The first trimester of the pregnancy period is an exciting time in a woman’s life. Every woman feels delighted, happy and yet anxious about the changes this period brings in her life. For many women, this period may also be a difficult one since a lot of physical and emotional changes occur in the woman’s body. It takes some time for women to get used to the first trimester pregnancy symptoms.
First-trimester pregnancy symptoms may be different for different women. However, there are some symptoms commonly experienced by all women. Weight gain is among the most noticeable and common pregnancy symptoms. The body puts on weight to accommodate and provide for the baby. Women tend to put on around 3 to 5 pounds in the first trimester. Eating nutritious food is extremely important for the health and safety of the mother and her baby.
The other common first-trimester pregnancy symptoms include fatigue, mood swings and headache. The headaches for some women may be mild but may be experienced on a continuous basis. Nausea which is also one of the most common first-trimester pregnancy symptoms can be difficult to handle. While some women are lucky enough not to experience extreme nausea for others the morning sickness can be very problematic. This nausea usually reduces and goes away around the second trimester.
Many women also experience tenderness in breasts and the breasts feel fuller and also heavier. Increased production of hormones causes the breasts to become unusually sensitive. Along with enlarged breasts the areolas of the breasts also darken and become enlarged. The areolas may be covered with small white bumps. These are called Montgomery’s tubercles. Likewise some women may observe network of veins along the side of the breasts and these are called spider veins. The mood swings are quite terrible for some women. Facial breakouts are also part of the first trimester pregnancy symptoms. These breakouts are because of changes in the hormones and so it is important for pregnant women to start taking their prenatal vitamins regularly.
Many women also experience increased urination as a part of the first trimester pregnancy symptoms. This is because the enlarging uterus tends to press into the bladder during the first few months. This pressure may also result in leakage of urine when the pregnant woman laughs, coughs or sneezes. It is important that women urinate whenever they feel the need to.
Dizziness is also a common symptom during this time. Changes in the circulation often leave women feeling dizzy and stressed out. To prevent this dizziness it is advisable to avoid standing for long periods of time.
Pregnant women also tend to feel more anxious and worried, particularly in the first trimester. It is but natural to worry about the health of the unborn baby but women should take care of themselves. Constipation is also common among pregnant women. The hormone progesterone is responsible for constipation. As this hormone increases the digestion is slowed down and this can also result in constipation, flatulence and heartburn.
Increased hormones also cause nails and hair to grow faster. However the increase in hormones can also result in growth of facial hair. Some other first trimester pregnancy symptoms include cramps in the legs. Changes in appetite and cravings for certain food items are also commonly observed in the first trimester.
