11 common ways your body changes during pregnancy

Updated August 2023 | 8 min read
Expert contributor Dr Aifric Boylan, women’s health specialist, GP
Words by Lindy Alexander

Your body changes during pregnancy, including in some ways you may not have expected.

Due to hormone levels changing during pregnancy, “your body must deal with the physical demands of carrying a growing baby and, of course, there are all the practical, social and emotional changes involved with bringing a new little person into the world,” says Dr Aifric Boylan, a GP specialising in women’s health.

As your body is working hard to grow your baby, here are 11 common ways your body may change during pregnancy.  

1. Mood swings

Pregnancy can be both an exciting and stressful time, and the increase in certain hormones can also increase your chances of experiencing mood swings.

“This is such a crucial issue, but it’s often sidelined amid the hustle and bustle of pregnancy and childbirth,” says Dr Boylan.

For some, the mood swings can go beyond worry and stress. Research has shown that 10 to 15% of women are diagnosed with depression during pregnancy and in the postnatal period.

Some women may feel embarrassed or guilty about feeling sad or stressed at a time that’s expected to be joyful.

Common signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety during and post pregnancy include:

• feeling stressed, irritated, anxious or miserable most of the time
• increased crying, sometimes for no apparent reason
• difficulty staying calm
• recurring worrying thoughts
• reduced interest in things you’d normally enjoy
• not being able to sleep or sleeping more than usual
• reduced appetite or over-eating
• excessive fatigue and tiredness
• difficulty concentrating and being forgetful
• feeling disconnected from your baby, that your baby isn’t really yours or that you don’t have a bond with your baby
• thoughts of harming yourself.

“It’s important to know it’s common to feel this way, and by speaking to a GP, midwife or obstetrician, effective treatment can be accessed,” says Dr Boylan.

She recommends women with a history of mental health issues speak to their doctor or midwife early in their pregnancy to make sure support is in place to help prevent a recurrence during or after pregnancy.

If you need to talk to someone, call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or The National Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Helpline on 1300 726 306 between 9am and 7.30pm (AEST/AEDT).

HCF has partnered with PSYCH2U to support you with faster, easier access to qualified mental health professionals. Eligible HCF members can also get a free telehealth HealthyMinds Check-in with a PSYCH2U psychologist^*. Learn more about the HealthyMinds Check-in.

2. Changes to your breasts

As they get ready for your baby’s arrival, your breasts will become larger and may become more sensitive and tender to touch.

Breast growth is due to higher levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. You’re likely to experience breast growth throughout your entire pregnancy.

“The nipples may become more prominent and darker in colour and, in the third trimester (weeks 27 to 40), a sticky yellow fluid called colostrum may leak from them; this is an early form of breast milk,” says Dr Boylan.

If you experience any unexpected changes to your breasts, like lumps, pain or changes in the skin of the breast, you should consult your doctor.

3. Changes to your skin

Yes, pregnancy ‘glow’ can happen where your skin seems brighter than usual. It’s not clear why, but it may be because of increased hormones and blood flow.

An increase of oil in the skin can also lead to pregnancy acne but this usually improves once your hormone levels return to normal.

Stretch marks might also develop on your stomach, buttocks and thighs as your skin is stretching to accommodate your growing baby. They usually develop in the last three months of pregnancy and aren’t harmful – over time, your skin will shrink and the stretch marks will fade in to white scars.

“Some women are more prone to them [stretch marks] than others, and not much can prevent them,” says Dr Boylan. “It mainly comes down to a woman’s skin type and how quickly her bump grows.”

There’s also an increase in skin pigmentation during pregnancy, most noticeably in the belly button (umbilicus), the midline of the tummy (linea nigra) and sometimes on the face around the upper cheek, nose, lips and forehead (chloasma).

4. Changes to your hair

As well as glowing skin, you may notice your hair looks fuller and shinier. It’s not growing faster, you’re just not shedding as much hair as usual due to the increase in hormones. Some women may also experience changes in hair texture with drier or oilier hair.

Some women may also experience hair loss or thinning during or after pregnancy as oestrogen levels return to normal.

5. Changes to your bladder

Needing to go to the toilet more often during pregnancy is normal and is caused by the hormonal and physical changes to your body.

And as your baby grows, pressure increases on the bladder and pelvic floor. “This often leads to more frequent urination and sometimes a tendency to leak urine when coughing or sneezing,” says Dr Boylan.

“These issues will usually settle after having the baby, but it’s essential to continue regular pelvic floor exercises after delivery to help the muscles to recover fully.”

Dr Boylan cautions that if you have a burning sensation when you pass urine, blood in the urine or a sudden increase in urinary frequency, you should see your doctor in case it’s a urinary tract infection, which are more common in pregnancy.

6. Acid reflux and constipation

Acid reflux, also known as indigestion or heartburn, is common during pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes and your growing baby putting pressure on your stomach.

“It’s thought that hormonal changes in pregnancy may lead to relaxation of the valve at the top of the stomach,” says Dr Boylan. “This, combined with the upward pressure of the growing baby, may allow acid to travel back up the oesophagus, causing reflux and indigestion.”

Acid reflux can also be triggered by what you eat and drink, like:

• a big meal
• high-fat foods
• spicy foods
• chocolate
• citrus fruit juices
• caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and cola
• alcohol (which isn’t recommended in pregnancy).

