Body Changes During Pregnancy https://www.oviahealth.com/blog/pregnancy/body-changes-during-pregnancy/ Digital health personalized for every family journey Wed, 08 Jan 2025 19:14:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Flatulence when pregnant https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/10259/flatulence-during-pregnancy/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:21:07 +0000 https://wp.oviahealth.com/guide/10259/flatulence-during-pregnancy/ Most pregnant women will experience gas and bloating during their pregnancy, and these are generally nothing to worry about unless accompanied by great abdominal pain or discomfort.

What causes it?

In early pregnancy, your body is releasing a ton of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscle across your body, including in your gastrointestinal tract, slowing down your digestive functioning and resulting in excess gas. Later on in pregnancy, your growing uterus overcrowds your stomach, and slows digestion down even more.

Tips?

If you are lactose-intolerant, avoiding dairy-based products is the most effective way of dealing with flatulence. For those who are not lactose-intolerant, avoiding food and drinks that are high in fructose, and flatulence-inducing vegetables like broccoli and asparagus could help alleviate some of the gas. Fried foods are also likely to result in flatulence, so you might want to consider reducing these in your diet.

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Sources
  • Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M. “Gas in pregnancy: Why it happens, what to do.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 4/23/2013. Web.
]]> Breaking down BMI https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/260786/breaking-down-bmi/ Fri, 04 Feb 2022 15:15:03 +0000 https://www.oviahealth.com/?post_type=article&p=260786 When you have your first prenatal appointment, there are certain lifestyle changes your provider will recommend – stop drinking, take a prenatal vitamin, and maybe, for those in bigger bodies, start to track your weight gain.

But what if you found out that BMI is not a useful indicator of your health? BMI is actually a deeply flawed calculation that was only intended to be used for populations, not for individuals.

Let’s break down the fraught history behind BMI.

BMI: The backstory

BMI (first called the Quetelet Index) was invented by a Belgian mathematician (you read that right, not a doctor) named Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet in the early 19th century. He set out to find the “average man” by studying the height and weight of (mostly) European men. His work excluded women and people of color. 

BMI, a calculation of weight (in kilograms) divided by height in (meters squared), was later picked up by health insurers and medical providers in the U.S. They used various BMI categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese) to determine insurability and individual health. 

Is this starting to raise some red flags for you?

OK, but does it work?

The short answer is no, it does not work and there are a few reasons why.

1. BMI was originally created to indicate population health, not to determine individual health.

Quetelet was a statistician. His intention was to collect large amounts of data to uncover population-level trends, not to assess an individual’s health or risk factors. 

2. These categories are problematic for individuals who were left out of the original studies

Given the fact that so many groups were excluded from the development of BMI in the first place, it doesn’t make much sense to apply it to them retrospectively. Further, BMI suggests that there is an ideal height/weight ratio. This is simply not true.

3. BMI equates muscle, fat, and bone

The body is made up of (among other things): bones, muscles, and fat. BMI groups all these categories together into one, treating bone, muscle, and fat the same. Not only that, but which out of these three parts of the body weighs the most? Bone. The least? Fat.

So is there a better way to calculate health?

There are alternative calculations of health informed by weight, but the issue at play here goes far beyond the biased history of BMI or its misguided application to individuals, because even weight itself is not a strong indicator of health. Research has shown that simply changing one’s body weight is not a reliable measure of improvement in one’s health. 

If you’re looking to feel stronger and healthier, there are things you can do, like starting a health promoting behavior. 

Here are a few examples of health promoting behaviors

  • Setting a goal to drink more water
  • Figuring out what type of exercise you enjoy and doing it consistently
  • Finding a mindfulness practice that helps you tune into your inner needs
  • Intuitive eating: listening to your body’s requests for nourishing food

Setting goals like these – that are based on how you feel, how your body functions, and what you personally need to be living in a healthier body – is more reliably associated with improvement in overall health. 

