Some of the most important and noticeable changes happen in your body. From physical changes like a swelling belly and breasts to mood swings to temperature tolerance, nothing seems to remain the same. This holds true for changes from pre-pregnant to pregnant, but also as time progresses in the pregnancy.

So what should an expectant dad expect as far as the physical changes his mate will experience during pregnancy.

Month 1: Subtle Changes

• Your partner will not see dramatic changes during the first month after conception, except that she will tend to crave more rest.
• Some women also may begin to feel a little nauseous, and her breasts may become more tender or may tingle somewhat.
• Near the end of the first month, many women begin to experience more pronounced nausea, especially in the early morning or evening hours.
• Also, about this time, most pregnant women will discover a little enlargement of the breasts, with added tenderness.

Month 2: Early Showing

• You and your partner will notice that she will gain a little weight around her hips.
• Her breasts become firmer
• Her general tiredness will increase as the first major changes start happening inside her. This is the time when the umbilical cord is being formed, which is pretty demanding on her body
• By the end of the second month, the levels of progesterone and estrogen are increasing dramatically, which will generally lead to some pretty serious mood swings that start now and continue through her pregnancy
• You will also likely note the beginning of your partner craving some foods and getting sick with the thought of others. Another hormonal thing…

Month 3: Energy Drain

• Your partner will feel totally zapped during this third month-her body is in overdrive as the baby begins to develop
• While her sex drive will likely be good, she may just be too tired to enjoy it. Be patient-this will pass

Month 4: Beginning to Be Obvious

• This is typically the month when the whole world will begin to see the physical changes
• Remember that every woman is different; how and when the pregnancy shows will depend on a number of factors.
• She will likely have a brief respite from the overwhelming fatigue of the first three months. Usually during the fourth month, she’ll begin to feel a little more “in the zone” in terms of the pregnancy.
• However, there may be some new concerns like aching joints or skin problems. These are the result of the rapidly increasing levels of hormones in her system.

Month 5: The Best Month

• Most pregnant moms think the fifth month is the best of all. A lot of the hard work her body has been doing takes a break.
• She will have more energy.
• The baby will be moving around a little by this stage. At the right moments, you’ll be able to feel the baby moving with a well placed hand on her abdomen.
• She is still producing more blood; this may often cause her to feel a little light headed.

 Month 6: Feeling It More

• A little more fatigue will set in during this month
• You and your partner will see noticeable changes in her breasts. Her areolae will get larger and darker; and will likely stay that way until after the birth
• She will also generally experience a slight drop in blood pressure during this stage as her body adjusts to the growing baby and the baby’s demand for blood

Month 7: Discomfort

• During this month as the baby grows more rapidly, your partner will feel some discomfort as her internal organs (lungs, liver, stomach, intestines) are compressed upward.
• She may also experience some constipation. Many doctors will recommend a mild stool softener to help.

Month 8: Feeling Awkward

• As the baby grows, mom’s center of gravity changes. She will likely experience some lower back pain, and may have more difficulty getting up and down and walking.
• This stage will also affect her ability to sleep; she will have a few wakeful nights during this stage; this lack of sleep, combined with the hormonal issues, tend to make her a little more grumpy and testy
• She may experience some swelling in her hands and feet; she may need a larger sized shoe for a while

Month 9: Getting Ready for the Big Event

• Your partner’s breasts will get heavier and may even begin to leak colostrum, which will be the baby’s first nourishment after birth. This “top heaviness” will further upset her sense of balance
• Her organs will further compress and be pushed up against her diaphragm; this may cause an increase in heartburn or shortness of breath
• Her kidneys will be working harder, so she’ll feel the need to use the bathroom a lot-even more than before
• You’ll start to see some stretch marks on her abdomen as the skin is stretched
• Her legs and back will tend to cramp a lot. Some gentle rubbing and massaging may help relieve the pain

After the Birth

• A woman’s body does not bounce back right after birth. Expect it to take at least nine months and probably closer to a year to get her original shape and size back. Be patient.
• If she is breastfeeding, she is likely to experience times when the “let down” of breastmilk is painful to her. Be watchful with her for the signs of a breast infection, which is not uncommon. Warm wet compresses can often help alleviate the pain.