First Trimester of Pregnancy - What To Expect

Pregnancy is the best time of a woman's life, and can be classified into three trimesters. The first trimester of pregnancy is the most crucial period in pregnancy, since here the woman might feel sick and exhausted, and may even be advised bed rest.

First trimester pregnancy is a time for joy, expectation, and new changes for the mother to be. Though every stage of pregnancy has its distinct characteristics, it is the first trimester of pregnancy that can be the most difficult.

Tests To Confirm Pregnancy

While we have dealt with this topic in detail elsewhere, let us go through some of the tests used to detect pregnancy. A missed period is what alerts most women to possible pregnancy. The next test is a urine test to detect BHCG levels in urine. The testing kit is available in drug stores, and you can even ask your doctor for it.

Symptoms of Pregnancy

Main symptoms of pregnancy include tender and enlarged breasts, nausea, exhaustion, dizziness, food cravings, discharge from the vagina, and in some cases, mood swings. You may experience either one or more of these symptoms.

Changes In Your Body

The first stage of pregnancy brings many changes to your body. Your body will grow and change in order to accommodate the growing fetus, and it may be a period of discomfort for some of you. However, remember that this is not a period of sickness, but something natural that your body is built to cope with. Reading up on the changes your body undergoes helps you prepare better for them.

Some of the changes of the first trimester of pregnancy include change in size of breasts, exhaustion and nausea. Abdominal distension is the most obvious sign of this stage. At this stage of pregnancy development, you may feel the need to urinate more frequently. Some women also experience constipation, indigestion and gas during the first trimester of pregnancy. You can learn more about the changes in your body through various books and links given here.

Problems During first trimester of pregnancy

The first pregnancy trimester is fraught with many changes for the mother to be. Some of you may also experience discomfort and problems like excessive vomiting, weight gain, heartburn, dizziness and tiredness. Leg cramps can occur due to low levels of calcium. Some of you may develop varicose veins on parts of the body. Always consult your doctor if you feel your symptoms are too severe. Find more information on our site regarding problems pregnant women face during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Precautions during first trimester of pregnancy

Pregnancy first trimester calls for certain precautions for women. The first precaution relates to your diet. It is not true that women need to eat for two when they are pregnant, since this results in excess weight gain. Instead, eat several small meals a day. Since many women experience nausea at this stage of pregnancy, it is best to avoid oily food, and anything else that you do not think you will be able to keep down. Food should be well cooked. You must rest for at least 8 hours daily, and not stand for too long. Physical activity should be kept to a minimum, and avoid lifting heavy objects, or pushing yourself too hard. Smoking during different stage of pregnancy is best avoided. If you have to travel, ensure you do not travel over bumpy roads. Before taking any medication, consult your doctor.

Diet

Women in the first trimester of pregnancy should have proper nutrition rich in minerals and vitamins. Your diet should have at least 0.4 milligrams of folic acid or Vitamin C. A vitamin rich diet helps the fetus grow normally. Cut down on alcohol intake if you drink regularly. Instead, settle for the occasional glass of wine with meals.

Exercise

It is normal for most women to gain some weight when they are pregnant. However, excessive weight gain causes complications during pregnancy. Consult your physician for an appropriate exercise regimen. Before you start on any exercise routine, be sure to inform your doctor.

With proper precautions and keeping in regular touch with your obstetrician, you can avoid many of the complications related to the first trimester of pregnancy. Though some problems like nausea, weight gain and tiredness are common to most women, you can take steps to reduce these feelings. Reading more about the first trimester of pregnancy and keeping yourself informed on all aspects of pregnancy, baby stage during pregnancy and other things make your journey to motherhood smooth and joyous.