As the uterus increases in size, the internal organs move slightly out of position. In turn, postural changes occur in the skeleton that adapts to pregnancy and prepares for childbirth.
The skin stretches up to ten times its size to adapt to the change in volume of the belly. Hence the importance of keeping it well hydrated from the beginning of pregnancy to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
The weight gain in pregnancy is, on average, about 12 kilos, but obviously not all the weight corresponds to the baby. It is caused, in addition to the baby’s own weight, by the placenta and amniotic fluid, as well as by the increase in the size of the uterus, breasts and extracellular fluid.
In addition to the more obvious physical changes such as weight gain and belly growth, there are other less visible changes that are largely responsible for the most frequent discomforts in pregnancy such as edema, back pain, skin changes and constipation.
Modifications occur at the hormonal level, but also at the respiratory, hormonal, digestive, circulatory, renal, bone and nervous levels.
