Changes during Pregnancy: More than Just your Body

Pregnancy, besides being a new and exciting phase in a woman's life, also tends to be a very complicated stage in her life. When a woman plans to be pregnant, she first needs to prepare for the changes that are expected during the entire 40 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnancy period brings with it a lot of changes in a woman's life. A pregnant woman shall be prepared to expect lifestyle changes right from her eating habits to her dressing style. 

The changes which pregnant woman needs to expect are:

• Lifestyle Changes: The initial stage (the first 3 months) of pregnancy is very unpleasant for a pregnant woman. During this stage, she suffers from vomiting, nausea/ morning sickness, and fatigue. Some women also tend to be depressed or mood swings during this phase of pregnancy. All these symptoms reduce as the pregnancy progresses to further stages. A woman shall be ready to accept this change with patience. Besides this a woman is also required to give with some of her habits like drinking alcohol and smoking, as these activities are harmful for the embryo developing in her womb.

A woman needs to make changes to her daily routine like exercise schedule or frequent travelling as this can affect her health as well as that of the growing fetus.

• Changes in Diet Habits: Pregnancy in almost all cases is associated with food cravings and food aversions. The food you like before getting pregnant may not taste so good during the pregnancy. A pregnant woman shall also be very cautious about what she is consuming: Restaurant foods or Fast foods may cause health effects which in turn may affect the baby. A pregnant woman avoid should packed food has far as possible. The consumption of alcohol and smoking shall be avoided well before planning to get pregnant.

• Changes that may occur in relationship with your partner: pregnancy not only demands change in the woman’s lifestyle but it may also require for few changes in her partner's lifestyle as well. Pregnancy may also, at times, affect the relationship between you and your partner. Many women feel that their life has become less romantic due to the arrival of a new guest. Sometimes there is medical restriction as well on the sexual life of the couple. In order to avoid this, the couple should have understanding towards each other and the future responsibility of the child which needs to be managed equally by both.

• In Career: Pregnancy may be most difficult decision for a career-oriented woman. Nowadays, women are strong and independent, and a child will disrupt your career. However, your job will give you up to a year maternity leave so it’s really not that big a deal. You can also opt for “paternity” leave in which your partner stays home instead so you can go back to work right away.

• Physical Outlook: There are many physical changes that occur during pregnancy. A woman tends to put on extra weight during pregnancy which changes her physical outlook. Though this is a reversible change, many women tend to be very cautious about their appearance.

A woman needs to accept all these changes happily and consciously to maintain her health as well as the baby's health during pregnancy.