Pregnancy body changes

Itchy skin in pregnancy - is it normal?

Itchy skin in pregnancy is not only normal, it’s common. It could be down to the changing hormone levels in your body, and also the fact that the skin across your tummy stretches as your baby grows, causing it to itch².

In order to soothe itchy skin in pregnancy, try having a cool bath and dressing in loose clothing. It’s also a good idea to avoid perfumed lotions and body products as these may irritate the skin.

In a small number of women, itchy skin in pregnancy can be a symptom of a liver condition known as intrahepatic cholestasis. Always contact your midwife or GP if you notice your body itching during the night in pregnancy and if it’s more pronounced on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet².

Skin tags in pregnancy

Skin tags are more likely to occur in pregnant women as a result of your changing hormones³.

Whilst they’re harmless, they can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, which is the last thing you should be feeling as you prepare to bring a new baby into the world. Try to remember that as your skin flexes to accommodate your growing baby, your skin is nothing short of heroic during pregnancy, and it’s very natural for some changes to occure.

Pregnancy hair loss and hair growth

Pregnancy hair growth is often a welcome benefit of pregnancy, with some women experiencing thicker and shinier hair⁴. On the other hand, it might be that you’re concerned about pregnancy hair loss. If this is the case, have a chat with your GP to rule out a vitamin deficiency⁵.

Some women experience an increased body hair growth on other parts of their body during pregnancy, including on the face⁶. Try not to worry, this isn’t uncommon and it’s very likely that things will return to the way they were after you’ve had your baby. 

Breast changes during pregnancy

Sore boobs, itchy boobs, bigger boobs - breast changes in pregnancy can be numerous. They’re often one of the first tell-tale signs that you’re expecting a baby.

Breast changes during pregnancy are very common and not usually something to worry about. However, it’s important to be ‘breast aware’ at all times, pregnancy included. Because your body is changing so much, it can be trickier than usual to know what’s ‘normal’. Being familiar with some of the common changes during pregnancy is a good move. If you’re worried about any of the changes to your breasts during pregnancy, it’s always best to consult your doctor for advice.Breast changes during pregnancy are very common and not usually something to worry about. However, it’s important to be ‘breast aware’ at all times, pregnancy included. Because your body is changing so much, it can be trickier than usual to know what’s ‘normal’. Being familiar with some of the common changes during pregnancy is a good move. If you’re worried about any of the changes to your breasts during pregnancy, it’s always best to consult your doctor for advice.

Sore boobs in pregnancy

During your pregnancy, you may experience sore and tender breasts. They may feel fuller, heavier and have a tingly sensation⁷. Sore boobs in pregnancy are usually nothing to worry about, and you’ll probably find that things settle down after the first trimester.

Sore boobs in pregnancy could be down to any number of things. For example, your breasts getting bigger, the changing hormone levels your body is going through, and a change to the milk ducts as your body gets ready to produce milk for your baby⁸.

When do your boobs start growing in pregnancy?

Your breasts may get bigger in size, perhaps by a couple of cup sizes or more. On the other hand, you might notice very little change at all⁸. It’s possible that your breasts could start to get bigger very early on in your pregnancy. In fact this is often one of the first tell-tale signs that you’re pregnant⁹.

Every pregnancy is unique, there’s no hard and fast rule here. Have confidence in your body and embrace each day as it comes.

Pregnancy body temperature changes

It’s not unusual to feel a little hotter than usual during your pregnancy. This is thought to be down to a change in - you guessed it - your hormones. They can play havoc with your pregnancy body temperature. In addition, the blood supply to your skin increases during pregnancy, so if you find yourself sweating more than usual that’s probably why¹⁰.

Drink plenty of fluids and perhaps take a dip in a cool bath or a refreshing shower to cool yourself down, particularly if you're pregnant during the summer months.

Stronger body odour during early pregnancy

Some women report experiencing a stronger body odour during pregnancy. When you consider the increased blood supply to your skin and an increased likelihood of sweating, a change to the way you smell isn’t so strange.

If this is one of those pregnancy body insecurities you’re having trouble with, use it to your advantage. Take long and regular showers, and treat yourself to some new clothing that’s loose and made of natural fabric.

Is it normal to have cramps in early pregnancy?

Having cramps at any point in your pregnancy can be unsettling, but rest assured that it’s usually nothing to worry about. Remember, your body is doing incredible things. This can lead to some aches, pains and general discomfort.

As your baby develops and your bump gets bigger, you might experience some abdominal cramps. This could be down to your ligaments stretching or even trapped wind or constipation¹¹.

You could try changing the position you’re in or taking a bit of time out for a well-deserved rest. But don’t be afraid to follow your instincts. If you’re worried, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your GP or midwife to put your mind at ease. 

Is it normal to feel sick at night during pregnancy

Yes. In fact, 8 out of 10 women experience nausea at some point in their pregnancy¹².

You’d be forgiven for thinking that morning sickness needs a new name. It can affect you morning, noon and night. Whilst you probably won’t be short of people telling you to get a good night's sleep before your baby arrives, that’s easier said than done when you’re feeling sick and nauseous at nighttime.

In most cases, the nausea subsides at around weeks 16-20 of your pregnancy and isn’t harmful to your baby¹³. If you find that you’re vomiting regularly and are unable to keep fluids and food down, speak to your midwife or GP.

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