Claire
Did you know that your blood volume increases up to 50% during pregnancy?!? You will gain more than a litre of blood during that time.
All that extra blood is to support your growing baby. Your uterus grows so much and needs tons of blood flow to supply nutrients to the placenta and to your baby!
What are some common effects that this increase in blood flow has on your body?
- Headaches. More blood flow means more pressure in your system, including your head!
- Peeing more often. When you have more blood in your system, your kidneys have to filtrate more, which means more trips to the bathroom!
- Swelling! You have more fluid in your system so if you’re standing for a prolonged period of time it might start to accumulate
- Increased libido and more orgasms. This one isn’t true for everyone, unfortunately. Due to the increased blood flow, your clitoris is more sensitive and it’s easier to reach orgasm! Try it out if you don’t believe us. 😀
- Dizzy spells and fainting. A lot of blood is shunted away from your brain to your uterus and might cause you to feel faint or dizzy!🥴
- You’ll feel warmer and sweat more! Some feel like they are a furnace during pregnancy and they can never get the room cold enough!
Best tips to relieve all these issues caused by increased blood flow?
In all honesty, have your baby! Also, keep your feet up for the swelling and have lots of sex in cold, well air-conditioned rooms. 🤪
Originally posted 2021-04-12 15:01:54.
Do you gain more too so when you loss blood at the end it doesn’t feel too awful?
I was extremely dizzy throughout my whole pregnancy too xxx
So good! Love the illustration.
How many weeks after the baby is born till the blood volume goes back down?
Oh yeah! I experienced all of them in both pregnancies except fainting.
No. 4 & 6 here 😬
Is there any difference with multiples? I.e. twins
This is sooo true !!! I’m experiencing most of these signs
The body temperature fluctuations are killing me!!! I’m going from dripping sweat to shivering chills all day and all night long!!! I’m 11 weeks. Will this eventually stop?
How does increased blood flow affect your heart during and after pregnancy?
Curious if also a faster resting pulse? I’m 32 weeks and have noticed lately my resting pulse has gone up significantly (almost double) and sometimes I will wake up from sleep in the low 100’s for pulse!