Changes You May Experience During First Trimester | Dr Monika Agrawal
/ Common Problems in Pregnancy / By Monika Agrawal / 28 September 2021
You may now wonder how the days ahead will be like. Don’t worry ! If you know that what changes you may experience during First Trimester, it can help you face the months ahead with confidence.
First Trimester : Begins from the first day of your last periods and last till the end of week 13
Bleeding
Some may bleed slightly during the first trimester.
No need to worry; light spotting may indicate that the fertilized embryo has got attached to the wall of uterus
What can you do ? Call your doctor immediately if you have
Increased Bleeding
Cramps or sharp pain in the abdomen; this could be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (embryo implanted outside the uterus )
Painful Breast
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy, which can last till the last trimester.
Occurs because of the hormonal changes, which are preparing your milk ducts to feed your baby
What can you do ?
Increase your bra size and wear a more supportive bra.
Constipation
High hormone level during pregnancy may arise due to changes in muscle relaxing hormone
Your iron supplements may also lead to constipation
What can you do ?
Eat fiber rich diet
Drink lots of fluid
Increase physical activity
Fatigue
Your body is working hard to support a growing baby; it is common to feel exhausted
What can you do ?
Make sure you eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and sleep
Take iron supplements as prescribed by your doctor, as too little can lead to anemia and thereby increasing the fatigue
Eat more proteins; they help in iron absorption and production of red blood cells, thereby preventing anemia
Eat food rich in iron (jaggery, green leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard leaves, mear, organ meat, turnip green and sprouted pulses) to prevent anemia.
Food Craving and Aversions
Craving for food is common, while some may dislike food.
Craving from time to time is normal, provided you are having healthy, low calorie foods
What can you do ?
If you experience craving for non-foods like clay, dirt etc, then report to your doctor immediately, as this could be dangerous for you and your baby
Nausea / Morning Sickness
Nausea is very common and occurs due to hormonal changes in your body; it can last through the first trimester
It is usually worst in the morning, hence also called as “morning sickness”
Nausea may be a warning sign that you are experiencing a protein deficiency.
What can you do ?
Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
Eat food low in fats and easy to digest
Eat meals high in protein
If your diet is low in protein, take protein supplements after consulting your doctor
Avoid smells such as cigarette smoke or perfume that can worsen your nausea
Drink plenty of fluids (clear fruit juice like apple)
Avoid coffee/ fluids containing caffeine and alcohol
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