What to Expect During the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

What to expect during the first trimester of pregnancy? First trimester is calculated from week 0 – week 13 of gestational age, since the beginning of last menstrual period. Besides feeling excited of being pregnant, anxiety will start to kick in as you do not know what will happen in the next few months. You are not alone, here is the article for you.

Welcome to your first trimester of pregnancy. A lot of changes will take place in the next three months that guarantee a rollercoaster of emotions. There will be ups and downs, but it’s all part of the pregnancy journey.

You don’t only need to prepare for things happening inside your body, but also what you need to do to ensure that you’ll pass through the next few months in good shape. Here are the things you can expect.

What to expect during the first trimester of pregnancy?

The Prenatal Visit

After getting the positive result from your home pregnancy test, call your doctor right away and schedule an appointment to get confirmation result through ultrasound. Your prenatal visit will become your routine monthly visit, it is to ensure that you’re taking the right steps for your pregnancy and to detect any abnormalities during this period.

If you suspect you are pregnant after home pregnancy test, you must already start acting pregnant. Take the necessary steps such as not lifting heavy things and watch out for unhealthy lifestyle and diet. Limit yourself in caffeine intake, alcohol, smoking and beware of taking any drugs/medicines. In preparation for your first pregnancy appointment, you can get the most out of your visit by making a list of your crucial health facts.

You must know your personal medical history, mental health history, gynecological history, obstetrical history, or if you have any potential disease exposure. You may also want to know if any health conditions run your families.

For your prenatal visit, here are the things you’ll go through:

1. Check-up and confirmation of your pregnancy. This will include measuring your blood pressure, your weight and height, a pelvic exam, and a size-assessment of your uterus, along with the shape and size of your pelvis.
2. Needles and blood! Several tests will be conducted, including urine test, bloodwork, genetic carrier screening, STD test, pap smear, and a blood sugar test. Each blood test won’t take that long. If you’re afraid of blood, simply look away while they’re getting this blood from you.
3. You’ll get to know the countdown to your due date. The OB/GYN will ask about your last menstruation and will calculate accordingly. If you know when you conceived, better to mention it.
4. Other tests. Your cervix, uterus, and HCG levels will also be checked. Also, be prepared for an ultrasound where you’ll probably find a tadpole that’ll bring you so much joy!

Changes in your body

There’s no way to prepare for the first trimester of pregnancy. With new things happening each day, you might lose count of what’s going on. It will be challenging, but remember to be kind to yourself no matter what.

1. Hello, morning sickness! Imagine a hangover without the fun the night before. That entails nausea and vomiting any time of the day. You’ll be a little queasy with some food and scents. Suddenly, the food you enjoyed last month will bring you an unpleasant feeling in the next several weeks. Some women are lucky, they will experience no discomfort and morning sickness at all. Every individual is different, just prepare for it.
2. Exhaustion. Suddenly fatigue is embracing you like a best friend. This is because your body is pumping out more progesterone to prevent miscarriage and build the uterine lining. It can be a little hard to function, so take naps whenever possible. Go to bed early and keep your bedroom environment comfortable.
3. Breasts are getting tender. They are getting bigger – a way for your body to prepare to breastfeed. Find a comfortable bra.
4. Your emotions will be a mess. One minute, you’re doing great, the next minute, you’re feeling crazy. Please believe me when I say this is entirely normal. Taking care of oneself should be a priority right now. Find a way to relax, go to a spa, or find people to talk to you who can relate to what you’re going through.
5. Constipation and the need to pee. You’ll find yourself going to toilet breaks more often now. You’ll find yourself gassier than normal. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated and keep the fiber coming.
6. Loss of appetite or craving for certain food. Some women will crave for certain foods and some women will have loss of appetite due to morning sickness. Do not worry about you are not eating good enough for the baby as the baby is still very tiny. You will not see much weight gain during this period. Just keep yourself hydrated, eat less but more frequent meals.
7. Absence of menstrual period. Usually, you will not get menstrual period during the pregnancy. Some women experience light bleeding or spotting in the early pregnancy due to implantation. If you experience heavy bleeding during pregnancy, it could be a sign of threaten miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Go to your doctor immediately.

Checklist for your First Trimester of Pregnancy:

Life can be overwhelming. Having a handy checklist makes sure that you’re on track. Here’s a list for your first trimester. Tick them up once done.

Conclusion

Your first trimester of pregnancy is the most vulnerable time for your fetus. Before doing anything at this period, remember that your baby’s major organs and body systems are forming. Stay away from drugs, radiation, tobacco, any infectious and toxic substances.

Also, remember that you’re not alone in this. Reaching out to your friends and family and involving your partner every step of the way will bring good vibes to you and your baby.

Related post “List of foods not to eat while pregnant“,”5 things you can’t do while pregnant“