life. Sure, there are highs and lows, but embracing the weird cravings, hormone-fueled emotions, and incredible bodily changes can make this time truly special. Celebrate each step and enjoy the anticipation of meeting your little one!