During pregnancy your body
undergoes some of its most amazing changes during the first
trimester. Most doctors refer to pregnancy weeks one through
twelve as the first trimester. This is the time where your fetus
is most at risk for exposure to toxic substances that may impede
development or cause birth defects in your baby, so it is very
important you seek healthcare advice as soon as you discover you
are pregnant.
The first trimester begins from the end of your last
menstrual cycle. During the first two weeks of your cycle your
body prepares to release an egg, one that will be fertilized and
become your newborn baby!
Many women realize they are pregnant for the first time when
they experience early pregnancy symptoms, including a missed
period, dull pain or slight cramping, fatigue, breast tenderness
or nausea. Many symptoms of early pregnancy including morning
sickness do not kick in to high gear until about pregnancy week
6 and beyond.
Once you start experiencing some of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy during week one, you will want to be sure to prepare for your comfort. As your belly begins to expand and you experience increasing nausea during the first trimester, one way to improve your comfort is by using a pregnancy pillow.
Pregnancy pillows
are long, flexible and huggable pillows that conform to the shape of your body. You can rest on your left or right side and hug the pillow, pulling part of the pillow between your knees for the greatest comfort. Most provide the support of not one but three pillows. During the early weeks of your pregnancy, you can lay on your stomach comfortably if using a
Snoozer Full Body pregnancy pillow. As your pregnancy progresses, you will find pregnancy pillows invaluable for relaxing the muscles of your neck and back while supporting your spine and your stomach. In the next paragraph, we will talk about other steps you should take during the early weeks of your pregnancy, including setting up an appointment with a trusted healthcare provider. Full body pillows are ideal for any pregnant mother no matter her size or budget. Select from three different versions including White European Goose Down to enhance your comfort the moment you learn you may be pregnant.
During the first trimester you should decide whether you want
to see an obstetrician/gynecologist or traditional medical
doctor or a nurse midwife to deliver your body and care for you
during your pregnancy. Regardless of whom you see, they will
recommend you take a prenatal vitamin with extra folic acid to
help nurture your developing fetus and your growing body. During
the first trimester your baby will grow almost 3 ½ inches long.
During your pregnancy your baby will grow faster than at any
other time during your life.
Things To Watch For During Pregnancy Weeks 1-12
Many women are filled with mixed emotions after they find
out they are pregnant. These emotions may range from joy to
fear, anxiety, stress and back to elation again. It is very
normal to feel confused and experience many mood swings during
early pregnancy. Relax and enjoy the ride. Each woman’s body
reacts to pregnancy differently.
Many women worry about miscarriage during the first
trimester. The risk for miscarriage is highest during the first
12 weeks of pregnancy. After your doctor hears your baby’s
heartbeat for the first time (usually after about pregnancy week
12) your baby has an even higher odd of surviving and thriving.
Many women are surprised to find their healthcare provider will
wait until they are at least 6 - 8 weeks pregnant until they
schedule an appointment for their first visit.
If you have any unusual symptoms however, you should not
hesitate to contact your healthcare provider immediately. These
may include:
- Unusually or constant abdominal pain or cramping.
- Light bleeding that does not stop, with or without
accompanying abdominal pain, as this may be a sign of
miscarriage.
- Extreme abdominal pain on one or the other sides of your
abdomen.
- Nausea or vomiting that is excessive, accompanied by any
other troublesome symptoms including a fever.
Know that even if you have not visited your doctor yet, your
provider is always available to help answer your questions and
put you fears to rest during your first trimester. One great way
to find comfort is to consult with other pregnant women during
their first trimester. You can consult online forums and ask
other women how their pregnancies are progressing, and help each
other through the ups and downs that accompany pregnancy.
One of the more common questions women have is how much
weight they will gain. During your first trimester, most women
will gain up to five pounds, but some women will gain more and
some less because of extreme morning sickness. Most healthcare
providers recommend women gain between 25 and 35 pounds during
pregnancy. During your first trimester, try to eat when you feel
good and up to it and remember to drink plenty of water!