Providers that rely too heavily on BMI might be missing the whole picture of your health. If you’re concerned that your provider isn’t understanding the whole picture of your health, seek out a HAES (Health At Every Size) aligned healthcare provider. There are therapists, body image coaches, doctors, nurses, and dietitians who are all trained in HEAS. You deserve to feel seen and cared for by your provider, regardless of your BMI or the size of your body. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

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]]> Breast changes during pregnancy https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/259576/breast-changes-during-pregnancy/ Thu, 06 Jan 2022 00:21:24 +0000 https://www.oviahealth.com/?post_type=article&p=259576 Now that you’re pregnant, you’re probably noticing lots of changes in your body, and for some, especially in your breasts. Breast changes are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Here, we’ll review some commonly asked questions when it comes to breast changes throughout pregnancy so you know what to expect. 

Why do my breasts feel so tender?

Early on in pregnancy, one of the symptoms you may notice first is breast tenderness. When you get pregnant, the hormones of pregnancy influence your breast tissue in preparation for milk production. This causes swelling and fluid retention in your breasts and nipples and can cause your breasts and nipples to feel tender, sore, or sensitive to touch. You might be particularly sensitive during early pregnancy, but it should dissipate within a few weeks. 

Is it normal that my breasts are growing?

Yes. Breast growth can differ from person to person. Some people may notice their breast size increases rapidly in the first few weeks of pregnancy while others may find a more gradual growth. Once you notice your bras starting to feel tight, it may be worth investing in a maternity bra. It’s normal to go up about a cup size during pregnancy. You may also notice the skin on your breasts starts to feel itchy as the skin stretches during breast growth. Keeping that skin well moisturized can be helpful in decreasing the itching that comes with your skin stretching.

Why do my nipples look different?

As your body gets ready to have a baby, your nipples will start to change in color and size to prepare for breastfeeding. It’s normal for your areola to darken in color and grow in size. This will help your baby locate your nipple and latch on. You also may notice small bumps on your areola. These are called Montgomery’s glands. These glands secrete a natural oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding that help lubricate and protect your nipple while secreting a scent that encourages your baby to latch on to your breast. 

What is this yellow fluid leaking from my breasts?

During pregnancy, your body makes its first milk, called colostrum. Colostrum is a yellowish-clear, thick milk that is packed with lots of nutrients for your baby. Colostrum typically appears starting at around 20 weeks of pregnancy and continues until a few days after giving birth. It’s normal to have some leaking of colostrum during your pregnancy starting in the second trimester. And your body will continue to make it so no need to worry about running out before baby has the chance to get some! Washable or disposable breast pads can help with leaking.

Tips

Staying as comfortable as you can during pregnancy is important and keeping your breasts healthy is a part of that. Try investing in some supplies, like maternity bras and nursing pads to help with some of the breast changes you have now plus after your baby is born. As for breast tenderness and sensitivity, remember these symptoms are only temporary as your breasts are growing during pregnancy. Wearing loose clothing, a supportive bra, and applying cool compresses to your breasts can help relieve temporary swelling and soreness. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

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Skin changes when pregnant

Products to avoid while pregnant

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]]> Navigating pregnancy in a bigger body with a history of disordered eating https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/259638/pregnancy-in-a-bigger-body/ Wed, 29 Dec 2021 23:29:58 +0000 https://www.oviahealth.com/?post_type=article&p=259638

 

Talia Glickman-Simon Contributing writer

While having a baby is exciting for many, those with a history of disordered eating often feel triggered by the idea of their body changing throughout pregnancy or the judgement they may face at the prospect of gaining weight. If that’s your experience, it makes complete sense. As your body changes, so do your emotions and hormones. These shifts can feel overwhelming and disorienting. And in most cases, if you’re living in a bigger body, you’ve experienced shame and disrespect during healthcare encounters, with friends, and even from family members in the past. 

The best way to take care of yourself is to know you are worthy of respect, set boundaries, and pay attention to what you need to feel like yourself. While there are many approaches to finding comfort and support, the tips below may help you get started. 

Get grounded

There’s a lot of information out there about “good” vs. “bad” pregnancy and your weight. First of all, try to remember that each body is different and requires specific care. Next, remind yourself that living in a bigger body alone doesn’t mean you’re putting your health (or the health of your baby) at risk. Most plus-sized pregnant people have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. 

