The first trimester of pregnancy is highly critical as significant developmental changes are happening in the womb. Toxins, inborne infections, harmful substances, contraindicated medications, and lifestyle activities could lead to a baby’s risk of being born with complications or congenital disorders.
MORNING SICKNESS:
The sudden surge of pregnancy hormones (progesterone) causes symptoms like nausea and vomiting that usually get worse in the morning and can prevail throughout the day. women usually feel it after eating a particular food or smelling anything. It aggravates via different foods and aromas varying from person to person.
FEELING LETHARGIC:
It is normal to feel tired during pregnancy. Due to the increased bodily demand for nutrition and blood supply to carry on functions to support the developing fetus. The cardiac output increases by 40 to 50 percent more than the normal range. Elevated levels of progesterone hormone also aid in such lethargic feelings. This hormone plays a vital role in preparing mammary glands for milk production and forming the placenta-the major organ supporting the fetus until the child’s birth.
FREQUENT URINATION:
Before conceiving uterus is the size of a pea and grows into a size of a grapefruit along the first trimester of the pregnancy causing pressure on the urinary bladder that lies underneath it. The building pressure causes the recurrent urge to urinate. Sometimes the exerted pressure is so severe that it leads to leakage of the urine.
GASTRIC DISCOMFORT:
The hormonal changes cause smooth muscles in the body to relax, increased blood circulation, increased respiratory rate, and slows down the process of digestion. These changes are important so that food breaks down properly and nutrients are absorbed completely. This causes reflux of gastric juices and causes heartburn. Prenatal vitamins, especially iron tablets, cause constipation and bloating.
VAGINAL DISCHARGE:
Milky white or transparent vaginal discharge throughout the pregnancy is normal. It is more prominent in early pregnancy because of the elevated estrogen and progesterone hormones. These vaginal secretions are normal and of no concern unless there is any bleeding or smelly vaginal discharge. These secretions are a natural way to fight any bacteria or infection that might encounter the vagina and eventually harm the uterus.3
ENLARGED MAMMARY GLANDS:
The glands in the breast get enlarged causing the breasts to look fuller. The veins get dilated for more blood flow and are visible. The glands get prepared for milk production. The areolas get darken as more blood flows towards them and bumps get noticeable over it called Montgomery’s tubercles (enlarged sweat glands)
FREQUENT MOOD SWINGS:
The changes in the hormones affect the levels of neurotransmitters that regulate mood. This causes significant mood swings, irritability, forgetfulness, and issues with a focus on details. This phenomenon is commonly termed “pregnancy brain.”2
COPING WITH FIRST-TRIMESTER SYMPTOMS: SURVIVAL TIPS FOR NEWLY PREGNANT WOMEN
Feeling lethargic and miserable in early pregnancy is normal, the abrupt increase in hormones makes one feel entirely different. Feeling unwell and irritated causes unwanted stress and so to combat all such trouble here are some tips to fight this experience,
SMALL AND BLAND MEALS:
Nausea is triggered at some specific time or by eating heavy meals, so it is better to eat short, small meals instead of 3 big meals in a day. It ensures less burden on your gut and helps it digest well. Inc
lude more carbs and less fatty oils as fats cause an increase in stomach acids leading to acid reflux and heartburn. Some light meals include bread, pasta, and boiled potatoes.4
REST, REST, AND REST:
The body is enduring too much at once. The best you can do for yourself is to rest and relax as much as possible. A short nap here and there keeps you active and energetic. Listening to your body is crucial. Lie down whenever you feel low to rejuvenate yourself.
WEAR SUPPORTIVE BRAS:
Hormones stretching the breast muscles can cause pain. Well-fitted and supportive bras come to the rescue to reduce discomfort. It also maintains the shape and tone in the later stages of pregnancy.5
DON’T IGNORE YOUR VITAMINS:
Sensitivity towards healthy and bland food results in malnutrition. One might not meet the need for excessive nutritional requirements that are important for the baby. Therefore, prenatal vitamins and supplements are a necessity to help ends meet.
STAY STRESS-FREE AND HAPPY:
Coping with stress and battling cortisol (stress hormone) is the biggest challenge throughout the pregnancy. Keep yourself motivated and do anything that keeps you chill and peaceful. Simply going for a walk at some odd hours of the day or doing anything that can be childish. Ignore people or your self-esteem judge you for your emotional well-being.6
HYDRATION IS THE KEY:
Gulping loads of water keeps your enzymes and metabolism at peace. Drinking water balances the acid reflux and many uneasy symptoms like gas, bloating, and discomfort can be controlled.
TAKE HIGH FIBER DIET:
Iron supplements can trigger constipation, loading yourself on high fiber will help your gut run smoothly. Have prunes and figs, they are natural laxatives. A short walk and light exercise also helps your metabolism run smoothly.7
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