Pregnancy - The First Trimester

Through pregnancy the trimesters are the chief milestones of the mother-to-be. Rather than signifying three three-monthly periods, they are periods of uneven duration, and are defined by the physiology of foetal growth. By convention, the trimesters run from presumed conception (a fortnight after your LMP), and the first trimester represents the first twelve weeks of your baby’s foetal life. The second trimester ends at 28 peeks, and the third trimester encompasses the rest of your pregnancy.

Throughout the first trimester, your body adjusts to pregnancy. At the start you won't look pregnant, and you may not feel pregnant either, but the activities of your hormones will soon start to affect you in a range of ways. Your moods may change unpredictably, your libido may decrease or increase and you will probably find that your appetite changes and that you prefer more simple food.

Physical Changes:
Your pregnant body is working very hard to accommodate the growing embryo and the placenta. Pregnancy induces a higher metabolic rate - between 10 percent and 25 percent higher than normal – and that means that the body speeds up all of its functions. Your cardiac output rises sharply, almost to the maximum level that will be maintained throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Your heart rate rises as well, and will continue to do so until half way through the second trimester. Your breathing becomes more rapid as you now send more oxygen to the foetus and exhale more carbon dioxide.

Because of the action of oestrogen and progesterone, your breasts quickly become heavier and larger, and are usually tender to touch from very early on. Fatty deposits are increased and new milk ducts grow. The areola around the nipple becomes darker and develops little nodules called Montgomery's tubercles. Underneath your skin, you will notice a network of blue-ish lines appearing as blood supply to the breasts increases.

Your uterus enlarges even in the early stages of pregnancy, but it can’t be felt through the abdominal wall until the end of the first trimester, at which point it begins to rise above the pelvic brim. While it is still low in the pelvis, your uterus will increasingly press on your bladder as it enlarges, so that you will probably find that you will need to urinate more frequently. Also, the muscle fibres of your uterus will begin to thicken until it has become very solid. However, you will probably not notice any increase in your waistline until the end of this first trimester.

How to take care of yourself:
You will have an increased need for carbohydrates and protein to supply your developing baby and the placenta, as well as your uterus and breasts, so it is really important that you eat healthily right from the start of your pregnancy. You will also have an increased need for fluids, so try to drink at least eight glasses of fluid a day. Make sure that you are getting plenty of rest as well.

Drugs, caffeine, junk food, alcohol, and smoking should be avoided throughout the whole of pregnancy, but particularly during this time.

While there is no need to invest in maternity clothes just yet, there's nothing worse than having to put up with your clothes feeling tight even if it's only for a few days, so make sure that you keep one step ahead of your increasing size. However, you will almost certainly need a larger bra from early on, and this should be a correctly fitted maternity bra.

Antenatal care:
Your doctor might be the one that confirms your pregnancy, or you might make an appointment with the antenatal clinic as soon as you have a positive test. If this is the case, you may not be seen until your second trimester. At the first visit, you will be asked about you and your family's medical histories and you will have a thorough physical examination, which will include urine and blood tests.

Making plans:
Your doctor will be able to advise you as to the childbirth options that are open to you in your area, and may offer antenatal care, whether full or shared with your hospital. You will need to start thinking about the type of delivery you want and where you are most likely to get it. Books like this one can help you determine your choices in childbirth as well as provide in-depth information on aspects of pregnancy, birth, and baby care.

Soon after pregnancy is confirmed, most women are unable to resist buying their unborn babies at least one small gift, such as a teddy bear, although many feel that to do more than this is to tempt fate.