Learn the facts

It’s worth learning about the health risks associated with being pregnant in a bigger body so you know what to look out for. While some people are at a higher risk of certain pregnancy complications including chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia, others are not. Knowing your family history, your own health history, and your health risks before pregnancy will help you make choices to maintain your overall health during pregnancy. Working alongside your healthcare team in order to continue or add in health behaviors during your pregnancy will go a long way towards keeping you and baby safe and healthy.

Notice how you feel

Our culture focuses heavily on body image and appearance. This can make it difficult to pay attention to what your body wants, needs, likes, and dislikes. While it’s very understandable to get distracted by societal expectations and pressures, now could be an opportunity to pay attention to how you feel, rather than how you look. Of course, this is easier said than done and likely takes a lot of practice. 

Try out a day of no “mirror-checking.” This can help you reflect inward and sense how you really feel. If you’re finding that using a scale isn’t serving you, ditch yours and let your provider know that you prefer not to be weighed at appointments.

Practice self-reflection

Some people find meditation helpful. You could also take a few minutes each day to consider your: 

  • Sleep. How many hours of sleep do you need to feel rested? Does your daily routine support your sleep?
  • Nutrition. What foods nourish and energize you? Which ones slow you down?
  • Physical activity. How do you like to move your body? Stretching? Walking? Exercising? What kind of activity do you look forward to coming back to again and again.
  • Mental and emotional health. What thoughts, feelings, and moods do you experience throughout the day? Which ones do you want to hold onto? Which ones do you want to let go? Do I need additional support?

Ask these questions to yourself with genuine curiosity and without judgment. 

Find a trusted care team

A good network of dependable experts can support you throughout your pregnancy. In addition to your primary care provider, your team could include a therapist, registered dietitian, physical therapist, and/or anybody else who can help you with your health. While this could feel daunting, there are some simple steps you can take to build a team that works for you. Checking out providers who promote Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size principles is a great place to start.

Advocate for yourself

You can start off by learning how to state your needs to your provider. It’s also helpful to have a support person join you at appointments. Remember, if you feel targeted, frightened, or less-than at your healthcare appointments because you’re pregnant in a bigger body, it’s time to find better care. You deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and kind, compassionate care. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

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]]> What is the pelvic floor? https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/252106/pelvic-floor-muscles/ Fri, 24 Sep 2021 17:29:10 +0000 https://www.oviahealth.com/?post_type=article&p=252106 If you don’t consider yourself an anatomy wiz, you may have never heard of the pelvic floor. But while you can’t see the 26 pelvic floor muscles when they flex (unlike your bicep or abdomen muscles), they are incredibly important. These muscles support the uterus, bladder, and rectum. 

While there are pelvic floor-related conditions unrelated to pregnancy, we won’t be discussing those here. 

What are the pelvic floor muscles?

The pelvic floor is the set of muscles beneath your pelvic organs that support them, often referred to as a hammock. The pelvic floor wraps around the bladder, rectum, and both uterus and vagina (or prostate in men). Pelvic floor muscles control bladder and bowel function — this is why you can feel your pelvic floor muscles relaxing when, for example, you go to the bathroom. They also work together with other muscles to stabilize your spine. Having trouble visualizing the pelvic floor? Head to the first episode of our pelvic floor strengthening series in Ovia Parenting with Dr. Amy Hoover, where she explains it. 

What about during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your pelvic floor muscles are working harder than they were pre-pregnancy, providing a solid foundation for your expanding uterus. This increased pressure can cause many people to experience frequent urination, lower back pain, or incontinence during pregnancy. 

What about postpartum?

Now, let’s get into some common symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum. While some of these symptoms can feel scary, they are also all treatable and it can be helpful to prepare for them. 

The pelvic floor muscles may be strained or injured during vaginal delivery. There are other reasons the pelvic floor might be strained, for example, during surgery or with age. The most common side effect is urinary incontinence.

OAB or Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder, or the frequent or very pressing need to urinate, can be incredibly uncomfortable and frustrating. OAB is extremely common — 40% of women in the U.S. have OAB symptoms. 

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control your bladder, which can result in leaking urine. There are two types: stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence might be triggered by coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Urge incontinence, which is a form of OAB, involves the involuntary loss of urine associated with a sudden need to pass urine. 

