Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document
NORMAL BODY CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY
• Weight increases constantly during pregnancy, approximately 1 kg/month until the
7 th month of pregnancy, and then approximately 0.5 kg/week until delivery.
• Reproductive organs
o Uterus (womb) increases in size during pregnancy, starting by the sixth week
of pregnancy
• 12 weeks: uterus can be felt at the level of the symphysis pubis
• 20 weeks: uterus can be felt at the umbilicus
• 36 weeks: uterus can be felt beneath the ribs
o Vaginal discharge –an increase in vaginal discharge is common in pregnancy,
especially toward the end of pregnancy. It may be clear or yellow.
• Breast – some of the earliest changes caused by pregnancy are in the breast, which
prepares to feed the newborn.
o Breasts become enlarged, tender and feel heavier by the first weeks of
pregnancy
o Dilated sebaceous glands and increased pigmentation of the areola (the dark
skin around the nipples) appear during the first trimester
o Nipples increase size, become erect and leak colostrum
• Skin
o Melasma (mask of pregnancy) on the forehead and cheeks
o Darker line on abdomen from umbilicus downward
o Small spider-like blood vessels above the waist and in the lower legs
These common symptoms of pregnancy disappear after delivery.
• Heart rate and circulation –are modified during pregnancy
o Heart rate is raised from a normal of around 70 beats/minute to 80-90 and the
amount of blood increases by about 30% in order to meet the rapidly
increasing needs of the baby.
o Uterus presses on the veins carrying blood from the legs, causing swelling of
the feet; and varicose veins may appear. These are common symptoms of
pregnancy, especially in the afternoon or in hot weather, and they will not
harm the woman or her baby.
• Lungs and respiration
o Breathing becomes faster and deeper during pregnancy as more oxygen is
needed for the mother and fetus.
o Shortness of breath usually occurs because the baby crowds the mother’s
lungs and she has less capacity to breathe, especially in the third trimester of
pregnancy.
• Kidneys and urination
o Kidneys have increased activity during pregnancy, as they filter more blood
for the mother and fetus.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 6: Pregnancy