First Trimester of Pregnancy: What to Expect

What is the First Trimester?

The first trimester of pregnancy refers to the first three months and the time in which the baby grows the fastest. This is the earliest phase of pregnancy and is marked by an invisible — yet amazing — transformation. First trimester starts on the first day of your last period -- before you’re even actually pregnant -- and lasts until the end of the 13th week.

What Happens to A Woman’s Body?

During the first trimester your body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body and these changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy. Some women glow with good health during those first 3 months; others feel absolutely miserable. Below listed are some changes you might notice:

• Extreme tiredness and fatigue:

As the body is working hard to support a growing baby, you are meant to get tired more easily.

• Tender, swollen breasts:

This is due to hormonal changes. However, the discomfort is likely to decrease after a few weeks as the body adjusts to hormonal changes.

• Morning sickness and Nausea:

This can strike at any time of the day or night, and often begins one month after you become pregnant.

• Cravings or distaste for certain foods:

When you're pregnant, you might become more sensitive to certain odors and your sense of taste might change. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, food preferences can also be a result of hormonal changes.

• Mood swings:

Hormonal changes can put you on an emotional roller coaster that will make you feel joyous at one moment and miserable in the next.

• Constipation:

High levels of progesterone hormone can slow the movement of food through your digestive system, causing constipation.

• Milky white discharge:

This is called Leukorrhea and it is normal to see it early in your pregnancy.

• Increased urination:

You may feel like you have to go to the bathroom all the time because your uterus is growing and it’s putting pressure on your bladder.

• Heartburn:

During pregnancy, body produces more of progesterone hormone which relaxes the smooth muscles that keeps the food and acids down in your stomach. When these smooth muscles loosen up, you can get an acid reflux, also known as heartburn.

• Weight gain:

Pregnancy is one of the few times in a woman's life when weight gain is considered a good thing but one must not overdo it. During the first trimester, you should gain about 3-6 pounds

Baby’s growth in First Trimester

During the first 13 weeks, your baby changes from a fertilized egg into a fully-formed fetus. All the major organs and systems including brain, spinal cord, heart, and digestive system are taking shape. You can even hear heart beat on ultrasound as early as week 6. It beats 120-160 times per minute.

Your baby starts to look like a baby, with arms, legs, fingers, and toes. Their face gets eyes, ears, a nose, and mouth.

By the end of the first trimester, your baby will be about 2 ½-3 inches long.

What to expect at the doctor’s appointment?

Your first visit will focus on assessing your overall health, identifying any risk factors and determining your baby's gestational age. Your health care provider will ask detailed questions about your health history. You can also expect to learn about first trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities.

During these appointments, discuss any concerns or fears you might have about pregnancy, childbirth or life with a newborn. Remember, no question is silly or unimportant — and the answers can help you take care of yourself and your baby.

Emergency Symptoms During the First Trimester

Any of the below-mentioned symptoms could be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your pregnancy. Don't wait for your prenatal visit to talk about it. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Heavy bleeding

• Severe dizziness

• Rapid weight gain or too little weight gain

Stay healthy during the first trimester

The first trimester is a delicate and crucial phase of the pregnancy. Ensure to eat a well-balanced diet, sleep well and exercise, as this will help you handles the changes your body is undergoing. Also, make sure to consult your OB/GYN before starting any new fitness regime. Quit Smoking and drinking.