To manage your acid reflux symptoms, try:

• eating smaller meals more often and eating slowly
• sitting up straight while eating and not lying down after a meal
• raising the head of your bed or sleeping on at least two pillows
• sleeping on your left side
• to avoid eating and drinking at the same time, which can make your stomach fuller.

Constipation is also a common symptom during pregnancy in part due to hormonal changes slowing down your digestive system. Constipation can contribute to haemorrhoids as straining to go to the bathroom may enlarge the veins of the rectum.

To manage constipation and prevent haemorrhoids:

• eat a fibre-rich diet
• drink plenty of liquids
• exercise regularly.

Stool softeners (not laxatives) may also help. If you do have haemorrhoids, talk to your doctor about a cream or ointment that can shrink them.

“If either constipation or haemorrhoids is causing trouble, speak to your doctor or midwife, as there are effective treatment options,” advises Dr Boylan.

7. Changes to your veins

Dr Boylan says the pressure of the growing baby on the pelvic blood vessels can slow down return of blood from the legs, leading to varicose veins.

“While varicose veins most commonly appear on the lower legs, they may also appear around the upper thighs and even around the vaginal opening and vulva, which can come as a surprise to women. They often improve after pregnancy but may not fully go away.”

To help prevent varicose veins:

• avoid standing or sitting for long periods at a time
• wear loose-fitting clothing
• raise your feet when you sit.

To lessen the pain or uncomfortable feelings from varicose veins, go for regular walks or swims and avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.

“Venous thrombosis (clotting in the veins) is also more common in pregnant women and can be serious if the deep veins are involved,” Dr Boylan says. “If a varicose vein feels very sore or inflamed, or if you develop a sore, swollen calf or leg, you should see a doctor urgently.”

8. Changes to fluid regulation

Women often comment on slight puffiness (oedema) of the feet, ankles or hands during pregnancy. “This is due to increased blood volume, hormonal changes and the physical pressure of the baby pushing down in the pelvis,” says Dr Boylan.

While this puffiness can be normal, any sudden increase in swelling should be checked with a doctor or midwife, particularly if you feel unwell or have other new symptoms. “Oedema can be linked to pre-eclampsia – a serious pregnancy-related condition that causes high blood pressure, headaches, nausea, blurred vision, and if untreated, life-threatening seizures,” cautions Dr Boylan.

To help prevent or ease fluid retention during pregnancy:

• elevate your feet above your heart throughout the day to help the fluid circulate back to your heart
• drink more water to flush extra fluid and sodium out of your body
• wear compression stockings to improve circulation
• avoid going outside in hot and humid weather
• avoid heels and wear comfortable, breathable and supportive shoes
• eat foods rich with potassium, like bananas and avocados, to flush out sodium and increase urine production
• limit high-salt foods, like pre-packaged meals, fast food and chips.

9. Changes to ligaments and bones                              

“The curve in the lower back becomes more exaggerated to help counterbalance the growing baby bump, and this mechanical change can lead to lower back pain,” says Dr Boylan.

An increase of the hormone relaxin also makes your ligaments looser and allows the pelvis to stretch during labour.

While this helps your body prepare for birth, more relaxed ligaments can also cause backache, as well as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), which is pain over the pubic bone, says Dr Boylan. If you’re having trouble with these symptoms, speak to your doctor or a physio.

To help prevent back and joint problems during pregnancy, see an extras provider in our No-Gap network to get 100% back^{^} on your first visit to a physio, chiro or osteo. Learn more about the More for You program.

10. Braxton Hicks contractions

“After about 20 weeks of pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions may occur,” says Dr Boylan. “These are occasional episodes of tightening of the uterine muscle, which tend to last less than a minute.”

Braxton Hicks aren’t usually painful, although they can be uncomfortable. “They may gradually get more intense as the weeks go by,” says Dr Boylan. “True contractions tend to be longer, stronger and happen at more regular intervals.”

If you're in doubt, speak to your GP, obstetrician or midwife, or call your hospital.

11. Other changes causing cramps

Sudden painful muscle spasms in the legs and feet are common during pregnancy, particularly at night. According to reports, up to three in 10 people who are pregnant get leg cramps, commonly in the calf muscles, thighs or feet.

“There are probably a few reasons,” says Dr Boylan. “The physical pressure of carrying the baby, a slowing down of blood flow through the veins, as well as changes in hormone levels and various salts in the blood.”

To ease a leg cramp, try:

• stretching the muscle by pulling your toes hard up towards the front of your ankle
• rubbing the muscle firmly
• walking
• applying a heat pack.

To prevent cramps:

• stretch your calf muscles before you go to bed
• drink plenty of water
• take a warm bath before you go to bed
• eat a balanced diet
• avoid stretching your leg while pointing your toes.

Dr Boylan says “if they’re [leg and foot cramps] happening a lot, speak to your doctor, who may run a few blood tests to make sure there’s no [other] underlying reason.”

Getting help when you need it

Our partnership with GP2U, an online video GP service, makes it easier for eligible members to access telehealth services. All HCF members with health cover can access a standard GP consultation (up to 10 minutes) for a fee of $50. To register and make an appointment, contact GP2U.