With the news that you are going to be a mother , you are filled with joy, curiosity and a little fear, right? All of these feelings are very normal. Pregnancy is a time of amazing changes. So today we will talk about the first and most important step of this journey, the first 3 months, or the first trimester. Having a good understanding of what happens during this period will help you cope with the months ahead.
What is the first trimester?
Simply put, the first trimester of pregnancy begins on the first day of your last menstrual period. That is, before you are even pregnant. This period lasts until the end of 13 weeks. This is the time when the most rapid changes occur in your body and that of your baby. During this time, your body prepares to accommodate a new life in an amazing way.
Changes in your body during this time
Pregnancy is different for everyone. Some mothers find the first three months to be very exciting and comfortable. Others may experience a lot of discomfort. This is all normal. Let's take a look at some of the common changes and symptoms you may experience during this time.
| Body change/symptom | The reason for that and what you need to know |
|---|---|
| Breast pain | This is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Hormonal changes are causing your mammary glands to prepare to produce milk for your baby. This can cause your breasts to swell and feel sore. Wearing a slightly larger, more comfortable bra can help. |
| Morning Sickness | About 85% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting. This is due to hormonal changes. Although it is more common in the morning, this discomfort can occur at any time of the day. Eating a cracker or two before getting out of bed in the morning or drinking ginger tea can provide relief. |
| Frequent urination | Even though your baby is still small, the growing uterus is putting pressure on your bladder. That's why you feel like you need to go to the bathroom all the time. Don't stop drinking water. But cut down on drinking things like coffee and tea before bed. |
| Constipation | The hormone progesterone secreted during pregnancy slows down the movement of food. The iron tablets you take also affect this. Eat more fibrous foods (fruits, vegetables, greens) and drink plenty of water. Doing light exercise is also helpful. Never take medication for constipation without consulting your doctor. |
| Extreme fatigue (Fatigue) | Your body is using up a lot of energy to create a new life inside you. So it's normal to feel more tired than usual. Take a nap during the day and rest. Anemia, which is caused by iron deficiency, can also be a cause of extreme fatigue. So take the iron tablets your doctor prescribes exactly as prescribed. |
A few other common changes...
- Changes in appetite: You may develop cravings for certain foods and even dislike the smell of certain foods. This is normal. However, if you develop a craving for non-food items (called `Pica`) such as clay, chalk, or laundry soap, it can be dangerous. If this happens, tell your doctor immediately.
- Heartburn: The hormone `(Progesterone)` can increase the amount of stomach acid that comes up into the throat. Don't eat a large meal at once, eat small amounts several times a day. Don't stretch after eating. Reduce oily, spicy, and sour foods.
- Spotting: About 25% of pregnant women experience spotting in the early stages. This can happen when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. However , if the bleeding is heavy, accompanied by severe abdominal pain or cramping, it could be a sign of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. So see a doctor immediately.
- Mood swings : Hormonal changes and fatigue can cause you to feel happy one moment, then sad or scared the next. This is normal. Talking about this with your partner, a friend, or a family member can be a great relief.
Your baby's development in these 3 short months
During these 13 amazing weeks, your baby develops from a single cell to a fully formed fetus. Imagine how crucial this time is!
During this time, all of the baby's major organs and systems are forming. Therefore, exposure to things like drugs, certain medications, and radiation can be harmful to the baby.
- The fertilized egg becomes a rapidly dividing cluster of cells and implants itself in the wall of the uterus. The placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic sac surrounding the baby begin to develop.
- The baby's nervous system develops from an open neural tube into the brain and spinal cord.
- The heart is forming and starting to beat! This tiny heartbeat can be heard on an ultrasound scan as early as 6 weeks. It beats about 120-160 times per minute.
- The digestive system , intestines, and kidneys are forming. The lungs are formed, but they are not yet fully developed.
- The shape of a little baby is starting to take shape, with arms, legs, and fingers. The face's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are taking shape. The eyelids are closing the eyes. By the end of the first trimester, even the fingernails are forming!
- Even though the genitals are starting to develop, it's still too early to tell from a scan whether it's a girl or a boy.
By the end of this period, your baby will be about 2.5 - 3 inches long.
Things you must do within the first 3 months
Expecting a baby is one of the most wonderful times in life. But along with this joy, there are some important things you need to do for your and your baby's health.
- Choose a doctor: As soon as you find out you're pregnant, find and register with a good doctor.
- Attend your first clinic visit: This is very important. The doctor will discuss your complete medical history, health habits, calculate your due date, and order any necessary blood, urine, and scan tests.
- Go to regular check-ups: You should usually see your doctor at least once a month. That way, your weight and blood pressure can be checked, and your baby's heartbeat can be heard to make sure everything is okay.
- Taking vitamins: Take a vitamin that contains folic acid, which is essential for the proper development of the baby's brain and spinal cord, every day as prescribed by the doctor.
- Diet and bad habits: Eat a well-balanced diet. Quit smoking and alcohol completely. Limit caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and tea.
- Be careful with medications: If you are taking medication for other conditions, inform your doctor about it and ask if it is safe to take during pregnancy. Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor.
- Exercise: Light exercise is good. But listen to your body. Avoid strenuous exercise. Talk to your doctor about this too.
This is an emergency! If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Any of the following symptoms could be a sign of a serious problem. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without waiting for your next clinic appointment.
| Emergency symptoms to watch out for |
|---|
| - Excessive vaginal bleeding |
| - Severe abdominal pain or cramping |
| - Extreme nausea and vomiting (to the point of not being able to eat or drink anything) |
| - Excessive dizziness |
Take-Home Message
- The first trimester of pregnancy is a time of rapid changes for you and your baby. Many discomforts are normal during this time.
- Listen to your body. Rest, nutritious food, and being happy are very important.
- Never be afraid to talk to your doctor about any small questions or concerns that come to your mind.
- Take the vitamins and medications prescribed by your doctor on time. Stay away from bad habits completely.
- Be aware of emergency warning signs. If you notice any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න