Early pregnancy can be pretty grim if you’re not prepared for everything in store. It is during this initial phase of pregnancy that moms-to-be feel most nauseous, isolated, hormonal and nervous. Educating yourself—and your partner—about what to expect during the first 13 weeks is critical to creating healthy routines, promoting a healthy pregnancy, and understanding what your body needs, when it needs it. and why.
What is the first trimester?
The first trimester begins on the first day of your last menstrual period and lasts until the 13th week of gestation (or about 3 months). While you may not look pregnant, you more than likely feel it, thanks to the flood of pregnancy hormones needed to get your pregnancy started. By the time you reach your 13th week, your baby will have grown from a tiny, tiny embryo to about the size of a lemon. Because of these rapid changes in your body and hormone fluctuations, you’re bound to experience some (if not all) of the textbook early pregnancy symptoms.
Common first trimester symptoms
It is important to realize that every pregnancy is different – you may experience all, some or none of the following symptoms:
morning sickness – Although the title can be misleading, some women experience “morning sickness” (nausea and vomiting) throughout the day. Regardless of the time of day, this symptom is the result of an increase in pregnancy hormones – namely hCG and estrogen – needed to help your growing fetus reach its first trimester milestones. This symptom usually starts around week 5, peaks around week 9 or 10, and generally subsides by week 20. Up to 70-85% of women experience morning sickness in the first trimester. Us Morning sickness sweets with ginger and B6 is a great product to have on hand when those waves of nausea start rolling in. Fortunately, studies have found A silver lining in a connection between morning sickness and a reduced miscarriage rate, so this sentiment is far from meaningless.
If you experience excessive vomiting (more than 3-4 times a day) you may have hyperemesis gravidarum which can lead to weight loss, dehydration and other serious complications. If you cannot keep down solid food for more than 24 hours or liquids for more than 12 hours, seek medical help.
breast tenderness – As your body begins to adjust to life, it also prepares to sustain life through the production of breast milk. Your breasts go through some major changes during the first trimester as hormones prepare your milk ducts for your upcoming due date. Your breasts may tingle, hurt, swell and develop pink or white stretch marks. Due to increased blood volume and hormones, the veins in your breasts may become more visible and the color of your nipples may darken.
fatigue – Your body works overtime to provide for your growing fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fatigue is common and can be combated by resting when possible and taking frequent naps. Making sure you get enough vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins can also boost your energy levels. Us Total Prenatal + DHA has 100% of the daily value for pregnant women, along with other essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
I release – A thin, milky-white discharge called leucorrhoea is normal during pregnancy. These secretions provide lubrication and prevent infection. If your discharge is yellow or green and smells bad, or you see very clear discharge, you should see your doctor to rule out other medical conditions.
Dietary aversions – Everyone talks about food cravings in pregnancy, but the opposite – food aversion – is also very real. If you experience nausea or vomiting in the first trimester, the mere mention of your once-favorite meal or snack can make you reminisce. Drinking anti-nausea tea like ours Morning sickness tea, with simple crackers or a banana first thing in the morning can help settle your stomach and make the thought of food more appealing. In addition, many women experience increased sensitivity to smells during pregnancy, which can encourage food aversions.
Mild cramp – It’s normal to experience mild cramps in early pregnancy. Gas and bloating can exasperate this sensation, and you may also have a slight cry when the egg implants in the lining of the uterus. These experiences are common and should not cause concern, however, severe cramping and/or heavy bleeding could indicate a serious medical emergency. The highest risk of miscarriage is during your first trimester – erring on the side of caution is always advised.
When to call your doctor?
Every woman responds differently to pregnancy, however, some symptoms that warrant a call to your doctor 100% of the time are:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Extreme thirst (may indicate gestational diabetes)
- Painful urination
- Fever over 101.5 degrees F, chills, and/or back pain
- Severe swelling of the hands or face (a sign of a life-threatening condition called pre-eclampsia)
- Blurred vision
What to avoid in the first trimester
During the first trimester, your immune system is busy developing your baby. A compromised immune system makes you more susceptible to foodborne illness, bacteria and other infections. In addition, certain foods and activities are simply dangerous for pregnant women. Some things to avoid during your pregnancy include:
- The litter box – Cat feces can contain bacteria that cause toxoplasmosis. In early pregnancy, toxoplasmosis can lead to developmental defects.
- Hot Tubs and Saunas – Raising your body temperature above 101 degrees can cause fainting, dizziness, hyperthermia and dehydration in pregnant women.
- Alcohol – Drinking alcohol is not known to be safe during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and other complications.
- Ice cream and deli meats – These two seemingly harmless foods can harbor listeria if the food is not prepared properly. Listeriosis infections are rare but can cause complications in pregnancy. If you’re craving a meat sandwich, steam it to kill any bacteria before eating.
- Fish high in mercury – Fish such as wild salmon and anchovy are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids while pregnant, however, fish that contain high levels of mercury such as grouper, swordfish, mackerel and sea bass (for to name a few ) should be avoided.
- Cigarettes and marijuana smoking – Smoking is linked to low birth weight, premature birth and other complications such as abnormal neurological development.
- Raw or undercooked food – Bacteria can grow on raw, undercooked or improperly prepared food. Salmonella, listeria and the parasite toxoplasma gondii they are usually found in uncooked foods. Infections like these during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and other complications for your developing baby.
Dealing with Mental Load
Because the majority of miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, many couples experience increased levels of stress and anxiety. Stress causes your body to produce a hormone called cortisol. Elevated cortisol during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes and can alter fetal development with lasting effects in adolescence and adulthood.
Finding healthy ways to limit and reduce stress is critical during the first trimester. Some pregnancy-safe stress-reducing activities include:
- Yoga
- Going for a walk
- Reading a book outside
- Meditation
- Stretching
- Relaxation
- Sipping tea
- Trust in a loved one
How does the baby develop in the first trimester?
The main thing to remember here is that all the nausea and vomiting, fatigue and flatulence, is a natural reaction to the increase in pregnancy hormones that show your pregnancy is progressing as it should.
There are many exciting changes that happen to your baby during the first trimester. At your first ultrasound (around week 6 of pregnancy), your baby will probably look like a bean – but by week 12, you’ll see a whole tiny human on that screen. Here are just a few of them best moments from those first weeks of development:
Heart – By week 5 your baby has a heartbeat, erratic but still strong enough to be picked up by ultrasound.
Vision – The optic nerve that will eventually connect your baby’s eyes and brain develops as early as the 5th week, in the 8th week the retina will begin to form.
Hair, nails and skin – Skin begins to form around weeks 5-8, with hair follicles and nails forming by week 11.
Bones – Your baby’s bones start to form in weeks 6-10, from week 6 you will be able to distinguish arms, legs, hands and feet. By the 10th week you will be able to see your fingers and toes.
Sense of touch – By the 8th week your baby will already be formed touch receptors –basic units of the nervous system that respond to touch and other similar stimulation.
Brain– Around the 8th week your baby’s brain starts to form. Taking a prenatal with DHA and folic acid before you get pregnant (or as soon as possible) is important as DHA is essential for the proper formation of the brain, eyes, liver and skeletal muscles, while folic acid protects against birth defects of the neural tube.
The first trimester is a time of rapid change for you and your baby, but there is much-needed relief on the horizon. As you get closer and closer to that glorious second trimester, the more uncomfortable early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting and fatigue will lessen. The important thing to keep in mind is that every day that passes (no matter how tiring) you are on the road to motherhood and we can’t think of a better, more rewarding journey.
If you are interested in learning more about the early stages of pregnancy and how it affects your body, we recommend reading:
