Pregnancy has it’s fair share of ups and downs. And, I’ll admit it, I do miss some aspects of being pregnant but there are definitely things that I could have done without. For example, the entire first trimester? After getting the confirmation from the pregnancy test and getting the first ultrasound, all of my joy and excitement faded out the window with the first waves of nausea and dizziness. Today, I want to share my tips on motherhood for surviving the first trimester of pregnancy.
The first 0-12 weeks of a woman’s pregnancy is called the first trimester.
It is during this period that a woman’s body experiences drastic changes during pregnancy. Discomforts and other things may or may not be experienced by a pregnant woman during this time. But to help you cope with it here are a list of the most common changes and discomforts and how to effectively deal with them.
6 Tell Tale Signs that You’re in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Morning sickness and Nausea
The stretching of the uterine muscles and the pressure on the digestive tract due to the baby growing can cause increased stomach acids, the body reacts to this increase by releasing it through vomiting. As such, a woman’s sense of smell is on hyperdrive during pregnancy; this can also increase irritability as well as the probability of vomiting. I remember during my pregnancy with Squeaker, I couldn’t stand the smell of fish and going to the grocery store was a nightmare with the seafood department.
Rejoice, for this doesn’t stay for the whole nine months- in most cases. Usually the vomiting stops after the third month. And do not worry the vomiting doesn’t hurt the baby.
To help with morning sickness, try not too eat large meals instead eat small frequent meals so that the stomach doesn’t get “shocked.” Also, studies show that a diet abundant in complex carbohydrates, like bread and other starchy food, and proteins can help alleviate morning sickness.
Also avoid eating fatty food.
Breast swelling
The body, in its preparation for the arrival of the baby, releases progesterone and estrogen in higher levels than usual. These hormones sends a message to the breast to produce more milk, this is in preparation for feeding the baby when it comes out.
The areolas will most likely enlarge and darken. Later on you may notice that these areas start to have white bumps. There may also be increased sensitivity in the breast area and you may also see blue lines along your breasts. These blue lines are only your blood vessels working hard to supply blood to your breasts.
Swelling may increase during the latter period of pregnancy; in this case one must use a good support bra of the right size. Also consider buying multiple bras in multiple styles. Take a look at my must have motherhood clothes for some suggestions.
Shortness of Breath and fatigue
Pregnancy can cause fatigue and other emotional changes in a woman. You should know that even while you sleep, your body is feeding another living being.
During pregnancy, you body needs more rest. Fatigue is normal, and should go away after the body gets used to it.
To prevent yourself from being more irritable than you are and more tired, try to get as much sleep as you can in the night. The ideal length of sleep for an adult is eight hours, try to get this much every night.
A proper diet also helps with fatigue after all you’re already feeding two people. One other reason for the fatigue may be the lack of vitamins and nutrients for the both of you. Take the vitamins that your doctor recommends and make sure you eat lots of nutrient-rich foods.
Exercise is also a big help. It doesn’t have to be hard exercise, a light jog a slow walk can in sense practice your body for the extra work it does. But remember, a balance of exercise and rest is needed too much exercise or too much rest can also increase fatigue.
Irritability and mood changes
Because of the increased presence of hormones, mood swings are uncommon, this happens to women monthly during pre-menstrual syndrome.
Lightheadedness
During pregnancy the heart is pumping harder to provide extra blood to the legs and the uterus, as such a woman may experience dizziness due to the lack of blood flow into the brain. Low blood sugar levels can also contribute to dizziness.
The best thing to do in this case is to make sure that you eat protein rich food and frequent smaller meals.
Urination Frequency
The rapid growth of the uterus presses the other internal organs away, this includes the bladder. Usually the frequency decreases when the uterus settles into the abdominal cavity.
It may return on the third trimester when the uterus drops back down to prepare for birth.
Try leaning forward while urinating. This is to make sure that you empty your bladder completely and can help in decreasing the urinating frequency.
These are the more common discomforts during pregnancy, others like varicose veins, cravings and heartburn are all normal. Being prepared early can help a lot during pregnancy. Be sure to have regular check-ups with your doctor as well as a proper diet, vitamins and exercise.
How did you cope with your first trimester?
Kori
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