Holly Brewer The first trimester of a pregnancy can be a bit hard on the body. You’re going through changes quickly, and your body and hormone production is going to create symptoms. You may have some mild symptoms or you may very well find that you’re having symptoms that can only be described as extreme. In most cases the symptoms will abate and you’ll be feeling better soon.
Naturally, you’ll experience different symptoms at different times. There are no clear cut cookie cutter symptoms terms. Some women have symptoms that vary greatly while others experience certain ones that last through their entire pregnancy. Your body is unique and your pregnancy will be unique to you.
Nausea
Nausea is the number one complaint when it comes to the first trimester adjustment. While it is often called morning sickness, most women experience nausea at various times throughout the day. This feeling may very well go away by the time you enter the second trimester or you might have morning sickness throughout your entire pregnancy.
While this is not typically the news women want to hear, you can help the symptoms and ease the discomfort in some very simple ways. Start by trying to eat cold or room temperature foods. Warm foods tend to increase morning sickness. Also try to regulate your body temperature as much as possible. Nausea is always worse when you feel hot or are in humid conditions.
Nibble. Eating smaller portions throughout the day not only help with the nausea but you will also be providing your body with a more varied nutrient base by taking small bites of this or that as the day progresses. This is often a good way to prevent the desire to over eat at a big evening meal, which can make nausea much worse, especially at night.
If you can avoid it, don’t lie down right away after eating. Usually doing something simple like taking a walk or remaining upright will help, especially if you are also dealing with heartburn on top of the sick feeling you have. Avoid foods that tend to trigger the symptoms which naturally include spicy foods and heavily fried foods. Choose to sauté instead and eat as many fresh and raw vegetables as you can. Try crackers that are mildly salted because this can be a good neutralizing agent.
This symptom is generated by your body’s natural reaction to the hormonal production that is typically for your body to need at this stage of the pregnancy. First trimester illness can also be brought to the attention of your physician and in some cases you may need a prescription medication to help alleviate the symptoms.
Fatigue
You are almost guaranteed to be tired throughout the first trimester. Your body is adjusting to the job at hand, which is a big one. So you’re bound to feel as though all you want to do is sleep sometimes.
Whenever possible, don’t deny yourself a valuable nap. You’re not being lazy. Your body is tired because it needs additional rest. As your body rests the division of cells takes place. Even if you’re not sleeping but are resting comfortably for 15 minutes here and there you may find the fatigue is much easier to deal with.
Avoid excessive heat. Heat can make you feel ever more tired and you won’t want to be experiencing additional fatigue on top of the fatigue that you have. Most of the time you’re just going to have to ride out this stage of pregnancy feeling a bit sluggish. Make sure you’re doing the best you can to incorporate the necessary nutrients in your daily diet to help your developing baby have the nutrients he needs without pulling them away from your own body’s needs.
Constipation
Ironically, constipation hits the top of the list for the symptoms associated with the first trimester. Usually, first trimester constipation can be dealt with through natural means. Eating a bit of fruit and drinking more water can be the easiest and best solution for your issue.
If you’re struggling with constipation and you are taking care to add in a little prune juice and vegetables you can expect to have to ask your doctor for a recommended product to help alleviate the condition. While some constipation is normal, not going to the bathroom for weeks on end can lead to health problems. It’s important that you get your system moving again and hopefully you’ll be back on track as your body adjusts.
The Hormonal Roller Coaster
Hormones are a natural part of pregnancy. They are essential to making sure that you stay pregnant. The hormones can have some rather interesting effects that you might not be prepared for. Sudden bursts of emotions, a feeling of being “different” and other such emotional difficulties are actually quite normal at this stage of pregnancy.
As your body starts to realize the hormonal production is a good thing you can start to feel the adjustment happen. It’s not unusual for hormonal responses to become more toned down within the first few weeks after you have received confirmation of your pregnancy.
Women, especially hormonal pregnant women, tend to get offended at the suggestion that their emotions are based on hormones. This is because there is a suggestion made that the feelings aren’t real if they are caused by hormones. This could be an entire chapter on its own. However, if you’re feeling more emotional than normal or you think that you are looking like you’re behaving “hormonally” you can still have valid feelings about things. Your pregnancy will not determine how your feelings are shaped, they just can make them closer to the surface. Allow yourself time when you are feeling like you might be responding with excessive emotion. Once you have had a moment to calm down you can then express yourself in a way that you approve of without worrying about your hormonal balance. This will pass, and then it may return. Hormonal production is simply a part of pregnancy.