UI is particularly common during pregnancy and after birth as it can be the result of strained pelvic floor muscles and/or hormone changes. If you’re finding that urinary incontinence is impacting your day by preventing you from doing certain activities that you enjoy, that’s your sign to contact a provider. 

Flatulence incontinence

The inability to control gas. This is common but can be extremely frustrating. As with fecal urgency and incontinence (below), strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help.

Fecal urgency and incontinence

The inability to control bowel movements. As with urinary incontinence, those with fecal incontinence can experience a range of severity, from small occasional bowel accidents to complete loss of bowel control. 

Seeking treatment 

While many people feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about these symptoms, we guarantee you that your provider really has seen it all before. There are treatment options and you deserve to have access to them. 

Pelvic floor exercises

Exercises (like kegels) can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, and address or prevent issues of urinary and/or fecal incontinence. To learn more about how to do these exercises head here or talk to your provider. 

Kegels

A kegel is an exercise that involves tightening and lifting the pelvic floor and is an effective way to improve symptoms associated with a strained or weakened pelvic floor. Consult a provider before doing them during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. For more information on pelvic floor strengthening head here.

Once you get good at them, you can do your kegels from anywhere, no equipment needed. To learn more, watch our pelvic floor strengthening series. 

This content was reviewed by Dr. Lisa Hickman and Dr. Katie Propst. Dr. Hickman runs the Childbirth Pelvic Floor Disorders Clinic at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Propst runs the Postpartum Care Clinic at Cleveland Clinic. 

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]]> Is pregnancy intercourse safe? https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/100994/pregnancy-sex-safety/ Wed, 14 Apr 2021 10:55:14 +0000 https://wp.oviahealth.com/guide/100994/pregnancy-sex-safety/
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One of the most common things pregnant folks want to know is whether it’s safe to have intercourse. The short answer to this question is yes — in most cases, intercourse and other types of sexual activity during pregnancy are safe. But let’s take a closer look at the facts.

Babies are well-protected and can’t be touched

If you’ve ever wondered if your baby can be hurt or touched during sex, we’ve got good news. The womb is like a well-protected castle, with shields and barriers to safeguard the inside from potential intruders. At first, your baby is so microscopically small it’s protected by your uterus and surrounding muscles and structures. As they grow, your baby gains another layer of protection – they are surrounded by amniotic fluid inside the amniotic sac.  Not only that, but the vagina is long enough to keep your baby separated from any penetration. However, to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can pose a risk to the baby and your pregnancy, consider using condoms.

Babies have no idea what’s going on

If you’ve forgone pregnancy sex for fear your precious baby-to-be will be scarred for life, you wouldn’t be the first. But fortunately, this isn’t a realistic possibility. For starters, developing babies have absolutely no idea what sex is, nor can they see what’s going on outside your belly. What’s more, the amniotic fluid provides cushioning and space to float around, almost like a waterbed. Your little one is not aware or bothered by what’s happening.

Orgasms won’t make you go into early labor

There’s some suspicion that late in pregnancy, intercourse can induce labor because it triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin. While it’s true oxytocin can stimulate uterine contractions (whether you’re pregnant or not), there’s no evidence it actually leads to labor.

Certain things do make pregnancy sex unsafe

Although sex is generally safe during pregnancy, some factors can make it unsafe. Pregnancy intercourse might not be safe if:
  • You or your partner have been diagnosed with an STI
  • You have any increased risk for bleeding, like placenta previa
  • You’re at risk for preterm labor
  • Your water already broke
  • You’re carrying multiples
  • You’ve been diagnosed with cervical insufficiency
  • Your healthcare provider advised against it
  • You feel unsafe. Call the National Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or contact them via chat at https://hotline.rainn.org/online

The bottom line with pregnancy sex

There are lots of myths about the safety of intercourse during pregnancy, but for the most part, it’s something you can enjoy if you’re up for it. If you’re ever unsure, it doesn’t hurt to ask your OB provider if it’s safe for you. Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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]]> Are there any complications of a molar pregnancy? https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/102483/what-are-complications-molar-pregnancy/ Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:14:39 +0000 https://wp.oviahealth.com/guide/102483/what-are-complications-molar-pregnancy/
Sources
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. “Molar Pregnancy: Complications.” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Oct 24 2014. Web.
  • “What is gestational trophoblastic disease?” Cancer. American Cancer Society, Feb 9 2016. Web.
  • “Gestational Trophoblastic Disease.” MedlinePlus. US National Library of Medicine, Jun 11 2014. Web.
  • Ross Berkowitz, et al. “Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: Epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, staging, and risk stratification.” Uptodate. UptoDate, Inc., Jan 5 2015. Web.

