Pregnancy causes the rise in estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body. These changes affects a woman's voice.
According to News Medical the factors that could make a woman's vice change during pregnancy is the following: Postural changes, altered range of voice, swollen vocal chords, increased acid reflux, fragile blood vessels in vocal chords, lowered nasal resonance and her reduced lung capacity.
Because of postural changes, some women who used to love to sing before their pregnancy, may not be able to sing when pregnant. Postural changes causes the chest, back and pelvis to have an alteration. If this is the case, women who are affected by this kind of voice change during her pregnancy should not strain or push her voice. Time will come after child birth when she will be able to sing again.
Swollen vocal chords may make pregnant women have difficulty of reaching higher notes, but they may be able to reach the lower ones. Trying to push too hard or strain ones voice when this happens, may cause a rupture of the blood vessels in the vocal chords. It will not be the be fun after that. With regards to the acid reflux issue, it causes a woman to frequently clear their throats. Heartburns could also occur.
Pregnancy also causes some of the blood vessels in women to be dilated. Beside a woman's voice changing, other pregnancy related issue could also occur. Some of these are, hemorrhoids, swelling of the vagina, and varicose veins. Vocal chords with dilated blood vessels could be susceptible to hemorrhage. This is why women singers are advised to rest their voice when they are pregnant
Reduced lung capacity in pregnant women could result in them having difficulty in breathing. This could help cause vocal fatigue and not being able to sustain notes when the piece calls for it. This could also be coupled with lower nasal resonance. It causes the voice to loose vitality.
If you are pregnant and encounter some voice problems, it's better to be informed regarding taking care of your voice while pregnant. Osborne Head and Neck Institute conducts studies regarding this issue, you can check their website for some self-help. If it causes concerns, it is more advisable to visit your doctor about it.
