Physical and Emotional Changes During The First Trimester Of Pregnancy
It's natural to feel a range of emotions when you discover you are pregnant. Even if it is something you have dreamed about, or tried for, for many months (or years) you could feel apprehensive, concerned and maybe even a little scared.
But you are also likely to feel overwhelmingly happy, special and blessed.
After the initial rush of emotions settle down you will want to know what is going to happen to you over the next nine months and what physical and emotional changes you can expect.
Let's look at the first trimester of pregnancy, (the first 12 weeks) - a stage of incredible development for you and your baby.
As most women wait until after the first 12 weeks to share their news with family and friends (when the riskiest period for miscarriage has passed) for those first few all-important weeks you could be undergoing some physical and emotional changes with only your partner aware of what you are going through.
Morning sickness: The name is misleading. Nausea (similar to sea sickness) can affect women at any time. It usually subsides after the first trimester of pregnancy (but not always) and is due hormone fluctuation.
Try to not let the sickness stop you from eating. In fact nibbling a dry biscuit or sucking a fruity lolly can sometimes help.
Tell your GP if your sickness is severe as you may need temporary hospitalisation to replace vital nutrients and fluids.
Tiredness: Most women feel very tired during the first trimester of pregnancy as the placenta is forming and the heart rate increases.
Tender Breasts: Hormones can make breasts tender, sore or swollen so now is a good time to get a new, supportive bra.
Cravings: Your body will tell you when you need certain minerals or vitamins by giving you a craving for certain foods - anything from oranges to pickles or Chinese food.
Revulsions: Hormones are to blame for you suddenly (but temporarily) going off certain foods, even if you loved them pre-pregnancy. You may also now find certain smells and strong fragrances make you nauseous.
Indigestion and constipation: The digestive system slows down during the first trimester of pregnancy, so the baby can absorb the nutrients it needs, often causing heartburn and/or constipation. Drink plenty of water and eat smaller meals often to avoid overloading your system.
Mood Swings: Most women have mood swings throughout pregnancy. Let your GP know if they are severe.
Anxiety: A certain amount of anxiety is natural. Pregnancy is a life-changing condition. These days there is so much good pregnancy information out there (in books and online) which should alleviate your fears by keeping you informed on everything from what stage your baby is at, to what nutrients you need and what labour pain relief options you'll have.
Let you GP or midwife know if you are concerned about anything to do with your pregnancy or the impending labour and delivery.
But you are also likely to feel overwhelmingly happy, special and blessed.
After the initial rush of emotions settle down you will want to know what is going to happen to you over the next nine months and what physical and emotional changes you can expect.
Let's look at the first trimester of pregnancy, (the first 12 weeks) - a stage of incredible development for you and your baby.
As most women wait until after the first 12 weeks to share their news with family and friends (when the riskiest period for miscarriage has passed) for those first few all-important weeks you could be undergoing some physical and emotional changes with only your partner aware of what you are going through.
Morning sickness: The name is misleading. Nausea (similar to sea sickness) can affect women at any time. It usually subsides after the first trimester of pregnancy (but not always) and is due hormone fluctuation.
Try to not let the sickness stop you from eating. In fact nibbling a dry biscuit or sucking a fruity lolly can sometimes help.
Tell your GP if your sickness is severe as you may need temporary hospitalisation to replace vital nutrients and fluids.
Tiredness: Most women feel very tired during the first trimester of pregnancy as the placenta is forming and the heart rate increases.
Tender Breasts: Hormones can make breasts tender, sore or swollen so now is a good time to get a new, supportive bra.
Cravings: Your body will tell you when you need certain minerals or vitamins by giving you a craving for certain foods - anything from oranges to pickles or Chinese food.
Revulsions: Hormones are to blame for you suddenly (but temporarily) going off certain foods, even if you loved them pre-pregnancy. You may also now find certain smells and strong fragrances make you nauseous.
Indigestion and constipation: The digestive system slows down during the first trimester of pregnancy, so the baby can absorb the nutrients it needs, often causing heartburn and/or constipation. Drink plenty of water and eat smaller meals often to avoid overloading your system.
Mood Swings: Most women have mood swings throughout pregnancy. Let your GP know if they are severe.
Anxiety: A certain amount of anxiety is natural. Pregnancy is a life-changing condition. These days there is so much good pregnancy information out there (in books and online) which should alleviate your fears by keeping you informed on everything from what stage your baby is at, to what nutrients you need and what labour pain relief options you'll have.
Let you GP or midwife know if you are concerned about anything to do with your pregnancy or the impending labour and delivery.
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