The first trimester of pregnancy can be a very anxious time. It is in these three months that the risk of miscarriage is highest, which can make any parent feel worried and nervous. The good news is that as each passes, the risk decreases steadily. Believe it or not, at the end of these three scary, happy, confusing three months, your baby will be fully formed ? with fingers that open and close and the beginnings of teeth!
All those changes and growth are bound to take their effect, not to mention how the emotional changes can affect you. Physically, your developing baby is demanding and it is completely normal to feel tired and run down at this stage. Your energy is likely to return later in the pregnancy, so try not to let this tiredness get you down.
Hormones, those chemicals that are responsible for the amazing job your body is doing in taking care of your baby, can also run riot with your emotions. You might feel weepy or overwhelmed or you might feel perfectly happy ? everyone is affected differently. Most women feel a mixture of the two ? mood swings are very common at this stage. So if you feel like you are going mad ? you aren?t alone, and the feeling will pass.
Morning sickness is usually worst during the first trimester and it can help to bear this in mind if you are suffering. Despite the name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day. While morning sickness is often a normal thing in a normal, healthy pregnancy, it can become a problem if you get dehydrated. If you are not able to keep any food down and are vomiting frequently, you may have a condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which needs medical attention. If you feel you are at risk of becoming dehydrated or are losing weight, speak to your doctor or midwife.
During the first trimester, it is important that you are aware of an7 changes in your body that may be caused for concern. While many women experience spotting of blood during pregnancy, any bright red blood should be investigated by your doctor. Similarly, any cramping or sharp pains should be checked out. While these may be nothing to worry about, they could be signs of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fertilised egg is developing outside of the womb. If you are worried, ask. Any doctor or midwife will be happy to reassure you, and often the worry itself is worse than the actual condition so you will find that once your mind is eased, the symptoms become easier to handle.
RELATED: Pregnancy – 2nd Trimester
Many people choose to keep the news of their pregnancy quiet until they are past the first trimester. It’s completely up to you, but if you do choose to announce your news, prepare for the onslaught of advice! This is one symptom of the first trimester that really doesn?t let up until baby arrives, and then it gets worse! Try to trust your own intuition and take your doctor’s advice rather than trying to weigh up all the conflicting advice you will receive from every angle!
If possible, enjoy this time. If you feel horrible with morning sickness and mood swings, don?t feel guilty that you aren?t enjoying it ? pregnancy can be a rollercoaster of physical and emotional changes? many women find it much easier to cope with once the second trimester arrives.
Further pregnancy related information can be found at the HSE website
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