“I’m worn out.”
Medical author of The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy Roger Harms says fatigue is the most prevalent complaint among first-trimester mothers. A rise in the sedative hormone progesterone may be to blame, in addition to the obvious drain on your body’s resources caused by carrying a child inside of you. For the most part, the tiredness subsides after eight to ten weeks, and it seldom lasts more than a year or so.
You’ll start to feel better quickly: There is nothing more essential than taking your time. Make time for naps, get some shut-eye, and put the housework on hold while you recuperate. In addition, you should keep working out, even if you have to reduce the intensity a little. Terry Hoffman, MD, an OB/GYN at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, argues that exercising throughout pregnancy and birth may actually improve your energy levels. Is this your first time doing any kind of physical activity? A basic daily regimen, such as walking for 20 minutes, may be all that’s required.
“I’m feeling a little nauseous.”
The name “morning sickness” refers to the onset of nausea in the early hours of the morning, although it may also be experienced throughout the day. Pregnant women may experience nausea and vomiting as a result of increased oestrogen levels in the early stages of pregnancy. When oestrogen relaxes smooth muscle tissue in the gastrointestinal system, it slows food digestion, resulting in an upset stomach. Typically, the nausea subsides during the 13th or 14th week of pregnancy.
You’ll start to feel better quickly: Eat small, frequent meals and avoid fatty or spicy food, according to doctors. James Mowery-Bromberg, a New York City mother of three, claims “plain saltine crackers healed me every time.” It’s best to have some on hand when you get up in the morning. In addition to drinking ginger ale or ginger tea, you may also try this. You should seek medical attention for a serious case.
“I have to pee all the time.”
Another typical discomfort during the first trimester is the need to often urinate. In part, this is due to the structure of the human body: When you’re pregnant, the strain on your bladder increases as your uterus expands, making you feel the need to urinate more often. Even though you’re pregnant, your kidneys process a greater volume of fluid, which leads to a greater volume of urine. Weight of your expanding uterus pushes it forward from 14 to 16 weeks, so that it rests more on the abdominal wall and less on the bladder. Don’t be shocked if you have to urinate regularly again near the end of your pregnancy, when your baby has moved further into your pelvis and is putting even more pressure on your bladder.
You’ll start to feel better quickly: There’s nothing you can do except go when you have to. Liquids should not be cut back: Pregnancy necessitates an increase in the amount of water your body requires to maintain your higher blood and amniotic fluid levels.
“My boobs are aching!”
As hormones surge, the breasts and nipples begin to swell and itch as they prepare to produce milk. Lori Richmond, of Brooklyn, New York, developed into an E cup when pregnant with her son, Cooper, and dubbed one of her breasts “Everest” and the other “Kilimanjaro.” Even though your breasts will continue to expand for the next nine months, you should have less discomfort by week 12.
You’ll start to feel better quickly: Bras made of soft, elastic fabric are best: Don’t wear underwires, which might irritate your delicate breasts. If you’re a D cup or bigger, you may also want to consider broad, cushioned straps. At night, wear a sleep bra or a tight-fitting tank top.
4 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
• During the first trimester of pregnancy, a twinge here and there is OK, but if the discomfort persists for more than a few days, it might indicate an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, which is quite hazardous.
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are equally dangerous to you and your baby if you haven’t been able to keep any food or drinks down for more than 24 hours, which is the case with severe nausea and vomiting. Another warning indicator is not being able to pee for more than six hours.
• Spotting isn’t an issue, but heavy bleeding might be a sign of an impending menstrual cycle. Consult your doctor if you have any bleeding while pregnant.
• Your healthcare physician should be aware of any bowel movement irregularities that go on for more than three days when you’re pregnant.
