Pregnancy Symptoms: First Trimester
The first trimester is full of significant and invisible changes within the body. Although the typical outward signs of pregnancy may not be visible yet, the physical changes happening inside the body can lead to numerous symptoms and side-effects that are very tangible to moms-to-be.
While it may not be ?eating for two? quite yet, the newly-pregnant female body is called upon in many ways to support the growth and development of the fetus. Circulatory, digestive, reproductive, and other systems work hard to help the baby develop. Because of these changes, certain symptoms are normal in the first trimester of pregnancy, including nausea, heartburn, constipation, fatigue, mood swings and more.
Physical Change:
Chronic periods of nausea, sometimes called "morning sickness," are common early on in pregnancy. These bouts of nausea can occur at any time during the day, and are typically caused by the multitude of hormonal changes happening in a woman?s body. Sometimes nausea can be triggered by exposure to certain tastes or smells, particularly of certain foods. Some moms-to-be find that eating small, frequent meals during the day and avoiding any exposure to foods that seem unappealing are good ways to combat nausea. In most cases, after the first trimester the body acclimates to the hormonal and other changes associated with the pregnancy and morning sickness subsides.
Heartburn and constipation can plague some pregnant women particularly in the first trimester. Experts say that this could be because the digestive system slows down naturally during pregnancy, in order to allow maximum nutrient absorption for both mother and baby. Maintaining a healthy diet and frequent exercise can help support digestive health, and be sure to talk to a specialist before taking any over-the-counter medications for these symptoms.
Fatigue is another common symptom pregnant women feel throughout pregnancy, beginning in the first trimester. It is important for women to listen to their bodies, and if they feel unusually tired they should allocate more time to resting. Though the woman?s body may not ?appear? pregnant, the changes and development of the fetus during the first trimester are significant. It is logical that the mother-to-be may feel more tired during this time of growth, and getting plenty of sleep and a protein-rich diet will help support both her and her baby during this time.
Emotional Change:
The excitement many pregnant women feel during the first trimester can lead to a broad spectrum of emotions. Feelings of delight, depression, fright, and expectation are just as common among pregnant women as physical changes resulting from pregnancy. The support from family, friends, and experienced specialists during pregnancy can help alleviate anxiety and support pregnant women through this time of change.
These and other physical changes in the pregnant body are considered normal, but expectant women should always consult a specialist if their symptoms become intense or significantly affect normal daily activities.
