Guide To The First Trimester Of Pregnancy For Expecting Moms

This article is written by Dr Veena H (MBBS.DGO). Dr. Veena is a gynecologist with 10 Years Of Clinical Experience

Introduction

Pregnancy and giving birth can be some of the most joyous and trying times of your life simultaneously. During pregnancy, you will experience many physical changes in your body which in turn also affect you emotionally. Expectant mothers are often curious to know about the expected changes in their bodies during pregnancy and also about the process of development of their baby.

For simplification, the 9-month term of pregnancy is divided into 3 trimesters (one trimester lasting for 3 months each). Let’s learn some interesting facts about the first trimester, the initial three months of your pregnancy. 

First Trimester Of Pregnancy

The confirmation of pregnancy comes as surprising news to some couples. This is because the first trimester starts from the first day of your last period. It lasts up to the 12th week of pregnancy. Many physiological changes will occur during this trimester. It is often considered one of the most important phases of pregnancy.

What Changes Does The Mother Go Through?

Each body is different. So every individual woman will carry and experience her pregnancy differently. During the first trimester, a woman can expect the following-

1. Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting are very commonly experienced during pregnancy. Every woman experiences it differently – mild, moderate or severe. Do not fear vomiting and do not take any medication on your own. Your doctor will advise you on ways to manage this and if required appropriate medicines will be prescribed.

Nausea is a well-known symptom of pregnancy, affecting at least 70% of expecting mothers. Also called morning sickness, nausea usually begins at around six weeks, peaks between weeks 8-11, and typically fades near the end of the first trimester.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

2. Spotting

Women may experience instances of light spotting, particularly in the early period of their pregnancy. Sometimes, it can be an indication of the embryo implanting itself in the uterus.

3. Cravings

A common sign of early pregnancy is food cravings. Your taste preferences may change during this period. Though food cravings are usually harmless, women should keep a lookout and try to eat healthy food. Eg. Choose a fresh fruit when craving sweets.

4. Tenderness of the Breasts

Pregnancy alters the hormonal levels in the body. Soreness and tenderness of the breasts are common signs associated with pregnancy, due to this hormonal change.

5. Change in Urination Habits

As the baby continues to grow inside the uterus, it may lead to pressure on your bladder from within. This could result in the need to urinate more frequently.

6. Tiredness

Pregnancy can be demanding on your body because essentially one body is growing inside another. This process of developing a baby inside the womb may be exhausting leading to fatigue during the first three months.

7. Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a common and natural phenomenon in pregnant women. 

8. Constipation

Among the most common conditions experienced by women during pregnancy’s first trimester is constipation. High levels of progesterone hormone are released which tends to slow down the digestive system. Your body will host a growing baby for the coming nine months. So you can expect to feel multiple changes (both internally and in the outer appearance). Heartburn, mood changes and increased weight are a few changes you can expect as well as an upset tummy, headaches, nausea and more.

Problems in early pregnancy are most likely to be due to pregnancy not attaching or forming properly. Usually, if a pregnancy is not going to be viable it will miscarry. Caution and regular consultation with the gynecologist are always recommended.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Developing Baby In The First Trimester?

During the first trimester of pregnancy, fertilization of the eggs takes place, resulting in an embryo forming. It is the period when the foundation is laid for the growth of your baby. 

In this first trimester, the organs begin to develop in the body of the fetus. You can expect the following to happen:

• Bones: The bones of the baby’s legs, arms, hands and feet will begin growing by 6 weeks.
• Heart: The baby’s heart will first develop as a tube initially and begin beating.
• Digestive system: The baby’s intestines will begin to form by week 8.
• Touching sense: It is known that touch receptors are also formed in this period.
• Brain: The developing limbs in a baby’s brain will be formed during the first trimester.

Besides this, the fetus acquires various senses including taste and eyesight with hair and nails also beginning to grow.

The Do’s And Don’ts During The First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Here is a list of some do’s and don’ts to having a healthy first trimester:

Do’s:

• Take a healthy and nutritious diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Visit your gynecologist regularly and follow their advice.
• Eat prenatal vitamins as advised.
• Practice some relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
• Sleep well.
• Maintain good hygiene.
• Stay hydrated.

Don’ts:

• Stop alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
• Do not consume undercooked seafood or meat.
• Avoid junk food.
• Do not engage in rough intercourse.
• Do not take any medicine or herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.
• Do not lift heavy weights.
• Do not miss your follow-up appointments with your doctor.
• Do not take unnecessary stress.

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When Do You Visit The Doctor?

The first visit to the doctor must be made once you realize, suspect, or expect pregnancy. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, consult regularly with your doctor as advised. Some people require follow-up visits to the hospital more frequently than others. This may differ from person to person. 

Apart from regular follow-ups, consult your gynecologist or doctor if you experience anything unusual. Note that-

• Heavy bleeding is not normal. If a woman has major pain or bleeding, she should visit the doctor immediately.
• Normal vaginal discharge is typically white. If you notice that your discharge is yellow or has a foul smell, you may need a gynecologist’s advice.
• Excessive vomiting
• Pain in the abdomen
• Painful urination
• Any other illness (do not ignore any signs of illness and remember that self-medication is to be avoided strictly during pregnancy and breastfeeding)

The most important thing about the entire pregnancy journey is your happiness and well-being. Love yourself and take good care of your health. Follow your doctor’s advice and don’t wait to ask even the silliest question that may be bothering you. Being aware and informed can take away all your worries related to pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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