The majority of hydatidiform moles, also known as molar pregnancies, are very treatable, whether through a dilation and curettage (D&C) or a more permanent procedure like a hysterectomy. The success rates of these procedures are quite high.

Understanding potential symptoms or complications from molar pregnancy

Women should know that possible complications are associated with molar pregnancies, and also that women who have a molar pregnancy may be at greater risk of certain future health conditions.

Persistent gestational trophoblastic disease

A molar pregnancy is one of a few different conditions under the umbrella of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Most of the time after treatment to remove a molar pregnancy, the body will get rid of any molar tissue that remains in the uterus. However, for some women, molar tissue remains and continues to grow. This is known as persistent gestational trophoblastic disease. Persistent GTD occurs in roughly one out of every five women who experience a molar pregnancy. It is more common after a complete molar pregnancy than a partial one.

When the remaining molar tissue grows into, or invades, the tissue surrounding the uterus, gestational trophoblastic neoplasm (GTN) has occurred. GTN can be dangerous, and it is considered a malignancy because it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body. To make sure that the tissue isn’t still growing, your healthcare provider will regularly measure your hCG level and check to make sure it is decreasing over time. A sign of GTN is high hCG levels after the removal of molar tissue.

If it’s determined that a woman has GTN, the condition requires additional treatment, but it can usually be treated with chemotherapy or a hysterectomy, depending on what the provider and the woman decide is best.

Invasive mole

Invasive moles occur when molar tissue remains in the uterus after treatment and grows into the uterine muscle wall. Most of the time, invasive moles will remain localized to the uterus, but invasive moles do have the ability to spread to other parts of the body, which is why they require additional treatment.

Choriocarcinoma

Choriocarcinoma is a cancerous and rarer type of GTD, and while they can develop spontaneously, half of all cases of choriocarcinoma occur after a molar pregnancy. The condition grows quickly and can spread to other organs in the body, so it needs to be treated right away. Cancer drugs are usually used to treat choriocarcinoma.

Knowing your risk

It’s important to understand that these complications are uncommon, and they don’t affect the majority of women who experience a molar pregnancy. However, knowing the possible complications can help you prepare for your appointments and understand why your provider takes certain measures to monitor things like your hCG levels. If you have any questions about possible risks of GTD, make sure to ask your provider to tell you more about them, and how they may or may not relate to your health.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

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Sources
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. “Molar Pregnancy: Complications.” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Oct 24 2014. Web.
  • “What is gestational trophoblastic disease?” Cancer. American Cancer Society, Feb 9 2016. Web.
  • “Gestational Trophoblastic Disease.” MedlinePlus. US National Library of Medicine, Jun 11 2014. Web.
  • Ross Berkowitz, et al. “Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: Epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, staging, and risk stratification.” Uptodate. UptoDate, Inc., Jan 5 2015. Web.
]]> Odd (but common) pregnancy symptoms https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/10181/odd-pregnancy-symptoms/ Tue, 23 Mar 2021 14:56:32 +0000 https://wp.oviahealth.com/guide/10181/odd-pregnancy-symptoms/

Nausea, headaches, heartburn and more. If you’ve dealt with any pregnancy symptoms, you know that most of them are far from fun. Fortunately, there are a few symptoms that you may have already noticed, or that could be on the horizon, that you might actually enjoy — or at the very least they may provide a little entertainment.

Vivid dreams

Vivid dreams tend to pick up in the third trimester. For folks whose dreams steer clear of nightmare territory, this can be a particularly fun symptom. Many pregnant folks even keep a dream journal to remember them! You can add a dream journal note in Ovia by tapping the + in the top right corner on your timeline, tapping “Write a note,” and selecting “Dream journal.” Here’s hoping you enjoy nothing but sweet dreams.

