Your Changing Body: The First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy brings many changes to a woman’s body. Many of these changes are unseen because they happen internally. You may experience nausea in the first trimester, this nausea or morning sickness is mostly caused by the hormonal changes that are occurring in your body. One of the first symptoms many women notice in the first trimester in an increased sensitivity or tenderness in their breasts. Most women have fuller breasts during pregnancy. As your uterus begins to enlarge it will start to press on your bladder, this causes more frequent urination. Fatigue is also an issue for many women. Your body is preparing itself to support your pregnancy, your heart rate increases as you begin to pump the increased amount blood that you will need to nourish your baby.

Morning Sickness

The nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness are mostly due to the hormonal changes that are going on in your body during pregnancy. Although the term morning sickness is often used the symptoms can occur at any time of the day.

There are things you can do to try and alleviate the symptoms:
Eat smaller meal portions and eat more frequently.

• Avoid foods that have a high fat content
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Ginger tablets can help soothe nausea.
• Avoid any smells that trigger the nausea

There are over the counter medications to relieve the discomfort of morning sickness but you should consult your obstetrician before taking any of them. As a last resort a prescription medication can also be prescribed however it is a good idea to limit the amount of drug intake during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

Baby’s development during the first trimester

Even in the earliest stages of development the embryo is undergoing many changes. As early as the third week of gestation the brain, heart and digestive tract are developing. During the fifth week of gestation arm and leg buds are visible and the embryos’ heart rate has a steady rhythm. By the seventh week of the gestational period all the essential organs are formed. By the end of the first trimester the fetus is approximately an ounce in weight and about three inches long.

Here’s what to expect in your second trimester.

If you think you may be pregnant please check for the signs of pregnancy.