Pregnancy is big news for any parent, and they all want to give the best to their baby. The first trimester of pregnancy starts from the last day of your period and lasts till the end of the 12th week. This means that by the time you are sure about the pregnancy, you will already be 5-6 weeks pregnant. For better tracking your pregnancy, you need to know what goes in your body during this time and what changes to look for.
The Channel 46 has collaborated with Dr Madhushree Vijayakumar, Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, who discusses the bodily changes and the most common symptoms experienced by women during the first trimester of pregnancy. She also advises dietary tips for such women.
What Happens In Your Body?
When the egg is fertilised, it quickly divides itself in the layers of cells and implants in the wall of your womb where it grows. These layers of cells become an embryo, which grows into a baby.
A lot of changes occur in your body during this time. When the egg is fertilised, it quickly divides itself in the layers of cells and implants in the wall of your womb where it grows. These layers of cells become an embryo, which grows into a baby. Your baby grows the fastest in this period. The heartbeat can be heard till the end of the 12th week and your baby’s bones, muscles and all the organs are formed in this stage.
5 Symptoms Of Pregnancy During First Trimester
Let’s know what symptoms you will notice in your body during your first trimester
Here are some of the most common early signs and symptoms of pregnancy –
1. No Menstruation
It is one of the most common indications of pregnancy if you’re in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without indication or start of your period, you might be pregnant.
2. Nausea With Or Without Vomiting
The symptoms of morning sickness often begin one to two months after you become pregnant. Some women experience it even earlier than that and some never experience it. Though the cause behind it isn’t clear, it is believed that pregnancy hormones play a major role in it.
Read: How To Sleep Peacefully During Pregnancy
3. Tender, Sore & Swollen Breasts
Your breasts become sensitive and sore early in pregnancy due to hormonal changes, but this discomfort is likely to disappear after a few weeks as your body adjusts to it.
4. Frequent Urination
During pregnancy, you may find yourself urinating more often than you usually do due to an increase in the amount of blood in your body during pregnancy. This causes your kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in your bladder and, thus, causes the urge to urinate frequently.
5. Fatigue
Fatigue is also one of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy. Mothers feel a lot of sleepiness during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is believed that the rapid rise in the progesterone levels during early pregnancy is responsible for this.
5 Dietary Tips & Tricks For Pregnant Women
1. Follow A Healthy Eating Pattern
Eating in a healthy pattern is essential during pregnancy. you should include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and protein foods in your daily diet. You will need to avoid food and drinks with added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Limited consumption of refined grains and starches would be beneficial for you.
Read: Your 101 Expert Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy Diet
2. Get The Right Amount Of Calories
You must have heard the saying, “You are eating for two during this time, so you should get double the amount of calories”. This is not true for so many women, especially in their first trimester. Most women don’t even need extra calories during their first trimester.
3. Go For Healthy Snacks
You can’t control your cravings during this time. It will be beneficial for you to choose healthy snacks like low-fat or fat-free yoghurt with fruit, whole-grain crackers with fat-free or low-fat cheese, carrots with hummus, etc. Go for low sugar snacks.
4. Take A Pre-natal Vitamin With Folic Acid, Iron & Iodine Every Day
Folic acid is essential in preventing birth defects of the brain and spine in the baby. Iron and iodine are essential nutrients that help in your baby’s growth. Make sure that you regularly take your prescribed supplements.
5. Avoid Seafood
Seafood can be a great source of protein. However, some fish and shellfish contain potentially dangerous levels of mercury and too much of this can affect the baby’s developing nervous system.
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