Heightened sense of smell

Can you suddenly smell blooming flowers from a block away? Are you confident that you know exactly what your downstairs neighbor is cooking? You may just have acquired a brand new superpower! Fingers crossed that it stays fun for you, because a heightened sense of smell can sometimes contribute to morning sickness.

Cravings

We’ve all heard of wild food cravings during pregnancy, pickles and ice cream among them. While your own cravings may take the form of similarly exciting food combinations, for a lot of pregnant folks, cravings typically manifest as just an intense need to have a particular food right now right now right now. Sometimes when cravings come on you can happily meet that urge — a mango and yogurt smoothie as a snack, kimchi with dinner, a hot dog and mustard breakfast — and sometimes they can be tough. As with most food choices, you’ll want to try your best to not think of certain foods as “good” or “bad.” Instead, it can be meaningful to listen to and honor your feelings of hunger and fullness — and those cravings — and to eat for pleasure and satisfaction. So if you have an increased appetite for ice cream (whether with pickles or not), enjoy a bowl! It will bring you pleasure, fill you up, and your baby needs that calcium to build strong bones and muscles. (Keep in mind that if you have cravings for non-food items, like dirt or paper, you might be suffering from a nutritional deficiency called pica, and you should speak to your healthcare provider.) For more information of what’s safe to eat during pregnancy, head over to our Food safety lookup tool in the “More” menu.

Increased sex drive

An increased sex drive is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. And unless you have a particular pregnancy complication (like an opened cervix, placenta previa, or leaking amniotic fluid — check with your provider), sex during pregnancy is totally safe, so this is one pregnancy symptom you can enjoy! You may need to get a little creative with positions as your bump grows and your body changes, so talk with your partner about what’s comfortable for you and have some fun.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

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]]> First trimester weight gain https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/10413/first-trimester-weight-gain/ Tue, 23 Mar 2021 11:38:08 +0000 https://wp.oviahealth.com/guide/10413/first-trimester-weight-gain/ While you can expect to gain weight throughout pregnancy, most of it will occur in the second and third trimesters. In fact, you don’t need to take in any additional calories during the first three months.

That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation, and it’s OK to gain a little weight during the first trimester. Here’s what you should know about first trimester weight gain.

How much weight should I gain in the first trimester?

If you’re starting at a healthy weight, you only need to gain between 1 to 4 pounds during the first trimester. (This number is a little more for those carrying twins.) Since your blood volume will be increasing during this time, you might gain a few pounds without upping your calorie intake.

Having said that, some people don’t gain any weight (or may even lose a bit!) the first few months, thanks to morning sickness or food aversions. This is usually nothing to worry about unless it continues through the second trimester and into the third.

And if you gain a little more than the recommended amount, don’t worry too much. Some people gain more early on and then stall for a few weeks, while others won’t start gaining weight until the second trimester.

Why don’t I need to gain much during the first trimester?

The main reason you don’t need to gain much weight early on is that your baby starts out microscopic. And by the end of the first trimester, a fetus is only about 2.5 inches long. At this stage, “eating for two” is more like “eating for 1.002.”

Gaining weight is more important during the second and third trimesters. From weeks 13 and beyond, you can expect to gain about a pound a week until you give birth. This usually comes out to around 340 extra calories a day in the second trimester and then 450 extra calories in the third. If you’re starting out underweight or overweight, your healthcare provider might recommend gaining slightly more or less than a pound a week.

In the end, it’s best not to stress over every pound and calorie. As long as you follow your nutrition targets and check in regularly with your healthcare provider, you should be good to go.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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]]> Safe sex during pregnancy https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/104303/safe-sex-during-pregnancy/ Thu, 04 Mar 2021 09:18:39 +0000 https://wp.oviahealth.com/guide/104303/safe-sex-during-pregnancy/ Sex can feel like somewhat of a new experience if you’re pregnant.

Unless you have medical issues that prevents you from having sex – and your healthcare provider would tell you if this is the case – you can safely have sex throughout your pregnancy. You might find that you and your partner have to change things up a bit when you’re really tired, or your belly is getting especially big, but with some small adjustments, you can get as frisky as you like.

It’s different for everyone, but many pregnant women do, indeed, feel like getting frisky, especially during the second trimester, although it’s also completely normal to have less of an interest in sex during pregnancy. But if you’re feeling in the mood, take advantage of those good vibes!

