The first trimester of pregnancy begins on the first day of your last menstruation, long before you’re even pregnant, and lasts until the 13th week. This is a period of immense anticipation and rapid change for both you and your baby. You’ll be more prepared for the months ahead if you know what to expect.
Here are some of the changes you may observe in the First Trimester of pregnancy, what they represent, and which indicators should prompt you to contact your midwife.
Mood swings are a common occurrence.
Increased exhaustion and fluctuating hormones might send you on an emotional roller coaster, ranging from happy to sad, hopeful to afraid in a matter of seconds. It’s fine to cry, but seek out a sympathetic ear if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You can discuss your concerns with your partner, a friend, a family member, or even a professional.
Feeling unwell in the morning.
One of the most prevalent pregnancy symptoms is nausea. It affects up to 85% of pregnant women. It is caused by changes in your body’s hormones and can last the entire first trimester of pregnancy. Some pregnant people have only minor nausea. Others are unable to begin their day without vomiting. Morning sickness is usually the worst (hence the name, “morning sickness”). Small, bland, high-protein snacks (crackers, pork, or cheese) and water, clear fruit juice (apple juice), or ginger ale will help you feel better. You might want to do this even before getting out of bed. Any foods that make you sick to your stomach should be avoided. Nausea isn’t dangerous in and of itself, but if it’s extreme or won’t go away, it might reduce the amount of nutrition your baby receives. If you can’t stop vomiting or can’t eat anything, consult your midwife.
Weight gain.
Pregnancy is one of the few occasions in a woman’s life when gaining weight is encouraged, but don’t go overboard. You should gain about 3-6 pounds throughout the first trimester of pregnancy (your doctor may advise you to change your weight gain if you started your pregnancy underweight or overweight. Add more fruits and vegetables, milk, whole-grain bread, and lean meat to your diet to get those calories the healthy way.
The First Trimester’s Development
Your kid develops from a fertilised egg to a fully-fledged foetus over the first 13 weeks i.e during the first trimester of pregnancy. After that, all of the major organs and systems come into their own.
Here’s what’s going on:
- The fertilised egg divides quickly and implants in your uterus as a cluster of rapidly dividing cells. The amniotic sac, placenta, and umbilical cord all begin to develop.
- Your baby’s nervous system develops from an open neural tube to a brain and spinal cord. Then, nerves and muscles begin to cooperate. Your kid can move on its own, but you won’t be able to feel it because it’s too early.
- The heart begins to take shape and beat. As early as week 6, you can hear it on ultrasound. It has a heart rate of 120 to 160 beats per minute. The formation of red blood cells is underway.
- Your baby’s digestive system, including the intestines and kidneys, develops.
- The lungs and other vital organs are present, although they are not fully grown.
- The soft skeleton is beginning to form.
- With arms, legs, fingers, and toes, your baby begins to resemble a newborn. Eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth are added to their face. Tooth buds and a tongue develop. Eyelids cover your baby’s eyes, and towards the end of the third trimester, they even have fingernails.
- Your kid will be around 2 12-3 inches long by the end of the first trimester of your pregnancy.
To-Do List for the First Trimester
Many women consider having a child to be one of the most beautiful events in their lives. The anticipation is palpable, from imagining the day you’ll bring your baby home to deciding on a name and nursery decor. During the first trimester of pregnancy, however, you must take some practical steps, such as:
- Select a physician. Do you want an obstetrician or a midwife to deliver your baby? Find out what your health insurance covers and get referrals.
- During the first trimester of pregnancy, make an appointment for a prenatal visit. In the initial meeting, you’ll cover a lot of territories. First, the doctor will conduct a complete medical history and discuss your lifestyle and health practices. Then, they’ll figure out when you’ll be due. You’ll also have blood and urine testing, as well as a pelvic exam if necessary.
- Prenatal appointments should be scheduled every four weeks. The doctor will examine your weight and blood pressure, test your urine, and listen to your baby’s heartbeat.
- Find out what further tests and screenings you might need first trimester of pregnancy, such as genetic testing for your baby.
- To help your baby’s brain and spinal cord grow properly, start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid.
- Inquire with your doctor about which prescription and over-the-counter medications you can still take safely.
- Examine your diet and make necessary changes to ensure that you and your baby receive adequate nutrients. Make sure you drink plenty of water.
- Smoking and illegal drug usage are two bad habits to break. Eliminate alcohol and caffeine from your diet.
- Maintain your fitness schedule, but pay attention to your body’s signals. You may need to adjust the type of exercise you undertake or make it more accessible.
- Find out how much it costs to have a child and begin making changes. For example, will you be responsible for paying for child care? Will you reduce your workload? Make a new budget to account for the new addition.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you may feel overwhelmed. Know what to expect from this exciting time and how to take care of yourself. We at Nurturey are here to guide you through every step of the process. Nurturey PinkBook’s smart and intuitive tools can help you manage your pregnancy better. Throughout your pregnancy you will be required to schedule prenatal tests. You can use Nurturey’s Prenatal tests tool to manage your schedule and receive NHS guidance. When your baby begins to move in your womb as they grow, your midwife may advise you to track their movements. Kick counter from Nurturey is an easy to use tool to monitor your baby’s kicks and movements, which may indicate the baby’s well-being and normal growth.
Nurturey will help you stay at top of your pregnancy and manage your child’s health. Download our application or visit our website www.nurturey.com for more information
