A woman’s body undergoes many transformations during the nine months of pregnancy. Some of these physical changes are visible, such as an expanding belly and weight gain, while others are well known, such as an enlarged uterus, morning sickness and backaches. However, a few bodily changes may be unexpected and catch some women by surprise. “It’s remarkable how a woman’s body adapts to accommodate a pregnancy,”
said Kim Trout, a certified nurse midwife and an assistant professor of women’s health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in Philadelphia.
One change that often takes some pregnant women by surprise is an increase in breast size, Trout told Live Science. “A woman’s breast size and her bra size may change several times during pregnancy,
“Trout said. “Some women see this as a welcome change.”A second unanticipated change is varicose veins in the genitals, Trout said. Women may expect varicose veins in their legs during pregnancy,
but veins near the vagina and vulva can also become swollen and pop out usually in the third trimester, she said.Although swollen veins in this area can be uncomfortable, they tend to go away after delivery, Trout said.
Here is a head-to-toe guide of some other physical changes that a woman’s body may experience while she is pregnant. Bleeding gums are a common pregnancy complaint, and they may create an open portal to infections, Trout said.
