First Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms

You are about to embark on an exciting nine-month journey that will lead to a whole new life for your family. In addition to the excitement about what lies ahead, you will also be experiencing a lot of unknown changes in your body . Before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start with the basics of the first trimester pregnancy symptoms.

Nine months might seem like a long time, but those months fly by as you reach each milestone of the three trimesters. First trimester symptoms occur during the first three months of your pregnancy and can include physical changes such as, nausea and bleeding, as well as emotional mood swings. Just remember, that as you experience all of these changes your baby is growing and will have arms, hands and feet by the end of the first trimester.

Common First Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms

Nausea

Commonly referred to as morning sickness, nausea during pregnancy does not just restrain itself to the hours directly after sunrise. In fact, unlike motion sickness, your nausea might persist throughout the day regardless of moving vehicles. Drinking lots of liquids and eating easily digestible foods to ease nausea.

Bleeding

Bleeding, while slightly unsettling, is very common during the first few months of pregnancy. This bleeding can be a result of breakthrough bleeding, due to pregnancy hormones trying to cover up your regular monthly menstrual cycle. It can also be caused when the fertilized egg implants itself in your uterus, or simply the softening of your cervix. There is no need to be alarmed, unless you experience extreme pain or cramping and significant bleeding, then you should contact a doctor.

Development of Fetus

While you are experiencing these symptoms of your first trimester, the fertilized egg will grow to about 2 inches in length. By week 4 your baby’s heart will start pumping blood throughout the body and by week 8 your baby’s eyes will be visible. Your baby will have fingers and toes by the end of the first trimester, and genitals will also develop at this point in your pregnancy. At the same time your uterus will adjust its size to fit your growing fetus; starting as the size of a fist and reaching the size of a grapefruit by the end of the first 3 months.

Emotional State

In addition to both physical changes to your body and the baby’s development, the beginning of your pregnancy can come with a lot of questions and emotional ups and downs.

You might be concerned with the possibility of a miscarriage, which is relatively common during the first trimester. To ease your mind listen to your body and do what is best for you. It is your decision whether you want to tell people about your pregnancy, or not, until you have reached the 12 week mark, a time most women consider safe to spread the news.

Despite the fact that you might be experiencing morning sickness as your baby develops, you may not feel like you’re pregnant, especially since you are not showing. At this point you get to decide which of your family, friends and/or coworkers should know about your pregnancy. Keep in mind that once you share the news you are likely to experience an influx of advice from loved ones and possible new work conditions based on office policies.

Pregnancy is a brand new adventure, so embrace the emotions that you will experience and consult a professional if you ever feel overwhelmed or troubled.