First Trimester

The first trimester marks the beginning weeks of pregnancy when your body begins to experience major changes and transformations. Knowing what to expect helps in dealing with symptoms and emotions that can be confusing and overwhelming. For many women, weeks 1-12 are filled with morning sickness and mood swings. Some lucky moms-to-be, do not experience this and sail through these weeks without incident. No matter what category you fall into, there will probably be tremendous elation, wonderment, and anticipation filling your first trimester.

First Trimester – Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is probably the most common early symptom associated with the first trimester and is usually caused by the increased level of hormones in your body. Contrary to its name, morning sickness can occur at any time and can include nausea and/or vomiting. It typically begins around week 6, although some women have reported nausea as early as 3 weeks. It usually subsides around week 12, but sometimes lingers throughout the pregnancy.

There are many so-called remedies for morning sickness, although none are 100% reliable. Of course, as long as it is safe for you and your baby and doctor approved, it is worth a try.

First Trimester – Morning Sickness Remedies

• Avoid an empty stomach and try to eat several small meals a day instead of 3 large ones.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that have a high water content including grapes, watermelon, tomatoes, and lettuce.
• Try eating bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are sometimes known to alleviate nausea.
• Drink warm tea with lemon. Be careful when choosing herbal tea and make sure the ingredients are safe for your unborn baby.
• Use ginger. This comes in many forms and is often a good remedy. Consider ginger ale, ginger snaps, ginger tea, ginger candy, ginger capsules…whatever works!!
• Eat crackers first thing in the mornings before starting the day.
• Drink liquids about 30 minutes before and after eating meals.
• Cut open a lemon and sniff it. Sometimes the citrus smell helps.
• Try not to get too hot.
• If your doctor agrees, try B6 or B12 vitamins.

First Trimester – Mood Swings

Raging hormones strike again!! Most of the time first trimester mood swings can be attributed to the increased hormone levels in your body. It is normal to feel emotional and irritable during your pregnancy. Do not be alarmed if you feel sadness, joy, frustration, and elation all in the matter of a few minutes. During this time you might have bouts of crying, even if you’ve never been emotional.

There are probably other issues at play here as well. Self-esteem and body image issues can affect your emotions as well as changes in your sleeping patterns and stress.

First Trimester – Coping with Emotions

• Don’t be critical of yourself.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Exercise by walking, doing yoga, swimming, etc.
• Get together with friends and family and plan a fun activity.
• Try to keep smiling. Do something that always makes you happy.
• Allow yourself to cry and don’t keep it all inside.
• Talk with your health care provider.

First Trimester – Weight Gain

Because you are supporting a growing life inside you it is necessary and vital to gain weight during pregnancy. In the first trimester you can expect to gain 3-8 pounds, although these numbers do vary according to your body type and pre-pregnancy weight.

Many health care providers suggest that you add an extra 150-200 calories to your diet during the first trimester. While adding these calories practice healthy eating habits. Do not turn to junk food and “empty” high calorie foods. Instead, make an effort to make healthy choices.

First Trimester – What to Eat

• Eat plenty of fresh, nutritious foods.
• Focus on food quality.
• Consume at least 3 servings of lean protein rich foods per day.
• Concentrate on whole grains, dairy, fruits, vegetable, and healthy fats.
• Eat plenty of foods rich in iron and folic acids.
• If suffering from morning sickness, try light foods such as fruit smoothies and yogurt.
• Keep your body well hydrated.
• Get rid of junk food and processed foods as well as excess sugar and trans-fats.

First Trimester – Take Your Vitamins

When you first see your health care provider he/she will probably suggest some type of pre-natal vitamin, prescribed or over the counter. These contain very important vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, and folic acid.

In addition to a healthy diet prenatal vitamins help to assure that your body is getting what it needs to support your growing baby.

Sometimes these vitamins bring on nausea for moms-to-be. If this is the case for you talk to your doctor. There are so many types of vitamins and supplements out there it very likely that you can find one that will work without the sickness.

First Trimester – Breast Tenderness and Swelling

Progesterone and estrogen hormones are the culprits of many unpleasant pregnancy symptoms, breast tenderness and swelling being one of them. During the first trimester your body begins to prepare for breastfeeding by building up fat and increasing blood flow to the breasts. This normal function can be very uncomfortable for moms-to-be. Usually after the first trimester the discomfort and pain lessens.

First Trimester – Breast Tenderness and Swelling Remedies

• Wear a good supportive maternity bra.
• If you are uncomfortable during the night, consider wearing a sports bra to bed.
• Be careful in a crowd and when hugging people.
• Tell your husband about your symptoms so that he can be extra gentle with you in that area.

First Trimester – Cravings and Aversions

Most experts believe that cravings are a result of pregnancy hormones. More than 75% of pregnant women experience strange hungers for food they have never liked before. The most commonly yearnings include salty, sugary, or fatty foods.

Some women have reported that they have an aversion to some of their favorite foods while pregnant. Do not be surprised if some of your favorite foods turn your stomach, especially in the first trimester.

First Trimester – Dealing with Cravings and Aversions

Keep it healthy. If you are craving healthy vegetables and fruits, consider yourself lucky and go for it!! If your hankerings fall into the junk food category, be careful and try to consider a healthier substitute.

Get your mind off of it. If you find yourself obsessing over particular unhealthy foods try to change gears and do something else.

Pay attention to your aversions. If you cannot tolerate some of the healthy stuff that your body (and baby) needs, find a substitute. Many moms-to-be cannot bring themselves to drink milk but can enjoy a cup of yogurt.

First Trimester – Swelling

Swelling is very common and over 75% of pregnant women can expect to experience this symptom during the first trimester. Because there is an increase in body fluids moms-to-be might have swelling in their hands, legs, feet, and face. This tends to be more noticeable in hot weather and at the end of the day.

First Trimester – Swelling Remedies

• Do not stand or sit in one position for long period of time.
• Elevate your feet when possible.
• Sleep on your left side.
• Maintain proper blood circulation by safely exercising.
• Wear support stockings.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Limit your salt consumption.

First Trimester – Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is a result of your growing uterus putting pressure on your bladder and hormones. This is most commonly seen in the first and third trimesters, but can be an issue during any time.

First Trimester – Frequent Urination Help

• Get rid of the caffeine.
• Do not “hold it”.
• Empty your bladder completely when urinating.
• As a precautionary measure it is a good idea to wear panty liners.

First Trimester – Adjusting

There are several other symptoms that you may or may not experience along the way. Remember that every woman is different and should expect to experience a truly unique pregnancy. Many times, most of the changes that occur in the first 12 weeks are not as much visible as physical. Allow yourself time to get used to the idea and embrace it. Pregnancy is not easy but is one of the most rewarding experiences in a woman’s life. So get ready for this incredible roller coaster of a ride and make the best of this adjustment period known as the first trimester.

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