The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Physical Changes Health Article

Before pregnancy, your uterus weighed about two ounces. At the time of delivery, it weighs close to 2 ½ pounds. It increases in size to hold your baby, the placenta, and almost a liter of amniotic fluid. Most of the symptoms that occur during the last trimester are due to your enlarging uterus, your weight gain, and the hormones that are preparing your body for delivery. During the third trimester, it is not uncommon for women to experience lower back and hip pain or sharp vaginal pain. Insomnia, shortness of breath, and swelling of the ankles and feet may become more of a nuisance than they were earlier in the pregnancy. The third trimester also may bring skin changes, such as varicose veins, spider nevi, and stretch marks. Learning about these common physical changes, along with the warning signs of more serious problems, will help you through this last trimester.

For more information about physical changes, go to The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Pain & Insomnia, The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Skin Changes, The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Shortness of Breath & Edema, and The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Weight Gain & Other Changes.

Go to The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Exercise & Fitness, The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Diet & Nutrition, and Complications, The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Exercise & Fitness, The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Exercise & Fitness, and The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Diet & Nutrition, and The First Trimester of Pregnancy: Complications.