First trimester of pregnancy
We live in a time that is one of the safest in history to have a baby. Prenatal care is more complete and new mothers are generally healthier as they enter into the first trimester of pregnancy. In the first trimester, you may have a lot of questions and concerns, even if you have been pregnant before. Your pregnancy history, including any abortions or miscarriages, is important knowledge for your physician. With a thorough obstetrical as well as gynecological history, you will receive the best care.
First trimester symptoms
The first trimester pregnancy symptoms include food cravings, disgust at certain foods, enlarged breasts and very sensitive areola, as well as anxiety about the pregnancy, and of course the dreaded morning sickness. Other symptoms may include upset stomach, feeling tired all the time, and aches and pains throughout your body. Typically, these symptoms are reduced during the second pregnancy and thereafter.
First month of pregnancy
In the first month of pregnancy, usually 1-4 weeks, pregnancy symptoms may have fully blossomed, or you may be feeling nothing at all. Your physical appearance is probably not giving away your pregnancy yet, either. This first month is also when you have your first prenatal appointment. This is the first trimester of pregnancy, and maybe the most important, so your physician will be very thorough. Some of the checkpoints to cover in this visit:
- What are your pregnancy symptoms?
- When you had your last menstrual period, from this will be calculated your estimated delivery date.
- Examining of your cervix and uterus.
- A urine and blood pregnancy test will usually be done.
- A complete history including your medical history, any supplements or medications you take or have since becoming pregnant; your gynecological history, and even questions about your daily habits.
- A full physical examination to assess your overall health.
Some common tests during the first of the pregnancy trimesters are a blood test, urinalysis, tests to check for STD’s and hepatitis B, genetic tests, and tests to check for diabetes.
First trimester health tips
If this is your first time being pregnant, you probably have heard volumes worth of advice on what to expect during pregnancy. Here are some steadfast truths about all pregnancies to remember:
- Stay in Good Health: Whether or not you have been pregnant before, all pregnancies will affect you differently. Staying in good physical condition (as much as you can,) will help your pregnancy go a little smoother.
- A Good Pregnancy Diet: Increase the chances of having a healthy baby, and reduce the possibility of certain defects. Diets rich in nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins should be the priority. Remember that you are feeding someone else too, so avoid starving yourself, and think about the nutritional value of every bite you eat.
- Weight: Putting on the pounds at a steady pace, and staying within 25-35 lbs., has a less drastic effect on your body. During pregnancy, hemorrhoids and stretch marks, as well as other maladies, can be minimized with a steady weight gain.
- Exercise: Do not stop exercising because you are pregnant, especially if this is not the first pregnancy. There are many guides available with safe exercises for your pregnancy first trimester, so set your mind at ease and start, or continue, exercising.
- Slow Down: This is not the time to take on additional stress in your life if you can avoid it. For one thing, it is important to get as much rest as possible during your pregnancy, and for another it can lead to or exacerbate morning sickness. Other pregnancy symptoms listed below can be aggravated by a fast-paced lifestyle as well. Look into hiring a house cleaner, babysitter, taking breaks from stressful activities, and taking on less responsibility at work.
Some women need time settling in with being pregnant. If you are not used to being sick or feeling body pain, than the whole experience might be a little unfamiliar. Try to enjoy the first trimester of pregnancy, and stay healthy for your baby.
Photo courtesy of pascal79 ©
Related posts:
- Second trimester of pregnancy
- Third trimester of pregnancy
- Complications During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy trimesters
Tags: first month of pregnancy, first trimester health tips, First trimester symptoms, pregnancy trimesters