Despite being a joyful moment, pregnancy is one of the most challenging phases in a woman’s life. While expecting, you’ll have to combat many battles to ensure a healthy growth of the baby. Your first battle as a pregnant woman will begin even before you hear the good news.
This is the earliest phase of pregnancy, otherwise known as the ‘First Trimester’. During the first trimester, your body will experience different changes. While these changes might be uncomfortable, they are essential for your little one. In these first few weeks, the baby’s body organs will start to develop. Also, this is the stage when there’s a high risk of fetal damage. This means you’ll have to be extra cautious about your daily habits during this period.
In this article, we’re going to explain what is the first trimester of pregnancy and how you can prepare for it.
In general, a full-term pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. This period is separated into three different trimesters. The first trimester of pregnancy starts from the first day of your last period and continues up to week 12.
This is a crucial stage of pregnancy as this is when the baby’s spinal cord, brain, and other organs develop. Somewhere between the 5th and the 9th week, the baby’s heart rate will increase as well [1]. By the end of the 12th week, all the essential baby organs are completely developed. In a nutshell, the first few weeks are important for a healthy initial growth of the baby.
It’s also worth noting that the first trimester is important for the mother as well. During this phase, your body will experience many changes due to hormone imbalance. You will witness different pregnancy symptoms like heartburn, morning sickness, mood swings, etc.
A Point to Remember - These pregnancy symptoms indicate that your baby is healthy and you’re on the right track. But, if the symptoms get worse, you may need to consult a doctor for medical assistance..- HERA
So, what can you expect during the first trimester? To be honest, the symptoms of the first trimester vary for each woman. Some women only experience regular pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and breast tenderness. But, in some situations, the symptoms can get worse and they may experience heavy bleeding as well.
Heartburn is a condition that almost 45% of women[2] experience while expecting a child. Despite being quite uncomfortable, heartburn is essential for your baby’s growth. Why? Because it slows down the digestion and makes it easier for the body to absorb all the nutrients from the food.
While you cannot avoid heartburn, there are ways to reduce the burning sensation. For instance, instead of eating three heavy meals, you should consume 4-5 smaller meals. Also if the condition gets worse, cut oily food from your diet.
As soon as you’ll step into the first trimester, you’ll start getting tired more often. In a medical study, 53.1% women [3] reported frequent fatigue in the first three months of pregnancy. This happens because your body works hard to grow a baby and thereby needs more rest. That’s why, it’s important to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each day throughout your pregnancy.
Keep in mind that you may also experience fatigue due to iron deficiency. When you’re pregnant, your body will need more iron to produce hemoglobin for the baby. If you don’t get enough iron, you may also develop Anemia[4]. It’s a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough red-blood cells.
Hera Pro Tip: If you’re a vegan, you are most likely to develop Iron Deficiency because a vegan diet contains heme iron, which is harder for the body to absorb. In this case, you can take prenatal vitamins to fulfill the daily intake of Iron. .- HERA
Morning sickness is another common symptom of early pregnancy. It usually starts during the 8th week of the first trimester. Although some women may experience its symptoms during the first week itself.
The good news is morning sickness is a sign of healthy pregnancy. But, there are women who suffer from Hyperemesis Gravidarum[5] as well. It’s a condition where the symptoms get worse and you’ll start feeling dehydrated. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a critical medical condition as your body will lose electrolytes. So, if you experience any of its symptoms, make sure to visit a doctor at the earliest.
First trimester of pregnancy may also trigger various other symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
Weight Gain
Occasional Mood Swings
Constipation
Breast Tenderness
Frequent Visits to the Bathroom
Some women also experience pain in the lower abdomen during the first trimester. This happens because the uterus expands and puts pressure on the stomach.
As we mentioned earlier, the first trimester of pregnancy is a crucial stage for both mother and the baby. Understanding what’s right for your and the baby’s well-being will keep everyone safe.
Here are a few tips that’ll help you get ready for the first trimester.
Start by undergoing the first trimester screening. It’s a medical test that’ll provide information about baby’s chromosomal conditions. This means you’ll know if your baby is at a risk of developing Down Syndrome [6] or not.
Make sure to consume enough Iron. Iron Deficiency is most common during the first trimester and can also affect the baby’s growth. If you’re a non-vegetarian, eat lean meat as it’s rich in Iron. Vegetarians and vegans may need prenatal supplements to fulfill the daily Iron requirement.
Start a dedicated exercise routine and continue it throughout the pregnancy. Despite what you may have heard, exercise during pregnancy is good for the mother’s health. But, you should stick to basic aerobic exercises like walking/jogging. Avoid lifting heavy weights or performing strength training exercises.
Don’t consume alcohol during the first trimester or throughout the pregnancy. Alcohol is a pregnant lady’s enemy and even one drink can result in fetal damage[7]. In fact, you should also avoid alcohol when you’re trying to conceive.
Eat a nutrition-rich diet. Make sure to include all essential nutrients in your daily meals. Also, replace regular milk with low-fat milk as it’s easier to digest. Low-fat dairy products will reduce first trimester pregnancy symptoms like heartburn.
The majority of women won’t have to visit a doctor during the first trimester. But, it’s always a good practice to check-in with your OB/Gyn as soon as you know you’re pregnant. You can also ask the doctor for first trimester screening to check the baby for down syndrome. Your doctor will also prescribe folic acid supplementation for a healthy growth of the baby.
First trimester of pregnancy is the time of significant changes. Both you and your baby will experience drastic changes in these first three months. Preparing beforehand will make it easier to provide a nurturing environment for the baby. So, follow the above-mentioned tips and embark on a journey of a healthy pregnancy.