Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting period in a woman’s life. It is accompanied by many changes in the body, both physical and emotional. Pregnancy lasts nine months, which are divided into three equal periods called trimesters. Each trimester has its own characteristics, and understanding them will help the expectant mother better prepare for the birth of her child.
First trimester of pregnancy
The first trimester of pregnancy is the period from the moment of conception until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. At this stage, a woman may face a lot of difficulties and problems. The early period of pregnancy is different for all women, but some symptoms may recur.
The first and perhaps most noticeable symptom is the absence of menstruation. Light spotting may also continue during the first trimester. It is they who can often obscure the picture that some women do not realize that they are pregnant during the first three months.
You may also find that you urinate more often. This is due to the increase in the size of the uterus, which begins to put pressure on the bladder. Due to hormonal changes, such as a sharp increase in progesterone levels in the blood, you will take in and excrete more fluid.
Most women notice a change in the shape of the breasts and the appearance of new sensations: the breasts swell, they may feel tingling, throbbing or pain. Another symptom typical for this period of pregnancy is fatigue. It usually occurs between the fourteenth and twentieth weeks of pregnancy.
Other unpleasant symptoms that may appear in early pregnancy include possible constipation and lightheadedness. To prevent constipation, it is necessary to increase fluid and fiber intake and eliminate fatty foods and bloody meats. It is also recommended to engage in light physical activity to strengthen your pelvic muscles and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Nausea during pregnancy
At the beginning of pregnancy, women are often plagued by a feeling of lightheadedness and vomiting. In the first trimester, 60-80% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness. Morning sickness, which begins, as it should, in the morning, in the first weeks of pregnancy often continues 24 hours a day. You can try to beat it by eating crackers or drinking juice. Constant nausea accompanied by vomiting is dangerous because it can lead to insufficient intake of nutrients and dehydration of the body. Try to drink more during pregnancy - little by little, but often.
Nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is extremely important to eat right. Features of the food and vitamin diet of a pregnant woman depend on her age, weight, previous diseases and characteristics of the course of pregnancy. Some foods, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, contain important nutrients needed for your baby's growth and development. It is also important to monitor weight gain to avoid health problems for both mother and baby.
Gymnastics and exercise during pregnancy
Physical activity is another important aspect of pregnancy. Light exercise and gymnastics can help strengthen the muscles of the pelvis and back, prepare the body for childbirth and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. However, it is necessary to engage in moderate exercise and avoid injury and overwork. It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting classes.
In conclusion, each trimester of pregnancy has its own characteristics and challenges. But, understanding these features will help the expectant mother to better prepare for the birth of a child, stay healthy and enjoy this exciting period in life. It is important to remember that every pregnancy is unique and that you can always seek help from your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.