5 Ways Life Changes When You Are Pregnant

When you are pregnant, you know your life is going to change. You are, after all, creating a new human being. You may wonder though, just how different will my life be during pregnancy? There will be many changes that occur during pregnancy. There are big changes, and small. Some you will expect, and others you won’t. Here are five ways your life will change when you are pregnant.

1. You will need to use the bathroom more. Early on in pregnancy, possibly before you even know you are pregnant, you will start to notice that you need to use the bathroom more often. This is because your body is producing more of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone increases urine, and may also contribute to nausea (morning sickness.)
2. Weight gain. Obviously, your baby will contribute to your body weight as he or she grows, but also, your body will grow to accommodate him or her. Talk to your doctor about what amount of weight gain is appropriate and try as much as possible to continue to eat a healthy diet.
3. You will be tired more often, but sleep may be more difficult. As your body changes, you will find that you may be tired more often. However, it might be more difficult for you to find a comfortable position to sleep in, making it harder to fall asleep in the first place. The best sleeping position for pregnant women is on their side. If you have trouble sleeping while pregnant, consult with your doctor.
4. Congestion. As your body changes, you may experience more frequent nasal congestion. You may also experience more nosebleeds. The increase in hormones in your body affects your mucous membranes.
5. Your schedule will change. While many of the changes that occur in your life will be physical, many will be practical. Your schedule will come to revolve around your pregnancy as you make time for maintaining your health, more frequent doctor’s visits, and re-arranging your life for a world that includes you and your baby.

If you’re looking for an obstetrician or family doctor who can help, visit Riley at IU Health to find expert, compassionate care near you.