Pregnancy is a lifetime experience that also brings various physiological, metabolic, and anatomical changes in a woman’s body, right from the time they conceive to birth and even after delivery. But have you ever noticed a woman’s voice change during pregnancy? If you enjoy singing but have found it difficult to do so after becoming pregnant, or if you observed a change in your voice after conceiving, there is no reason to panic as it’s quite normal. Pregnancy alters the quality and pace of perturbation of the voice, especially during the third trimester (1). Moreover, due to fluid retention during pregnancy, your vocal cords may also swell up, resulting in voice change (2). Continue reading to learn more about how your voice may change when pregnant.
Causes Of Voice Change During Pregnancy
Voice change during pregnancy can be caused by any of the following reasons:
1. Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, the rapid rise of progesterone and estrogen levels affects the woman’s entire body, including the vocal cords (3) (4).
2. Increase in body fluids
Voice deepening or alternation can also be due to the increase in body fluids during pregnancy. Pregnancy increases blood volume by 45% and body fluids by three pounds (5) (6).
3. Edema or swelling of the vocal cords
Just like the other parts of the body, the vocal cords also swell during pregnancy. It causes heaviness in the vocal folds, altering the singing range. Pregnant women lose top notes but gain notes at the bottom. Do not strain your throat to reach the top notes. The blood vessels are extremely fragile during this time and may rupture if you strain to reach the top notes. It may also cause the vocal cords to tear.
4. Shift in voice range
During pregnancy, the blood vessels dilate across the whole body, including the vocal cords. Fragility of the vocal cord can also lead to change in voice.
5. Decrease in lung capacity
You may experience difficulty in breathing during pregnancy. It is because the growing baby in your womb pushes the diaphragm and every other organ upwards. It results in a decrease in lung capacity, endurance, vocal fatigue, and a decrease in phonation time (2).
6. Prone to LPR
During pregnancy, hormones lead to Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). It results in the relaxation of the sphincter, which keeps the food in the stomach and prevents it from coming to the larynx. When the stomach capacity reduces, you are more likely to regurgitate acid. You may experience excessive throat clearing, postnasal drip, and altered voice (2).
7. Decrease In Nasal Resonance
During pregnancy there could be decrease in the nasal resonance, which may result in deep and husky voice (2).
8. Change In Posture
During pregnancy, there is a shift in the pelvis, back, and chest. It alters the entire support mechanism of a woman’s body, so much that she may not be able to sing in her last trimester (2).
When To Consult A Laryngologist
You should seek medical help in the following situations:
If you notice a sudden change while speaking or singing or after sneezing or coughing.
If you feel pain while speaking or singing. If you notice a significant loss of voice during pregnancy.
