Pregnancy produces the absolute most precious being a woman could ever ask for. It also can produce some rather unfortunate side effects on a woman’s body. During pregnancy, a woman begins to notice a difference almost immediately all over and inside her body, long before she can feel even the slightest motion from the baby within.

Skin

One of the worst victims of pregnancy is your skin. It makes sense that the belly would grow to accommodate the baby developing within, and of course the skin on the belly must stretch as well, but pregnancy is a full body experience. That means that it is highly likely you will grow everywhere – at least a little bit.

Unfortunately, even an extra inch or two around your thighs and hips may result in nasty stretch marks. That’s not to mention the stretch marks so many women get on their stomachs and breasts. (Breasts can grow more rapidly the belly!) Since your skin is taking a beating, give it the love and pampering it deserves. Deluxe skin care such as the special creams to treat those stretch marks can make a difference in how you feel and how your skin looks both during and after pregnancy.

Swelling

One of the most common symptoms of pregnancy is swelling. Some women swell a bit in their hands and feet, and others seem to keep a full cushion of water present on the body at all times. Of all the swelling that occurs, only the size of your feet, and possibly your hands is permanent. The rest is simply one more uncomfortable aspect to bear until delivery.

Help ease the swelling by drinking plenty of fluids, resting as often as possible and massaging the affected areas with lotions designed for pregnant women. This not only helps reduce a bit of the swelling, but relieves the tension and aches of the day as well.

Aches and Pains

It is not until about halfway through pregnancy that you begin to take note of just how much of your body is affected by the baby inside. Suddenly, a routine walk through the neighborhood is making your feet ache, your back hurt, and causing random shooting pains in your inner thighs.

Ligaments are loosing throughout pregnancy, and as you approach the end, you need to treat yourself with kid gloves. Your hip bones are spreading, the weight of your belly is making your back arch, and your feet have to bear all the weight. It can be a heavy burden to bear, so take a break and just rest with your poor feet up as often as possible.