If you have just received some wonderful news that means a baby is on the way, conception is the start of a long road to motherhood and it is perfectly natural to be a bit apprehensive.
Pregnancy is normally 40 weeks, which is divided into 3 trimesters, and in this article, we take an in-depth look at the first trimester of your pregnancy with a few important aspects to be aware of.
1. Morning sickness
If you’re going to suffer with morning sickness, it will appear within the first few weeks of pregnancy; this may be caused by a hormone imbalance. It is very much trial and error, experiment with foods and avoid foods with a high fat content. Eating slowly might help, while smaller portions and eating more often can also help.
2. Urge to urinate
If you find a constant urge to pee first trimester, do not be alarmed, as this is normal. Your bladder is being squashed by the growing baby, while the kidneys are working harder than normal, which might have a bearing in this. By the way, this doesn’t mean that you should drink less; it is crucial that you stay hydrated – drink water even when you are not thirsty. This usually disappears as you move into the second trimester.
3. Tender breasts
Again, this is perfectly normal as your body gets ready for major transformations. The pain is caused by a change in hormones and your mammary glands are expanding; the good news is that this only lasts a few weeks, as your body quickly adjusts to the new status. You do need to consider whether or not to breastfeed; most doctors will tell you that your milk contains all the nutrients that your baby needs.
4. Constant fatigue
During the first trimester, your body produces a lot of progesterone and that can make you feel sleepy; a healthy diet and a good exercise routine can help give you extra energy. Of course, you need adequate rest and it is normal to take a power nap several times during the day. Click here for tips on stress relief.
5. Mood swings
Due to the roller-coaster way that your hormones adjust, it is perfectly normal to suddenly have an outburst of emotion; you might burst into tears for no apparent reason, or you might get angry at something or someone that normally wouldn’t bother you. It is a good idea to forewarn your partner about emotional outbursts and they can be more understanding; it can be tough for partners.
The first trimester involves your body starting to go through changes and there are a lot of free resources online to help you acclimatise and adapt to being with a child.
We recommend downloading a leading mums app and making good use of the many great resources, which will help you in so many ways. Search online for things like birth plan templates, which help you to create a plan that covers every aspect of the birth and this will be read by your carers so they understand what your preferences are.