When is it not safe to have sex during pregnancy?

If you have a low-risk pregnancy without complications, you’ve got the green light to move ahead in the bedroom. Your healthcare provider will let you know if it isn’t safe to have sex – if, for example, you’ve been experiencing unexplained bleeding, amniotic fluid leakage, if your cervix is opening prematurely, if the location of your placenta placenta isn’t ideal, if you’re carrying multiples, or if you have a history of preterm labor or premature birth.

But if your provider does suggest that you abstain from sex for health reasons, make sure you understand the specifics of exactly what is off-limits. Is it vaginal penetration? Orgasm? Something else?

Make sure you know just what you can and can’t do, because there may be some ways you can continue to get intimate. And know that cramping during or after intercourse and orgasm are normal, but if your experience bleeding or pain, it’s a good idea to touch base with your healthcare provider. 

Do you need to use protection?

Even though you don’t need to worry about using protection to prevent unwanted pregnancy – that’s obviously not a concern right now – you do want to use protection if there is any risk of sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections. This is especially true if you’re not in a mutually monogamous relationship, or if you have sex with a new partner while pregnant. STDs and STIs can pose a risk to you and your baby’s health, so you’ll want to take precautions as needed.

What are the best positions?

For the most part, you should let comfort be your guide as you decide what sex positions are best for you – what’s comfortable during the first trimester might be less so by the third.

Early on, you might find that anything goes and you can be as acrobatic as ever, but when your due date is fast approaching, you might find that your belly gets in the way of some of your usual positions and it’s hard for you to move around as easily as you used to.

In the third trimester it’s also not advisable for you to lie on your back because your uterus can compress certain blood vessels in this position, so you might want to try lying on your side, getting on all fours, or using pillows to support you.

Have fun, experiment, and see what works for you. And do let your partner know what feels okay and what feels not okay, even if things that you used to do and used to like don’t feel so hot right now. This is a fine – and fun – time to try something new when you need to get creative and mix things up.

Is anything off limits?

Vaginal sex is fine unless your healthcare provider has told you otherwise, and so are oral and anal sex. There are a few caveats though. If you’re on the receiving end of oral sex, your partner shouldn’t blow air into your vagina, which could cause a blocked blood vessel, and if you have hemorrhoids, anal sex might be uncomfortable. It’s also not advisable to follow anal sex with vaginal sex, as this could lead to vaginal infection.

What if you’re just not interested in sex?

There are a number of reasons why you might just not be in the mood right now. Lots of women experience fatigue, discomfort, mood swings, or a waning libido during different stages of pregnancy.

If you’re not feeling frisky – or if sex is off limits for medical reasons – there are still a lot of other ways you can connect with your partner – you can kiss, snuggle, massage, talk, laugh, and be as creative as you might normally be between the sheets to find other ways to connect. If you or your partner find sex stressful because it brings up anxieties about soon being a parent, know that these feelings are natural too.

What about after the baby arrives?

Once baby arrives, it will actually take a little while before you can have sex again. Whether you deliver your baby vaginally or by C-section, you’ll need some time to heal up down below. Your healthcare provider will see you several weeks after delivery to assess how you’re healing and will give you the go-ahead for sex when you’ve healed.

But even once you get the a-okay for this sort of intimacy, you still may not feel like it – whether because you’re tired, sore, or uncomfortable – and physically things may feel different than they did before. When that time does come, you can ease the transition by communicating with your partner and take things slow.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. “C-section recovery: What to expect.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, March 20 2015. Retrieved September 27 2017. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/c-section-recovery/art-20047310.
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. “Postpartum care: What to expect after a vaginal delivery.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, March 24 2015. Retrieved September 27 2017. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233.
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. “Sex after pregnancy: Set your own timeline.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, July 2 2015. Retrieved September 27 2017. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/sex-after-pregnancy/art-20045669.
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. “Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, July 31 2015. Retrieved September 27 2017. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sex-during-pregnancy/art-20045318.
  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “FAQ032: A partner’s guide to pregnancy.” ACOG. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Retrieved September 27 2017. https://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq032.pdf.
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