Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters based on the gestational age and the fetal development. The first trimester, which begins on the first day of your last menstrual cycle and ends until week 12 of gestation, is the most crucial stage for the baby’s growth (1) (2). A woman also goes through various physiological and emotional changes during this time. Read on to learn everything about the changes in your body and the development of your fetus throughout the first trimester.
First Trimester Changes In The Mother’s Body
The experts at UNICEF enlist the following as the common symptoms of pregnancy in the first trimester (3).
1. A missed period
A missed period is usually the first sign of pregnancy. However, a woman can miss her period for reasons other than pregnancy as well.
2. Implantation bleeding
Implantation bleeding usually happens six to 12 days after ovulation when a fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of the uterus wall (4). It is usually not a cause of concern but should be brought to the doctor’s attention, especially if the bleeding is heavy or persistent.
3. Breast tenderness
Hormones of pregnancy, such as estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin, increase the sensitivity and tenderness of the breasts (5).
4. Constipation
Increasing progesterone during pregnancy causes the intestinal muscles to relax, causing food and waste to move slower through the digestive system leading to constipation (6).
5. Vaginal discharge
During pregnancy, the cervix and the walls of the vagina become softer, and increased levels of progesterone cause an increase in the production of fluid. Increased vaginal discharge is normal, but if you notice any unusual color or foul smell, it is essential to notify your doctor about it (7).
6. Fatigue
Hormonal changes, especially the steep increase in progesterone, are responsible for fatigue in the first trimester (8).
7. Food likes and dislikes
It is common to develop a craving for some foods and dislikes or aversion to others in the first trimester (3).
8. Frequent urination
Increased pressure on the urinary bladder by the expanding uterus and the baby’s weight can lead to frequent urination (9).
9. Mood swings
Mood swings during pregnancy happen due to a combination of factors such as physical stress, fatigue, metabolic changes, and an increase in estrogen and progesterone. Substantial hormonal fluctuations of the first trimester can affect the levels of neurotransmitters, too. Neurotransmitters are chemicals released by the brain and play a role in mood regulation(10).
10. Morning sickness
Morning sickness is characterized by nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. It is quite common, and at least seven in ten women experience morning sickness in the first trimester, which typically resolves by the second trimester (11). For some women, however, severe nausea and vomiting can sometimes be associated with dehydration, weight loss and electrolyte imbalances in a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Speak to your healthcare provider if you suspect this.
11. Weight gain
0.5 to 2.0 kilograms or 1.1 to 4.4 pounds of weight gain is normal in the first trimester. If you lose or gain more than five to ten percent of your pre-pregnancy weight in the first trimester, you must speak to your healthcare provider (12).
12. Headache
Hormonal changes and an increase in blood volume may lead to headaches in the first trimester of pregnancy (13).
13. Heartburn
Hormonal changes often lead to heartburn in the first trimester of pregnancy (14).
14. Leg cramps
Leg cramps are most common in the third trimester but may occur at any time in pregnancy. Weight gain and changes in blood circulation in pregnancy can lead to leg cramps (15).
15. Lower back and pelvic pain
Ligaments in the body become softer in pregnancy to aid childbirth. Soft ligaments can put a strain on the joints of the pelvis and lower back, leading to lower back and pelvic pain (16).
Dos And Don’ts In The First Trimester
Follow your gynecologist’s advice for self-care during pregnancy. The following are common dos and don’ts during the first trimester (17). Dos:
Continue your prenatal vitamins containing at least 400mcg of folic acid
Continue mild exercises
Incorporate lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and fiber into your diet
Stay hydrated
Focus on eating a balanced diet instead of counting calories
Get plenty of rest
Don’ts:
Avoid alcohol
Limit caffeine intake
Avoid contact with cat litter as it carries a risk of developing toxoplasmosis
Avoid consuming uncovered, undercooked, and raw meat
Avoid high-mercury or raw fishes
Avoid direct or second-hand cigarette smoke
Do not consume unpasteurized dairy products
Symptoms That Need Medical Attention
You should talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms in your first trimester (3)(18).
Severe lower abdominal cramps
Severe or long-lasting headache
Dizziness
Breathlessness, weakness, or racing heart
Continuous or severe pain on one side of the abdomen
Pain on the tip of the shoulder
Fever over 38°C or 100°F
Smelly vaginal discharge
Painful urination
Vaginal bleeding
Severe vomiting with inability to tolerate food and/or water
A blow to the stomach from an accident, violence, fall, or crash
Baby’s Growth In The First Trimester
By the end of the first trimester, the baby turns from being a little ovum to a six-centimeter long fetus. The baby’s heart begins to beat, and the brain and the spinal cord begin to form. The hands and legs appear as tiny buds. The circulatory system, nervous system, digestive system, and urinary system begin to develop. Tooth buds begin to form. By the end of 12 weeks, the external genitalia, fingers, toenails, eyelids, and larynx begin to form. The fetal movement also begins, although the mother cannot feel the fetal movement yet. Read more about fetal development in the first trimester here. The fetus is most vulnerable in the first trimester. In this time period, all major organs and body systems are forming. However, the systems are not fully formed to support the fetus’ survival outside the mother’s body yet (19). If the fetus is exposed to conditions and substances, such as drugs, German measles, radiation, tobacco, and toxic substances, the newly formed organs may sustain damage. Therefore, it is vital to avoid substances and habits that could be hazardous to the fetus.
Things To Consider During The First Trimester
Apart from physical changes, pregnancy and childbirth will affect many aspects of your life. You may take some time pondering and deciding over the following factors in the first trimester.
1. Informing your friends, family, and employer
The risk of miscarriage is highest in the first trimester. Many women may prefer waiting for 12 weeks before declaring their pregnancy. However, it is each woman’s choice to decide when to tell others about their pregnancy. You should consider whether you will continue to work after delivering your child or not and if your employer offers maternity leave or not. Based on these factors, you may decide on when to inform your employer about your pregnancy.
2. Deciding your birth plan
You should research the available options and decide on your birth plan. You should also decide on your preferred place of childbirth and the preferred form of delivery, in conjunction with your healthcare provider. You may also think about your birth companions, your specific preferences regarding the birth environment, your choices for labor pain relief, and your choice of procedures to be avoided.
3. Paying for care
Many women worry about the costs of medical bills during their pregnancy. However, in several nations, there are many good insurance plans that cover prenatal and natal care. Talk to the hospital authorities to know about the available insurance options.
