Pregnancy, Pregnancy Journey

Everything To Know About The First Trimester

Everything to know about the first trimester

Did you just find out you’re pregnant? Welcome to the first trimester! Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! You have a very small human being growing quickly in you, and it is probably the only thing you are going to think about during these weeks. Yes, it is exciting, but they are many things you need to know during this time. Here is everything you need to know about the first trimester.

When are you in your first trimester?

The first trimester is from week 1 which is probably when you had your last period to week 12 which is when the possibility of miscarriage decreases dramatically.

What happens during the first trimester?

Even though you probably would not notice any changes to your physical appearance during these weeks, a lot is going on in your body. Your fertilized egg is growing rapidly. By the end of week 12, it should be the size of a chicken egg, it should move and it can suck its thumb!

What are some symptoms you might have during the first trimester?

This trimester is quite difficult. You may be one of the lucky ones who don’t feel much, but the majority of you will understand what I mean. Some symptoms include:

  • Morning Sickness: Morning sickness does not only occur in the morning. It will hit at any time of the day if not all day and night. Most women would have a loss of appetite, vomit and have a metallic taste in their mouths.
  • Constipation: Keep drinking water.
  • Mood Swings
  • Food Aversions and Cravings: You will notice that you can’t stand some food that you once liked, and you will like some food that you hated before.Ā 
  • Weight Gain or Loss: Due to morning sickness, some women lose weight. Do not worry, you will gain more weight later on.Ā 
  • Swollen and Tender Breasts: An increase in hormones would possibly make your breasts swollen and hurt.
  • Fatigue: Obviously, you will also feel fatigued. Your body is working extra hard to grow a baby in you, and if you are not eating enough you will also feel much more tired than usual.

What are some concerning symptoms? You should see a doctor if you have the following.

  • Vaginal Bleeding: If you are spotting or have a heavy flow, call your doctor right away.
  • Severe Vomiting: If you cannot keep any fluids down, call your doctor or go to the nearest ER.
  • Severe Abdominal Pain and or Shoulder Pain: If you feel pain in your abdominal area or in your shoulder, call your doctor or go to the nearest ER.
  • Pain While Urinating: If you feel pain during urination, call your doctor.

How much weight should you gain during the first trimester?

Even though you almost know everything about the first trimester now, you need to keep in mind that the baby is very small. You should not gain more than 4 pounds during this time. If you do, no worries. Just make sure you track your weight during the next two trimesters. If you lose weight, try to gain it back during the next two trimesters.Ā 

Things To Do During The First Trimester

  • Begin taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
  • Eat healthy food.
  • Drink water.
  • ExerciseĀ 
  • Read about prenatal testing, and do them if you want to.
  • Begin doing kegel exercises to help prepare you for labor.
  • Get your flu shot.
  • Visit the dentist. Pregnancy will make your teeth and gums sensitive.
  • Sleep

Things To Avoid During The First Trimester

  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Strenuous Exercise
  • Uncooked Meat including Shellfish and Sushi
  • Heat including Hot Tubs and SaunasĀ 
  • Cat Litter
  • Smoking
  • Too Much Caffeine

How to help relieve morning sickness?

  • Drink water.
  • Eat smaller meals.
  • Avoid spicy food.
  • Keep windows open to reduce odors.
  • Take vitamins during the night.
  • Reduce acid reflux.
  • Eat dry crackers.
  • Drink ginger or peppermint tea.

What to expect at your first trimester prenatal appointments?

During your first trimester prenatal appointments, expect an ultrasound. You will most likely see your bundle of joy, hear its heartbeat, and receive many pictures to share with your family. You will also have blood work done including genetic testing.

Now you know everything about the first trimester. If you still have more questions, leave a comment on the post.

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Yani
Yani
2 years ago

Thanks for writing this. I am in my 1st trimester.

Sonia Seivwright
2 years ago

I know new moms will appreciate this. Thanks for sharing. Very helpful n true

Rikki Ridgeway
2 years ago

The first trimester was definitely the roughest for me, it was the morning sickness that was the worst.

vidya
2 years ago

while i was lucky enough to not experience morning sickness often, i was glad to have ginger ale with me

Jamiee
Jamiee
2 years ago

The first trimester was definitely rough – morning sickness is the worst!

Danielle
2 years ago

Definitely suggest ginger ale to all moms dealing with morning sickness!

Catherine Santiago Jose
Catherine Santiago Jose
2 years ago

Very informative article to read and definitely helpful to those first time pregnant woman.

Gervin Khan
Gervin Khan
2 years ago

All of these are correct! I remember those days from my first pregnancy, I experienced morning sickness and yes, you can’t only experience this every morning but you will experience this any time of the day.

Forever My Little Moon

I was told by my OBGYN you should actually start taking a prenatal when trying to conceive (if it’s a planned pregnancy, if not then as soon as you know is really your only option). I only threw up once and it was the middle of the night! I drank ginger ale constantly to help with nausea though. I also craved meat, which my OBGYN said probably helped as protein helps prevent morning sickness.

Amanda
2 years ago

This was Soo informative and helpful for new moms!

Tasha Gervais
2 years ago

Food aversion is REAL. I remember looking at pictures of gooey, cheesy pasta or creamy cakes and it made me feel so yucky like “NOPE.” Normally these would be delicious but I couldn’t stomach even looking at them then.

Len Swegart
2 years ago

Can’t help but reminisce when I was pregnant with my girls. Thankfully, I had easy pregnancies–just nausea and weakness with my second child on the first trimester. Both deliveries were challenging though.

Kimmy
Kimmy
2 years ago

The first trimester was always the hardest for me

Ariadne
2 years ago

Very informative! The morning sickness is the worse. Like you said, not only in the mornings, but all they long šŸ™ˆ