The Wonders of the Maternal Body – What Pregnancy Does to Your Body Without You Even Knowing

Pregnancy is more than just a growing belly, morning sickness, or chocolate cravings. Your body transforms into a true living laboratory, and many of these changes happen without you even noticing.

Your Baby’s DNA Stays in Your Body

During pregnancy, a small portion of your baby’s DNA enters your bloodstream – and can remain in your body for years. This phenomenon is called fetal microchimerism. Studies have shown that this DNA can reach organs such as the heart, lungs, and liver [1]. Scientists believe these DNA fragments may influence your immune system and help with tissue repair. Your body literally carries a piece of your child long after birth.

Your Immune System Adjusts

Your body learns to tolerate the baby, even though it is partially foreign. The immune system modulates itself to protect the child without putting you at risk. This can reduce the risk of certain autoimmune diseases for some women while increasing susceptibility to certain infections [2].

Hormones: The Ultimate Multi-Taskers

Hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and relaxin change not only the uterus but also your heart, muscles, ligaments – and even your brain. Many women notice a heightened sense of smell, more intense taste, or increased empathy. Evolutionarily, these adaptations make sense: they protect the baby, alert you to potentially dangerous foods, and strengthen bonding with your partner [3].

Your Heart and Circulation Go into “Superpower” Mode

During pregnancy, your heart can pump up to 50% more blood to nourish the baby. These adjustments can leave long-lasting changes, improving your body’s ability to handle physical stress in the long term [4].

Your Senses Go into “Baby Mode”

Smell and taste often become sharper. From an evolutionary perspective, this makes you more sensitive to potentially harmful substances (spoiled food, smoke, toxic plants), while making nutritious flavors more appealing [5].

Long-Term Changes – Beyond Pregnancy

Pregnancy leaves traces that last for years, often beneficial:

• Reduced breast cancer risk: Women who have been pregnant, especially before age 30, have a lower risk of breast cancer. Hormonal changes “mature” breast cells, making them less susceptible to malignancy [6].

• Reduced ovarian cancer risk: Each pregnancy reduces the number of ovulations and protects the ovaries, lowering the risk of cancer [7].

• Cardiovascular system: Cardiac and vascular adjustments persist, improving your ability to handle physical exertion [4].

• Metabolism and weight: Pregnancy can improve insulin sensitivity, especially after breastfeeding, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes [8].

• Immune system: Pregnancy “trains” the immune system and can modulate responses to autoimmune diseases and infections [1].

• Psychological and sensory effects: Certain changes in the brain observed during pregnancy may strengthen empathy and maternal behavior [9].

Nature has orchestrated these processes to protect the child and improve your long-term health. Every detail has an evolutionary purpose – from cells to hormones.

Take care of yourself and enjoy every moment of this wonderful journey.

Best regards,

Dr Sandra Yene Amougui

Sources

[1] Bianchi, D. W., Fetal microchimerism and maternal health, Nature Reviews Immunology, 2014[2] Mor, G. & Cardenas, I., The immune system in pregnancy: a unique complexity, American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 2010[3] Fessler, D. M. T., Pregnancy and the heightened sense of smell: an evolutionary perspective, Evolution and Human Behavior, 2002[4] Melchiorre, K. et al., Cardiovascular adaptations in pregnancy, European Heart Journal, 2014[5] Beauchamp, G. K. & Mennella, J. A., Flavor perception in human infants: effects of prenatal and postnatal experience, Physiology & Behavior, 2009[6] Kelsey, J. L. et al., Reproductive factors and breast cancer risk, Epidemiologic Reviews, 1993[7] Modugno, F. et al., Pregnancy and risk of ovarian cancer, Gynecologic Oncology, 2001[8] Gunderson, E. P., Long-term metabolic impact of pregnancy, Diabetes Care, 2009[9] Hoekzema, E. et al., Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure, Nature Neuroscience, 2017