Pregnancy is an important phase in a woman’s life. During this phase, she experiences various types of physiological changes. Some of these changes have been complied below:

1. Sleep Pattern changes: In the first and second trimester, women need more sleep whereas in the third trimester, this sleep pattern is reversed. The disruptions in sleep may occur due to positional discomfort, cramps, frequent urination and gastric problems.

2. Hair changes: Hair changes on head as well as body due to increased levels of male hormone production by ovaries.

3. There are more chances of formation of gallstones because the concentration of cholesterol in bile increases during pregnancy.

4. Respiratory Changes: There are increased chances of mucus accumulation in the nose.

5. Heart beat and Blood Pressure Changes: There is an expansion in the blood volume by 30-50% during pregnancy. This leads to increase rate of heart beat by 10-20 beats per minute. The lower B.P. increases and the higher B.P. shall remain normal.

6. Ocular changes: There could be dryness in the eyes and the women have a tendency to be far sighted.

7. Skin pigment changes: There is a visible darkness of skin reported in most of the pregnant women. Hyper-pigmentation could be the result of increased levels of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH).

8. Appearance of stretch marks: Some women have genetic tendency to either gain or lose weight quickly. The stretch marks get manifested with these changes. These are not likely to fade away.

9. More UTI infections: Pregnant women are more prone to urinary tract infections due to the physiological changes that they witness during this period.

10. Back pain: Due to the increased size of the womb, there is increased pressure on the back spine which can lead to back pain.

11. Beginning of lactation: Usually, lactation begins after the delivery of child. But, it can also happen even before the child birth.

Apart from these physiological changes, the pregnant women also face some temporary attitude and temperamental changes. During this phase, it is important that she receives support from her spouse and family members. The meditation and yoga pregnancy exercises are very helpful in attaining mental peace and controlling the attitudinal or emotional changes. A positive outlook towards life will lead to happiness and this state is proven to be extremely beneficial for the health of mother and child.

Appropriate pregnancy nutrition support and careful and less strenuous exercises can go a long way in managing adverse health changes during this period.

Young married women are normally extra conscious about their health and what they feel. The reason being that they are probably planning or simply waiting for the proverbial stork. Sometimes women are caught off-guard by symptoms of pregnancy as it has happened accidentally and they were totally unprepared for it.

The one and the only common symptom among all women is intuition. It is a strong and reliable indicator in most of the cases, but not 100% as we do come across fake pregnancies as well. Moreover intuitions are intuitions and are not substitutions for facts. However, there are other markers that indicate towards impending pregnancy, e.g., dizziness, vomiting sensations, nausea and morning sickness, tiredness and weakness, alternate feelings of depression and elation and the most important one of missed period. The first feature to be affected is the woman’s health. The woman knowing the importance of pregnancy health for herself in the long run and for the baby’s health must respond to these symptoms sensibly. Consulting the doctor and caring well for herself must take priority over other matters in her life.

As the pregnancy proceeds and the fetus grows within, physical shape of the woman too changes. And the effect is felt on the back and/or the feet. Pregnancy back pain is more common than we think and is but natural. The growing fetus adds to the body weight and causes physical strain. So to keep the back pin under control, it is important to take proper rest. Avoid physical strain at all costs, which also includes lethargy. There has to be a balance between strain and physical activity. Overdoing either is harmful. Light yogic exercises help back pain. Also yoga is good for health during pregnancy. Posture too needs your attention during pregnancy.