First Trimester

Your moods and emotions

As you know by now, the first few months of pregnancy are a time of adjustment as well as wonder. It takes a little time to get used to the idea of a new life growing inside you. The newness of it all, combined with fluctuating hormone levels, may cause dramatic mood swings. While they might not seem normal to you (or your partner!), these mood swings are quite normal, and should stabilize over the next few months. In the meantime, it may help to talk to your doctor about them, as well as to other mothers who have “been there.”

What your body may be feeling

During the early weeks of your pregnancy, you may not see many changes to your body, but you can certainly feel them. You may be tired much of the time now. During the day, even brief rest periods will help. At night, you will be ready for bed much earlier than usual. As you enter your second trimester, this constant fatigue should pass. In fact, most women report  new bursts of energy starting at about 14 or 15 weeks.

In addition to mood swings and fatigue, hormonal changes can also cause breast tenderness, more frequent urination and changes in appetite or food preferences. You may experience a slight increase in vaginal discharge, but should not have any itching or irritation. 

Morning sickness

The most infamous symptom of early pregnancy is morning sickness, which — as you may have discovered — can occur at ANY time of day. Many women experience no nausea at all, while others suffer from frequent vomiting. To better cope with nausea, you may want to:

• Eat dry crackers in the morning before rising

• Eat several small meals during the day, instead of three large ones

• Avoid rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods

• Take daily walks in fresh air

• Avoid offensive odors

• Talk to your doctor about waiting a few weeks to take prenatal vitamins

• If vomiting is severe, call your doctor

Warning signs

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms of  possible complications: 

• Vaginal bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge

• A temperature higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• A burning sensation during urination

• Diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours

• Severe vomiting

What is happening with your baby?

At about six weeks after conception, your baby was about an inch long, and her brain, nervous system, heart, lungs — and even tiny buds for arms and legs – were all beginning to form. By the end of this trimester, she will be about six inches long and weigh about 4 ounces. Her internal organs will be developing, and her fingers and toes will be completely formed. Your baby is moving around, but is still too tiny for the movements to be felt.