The first trimester of pregnancy is a stage that passes largely with you being oblivious to the fact that you are even expecting a baby. The first indication that you may be pregnant is usually a missed period and by the time this is noticed, you may be as much as one month gone already. There are a lot of changes to expect during this initial stage of pregnancy; some to do with your body, others to do with symptoms that you may develop and how you feel emotionally.
Your body
One of the earliest signs that you are pregnant is tenderness in your breasts. They may also feel heavier and look larger. Some women also report skin changes at around six to eight weeks; the classic pregnancy glow.
Your symptoms
Nausea is one of the most common symptoms reported and despite being called morning sickness, it can actually strike at any time of the day. Some women actually vomit whereas the majority just feel queasy. Fatigue and dizziness are also linked to early pregnancy. These are both normal but take special care to avoid standing abruptly and get as much rest as you can.
Hormonal changes may cause you to become increasingly irritable and tearful in the first trimester. It is entirely normal to be concerned about the life-changing event which lies ahead of you so take support from your partner, friends and family.
Tests & Check-ups
You should prepare yourself to undergo numerous blood tests, mainly to make sure that you are healthy and not lacking in any nutrients (e.g. iron). You will also be offered blood tests to check the health of the foetus. Depending on where you live, you may even have your first ultrasound scan at around twelve weeks to check that your baby is developing normally.
Always seek medical attention if you develop any unusual symptoms such as pain or bleeding and always take your folic acid.
Take it easy during this critical early stage; even though the outward changes are not apparent, a lot is going on inside your body.
Take heart, the annoying symptoms of fatigue and morning sickness will subside as you enter the second trimester and your emotions will settle. Read as much as you can about what to expect when you are pregnant so you can relax and enjoy watching the miracle unfold.
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