Pregnancy is one of the most incredible processes that takes place in the course of the human lifespan. The ability to create another living human being from two tiny cells is almost impossible to fathom, which is why many people wonder what happens to the body both during and after pregnancy to make this awesome event possible.

Although each woman’s experience is unique, most women experience the following changes through each of the three trimesters and after birth.

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During the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, a woman’s body does not always show outward signs that she has a baby in her womb. However, she probably notices some or all of the following things happening in her body while others go unnoticed:

• Breasts become enlarged, tender, and appear swollen
• Exhaustion or fatigue
• The cervix softens and uterine lining gets thicker
• Some weight gain, usually about two pounds

During the second three months of pregnancy, a pregnant woman’s body continues to change and the outward signs become more obvious.

• Breasts continue to swell as milk glands begin to function
• Uterus continues to stretch to accommodate growing child
• Skin may begin to glow as blood flow increases

As the pregnancy reaches the final three months, the outward signs of pregnancy are more apparent than ever. At the same time, the body prepares to take care of an infant after birth.

• The uterus reaches its largest size as the baby grows to full-term
• Stretch marks may appear on the stomach, buttocks, and breasts as each of these parts of the body grows in size
• The pregnant woman may notice increased amounts of sweat as hormonal levels reach their highest points
• Contractions begin as labor commences

After the baby is born, many of the changes are reversed. For example, the outstretched uterus contracts over the weeks after delivery and the stomach moves back to its normal size. Depending on muscle tone and exercise, it may return to its normal size. Stretch marks also fade and the new mother will find herself urinating frequently as her body rids itself of excess water weight. As her hormones readjust, she may experience pimples and/or hair loss that will be temporary.

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Pregnancy is an exciting experience full of changes and new experiences. The best way to anticipate what will happen to your body when you are pregnant is to read as much as you can and to speak to your doctor.