Post
Back

What to Expect in Your First Trimester

What to Expect in Your First Trimester
 
Congratulations! You’ve just stepped into your first trimester, which is a time filled with transformation, both for your baby and your body. 
Between the excitement and physical body changes, it’s also normal to feel a mix of emotions. 
From the moment of conception to the end of week 12, major developments happen fast, including your baby’s organs forming and your body adapting in surprising ways. Knowing the changes that occur during the first trimester can help alleviate some of the burden. So, come with me!
 
What Happens in Pregnancy Weeks 1 - 12?
The first trimester comprises three months, which correspond to weeks 1-12. Here is what to expect during this period:
  • Weeks 1 – 4: During these weeks, your body may not yet show signs of pregnancy, but fear not - your embryo is developing structures such as the placenta, amniotic sac, and neural tube.
  • Weeks 5 – 8: Within these weeks, organs like the heart, lungs, arms, and legs begin forming, and by week 8, the embryo can be called a ‘fetus’ and begin to resemble a tiny human.
  • Weeks 9 – 12: In this stage, fingers, toes, nails, and facial features start to develop, and by week 12, the baby is roughly the size of a plum, and your doctor may detect a heartbeat via Doppler.
Symptoms During the First Trimester
Here are some symptoms you might feel in your first trimester:
  • Nausea (Morning Sickness): For many women, nausea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms they experience. This usually starts around week 6–8, and can happen at any time of day. An extreme condition of morning sickness is called hyperemesis gravidarum, which rarely happens.
     
  • Breast tenderness & fatigue: You may notice that your breasts become soft, swollen, and tender. Additionally, you may feel extremely tired all the time.
     
  • Frequent urination: Around weeks 4-6, due to hormonal shifts and increased blood flow, you may experience increased urination frequency. Most women experience this throughout their pregnancy.
     
  • Mood swings, headaches, bloating & constipation: Your hormones start working overtime during the first trimester, which triggers digestive changes like bloating, headaches, and constipation, in addition to emotional ups and downs.
     
  • Skin changes: Some women see skin changes in early pregnancy, which should ease over time.
What to Expect in Your First Prenatal Visit
Here is what to expect on your first prenatal visit after pregnancy confirmation:
  • You will go through blood tests, urine tests, and possibly a pelvic exam or Pap smear to assess your overall health.
  • You will also go through an ultrasound to confirm the due date and detect the fetal heartbeat.
  • Your doctor will discuss a pregnancy care plan and schedule repeat visits. WHO recommends the first visit within the first 12 weeks for optimal health outcomes.
Helpful Tips for Navigating the First Trimester
  • Register for prenatal care early: Early visits can help identify potential risks and provide appropriate care.
     
  • Prioritise nutrition: Take doctor-recommended folic acid and iron supplements. Additionally, incorporate more leafy greens, legumes, and fruits into your diet for optimal fetal development.
     
  • Practice gentle exercise: Non-strenuous activities, such as walking or prenatal yoga, can help boost your mood throughout your pregnancy. Avoid strenuous exercises, heavy lifting, and overly intense workouts, especially if you weren’t doing them before pregnancy.
     
  • Avoid self-medicating: Many common medications, especially painkillers, antibiotics, and herbal remedies, can be harmful to your developing baby. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication, even for minor conditions such as headaches or colds.
     
  • Don’t take alcohol or smoke: Alcohol and tobacco increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and birth defects, so it’s advisable to avoid them completely throughout your pregnancy.
     
  • Limit caffeine intake: While you don’t have to give up coffee entirely, stick to less than 200mg of caffeine a day (about one 12-ounce cup). Too much caffeine can cause pregnancy complications.
     
  • Avoid stress and sleep deprivation: A lack of rest and emotional stress can take a toll on both you and your baby. So rest and sleep more, especially during these early weeks.
     
  • Don’t ignore unusual symptoms: Bleeding, severe cramping, dizziness, or intense nausea shouldn’t be brushed off. Contact your doctor if anything feels off.
Conclusion
Your first trimester can feel like a period of endless nausea or vomiting, but it definitely stops, and you will most probably feel better in the second trimester. Keep your head up!
What first-trimester symptoms surprised you? We are curious, let us know in the comments.
 
 
Researched by Mercy Adeniyi.

 

comment (0) 5
Processing...