Understanding Changes in First Trimester

Overview

The first trimester is the earliest phase of pregnancy. It starts on the first day of the last period and lasts until the end of the 12th week. 

During the first trimester of pregnancy, there are a host of physical and emotional changes in a woman. Let us go through them and also the tips to remain healthy.

What are the Physical Changes in the First Trimester?

A woman’s body goes through a lot of changes during the first trimester of pregnancy. Some of these changes may begin before a woman even knows that she is pregnant. 

1. Tender or Swollen Breast: The hormonal changes in the body may cause tenderness or soreness in the breasts. The breasts may appear fuller or change appearance in other ways.

2. Nausea: Also known as morning sickness, often begins one month after a successful pregnancy. It happens due to the rising levels of hormones in the body. 

3. Frequent Urination: The kidney has to process extra fluids during pregnancy creating the urge for urination more often than usual.

4. Exhaustion: The body starts producing more progesterone hormones during early pregnancy causing an urge to sleep and rest more. 

5. Heartburns: In early pregnancy, heartburns happen because of the pregnancy hormones that relax the valves between the stomach and esophagus, causing stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. Food also stays in the stomach longer to give the body more time to absorb nutrients. All these things can cause or worsen heartburn.

6. Constipation: The high levels of progesterone hormone in early pregnancy slows down the movement of food through the digestive tract, causing constipation. 

7. Food likes or dislikes: The majority of pregnant women have food cravings and food aversions. Hence it is very important to eat healthy, low-calorie foods most of the time. 

8. Feeling dizzy: The hormone progesterone causes blood vessels to relax and makes a woman feel dizzy and lightheaded. Hunger, weakness, or stress can cause these symptoms as well.

9. Visible veins: A woman may develop spider veins on the face, neck, or arms as the body makes extra blood and heart pump faster to meet the demands of pregnancy.

10. Skin changes: Increased blood circulation can make skin look more rosy and shiny, hence the term “pregnancy glow.” Pregnancy hormones can also cause extra oil on the skin resulting in acne.

11. Vaginal changes: The lining of the vagina becomes thicker and less sensitive. Mild vaginal bleeding (spotting) is also normal and common. In case of severe bleeding or cramping, immediately call the doctor.

12. Nasal congestion: The blood flow changes in the body may cause increased sinus congestion or pressure. Some women also experience nosebleeds.

What are the Emotional Changes in the First Trimester?

During pregnancy, It is quite normal to feel various emotions as pregnancy hormones affect the emotions as well as the body. 

Hence, It is very important to share feelings with your partner, family member, or friend.  Also not getting adequate sleep and dealing with physical discomforts makes a woman feel overwhelmed at times resulting in unpredictable mood swings. Mood swings usually decrease by the second trimester.

Following tips may help to handle the stress of pregnancy:

● Make sleep a priority

● Eat a healthy diet 

● Do mild exercise each day

● Take help in tasks such as household chores and shopping.

● Get the awareness of pregnancy and birth.

● Always take out time to share the feelings and hopes for your baby.

What tips should be followed during the First trimester?

Here are some tips to reduce the discomfort faced during the first trimester:

1. To limit exhaustion:

○ Take rest frequently

○ Reduce your commitments 

○ Get a good night sleep

2. Following tips may help to deal with Nausea and Heartburn:

○ Eat small amounts of food frequently. 

○ Don’t over eat.

○ Avoid drinking liquids with meals. 

○ Avoid greasy, spicy, and acidic foods.

3. The urge to frequently urinate can be controlled by doing Kegel Exercises. The Kegel exercise strengthens the pelvic floor. 

4. Following tips may help to feel less lightheaded or dizzy:

○ Change positions slowly during standing or sitting. 

○ Avoid lying flat on the back for a longer time. 

○ Drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day.

5. Eat more fiber and drink extra fluids to avoid constipation. Regular mild Physical activity may also help.

6. Avoid bad habits such as smoking and alcohol.

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