Recently, during a discussion about prenatal preparations, someone asked me a question that resonated with many: “Dr. Sir, I don’t want to gain so much weight or have my face and skin tone change drastically when I get pregnant. I’ve seen people who go through these changes, and I don’t want that to happen to me. What can I do?”
This concern is shared by many, especially young women who want to maintain their physical appearance during and after pregnancy. The fear of drastic changes—weight gain, darker skin tone, swelling, and more—can make pregnancy seem daunting, even traumatic for some. But understanding why these changes occur can help ease these fears.
Pregnancy is a complex, dynamic process that brings about significant physiological changes, primarily driven by hormones. For instance, the hormone relaxin helps relax muscles, tendons, and ligaments to prepare the body for childbirth. This, combined with water retention, can lead to swelling and changes in body shape. Additionally, hormones like estrogen and progesterone contribute to changes in skin color, hair patterns, and even nail texture.
It’s normal for pregnant women to gain between 11 to 15 kilograms, which includes the baby’s weight, increased blood volume, and fat distribution. Other common changes include stretch marks (due to skin expansion), the appearance of a dark line (linea nigra) on the abdomen, nipple darkening, and varicose veins. Swelling in the feet, ankles, and face can also occur due to water retention.
It’s important to note that these changes vary from person to person and can even differ racially. However, they are all part of the body’s natural preparation for nurturing and delivering a baby.
While these changes might seem overwhelming, they are temporary and serve a purpose. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a positive mindset can help manage these changes. Remember, pregnancy is not a disease—it’s a beautiful, transformative journey. Embrace it without fear, knowing that your body is doing something incredible.
Let’s shift the narrative from fear to understanding and empowerment, this way you ll be able to know that pregnancy changes are natural, and they’re all for a good cause.
Image derived from meta AI.