Changes to your body during pregnancy

Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Changes include:

• physical changes to your body — from the size and pressure of your growing baby inside your uterus (womb)
• hormonal changes — these can lead to physical symptoms and may also affect your mental wellbeing

If you are ever unsure if a change is normal or something to worry about, speak to your doctor.

There are many physical changes that happen to your body during your pregnancy.

Dizziness

During pregnancy, your body adapts to support you and your growing baby. This includes changes to your circulation (the way blood moves around your body). 

You may sometimes feel dizzy, especially when you change positions from lying to standing. You should try to get up slowly, and sit or lie down if you feel faint.

Swelling

You may notice that you have swelling in your feet and ankles, especially after standing for long periods or in hot weather.

Swelling is more common towards the end of pregnancy. It is caused by the extra fluid in your body. 

If you notice swelling early in the day or in other parts of your body like your fingers, hands and face, speak to your midwife or doctor.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are blood vessels that have collected too much blood. They usually look blue and swollen. Varicose veins are common during pregnancy.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest and sour taste in your mouth. It is common in pregnancy. It is caused by hormonal changes and the pressure that your baby puts on your stomach.

Joint pain and balance issues

Pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments (the connective tissues that hold the bones of your joints together). You may notice this in your pelvis and lower back, but other joints such as feet, wrists and upper back can also be affected. Ligaments getting softer can cause pain such as:

• pelvic girdle pain
• sciatica and back pain 
• balance issues and feeling unsteady

A physiotherapist can teach you exercises that strengthen your muscles.

Urinary symptoms

When you are pregnant, you may feel like you need to go to the toilet to pass urine (wee) more often. This is from hormonal changes in the beginning of your pregnancy and the weight of your baby pressing on your bladder in later pregnancy. You may also experience some urinary incontinence or leaking towards the end of pregnancy. This is because of pressure from your baby on your pelvic floor, which may also become weaker in pregnancy.

Use the Pregnancy Birth and Baby Service Finder tool to find a physiotherapist or continence specialist.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause symptoms: 

• Nausea and vomiting — This is often called morning sickness but it can happen at any time of the day. Nausea and vomiting usually starts around week 6 of pregnancy and improves by around week 14. If it is severe you may need to go to hospital.
• Food cravings — Hormone changes can lead to cravings. You may crave foods that you do not usually eat.
• Constipation — Hormone changes can slow down the muscles in the wall of your gut and cause constipation.
• 'Brain fog' — Pregnancy can affect brain function and memory, especially in the third trimester. This is sometimes known as 'brain fog'.

It's important to look after your mental wellbeing during pregnancy. You may experience a range of emotions at different times, including positive emotions (excitement and joy) and negative feelings (worry and uncertainty). All of these are normal.

You may also experience strong emotions and mood swings, such as anxiety or depression. You may be at higher risk of mental health problems during pregnancy if you have had mental health problems, stressful life events, other illnesses or pregnancy problems before.

It is important for you to have support during your pregnancy and after your baby is born. This will help you to develop a positive attachment with your baby, increase your confidence and reduce your chance of mental health problems.

It is important to look after yourself during pregnancy. This includes: 

• stopping smoking
• not drinking alcohol
• not using any illegal or harmful drugs (Opens in new tab)
• staying fit
• attending all your check-ups.

You should speak to your doctor or midwife so they can understand what symptoms you are experiencing and can give you advice about your management options.

The Royal Women's Hospital has information about common changes in pregnancy (Opens in new tab).

NSW Health has a helpful booklet that covers common conditions during pregnancy (Opens in new tab).

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Royal Women's Hospital has information about taking care of you and your baby during pregnancy (Opens in new tab).

Baby Coming You Ready (Opens in new tab) is a culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents to-be and new parents.

The Koori Maternity Service (KMS) (Opens in new tab) program provides access to holistic, culturally safe maternity care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Languages other than English

For help with support services in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (Opens in new tab).

Monash Health Women’s (Opens in new tab) has health information in many community languages.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

QLife has free LGBTIQ+ peer support (Opens in new tab) and referral, so you can talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) (Opens in new tab) has resources and tips for LGBTIQ+  families.