A Detailed Guide On How To Handle A Tough First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Some of the most common symptoms that often arise during the first trimester include nausea, exhaustion, and sore breasts. Most of these symptoms tend to dissipate by the fourth month but it is important to know how you can cope with them during the first three months of pregnancy.

The article below will highlight some of the most frequent comments made by women during the first trimester and how you can get through these commonly raised issues.

1. Fatigue - “I am exhausted”

According to Roger Harms, MD – The editor of The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, fatigue is one of the most common problems that affects women during the first trimester. Fatigue usually arises due to the fact that creating an infant usually takes up a lot of the body’s resources. Additionally, during the first months, the body also produces large amounts of the hormone progesterone which usually has a sedating effect. The sedating effect caused by this hormone usually lasts between 8 to 10 weeks and rarely goes past the 13th week. If you’re not sure and want to know, how many weeks pregnant am I? Use the Pregnancy calculator and input your details to know. 

How to Combat Fatigue in the First Trimester

The best way to combat fatigue during this period is to take things slow. Consider taking naps, going to bed early, and, avoiding difficult household tasks. During the first trimester, you should continue exercising albeit at a slower rate than you previously did before pregnancy. Dr. Terry Hoffman – an oby-gyn at the Mercy Medical Center located in Baltimore says that exercising can help you tolerate the pregnancy and get less difficult labor while at the same time increasing your levels of energy. If you are not used to exercising, ask your doctor to recommend light exercises that you can undertake during your first trimester such as walking for at least 20 minutes each day.

2. Nausea – “I feel queasy.”

Most pregnant women tend to experience nausea early in the day hence the term ‘morning sickness.’ It is however important to note that nausea can last for the better part of the day when you are pregnant. Nausea usually occurs because the body usually produces increased amounts of estrogen which in turn triggers a part of the human brain that controls nausea and vomiting. The increased levels of estrogen in the body can also affect your digestive tract, and relax the muscle tissues in the gastrointestinal tract which can lead to an upset stomach. Normally, nausea usually settles down between the 13th and 14th week.

How to Combat Nausea in the First Trimester

According to medical doctors, the best way to combat nausea is to eat small meals frequently while ensuring that you avoid fried, spicy, and, fatty foods. James Bromberg – a mother of three in New York had this to say: “Eating plain saltine crackers helped me combat queasiness every time.” Ideally, you should ensure that you have some food by your bedside that you can snack on whenever you wake up. Another remedy that you can try is ginger tea or ginger ale. If you suffer from severe or prolonged nausea, ensure that you visit your doctor.

3. Frequent Urination – “I have to pee a lot.”

Many women face this symptom in their first trimester. Frequent urination can be attributed to a lot of things including your anatomy. As your baby grows in the uterus, it usually expands and puts a lot of pressure on the bladder which can make you feel like peeing most of the time. Another reason for frequent urination is that the blood levels in the body usually increase hence the need to empty your bladder more frequently. The issue of frequent urination usually diminishes between the 14th and 16th weeks. During this period, the weight of the uterus usually places it more on the wall of your abdomen and less on the bladder. Note that the issue of frequent urination may arise again towards the end of your pregnancy when the baby starts resting more on the pelvis and bladder again.

How to Combat Frequent Urination in the First Trimester

There is not much you can do about this issue except peeing when the need arises. Do not be tempted to cut back on your water intake since your body needs a lot of water during pregnancy to sustain increased blood levels and the formation of amniotic fluid.

4. Sore Breasts – “My breasts hurt.”

Swollen, tender nipples, and breasts are common during pregnancy as hormones start preparing the body for milk production. “My breasts got so big that I named each after a mountain,” says Lori Richmond of Brooklyn, NY whose breast size grew to an E-cup when she was pregnant with her youngest son, Cooper. Note that your breasts will continue to grow for the length of your pregnancy but the soreness should diminish by the 12th week.

How to Combat Breast Tenderness in the First Trimester

For starters, avoid wearing restrictive bras. Instead, look for bras made of soft and stretchy fabric. Restrictive bras can dig into your tender breasts making them painful. Additionally, look for bras that have wide and padded straps for extra support. When sleeping tries to avoid wearing a bra and instead go for a snug tank top.

4 Problem Signs That You Should Get Checked Immediately During Your First Trimester

1. Persistent/Prolonged Belly Pains: A small twinge is usually nothing to worry about but if the pain is persistent, it may be an indication that you have an ectopic or tubal pregnancy which is extremely dangerous.
2. Severe Queasiness or Vomiting: If you cannot keep down fluids or food that you consume for at least 24 hours, you may be at risk of suffering from an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Another red flag that you should watch out for is the inability to pee for more than 6 hours.
3. Heavy Bleeding: Getting a light bleed is not necessarily a problem. However, if the bleeding resembles a period, it may be a pointer that there is a problem. Ensure that you talk to your doctor about any bleeding issues during your pregnancy.
4. Frequent Constipation

Irregularity in going to the bathroom is common during the first trimester. However, if you stay for about 3 days without going to the restroom, ensure that you speak to your doctor.