Month three of pregnancy diary

How your body is changing

As well as feeling pregnant, during this month you may also begin to look different, the extent of this will depend upon your body shape to begin with and how many children you have had already. You may notice your waist gradually increasing, and even though you have not got a ‘bump’, because the hormone progesterone leads to certain muscles being softened, the slowing down of digestion can make you feel bloated, or give you indigestion or heartburn.

You may also notice other physical changes: some women develop a dark line from the pubic area to the navel, the linea nigra, or darkening of the pigmentation in other parts of the body, like the face.

You might feel a bit dizzy or light headed; you may still feel tired or even exhausted.

Do you feel warmer, or thirstier than usual, and are you starting to get headaches for no apparent reason?

Rest assured, pregnancy brings about many such symptoms, most of which, though causing discomfort, are not harmful to you or your baby.

Meanwhile…now that your baby’s major structures have formed, she undergoes rapid growth and development. By the end of this month the growth of her head has decreased, relative to the rest of her body. External genitalia begin to be distinguishable (but you won’t be able to tell girl from boy!). Your baby will begin to produce urine, which she passes into the fluid surrounding her, the amniotic fluid.

As well as these amazing changes, she can now suck and swallow. She is beginning to look like a baby, yet she is only as long as your little finger.

Why your body is changing

The alterations in hormone levels, the increase in the amount of blood circulating around your body, these factors are responsible for many of the changes going on, and for many of the uncomfortable side effects you might be feeling. For example, the oestrogen and progesterone help your breasts and uterus to develop, and also increase normal vaginal mucous secretions.

Your body’s immune system also changes in pregnancy and coupled with the effects of hormones, you may be more prone to infection. The gums tend to swell in pregnancy, this is not harmful, but you may be more at risk from gingivitis, so be extra careful with dental hygiene, and perhaps use a softer toothbrush.

Your thoughts and feelings

Now that you are approaching the end of the first trimester, you are probably feeling quite excited! As the risk of miscarriage declines perhaps you and your partner have decided to tell family and friends.

You may feel tired or worried about how you will cope, or be feeling anxious about those niggling discomforts. Most women worry about whether their baby is all right at some stage of their pregnancy. This is very normal; in fact some women have very vivid nightmares throughout.

Relational and social

You may find your relationship with your partner is changing. Remember that he also may be experiencing tumultuous emotions for all kinds of different reasons. Both of you may be nervous about how your life will alter after your baby is born, and how she will fit into your existing family if there are other children. Take some time out to discuss things together. It may be an idea to talk to other people in similar situations.

You may be worried about having sexual intercourse during your pregnancy; in general there are no physical reasons why you should not go ahead, unless there is bleeding, infection or you have had a previous early miscarriage. Talk about these with your GP or midwife.

Keep a note of any questions you may have, so that you can discuss them with your when you contact a healthcare professional (GP or midwife). It is a good idea to access this service as soon as possible as clinics are often very busy and you may have to wait several weeks before you are seen. Your GP surgery or local maternity unit will be able to let you know how to do this,

HELP YOURSELF

• Keep going with your healthy diet. Eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and iron rich foods, such a kidney beans, dark green leafy vegetables, and red meat will contribute to boosting the iron stores you need to make all that extra blood.
• Exercise regularly to help with general fitness and energy levels; this may be as simple as a daily walk. You can also try swimming, yoga, and low impact aerobics. Avoid overstretching and let any instructors know you are pregnant.
• Your pelvic floor, the area between your vagina and anus, that supports everything inside the pelvic cavity (including the uterus, bladder and rectum), will be put under pressure during pregnancy and labour – you can start exercises to strengthen these important muscles: ask your midwife for details.
• Try deep breathing; inhaling through your nose, exhaling through your mouth. It helps you to relax and oxygenates your blood.
• Some women experience vaginal spotting or a small amount of bleeding after having sex. In many cases this happens because of rubbing of the cells of the cervix. It is worth getting any blood loss checked out. A small quantity of spotting is not uncommon; it may not be necessary to be seen by a doctor or midwife, but you can get some reassurance over the phone.
• Take the opportunity to visit the dentist during your pregnancy. Dental care if free up until your baby’s first year.

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