Tips For The First Trimester Of Pregnancy – Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters based on gestational age and fetal development. The first trimester, which begins on the first day of your last menstrual period and ends until the 12th week of pregnancy, is the most important period for your baby’s development (1) ( 2). Women also experience many physiological and emotional changes during this time.
Read on to learn everything about the changes in your body and your baby’s development throughout the first trimester.
Tips For The First Trimester Of Pregnancy
Experts at UNICEF list the following common symptoms of pregnancy in the first trimester (3).
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A missed period is often the first sign of conception. However, women can miss their period for reasons other than pregnancy.
Implantation bleeding usually occurs 6 to 12 days after ovulation when the fertilized egg implants itself into the lining of the uterine wall (4). It is usually not a cause for concern but should be brought to your doctor’s attention, especially if bleeding is heavy or persistent. The American Pregnancy Association states that about one-third of all pregnant women experience implantation bleeding.
Pregnancy hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and prolactin, increase breast sensitivity and tenderness (5). These hormonal changes can increase blood circulation to the breasts, causing fluid buildup and swelling. This results in tender breasts during the first trimester (6).
The veins on the chest become more visible, the areola becomes larger and darker. The areola may also be covered with small white bumps called Montgomery tubercles (22).
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Increased progesterone during pregnancy causes intestinal muscles to relax, causing food and waste to move more slowly through the digestive system, leading to constipation (7).
During pregnancy, the cervix and vaginal walls become softer and increased progesterone levels increase fluid production. Increased vaginal discharge is normal, but if you notice any unusual color or odor, it is essential to inform your doctor about it (8).
Typically, babies will crave certain foods and dislike or have an aversion to others during the first three months (3).
Increased pressure on the bladder due to the expanding uterus and baby’s weight can lead to frequent urination (10).
First Trimester Recap
Mood changes during pregnancy occur due to a combination of factors such as physical stress, fatigue, metabolic changes and an increase in estrogen and progesterone. Significant hormonal fluctuations during the first trimester can also affect neurotransmitter levels. Neurotransmitters are chemicals released by the brain and play a role in regulating mood (11).
Morning sickness is characterized by nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. The condition is quite common and at least seven out of ten women experience morning sickness in the first trimester, which usually subsides in the second trimester (12). However, for some women, severe nausea and vomiting can sometimes be associated with dehydration, weight loss and electrolyte imbalance in a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Talk to your healthcare provider if you suspect this.
Weight gain of 0.5 to 2.0 kg or 1.1 to 4.4 pounds is normal during the first three months. If you lose or gain more than 5 to 10% of your pre-pregnancy weight in the first trimester, you must talk to your healthcare provider (13).
Hormonal changes and increased blood volume can lead to headaches during the first trimester of pregnancy (14).
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Leg cramps are most common in the third trimester but can occur at any time during pregnancy. Weight gain and changes in blood circulation during pregnancy can lead to leg cramps (16).
The ligaments in the body become softer during pregnancy to aid in childbirth. Tender ligaments can put strain on the pelvic joints and lower back, leading to lower back pain and pelvic pain (17).
Acne in the first trimester is quite common in women who have had a history of previous acne. However, this condition is not unique and can occur in more than 40% of pregnant women. During pregnancy, androgen hormones (mainly progesterone) produced in the body tend to increase oil production in the skin. This oil, along with bacteria and dead skin cells, tends to clog skin pores, causing red and painful pus-filled bumps (or pimples) to appear under the skin (18) (19) .
Follow your gynecologist’s advice for self-care during pregnancy. Here are common dos and don’ts during the first trimester (20).
Your Guide To First Trimester Nutrition
Reflecting on her efforts to follow healthy eating habits during the first trimester of her pregnancy, Laura, a mother of two, explains: “For the past three and a half months, I have had to adjust my eating habits. a little bit of mine. After I almost fainted on the subway during my morning commute (one of the scariest moments ever), I got serious about my eating schedule. I learned to eat protein every three to four hours. I always carry a bottle of water with me and can’t overdo it on sugar. I eat small, high-protein meals every 3 to 4 hours during the day (i).
You should talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms during the first three months (3)(21).
At the end of the first trimester, the baby transforms from a small egg into a 6 cm long fetus. The baby’s heart begins to beat, and the brain and spinal cord begin to form. Hands and feet appear as small buds. The circulatory system, nervous system, digestive system, and urinary system begin to develop. Tooth buds begin to form.
By the end of the 12th week, the external genitalia, fingers, toenails, eyelids and larynx begin to form. Fetal movements also begin, although the mother cannot yet feel fetal movements. Read more about fetal development in the first trimester here.
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The fetus is most vulnerable during the first three months. During this time, all major organs and body systems are forming. However, these systems are not yet fully formed to support fetal survival outside the mother’s body (22). If the fetus is exposed to conditions and toxins, such as drugs, rubella, radiation, tobacco, and toxic substances, newly formed organs can be damaged. Therefore, it is important to avoid substances and habits that can be dangerous for the fetus.
At the end of the first trimester, the fetus weighs about 0.5 to 1 ounce and is about 3 to 4 inches long (15).
In addition to physical changes, pregnancy and childbirth will affect many aspects of your life. You may take some time to consider and decide on the following factors during the first three months.
The risk of miscarriage is highest in the first trimester. Many women may want to wait 12 weeks before declaring pregnancy. However, each woman has the right to decide when to tell others about her pregnancy.
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You should consider whether you will continue to work after giving birth and whether your employer offers maternity leave. Based on these factors, you can decide when to inform your employer about your pregnancy.
You should research available options and decide on your birth plan. You should also decide on your preferred birth location and preferred type of birth with your health care provider. You may also think about your birth companions, your specific preferences regarding the birth environment, your options for pain relief during labor, and procedural options to avoid.
Many women worry about the cost of medical bills including regular checkups and screenings during pregnancy. However, in some countries, there are good insurance plans that cover prenatal and birth care. Talk to the hospital administration to know about available insurance options.
During the first three months, the body undergoes many changes. There is a spike in hormone levels and blood volume, which can increase breathing and heart rate. These changes can lead to chronic fatigue, making the first trimester difficult (15).
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Women in their first trimester may be advised bed rest if there is a risk of miscarriage. Bed rest is not recommended for all women as constant rest can increase the risk of depression, blood clots and loss of bone strength. If your doctor recommends bed rest, discuss the pros and cons with them as well as remedies to ease any discomfort during rest (16).
During the first three months, you can sleep in any position you find comfortable because your belly is not yet big. However, as pregnancy progresses, your growing belly can put pressure on your lower back, making a straight back position uncomfortable. Therefore, to form a habit, medical professionals may recommend that you practice sleeping on your left side (17).
Walking is a low-intensity exercise that can be beneficial for pregnant women. This is a beginner-friendly activity and may reduce the risk of preeclampsia and unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy (20).
Calcium, iron, iodine, folate, vitamin D and DHA are important prenatal vitamins. If you are deficient in these vitamins, your doctor may recommend certain supplements. Please note that you should not take supplements unless prescribed and approved by your doctor (21).
Things You Should Know About Your First Trimester
During the first three months, many of the fetus’s organs will develop. Exposure to some
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