Finding out your pregnant is a wonderful and exciting time. As you and your baby-to-be go through the wonderful roller coaster that is the first trimester, you will notice many changes taking place in your body. The signs and symptoms of pregnancy progressing can be miraculous, exciting and even quite a bit uncomfortable.
The first trimester is often fraught with symptoms of discomfort in the mother. Don’t worry though – this period does pass. The baby, too, undergoes some incredible changes during the first months of pregnancy.
1ST TRIMESTER GROWTH FOR BABY
For baby, the first trimester brings the most rapid changes found in pregnancy. Your little one will go from a tiny embryo that might not even be visible on an ultrasound to a fetus that is completely recognisable as a tiny person. These changes take place during the course of about 12 weeks.
The first trimester will begin with the fertilisation and implantation of the egg. From there, your baby will quickly become a fully formed fetus. During this period, baby will develop vital organs, arms and legs and even external sexual organs.
The first trimester is a terribly exciting time for mom and dad to be. As baby goes through some incredible changes, the pregnancy will begin to show external signs in mom, as well.
CHANGES IN MOM DURING THE 1ST WEEKS
The first trimester is known for having a laundry basketful of symptoms that mom-to-be is likely to notice in a very big way. As a woman’s body undergoes massive changes to accommodate pregnancy and eventual breastfeeding, many symptoms are likely to appear. Some of the most noticeable changes during the first trimester include:
• Cessation of menstrual cycle – One of the first signs of pregnancy during the first trimester is likely to involve missed periods.
• Breast enlargement and soreness – A woman’s mammary glands will begin to enlarge during the first weeks of pregnancy to help pave the way for breastfeeding. These changes can cause discomfort and lead to growth in the breasts by as much as two full cup sizes.
• External breast changes – The area around a woman’s nipples, called the areolas, are likely to darken, get bigger and even develop small bumps. These changes are all normal. The blood vessels in the breasts may also become more pronounced.
• Frequent urination – As the uterus grows, changes here can create a need for more frequent urination. The uterus may simply press on the bladder more.
• Mood swings – As the body’s hormones adjust for pregnancy, mood swings are not at all uncommon.
• Constipation and stomach complaints – Many mothers-to-be have issues with digestion during the first trimester. This is caused by the increase in hormones, which can reduce normal intestinal contractions.
• Slight weight gain and body shape changes – It is not at all uncommon for a woman to notice her body getting bigger around the waist and breasts both.
• Fatigue – This is a very common complaint during the first trimester as the body undergoes major changes to accommodate pregnancy.
Both mother and baby will experience major changes during the first trimester. While many of the initial signs of pregnancy are quite uncomfortable, the second trimester typically delivers a very welcomed period of relief.
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