Congratulations, you’re about to start your journey through pregnancy! The end of the journey may seem very far away, but your pregnancy will go by very quickly and you’ll be cuddling your baby before you know it!
The first few weeks of the first trimester of pregnancy are very exciting because, while you are pregnant, you may have few physical signs. Truly a miracle! You may wonder if anyone can tell you’re pregnant. You might want to tell everyone you meet, but at the same time, barely believe it yourself. Some women get anxious and worry that if they tell everyone right away this will jinx their condition. This is a normal fear. It’s usually a sign that you’re experiencing the desire to protect your pregnancy and your baby.
Even though you may not feel any different, your body is going through incredible changes. These changes will eventually cause some early symptoms of pregnancy, which can be unpleasant but are normal. While being tired and/or nauseous is no fun, it does make your pregnancy very real, and such a confirmation can add to your excitement. Happily, these early discomforts will go away over time or can be managed with some modification in your daily routine.
The early symptoms of pregnancy include:
• Fatigue. You may feel very tired throughout the day or at times feel you have never experienced such fatigue before. You may crave a nap each day. The fatigue is caused by the rapid growth of your uterus and your baby, both demanding energy from your body.
Tip: Plan for this rest time. Don’t fight the urge for a nap. Schedule time in your day just to rest. Even if you don’t sleep, just put your feet up and drink some water. You’ll feel better, less tired, and perhaps less moody.
• Breast Tenderness. Your breast tissue will swell in response to the buildup of hormones in your body, specifically increased estrogen. This hormone also helps thicken the lining of the uterus, which nourishes your baby in the early part of pregnancy. This is a temporary discomfort that will resolve after a few weeks.
Tip: Realize this is normal and try not to put much pressure on your breasts until the tenderness dissipates over the next few weeks. Adjust your bra size if needed. Get a comfortable bra with good support.
• Frequent urination. Having to urinate more frequently is common in early and late pregnancy. Your changing hormone levels cause the smooth muscles of the uterus and bladder to relax, increasing the sensation of the need to urinate. In addition, your body is beginning to get rid of waste for two people.
Tip: Plan for more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially when you’re involved in activities such as a long car trip, a meeting, or going to a movie. Do not wait to go to the bathroom. Holding off will only cause you mental and physical stress. If you experience a burning sensation or pain of any kind when you urinate, or feel that the need to go is urgent but you produce little urine, you may have a bladder infection. Report these symptoms to your doctor or midwife.
• Increased vaginal discharge. This is caused by the change in hormone levels and is your body’s way of making sure the entrance to the uterus is clear of any bacteria.