The First Trimester in PregnancyThe word trimester is used to break down a pregnancy term into three terms. Although the actual word suggests three equal terms, it is not possible to split a pregnancy period in this way. So roughly, the first trimester is the first twelve weeks, the second trimester is weeks twelve to twenty-eight and the third and final trimester is the remainder of the pregnancy term. During the first trimester you will experience a great deal of change within your body, this is because it is reacting to the conception of your baby. It is preparing itself to protect and nourish the baby and get ready for the birth process. Many women will experience morning sickness during the first trimester; this usually clears up by the twelfth week. Other symptoms of pregnancy that you may experience during the first trimester include swollen or tender breasts and a desire to urinate all of the time. You will also have an overwhelming feeling of tiredness or fatigue. The fatigue is the result of the changes happening within your body. As you approach the end of the first trimester you will start to feel a little more normal and able to take a bit of control back. Another symptom that we have not spoken about is constipation. For many women this is the worst feeling during the first trimester, especially as they are already tired and experiencing sickness. To help prevent constipation, try to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink more than three liters of water a day. By the end of the first trimester or the first twelve week period, your baby will be around 7cm to 9cm long and weight little over half an once. The main organs will be in place such as eyes, kidneys, liver, heart and bladder. If you are having your first baby, the first trimester can be a very nerve-wracking time. So it is important that you keep all of your appointments with your doctors and mid-wives. The first ten weeks of the first trimester is when women are most at risk from miscarriage. You will need to talk about your medical history, your family's health history and that of your partner. Don't worry, these are normal questions and designed to help the doctor recognize any hereditary risks. As you approach the end of the first trimester, you may start to feel the affects of morning sickness and fatigue begins to disappear. It may even be the first time that you have felt "normal" throughout your short pregnancy. This is a good sign that everything is going well and that your body has got used to the changes. It is important that you look after yourself during the first trimester. This means you should stop smoking and drinking and try to eat as healthily as possible. It is crucial that your mind set is about ensuring the best possible start for you and your unborn baby, you will be relying on each more and more as you leave the first trimester and enter the mid and last terms of pregnancy. Read more of our articles on the first trimester First Trimester Emotional and Physical Needs Read about the other trimesters |