Pregnancy First Trimester

Trimesters show how your unborn child in the form of a foetus in developing with each passing week. During the first trimester the foetus is just a little more than 2.54 cm by the ninth week and one of the very important stages is the embryonic stage. In this stage the embryo is vulnerable to substances like alcohol and radiation. Likewise the first trimester requires your attention and you should be taking care of yourself well. Understand the first trimester through our articles and prepare yourself for a healthy and fruitful first trimester.

Symptoms of first trimester

First trimester is the beginning of pregnancy which is exciting and risky both. After the first trimester is over, most of the risks associated with pregnancy including risk of miscarriage are reduced. The mother’s body goes through many changes in the first trimester. The body releases hormones that affect almost every single organ in the body. The most prominent sign of pregnancy is missed periods. Here are other symptoms of first trimester to look out for if you were planning your pregnancy:

• Vomiting
• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Cravings
• Mood swings

Problems and Complications During The First Trimester of Pregnancy

During the first trimester, your body and that of your baby are changing rapidly. During pregnancy, your body will undergo many changes to nourish and protect your baby. Women experience these changes differently. Some pregnancy symptoms persist for several weeks or months. Others are experienced only for a short time. Some women experience many symptoms, and others experience just a few. But there are certain complications that are common in first trimester, scroll down to know them all.

Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester is very common. Women often get tensed upon seeing blood pass through the body. One in four pregnant women experience bleeding in the first trimester and most of them have a safe pregnancy. Light spotting is normal but if it is followed by heavy bleeding, abdominal cramping, etc. you must speak to your doctor. This could possibly be a sign of miscarriage.

Leukorrhea or white discharge

White or milky discharge in early weeks of pregnancy is quite normal and there is nothing to worry about unless it is yellow or green in colour. Besides, if it smells foul, you must see your doctor right away.

Breast tenderness

During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels increase. This makes the mammary glands enlarge causing the breasts to swell. Don’t fret, this is the beginning of preparing the breasts for breastfeeding. Your breasts, the pigmented areas around the nipples of each breast, enlarge and turn dark. The veins on the surface of your breasts look like bulging. In addition to this, the uterus starts growing and puts pressure on your bladder. This can cause you to urinate several times. 

Hormonal imbalance

Partly due to the increase in hormones, you may experience mood swings similar to those of premenstrual syndrome. During this time most women experience irritability, anger and other psychological symptoms. 

Morning sickness

This is another common issue that women suffer from in their first trimester. Some women experience this throughout their pregnancy. This causes nausea and sometimes vomiting multiple times a day. However, morning sickness does not necessarily occur only in the morning, it can be caused by anything and at any time.

Constipation

You are carrying a baby in the uterus and as it grows, your rectum and intestines feel the pressure due to bulging belly. Thus, this can cause constipation and gastric issues during pregnancy. Women should take care of their diet in the first three months to aid constipation. Avoid having foods that cause constipation.

Muscular contractions in the intestines

The contractions of the muscles in the intestines, which help move food through the digestive tract, slow down due to high levels of progesterone. This, in turn, may cause indigestion, constipation and gas. 

High heart rate

The heart rate increases by about 40 to 50 percent from the beginning of pregnancy to the end. It increases cardiac output. An increased cardiac output during pregnancy can increase the pulse rate.

Frequent urination and UTI

Since the growing uterus is pressurising your bladder, you may feel like peeing a lot. Urinary tract infection of UTI is also common in pregnancy and so, you need to be careful about your personal hygiene and avoid using public toilets. Also, don’t give up on fluids to prevent frequent trips for urination as fluids are very important for the body.

Tips to Manage First Trimester

First trimester is tricky of them all as your first trimester will decide how your pregnancy journey is going to be. While you are excited to conceive and thrilled with the thought the you will be holding your baby after some months, do not forget to be careful. You need to be practically patient and present to safeguard your pregnancy in the first trimester. After this time passes, your pregnancy gets confirmed and you can enjoy the time. Here are some to-do tips for first trimester.

First and foremost, choose a doctor for your pregnancy and delivery. Conduct your research and finalise a gynaecologist or obstetrician. 

Get prenatal health tests done including STDs and HIV. This helps in finding out if you have any serious underlying condition that can affect your pregnancy. Based on doctor’s suggestion, proceed for treatment.

You must go for health checkup every 3-4 weeks to track the fetal growth and development. Get your blood sugar and blood pressure checked regularly to avert the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Consume prenatal vitamins such as iron and folic acid which should be continued till the delivery. This helps in cognitive development of the baby.

Follow a healthy diet and do not eat anything and everything that you crave as this would only cause weight gain and hamper your body.

You might feel like peeing several times but do not cut down water intake. It is important to stay hydrated.

Do not consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes after you conceive. It is also advised to cut down on caffeine as this is not good for health.

Stay physically active unless your doctor has advised you rest. By staying active during pregnancy increases the chances of normal delivery.

Walk a little every day or you can also swim to keep the body healthy and active.

Start to make finance plan right from the beginning to prevent sudden pressure during delivery.

First trimester is the most important and crucial for the mother and child. You need to be careful to enjoy healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22309582/

https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/stages-pregnancy

https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/infections.html