Congratulations on your pregnancy! You're now in your third month, which is an exciting time of growth and development for your baby. Your body is also going through many changes to accommodate your growing baby. In this article, we'll take a look at what your body may look like at 3 months pregnant and what to expect in the coming weeks.
At 3 months pregnant, your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit. It'll continue to grow throughout your pregnancy, eventually taking up most of the space in your abdomen. As your uterus grows, it'll put pressure on your other organs, which can cause some discomfort. You may also experience bloating and gas, as your digestive system slows down to accommodate your growing baby.
what does 3 months pregnant look like
Your body is changing to accommodate your growing baby.
- Uterus size of grapefruit
- Abdomen starting to show
- Increased breast size
- Darkening of areolas
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin changes
Every woman experiences pregnancy differently, so it's important to listen to your body and talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.
Uterus size of grapefruit
At 3 months pregnant, your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit. This is a significant increase from its usual size, which is about the size of a small fist. As your baby grows, your uterus will continue to grow to accommodate it. By the end of your pregnancy, your uterus will be about the size of a watermelon.
The growth of your uterus can cause some discomfort, such as bloating and gas. You may also experience constipation and frequent urination, as your uterus puts pressure on your bladder.
Your doctor will monitor the growth of your uterus at your prenatal appointments. They will measure the height of your fundus, which is the top of your uterus. The fundal height is a good indicator of how far along you are in your pregnancy.
If you are experiencing any severe pain or discomfort, it is important to contact your doctor right away. This could be a sign of a problem, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Overall, the growth of your uterus is a normal part of pregnancy. It is important to listen to your body and talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.
Abdomen starting to show
Around 3 months pregnant, many women start to notice that their abdomen is starting to show. This is because your uterus is growing to accommodate your growing baby. As your uterus grows, it will push your abdominal muscles forward, causing your abdomen to protrude.
The amount of time it takes for your abdomen to show can vary from woman to woman. Some women may start to show as early as 12 weeks, while others may not show until later in their pregnancy. This is perfectly normal and depends on a number of factors, such as your body type, the position of your baby, and the amount of weight you have gained.
If you are concerned about your abdomen not showing, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if there is anything to be concerned about.
Once your abdomen starts to show, you may want to start wearing maternity clothes. Maternity clothes are designed to fit your changing body and provide you with the support you need. You can find maternity clothes at most department stores and online retailers.
Remember, every woman's pregnancy is different. Don't compare yourself to other women and don't worry if your abdomen doesn't start to show right away. Your body is doing what it needs to do to grow a healthy baby.
Increased breast size
During pregnancy, your breasts will start to prepare for breastfeeding. This process begins around 3 months pregnant and continues throughout your pregnancy and after you give birth. Your breasts may become larger, heavier, and more tender. You may also notice that your nipples and areolas become darker and larger.
The increased size of your breasts is due to the growth of milk ducts and glands. Your body is preparing to produce milk to feed your baby after birth. The hormones estrogen and progesterone also play a role in breast growth during pregnancy.
The tenderness and pain you may experience in your breasts is also due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. These changes can cause the ligaments and tissues in your breasts to stretch and expand. You can help relieve breast pain by wearing a supportive bra and using warm or cold compresses.
If you are concerned about the size or tenderness of your breasts, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if there is anything to be concerned about.
Overall, the increased size of your breasts during pregnancy is a normal and healthy part of the process of preparing for breastfeeding. Remember to wear a supportive bra and use warm or cold compresses to help relieve any pain or discomfort you may experience.
Darkening of areolas
During pregnancy, you may notice that your areolas, the dark circles around your nipples, become darker. This is a normal change and is caused by the increased production of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones stimulate the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color.
The darkening of your areolas is a sign that your body is preparing for breastfeeding. The darker areolas will help your baby to see and latch onto your nipples more easily after birth.
