Pregnancy: Is this Normal?

​Whether you’re still expecting a baby or have already welcomed your newborn into yo​​ur life, questions abound. The changes brought on by pregnancy and being a new mom often cause you to ask, “Is what I’m feeling normal? Is what’s happening okay?”

Don’t feel like you shouldn’t be asking these questions. They’re perfectly ​normal and healthy. Do remember that the answers are different for every woman. While the experiences of others will help you sort things out, no two women have the same pregnancies.

Ask Your​​​ Doctor

• Most importantly, keep track of all your questions.
• Write them down with paper and pen, via notes on your phone, or with pregnancy apps.
• Bring these to your appointments so you can ask your OB/GYN.

Weight ​Gain

• One of the first questions during pregnancy is, “When should I expect to start gaining weight?”
• There’s usually not a lot of weight gain during the first or second trimester.
• In fact, depending on your level of nausea, you might see some weight loss early on.
• Weight is not a straight-line trajectory during pregnancy. You might gain weight at one appointment, but then stay the same at the next.
• The trend will be upward over time. If you g​ain 5 lbs before one appointment, you might not gain any weight before the next.
• Typically, you’ll see more gain before the end of the second and third trimesters, which is mostly the baby gaining weight.

Breast Discomf​ort

• Not all women experience breast discomfort.
• Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can cause breast tenderness for both breast tissue and nipples.
• Your breast size may change before you deliver, which is your body preparing for extra milk production.

Urges to​​ Engage ​in Sex

• Libido may either increase or decrease during pregnancy.
• You may see an increase during the third trimester and then a decrease after delivery, again all because of hormonal changes.
  

Spotti​​ng

• Spotting during pregnancy can occur for a number of reasons, but it is normal.
• It’s important to keep track of the amount of blood and frequency of spotting.
• Typically, if it’s not bright red blood, you can consider it normal. However, always consult with your OB/GYN.

Mood C​​hanges​

• A variety of factors influence mood during pregnancy.
• Some are related to hormonal changes, and others are caused by lack of sleep or general discomfort.
• ​If there’s a specific symptom that you can identify, talk to your provider.
• It’s also important to communicate with your spouse, partner and family members so they understand and can offer help if needed.