The Intelligence of Your Pregnant Body
Pregnancy is a journey that transforms a person’s body in extraordinary ways. While it's true that carrying a baby can present its share of challenges, it's essential to embrace the positive aspects and marvel at all your body is doing to help you and your baby. From the physical adaptations to the incredible changes happening within, pregnancy is a testament to the intelligence and resilience of our bodies. Here are some awesome facts about your pregnant body and it’s innate intelligence!
1. Blood Volume Increase - A Flourish of Vitality
One of the most incredible changes that occurs during pregnancy is the increase in blood volume by approximately 50%. This substantial boost ensures that both the mother and the growing baby receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. The surge in blood flow brings a sense of vitality and energy, allowing mothers to embark on this journey with enthusiasm and joy. Well, that is once they’ve recovered from the trials of the first trimester!
2. Softening Ligaments - Preparing the Path for New Life
To accommodate the beautiful life within, the ligaments that connect joints soften during pregnancy. This process enables the baby to navigate the birth canal more comfortably during childbirth. Though this may cause some temporary discomfort, it is a testament to the body's brilliance in adapting to the needs of the growing baby.
3. Estrogen Overload - Nurturing with Love
At full term, a pregnant person produces more estrogen in one day than a non-pregnant person does in an entire year. Estrogen plays a vital role in nurturing the baby's development and preparing the body for birth. This hormone also enhances the bond between mother and baby, fostering a connection that begins long before they meet face to face.
4. Uterine Size and Volume Increase - A Womb of Possibilities
During pregnancy, the uterus undergoes remarkable changes as it expands to accommodate the growing baby. The uterine size increases by about 5%, while its volume expands by an astonishing 500 times. This expansion is a testament to the adaptability of the human body and the innate ability to nurture new life.
5. The Marvelous Placenta - A Bridge of Life
The placenta, a temporary organ that forms during pregnancy, is a true wonder of nature. Growing up to 31 miles of blood vessels, the placenta acts as a lifeline between the mother and baby, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen while filtering out waste products. This incredible exchange system ensures the baby's growth and development.
6. Cellular Exchange - Uniting Mother and Child
During pregnancy, there's a unique phenomenon where the mother and baby exchange cells. These tiny cellular exchanges can have lasting effects, as some of the baby's cells may remain in the mother's body, and vice versa. Research suggests that these cells might even help repair damaged tissue!
7. The Enlarged Heart - Filled with Love
As the body adapts to the increased demands of pregnancy, the mother's heart literally grows in size. This enlargement ensures a sufficient blood supply for both the mother and the baby. Metaphorically, it reflects the abundance of love a mother feels for her child, underscoring the emotional journey that runs parallel to the physical changes.
8. Heightened Sense of Smell - A Guardian of Health
Pregnancy brings along a heightened sense of smell, which might help expectant mothers steer clear of potentially harmful foods or substances. This acute sense of smell can act as a protective mechanism, contributing to the wellbeing of both mother and baby.
How cool is all of that? We know being pregnant can feel like a chore. It’s not all glowing maternity photoshoots, excitement and joy. Your body is going through a lot! With all of those changes comes a plethora of emotions, ranging from good to not so good. Our wish for you, if you are struggling, is to find some comfort in the knowledge that your pesky morning sickness is actually your body intelligently protecting your baby from disease and that the discomfort of round ligament pain is actually helping make more room for your little one to grow to their best advantage. And if you’re one of those rare unicorns just loving being pregnant, more power to you! We hope you enjoy every second of your beautiful journey!