The darkening of your areolas may also be accompanied by other changes, such as:
- Increased breast size
- Tenderness or pain in your breasts
- Montgomery tubercles, which are small, raised bumps on your areolas
- Colostrum, which is a thick, yellowish fluid that is produced by your breasts before you give birth
These changes are all normal and are part of the process of preparing for breastfeeding. If you are concerned about any of these changes, talk to your doctor.
Overall, the darkening of your areolas during pregnancy is a normal and healthy change. It is a sign that your body is preparing for breastfeeding. Remember to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about this or other changes you are experiencing during pregnancy.
Frequent urination
Frequent urination is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. You may find yourself needing to urinate more often than usual, both day and night.
- Increased blood volume: During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by about 50%. This extra blood helps to support the growth of your baby and the placenta. However, it can also put pressure on your bladder, causing you to feel the need to urinate more often.
- Enlarged uterus: As your baby grows, your uterus will also grow. This can put pressure on your bladder, making it feel like you need to urinate more often.
- Hormonal changes: The hormone progesterone, which is produced during pregnancy, can relax the muscles in your bladder. This can make it more difficult to hold your urine, leading to more frequent urination.
- Constipation: Constipation is another common symptom of pregnancy. When you are constipated, the stool can put pressure on your bladder, making you feel like you need to urinate.
Frequent urination is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing pain or burning during urination, or if you are unable to control your urine, it is important to talk to your doctor. These could be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can be treated with antibiotics.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. You may feel exhausted all the time, even if you haven't done anything strenuous.
- Increased progesterone levels: Progesterone is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy. It helps to relax the muscles in your uterus and prevents it from contracting too early. However, progesterone can also make you feel tired.
- Increased blood volume: During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by about 50%. This extra blood helps to support the growth of your baby and the placenta. However, it can also make your heart work harder, which can lead to fatigue.
- Nutritional demands: Pregnancy also increases your nutritional needs. If you are not eating a healthy diet, you may not be getting the nutrients you need to support your growing baby and your own health. This can also lead to fatigue.
- Stress: Pregnancy can be a stressful time. You may be worried about your baby's health, your own health, or how you are going to manage financially. This stress can also contribute to fatigue.
There are a few things you can do to help manage fatigue during pregnancy:
- Get plenty of rest. Go to bed early and take naps during the day if you need to.
- Eat a healthy diet. Make sure you are getting enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to improve your energy levels.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. These substances can make it harder to sleep.
- Talk to your doctor. If you are struggling with fatigue, talk to your doctor. They may be able to suggest other ways to manage your fatigue.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting, also known as morning sickness, is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. It is thought to be caused by the increased levels of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, in your body during pregnancy. These hormones can relax the muscles in your digestive tract, which can slow down digestion and cause nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting can range from mild to severe. Some women only experience mild nausea, while others may vomit several times a day. Morning sickness usually starts around 6 weeks of pregnancy and peaks around 8-12 weeks. However, some women may experience nausea and vomiting throughout their entire pregnancy.
There are a few things you can do to help manage nausea and vomiting during pregnancy:
- Eat small, frequent meals. Eating a large meal can make nausea worse. Instead, try eating small meals throughout the day.
- Avoid foods that trigger your nausea. Keep a food diary to track what foods seem to trigger your nausea and vomiting. Once you know what foods to avoid, you can eliminate them from your diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is important for your overall health and can also help to relieve nausea. Drink plenty of water, juice, or herbal tea throughout the day.
- Get plenty of rest. When you are tired, you are more likely to feel nauseous. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and rest.
- Try ginger. Ginger is a natural remedy that can help to relieve nausea. You can drink ginger tea, suck on ginger candy, or take ginger supplements.
If your nausea and vomiting is severe, you may need to see your doctor. They may prescribe medication to help control your symptoms.
Overall, nausea and vomiting is a common symptom of pregnancy that usually goes away on its own. However, if your symptoms are severe, talk to your doctor.