Your Changing Body

From conception (fertilization) until after the birth of your child, you and your baby will change every day. To help you understand what is happening, we've outlined how pregnancy begins and some of the changes you may notice.

How Pregnancy Begins

The fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and attaches to the uterus.

Conception is the union of a sperm and an egg. When it occurs, your baby's genetic makeup is complete, even its sex. Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube. The fertilized egg then travels down this tube to the uterus (womb). The egg attaches to the lining of the uterus about a week later. There it grows and is nourished.

Physical and Emotional Changes

Your uterus expands upward and outward as the baby grows.

Pregnancy affects almost every part of your body. You may notice some of the following physical and emotional changes:

• Your uterus expands as your baby grows. You may feel pressure on your bladder, stomach, and other organs.

• You may notice skin color changes on your forehead, nose, and cheeks. A dark line may form from your bellybutton down to your pubic area. The skin color around your nipples and thighs may also change.

• Pink stretch marks may appear on your abdomen, breasts, or hips.

• Your hair may seem thicker. You lose less hair during pregnancy.

• You may feel fine one day and weepy the next. This is caused by changes in your body, such as increased hormones (chemicals that affect the function of certain organs and also your moods).

Adapting to the Changes

As your body adjusts, you may have to change or limit your daily activities. You'll need more rest. You may also need to use the energy you have more wisely.

Work Concerns

The end of the first trimester is a good time to discuss working during pregnancy with your employer. Follow your health care provider's advice if your job requires you to stand for a long time, work with hazardous tools, or even sit at a desk all day. Your workspace, workload, or scheduled hours may need to be adjusted. Perhaps you can change body postures more often or take an extra break.

Advice for Travel

Talk to your health care provider first, but the second trimester may be the best time for any travel. You may be advised to avoid certain trips while you're pregnant. Food and water can be concerns in developing countries. Travel by car is a good choice, as you can stop, get out, and stretch. Bring snacks and water along. Fasten the lap belt below your belly, low over your hips. Also be sure to wear the shoulder harness.

Intimacy

Unless your health care provider tells you to, there is no reason to stop having sex while you're pregnant. You or your partner may notice changes in desire. Desire may be less in the first trimester, due to nausea and fatigue. In the second trimester, sex may be very enjoyable. The third trimester can be a challenge comfort-wise. Try different positions and see what's best for you both.