First Trimester Pregnancy

The first trimester of your pregnancy will be one of the most exciting and memorable times of your life; but can also be a time of confusion and fear about what’s to come (especially if you are a first time mom).

Understanding the changes that you should expect and how to best care for yourself during this period of your life will allow you to get more out of the experience, and allow you to enjoy your pregnancy to its fullest.

The first trimester of your pregnancy is measured as the time from the first day of your last menstrual period through twelve weeks of gestation, and is an amazing time of transformation.

First Trimester Pregnancy and Your Body

During the first trimester of your pregnancy, you will experience many changes that may be invisible to you from an aesthetic point of view, but will be present nonetheless in physical symptoms that make you sit up and realize that the pregnancy is “real”. Within the first two weeks following conception, the hormones in your body will be triggered in order to nourish your pregnancy, even before you can confirm that you are actually pregnant with a pregnancy test. You can expect the following normal early pregnancy symptoms:

• Tenderness in the breasts. Breast tenderness during the first trimester of pregnancy is due to the increased production of hormones within the body. Breasts may become extra sensitive, and will usually feel heavier and fuller. You can counteract the problem by wearing a bra that provides extra support, like a sports bra.
• Nausea. Pregnancy nausea is common for the entire first trimester, and may oftentimes be accompanied by vomiting. Pregnancy nausea and vomiting, or “morning sickness” can occur any time of the day or night, not just in the morning. To help relieve pregnancy nausea and vomiting, eat smaller meals throughout the day in lieu of larger, regular meals, and choose foods that are easier for your body to digest. Drink lots of water and juices to stay hydrated if you experience morning sickness. Some women keep a pack of crackers at their bedside and have a cracker before rising to help “settle” their stomachs. Pregnancy nausea is less common in the second trimester, so keep in mind that you won’t feel this way for your entire pregnancy. If the nausea or vomiting that you experience becomes severe, be sure to contact your OB/GYN or midwife immediately so that she can evaluate your condition and make certain that you are not becoming dehydrated.
• Increased fatigue. You may feel more fatigue during the first trimester of pregnancy, which is again due to the changes that your body is rapidly experiencing. Your heart may pump harder and faster and your pulse may seem to race. Rest as much as possible during your first trimester, and make sure that you are taking your prenatal vitamin that includes iron, and eating enough protein. Include daily exercise into your routine, even if it is only a brisk walk every day. Thirty minutes of activity each day can help you combat fatigue.
• Increased need to urinate. One of the early problems of the first trimester is the need to urinate more frequently than usual, which is due to the enlarging uterus which is placing more pressure on your bladder. This may even cause you to leak urine when you cough, sneeze, or laugh. While there is little that you can do to reverse frequent urination during the first trimester of pregnancy, you can avoid drinking caffeine to lessen the amount of urine that your body makes, and the number of times that you need to urinate. Some women find that wearing a panty liner helps to catch any accidental drips during this time. The increased need to urinate will follow you for much of your pregnancy, so learning to adapt is important.
• Heartburn and constipation. Heartburn and constipation go hand-in-hand with the first trimester of pregnancy, and may continue for the entire pregnancy. During the first trimester in particular, the movements that push food from the esophagus and into your stomach are slower, which makes the stomach slower to empty; this is nature’s way of making sure that the baby gets the nutrients that it needs – by slowing them down the digestive process so that more of the good stuff from the food that you eat can be absorbed into the bloodstream and nourish the baby. This leads to heartburn, indigestion, and bouts of constipation. Eat smaller meals; avoid foods that are fried and carbonated drinks, while adding more fiber to your diet can help.
• Dizziness. Circulatory changes during the first trimester of pregnancy may make you feel dizzy at times. Fatigue, stress and hunger may also play a role in dizziness during the first trimester. Avoid prolonged standing and rising too quickly from a seated position.

While there are some discomforts to be experienced during early pregnancy, when you know what to expect and are prepared, you can combat these first trimester pregnancy woes and enjoy this special time of womanhood.