Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pregnancy!

How to Deal with Body Changes During Pregnancy!

When I got pregnant for the first time, I knew that my body would change. Though, I didn’t expect anything major to change. I knew I would grow a baby inside of me, but I wasn’t 100% sure of the changes that would happen.

Well, I’m here to tell you that I made it through two pregnancies and a lot of change happened along the way. Some of those changes were good and some were not so great. Nonetheless, it was all worth it. I think it’s important to talk about the changes that happen during pregnancy and after birth because it’s something that every woman experiences who becomes a mother.

One thing is for sure – we are not alone.

With my first pregnancy, my body didn’t change as much. What took me by surprise was the changes that came after having my baby. I was young and while I did plenty of research, I didn’t think I’d have to deal with most of them. Luckily, both my pregnancies were fairly easy with minor issues. Whenever I talked to older moms, I found that they would only want to talk about all the great stuff that comes with being a mom but, I wanted to know the good, the bad, and the ugly! 

That’s why I am open to having a conversation about all the changes that come with pregnancy and after birth. It’s a great way to support a fellow mom and to feel as if we aren’t alone. I felt that after having a baby is when you sometimes doubt yourself, and it’s an emotional time for so many reasons.

Read on to see the changes you can expect and the testimonials of veteran moms who have also been through what you are probably going through right now!

Your skin changes

It’s safe to say that your skin changes a lot during and after pregnancy. With my first pregnancy, my skin was glowing but fast forward to my second pregnancy, my skin was much drier. Nothing a little moisturizer won’t fix, but you may notice a change in your skin.

You’ll also find that your skin may get darker in certain areas or that you get little patches of brown markings. Don’t be alarmed if you get a brown line going down your tummy either. It is called linea nigra and it appears usually around the second trimester. Though not all expectant moms will get it, it will fade a few months after having your baby, but I did. Now, some changes in your skin that may not go away are stretch marks. Though they tend to fade and lighten over time and some mamas don’t get them at all.

Your breasts change

For many women, their breasts change when they are pregnant and after they give birth. You’ll find that your breasts may be sore or tender. That can be due to hormonal changes. You may see veins or pigment changes too.

One of the biggest changes I experienced was the sudden growth. I think it’s important to recognize that your body does change during pregnancy and your breasts are one of those ever-changing things. Sometimes your breasts can get a little saggy, but nothing too alarming. Especially since they eventually will change with age as well. It’s important to have a great supportive bra throughout pregnancy and afterward as well. Especially if you will be breastfeeding!

Your bladder changes

There is no doubt that your bladder changes a lot during pregnancy and after you give birth. The urgency to use the bathroom will sneak up on you and there will be a change to your ability to control your bladder; this change can come after birth and may be caused by weakened muscles around the bladder and pelvis.

My bladder started changing while I was pregnant and has continued to change a lot over time. As time has gone on, I have found that I use the bathroom more often and the urinary urgency has only increased. This is when I knew that I needed to do something about my LBL (light bladder leakage) which is when I decided to check out the products that Poise offers.

Use What Works

There is no shame in using Poise products to help with bladder leaks. Pregnancy does some crazy things to your body. I can say that it’s worth every single moment but, let’s be real, a lot of things happen while pregnant.

Some women need to go to the bathroom more and some women cannot hold their bladder as well as they once did. For me, every time I sneezed, and didn’t squeeze–I was in trouble. That’s where the Poise products that I wear come in. There are pads, liners (which I use), and Impressa, so I always know I’m covered.

Being able to have products that are made specifically for bladder leaks is amazing. It gives you the confidence to go about your day without the fear of leakage. While I only use liners now and I’ve tried Impressa, I’m confident that I have the support there if I need it.

Impressa is an amazing product that is designed for bladder support. It doesn’t absorb leaks, it stops them before they happen. If you laugh, cough, sneeze or dance and feel like you leak, then Impressa is for you! It comes in three different sizes for a more personalized, comfortable, and effective fit Another great thing about Impressa is that it’s easy to use and insert and you’ll be surprised the protection it provides and be even more surprised in the support it gives! You simply insert it (like a tampon) and can forget about it for up to 12-hours. Poise is perfect for wearing every day and for packing in my bag for the day ahead. I can count on it.

Although it is not recommended to use Poise Impressa within 3-months of giving birth, its exciting to know about your options when you’re ready!

I love these stories of all the different changes what moms have experienced while pregnant. Especially because they are so honest and because I can relate to them!

See what fellow moms have shared…

Having four kids I have experienced LBL quite a bit. Right from the first pregnancy. I also noticed my hair thinned and my teeth started aching. My dentist said with each pregnancy our increased hormones contribute to this. (Kim, Mom of 4 from talesofarantingginger.com)

With both of my kids, I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis gravidarum. I also had excessive mucus and saliva. I had to spit constantly, or it would make me gag. Fun! When I was pregnant with my son, I searched EVERYWHERE for a solution and didn’t find any. My doctor said she had heard of women having excessive saliva when sleeping but it was the first time she saw a case like mine. I love being a mom but If I could skip the being pregnant part that would be great! (Marielle, Mom of 2 www.ladymarielle.com)

Having 7 kids and now expecting my 8th my body isn’t the same. Experiencing Gestational Diabetes with my 7th has changed my body in so many ways. Not only have I experienced severe weight gain I’ve also developed numerous UTi, LBL when I walk too much or sneeze and also my hair is falling out in clumps! My oral issues have increased and after breastfeeding numerous children my breasts are no longer what they once were. Although totally worth it after those long 9 months, these are the type of things people don’t talk about and we need to more! (Jeanine, Mom of 7, sixtimemommy.com)

Something I deal with is having a perpetually runny nose… throughout my pregnancy, my nose is always dripping like I’ve got a light cold. Apparently, your body generates more fluids (including mucous) while you are pregnant, so keep the Kleenex close. (Bonnie Way, Mom of almost 5, thekoalamom.com)

Ridiculous morning sickness from the beginning (before I even knew I was pregnant) until the day I delivered, with both my boys. Diclectin lessened it, but did not take it away. Crunching ice (careful of your teeth) and sucking on a lemon slice were the only thing that really helped. (Ashley, www.talesofmommyhood.com)

I developed hypothyroidism during my first pregnancy and it has remained. Since I hadn’t experienced any of the symptoms of the disorder, so it proves how important regular checkups are, as I would never have known my thyroid had stopped working properly. (Lisa, Mom of 2)

I found that I had a lot of acne on my face. I looked like a teenager again except I never had much acne as a teen. My hair was always oily. I was always hot too. In the middle of the night once I had to jump out of bed and run to the bathroom. The baby was laying on my bladder and I almost peed the bed! (Diane, Mom of 2. basicallyspeaking.ca)

Moms let’s not be shy about what we’re going through as pregnant women – we’ve all been there and it’s great to lean on each other for information and support. No matter if it’s skin changes, thyroid issues or bladder leakage, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. These changes that happen to us, happen to all of us and thankfully there are women (and tools!) to help us every step of the way.

 

Ready to WIN?

To celebrate being there for one another and using tools that work and help us every step of the way, one lucky Whispered Inspirations reader will win a Poise Prize Pack. It is stocked with a variety of pads, liners and an Impressa sizing kit! This contest is open to Canada only and opens on December 13 and closes on December 28!

Get social with Poise on Twitter, Instagram, and find ladies just like you by following the conversation via #PoiseMoment.

If you’re a mom, what changes did you go through?

Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!

 
 
 

Note: This post is sponsored by Poise. All thoughts, opinions, and experiences are honest and my own.

 
 

PIN FOR LATER: