What to Expect During Your First Trimester of Pregnancy
At Women’s Health Medical Group, we help our patients through the entire course of fertility, pregnancy, and delivery of their children. No matter how many books you read or how much research you do online, no one is ever totally prepared for the sea of changes that accompany pregnancy. But it does help to know some of the things that will be part of the process. Here are some of the changes to expect during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Breast tenderness
Your breasts will become sore. Why? To use a silly football analogy that your husband or boyfriend can relate to — your breasts are kind of in preseason camp, with your baby’s arrival being the regular season. Hormonal changes are getting your milk ducts ready for breastfeeding, and the soreness will last through the first trimester. Going up a bra size or opting for a support bra will make you more comfortable.
Milky white discharge
Early in your pregnancy, you’re likely to see a thin, milky white discharge. This is called leukorrhea and is perfectly normal. Don’t block the discharge with a tampon, as this can introduce germs into the vagina. Use a panty liner if you want to. There should not be a lot of discharge, and it shouldn’t be foul smelling, green, or yellow.
Bleeding
Early in their pregnancy, about a quarter of all pregnant women have some slight bleeding, and this freaks them out thinking it is the start of the road to miscarriage. But this is normal; light spotting is usually a sign that the fertilized embryo has implanted in the uterus. Bleeding should not be significant, however.
Fatigue
Your body is working overtime to support your growing fetus. That leaves less focus and energy on you, so you’re going to get tired much more easily. Take naps and be sure to rest. If you’ve been an athlete, give it a break. And be sure to get enough iron.
Urination
It’ll seem like you have to pee all the time. This is because even though your baby is still tiny, your uterus is growing and putting pressure on your bladder. Don’t stop drinking fluids, as your body needs them. But do cut down on caffeine, which stimulates the bladder.
Heartburn
Progesterone is the hormone your body produces during pregnancy to relax smooth muscles. Unfortunately, one of these muscles is the ring in your lower esophagus that normally keeps food and acids down in your stomach. When this muscle relaxes some of those acids can make their way up higher than normal. This is acid reflux, colloquially known as heartburn. To fight it, eat smaller meals more often and don’t lie down right after eating.
Morning sickness
You will have nausea. It is among the most common symptoms that accompany pregnancy, with up to 85% of women suffering from it. Nausea is caused by hormonal changes in the body, and it often lasts through the entire first trimester. It is usually the worst in the morning (uh, morning sickness). To calm your nausea, try eating small, bland, or high-protein snacks and sipping water, clear fruit juice, or ginger ale.
These are a few things to expect during your first trimester of pregnancy. At Women’s Health Medical Group, we’ll give you a heads up on these and others things to expect. Call us at 817-346-5336 if you’ve just become pregnant, or for your regular health needs.
Category:
Leave a Reply