First Trimester

Your Body During the First Trimester

During the first three months of pregnancy, or the first trimester, your body undergoes many changes. As your body adjusts to the growing baby, you may have nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings, and stress. These things are all normal.Your physical body

Even though you aren’t showing yet, your body lets you know that you are pregnant. By the time you are six weeks along, you will likely feel like you are pregnant. In other words, your body will be doing something different. Right from the first few weeks, you may have a host of symptoms including

• unusual fatigue
• irritability
• bouts of nausea / morning sickness
• headaches
• dizziness
• enlarging and tender breasts
• indigestion
• bloating
• increased urination
• light cramping

But take heart–many of these symptoms will vanish by the beginning of your second trimester. And although you may not feel your best in the beginning of your pregnancy, none of your symptoms will make the baby uncomfortable.

Your emotions

Your emotions are probably changing quite a bit during this time as well. Even if you were trying for a baby, you may have a whirlwind of different feelings, sometimes at the same time. You are not crazy, you are pregnant. Not only is your life changed from here on out, hormone levels—which affect your moods—are changing in your body too.

Pregnancy may leave you feeling delighted, anxious, exhilarated and exhausted — sometimes all at once. Even if you’re thrilled about being pregnant, a new baby adds emotional stress to your life. It’s natural to worry about your baby’s health, being a parent, money needs, even redecorating.

If you are feeling	try…
stunned	giving yourself some time
frightened	getting information from your doctor, Web sites, books, non-dramatic friends
delighted	enjoy it, decide how you will tell the world
anxious	getting information
disbelief	follow up your at-home test with a doctor’s appointment
misgivings	assemble your “support team” (your partner, family, friends)who can provide understanding and encouragement

To cope with these emotions, remind yourself that what you’re feeling is normal. Take good care of yourself, and look to your partner and family for understanding and encouragement. If the mood changes become severe or intense, consult your health care provider for additional support.

The first trimester can be trying, both physically and emotionally. Give your body credit that it is now responsible for this incredible feat of making a baby. In just a few weeks, you will be surprised to find two old buddies: energy and enthusiasm!

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