WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Blood Volume and Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
Blood Volume and Changes During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body works its magic to support the growth and development of your baby, and one way it does this is by increasing your blood volume.
From the moment that tiny seed is planted, your blood volume begins to rise gradually.
By the time you reach full term, your blood volume can increase by a whopping 40-50% compared to pre-pregnancy levels.
That's a lot of extra blood pumping through your veins!
Why the Surge?
You might be wondering, why does your body need all that extra blood during pregnancy?
Well, there are some amazing reasons behind it.
First and foremost, the increased blood volume ensures an ample supply of oxygen and nutrients for both you and your growing baby.
It's like a supercharged delivery system for all the essential goodies your baby needs! Additionally, the expanded blood supply helps remove waste products from your baby's developing organs, keeping them squeaky clean.
And let's not forget that the extra blood also helps maintain stable blood pressure levels and ensures a steady flow of nutrients to the uterus, where your baby is happily nestled.
Embrace the Changes!
As your blood volume increases, you might experience some interesting changes in your body. These changes are completely normal and a sign that your body is doing an incredible job of nurturing your little one.
Here are a few things you might notice:
  • Warmth: You may feel a little warmer than usual as your circulation increases. Embrace that pregnancy glow and enjoy the warmth radiating from within!
  • Swelling: It's common to experience some swelling in your hands, feet, or legs due to the increased blood volume. Elevate those feet, put on your favorite comfy shoes, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation!
  • Shortness of breath: With the expansion of your blood volume, your body needs more oxygen. This might make you feel slightly breathless at times. Take it easy, mama, and remember to take deep breaths. You're doing amazing!
Takeaways: Embrace Your Body's Marvelous Changes!
As you marvel at the wonders of pregnancy, remember to embrace and celebrate your body's ability to adapt and nurture your baby. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
  • Your blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to you and your baby.
  • The surge in blood volume helps maintain stable blood pressure, removes waste products, and optimizes nutrient delivery to the uterus.
  • Embrace the temporary changes you experience, such as feeling warmer, swelling, and slight shortness of breath.
  • Trust in your body's incredible ability to support and nourish your growing baby.
So, keep that blood pumping, embrace the changes, and enjoy this beautiful journey of creating new life.
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Hannah
11 Jan 2024

Hi everyone. I am 12 weeks today. Little back story I have Cardiophobia-fear of heart related ANYTHING. I’ve had a 30 day event monitor, multiple EKGs, and an echocardiogram…all clear and normal. I know your resting heart rate goes up in pregnancy due to blood volume and hormones I’m around 90-96bpm just sitting and I can’t help but panick and it makes it get higher obviously because of the anxiety. Can anyone please talk me down?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
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Emma
i’m the same exact way, i’ve been to cardiologist twice my pregnancy already and planning to call tmr for a follow up ekg😩 im so tired of it i have the worse palpaltions but my heart rate stays 85-90 no matter what im pregnancy def ur heart pumping more blood but also our anxiety
27 Mar 2024

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Hannah
I’ve been dealing with the anxiety tachycardia since March. My mom died of an unexpected heart attack and ever since Ive been terrified. Now pregnant and I feel like I can’t control it anymore. I used to have good days. I mean even this morning it was only 79 but as the day goes on it is higher which makes me anxious which just restarts the cycle. By the way, if I have a girl her name will be Emma! Emma Lou ♥️ how had your cardiologist been? What have they said?
27 Mar 2024

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Candis
24 May 2023

Anyone have NO breast changes at all during pregnancy but still be able to breast feed? With my first I had nothing, no tenderness, swelling, nothing and didn't produce any milk at all. I mean none. This time I don't have any changes again and am worried I won't be able to breastfeed again. Anyone with a similar experience but still produced milk?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
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Jaesyn
I personally had no changes and was able to breast feed but every body is different don't give up hope
27 Mar 2024

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Roda
1st and 2nd tri my boobs were tender and big but in 3rd tri boobs went back to normal like wth happened..and Im planning to breastfeed..
27 Mar 2024

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Ana
17 Apr 2023

Hey Moms Anybody here, changes there appetites when they are 2nd trimester? Cause me yes. I use to eat a lot but now my appetite changes i only eat a little and Is this normal? I went to my check up last week and i lost 1pound and my blood pressure is 90/68.

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
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Marla
Yeah your appetite changes in the second trimester you don’t really eat a lot now.
27 Mar 2024

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Shun
2nd trimester... I have no appetite, only fruit... I have no energy... I just want to lay around....still having morning sickness
27 Mar 2024

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Ana maria
15 Mar 2023

Is it normal to discharge a tiny string of blood during Pregnancy.No Bleeding Nor any pain.It’s my first pregnancy and I’m getting nervous.I turn 14 weeks tomorrow,,

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4 comments
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nae
Well I'm 13 weeks and I was spotting a lil bit not to much it's normal my mom says also my first pregnancy congratulations
27 Mar 2024

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Ana maria
Did you go to the hospital
27 Mar 2024

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Sara
25 Jan 2023

Mt baby was born at 9:10 pm yesterday. I lost half my blood volume and baby boy has a low blood count as well. I haven't gotten to see him yet but daddy has. Please pray for both of us. 3lb 11oz of beautiful baby boy

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
34 comments
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Simone
🙏🏾🙏🏾
27 Mar 2024

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Perla
🙏🙏🙏
27 Mar 2024

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Yanitta
17 Sep 2022

Anyone had high blood pressure during pregnancy. I'm 16 weeks and they got me logging in my blood pressure am/pm. I'm so scared. Any advice will help. Thanks

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
4 comments
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Michaela
Girl same with me!! I had a scare last night went in to er it was high and now I'm tracking my blood pressure. Just take it easy and be cautious. We can do this!!😊
27 Mar 2024

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Vanessa
I’ve been on blood pressure meds & bed rest since 20 weeks due to high blood pressure. Luckily the meds have kept it under control but any physical activity sends it through the roof.. it’s been hard..
27 Mar 2024

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Carli
7 Jul 2022

I am 32+3 today and I’ve had this tiny little scab on my face from popping a pimple. Yesterday I accidentally scratched it off and I started bleeding quite a bit and it took about 20 min for it to stop. I did it again today and I have not been able to stop the bleeding and it’s been about an hour. I haven’t had anything wrong with my blood work this entire pregnancy. I know I have increase blood volume but I’ve never bled this bad during my pregnancy before. Should I be taking any vitamins to help with this?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
4 comments
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Emily
No your skin does crazy things when pregnant. Not much to do about it. I bruise like an insane amount. Even if I pick a Pimple..it will cause a bruise on my face. As long as it stops your fine
27 Mar 2024

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Carli
I am not taking aspirin. I’ve held pressure on it and even tried having a fan on it to try and dry it up but nothing seems to work. It just pours down my face ☹️
27 Mar 2024

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Mandy
25 Jan 2022

So I just got my blood work back and it scared me they said my white blood cell count was high (11.4 ) has this happened to anyone else during pregnancy .

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
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courtney
Maybe an infection, white blood cells fight off them. Maybe a uti or something, an ear infection etcn
27 Mar 2024

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Mandy
urinalysis came back negative for UTI
27 Mar 2024

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