Navigating the Challenges of the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a joyous time, but it can also be a very difficult one. In fact, you may find yourself wondering, “Why is it so hard to get pregnant?” It’s very normal. Most pregnant women prepare for some nausea, sore breasts, and the like, but don’t expect to experience many symptoms that can really make the first trimester a struggle. Of course, not everyone will struggle. But if you know the challenges you may face, you’ll be better prepared to deal with them. Learn more about what to expect in early pregnancy and how to cope with them.

“tired”

 According to Roger Harms, MD, obstetrician- gynecologist emeritus at Mayo Clinic Minnesota and editor of the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, fatigue is the most common complaint during early pregnancy . Aside from the simple fact that nursing a baby takes up a lot of the body’s resources, fatigue is also caused by a surge in the hormone progesterone, known for its calming effects. Insomnia is common during pregnancy, so fatigue often accompanies sleep problems. Fortunately, the extreme sleepiness usually subsides after 8 to 10 weeks and rarely lasts longer than 13 weeks. 

Get Better Faster: The most important thing is to take it easy. Take a nap, go to bed earlier, put the cleaning on hold. You may need to reduce the intensity of your exercise, but you should keep doing it. In addition to helping you better tolerate pregnancy and birth, physical activity can actually boost your energy levels, says Terri Hoffman, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Not used to exercising every day? Ask your doctor if it’s okay to start a simple habit like walking 20 to 30 minutes a day. Yoga and swimming are also great options. 

When to see a doctor : If fatigue is affecting your daily life, you have trouble sleeping on a regular basis, and/or you feel like your fatigue hasn’t improved by the end of your first trimester, see your doctor. 

“I feel nauseous”

For many pregnant women, nausea usually occurs earlier in the day (hence the name “morning sickness”), but it can occur at any time of the day. High estrogen levels during early pregnancy appear to stimulate a part of the brain that causes nausea and vomiting. Estrogen also affects the digestive tract, relaxing smooth muscle tissue and slowing the digestion of food, which can lead to stomach pain. Nausea should usually subside around the 13th or 14th week.

Get better faster: Doctors recommend eating small, frequent meals and avoiding greasy, fried, and spicy foods. “My go-to saltine crackers always give me a pick-me-up,” says James Mowery Blomberg, a mom of three in New York City. Keep some by your bedside and eat them before you get up in the morning. Ginger water, ginger tea, or peppermint tea may also help. 

When to see a doctor: If you have severe vomiting, consult a doctor. If you can’t keep food and drink down for 24 hours, you risk dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, both of which are dangerous for you and your baby. Not being able to urinate for more than six hours is another warning sign. 

“I’m peeing a lot.”

Frequent urination is also a common symptom of early pregnancy. This increased need to urinate is partly anatomical: Your uterus grows during early pregnancy, putting extra pressure on your bladder, making you feel like you need to urinate more frequently. Additionally, the volume of blood in your body increases significantly during pregnancy, so your kidneys have to process more fluid, which eventually drains into your bladder.

This condition usually improves between weeks 14 and 16, when the weight of your growing uterus pulls it forward, reducing pressure on your bladder and relieving stress on your abdominal wall. But don’t be surprised if you start urinating more frequently again later in pregnancy, as your baby descends deeper into your pelvis and puts pressure on your bladder again.

To get better quickly, there’s not much you can do other than go when you need to. Stay hydrated: Your body needs more fluids to maintain the increased volume of blood and amniotic fluid during pregnancy. 

When to see a doctor: If you’re leaking urine or can’t get to the bathroom in time, see a doctor. Call also if you experience any discomfort when urinating, such as itching or burning, as these could be signs of an infection. 

“My chest hurts!”

During early pregnancy, your breasts will likely feel tender and swollen, and your nipples will be sore, as a rise in hormones prepares your breasts to produce milk. “My breasts are so big, I named one Mount Everest and the other Mount Kilimanjaro,” says Brooklyn resident Lori Richmond, who grew to an E cup while pregnant with her son, Cooper. Your breasts will continue to feel tingly, sore, full, extremely sensitive and painful for the next nine months, but the pain should subside by the 12th week.

Feel better instantly: Look for bras made with soft, stretchy fabric. Avoid tight underwired bras, as they can be painful for your delicate breasts. If you’re a D cup size or larger, you’ll also want wide, padded straps for extra support. At night, try wearing a fitted tank top or a soft cotton sleep bra. 

When to see a doctor: If your breasts are very painful, red or hot to the touch, see a doctor to rule out an infection. 

“I’m constipated!”

Changing hormone levels, especially rising progesterone levels, can slow down bowel movements. Morning sickness can also change your eating habits, which can lead to constipation.

How to get better fast: Drink plenty of fluids and eat plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to keep your digestive system working properly. Daily exercise will also help keep you moving. Reducing your intake of starches, meat, cheese, and other dairy products can make constipation worse. Avoid straining when having a bowel movement, as this can lead to hemorrhoids. 

When to see a doctor: Irregular bowel movements are normal during pregnancy, but if you miss a bowel movement for more than three days, be sure to let your doctor know. 

“I have strange desires”

You’ll often hear stories of pregnant people craving unusual food combinations, like pickles and ice cream, but you might be surprised at the strange snacks you crave. Maybe chocolate with sushi or peanut butter with pancakes. You might crave dirt or other non-food items. Some people may develop food aversions, so your favorite foods might suddenly become harder to eat. Many physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to a change in appetite.

Feel Better Instantly: Cravings and aversions can throw your meal plan off a little, but you can explore new food preferences or stick to the ones you normally enjoy. Avoid eating unhealthy foods like raw fish, dirt, and clay, though. Instead, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and try different foods to find what works for you. Taking prenatal vitamins can help fill in any nutritional gaps. 

When to see a doctor: If cravings or aversions are keeping you from eating healthy foods, talk to your doctor. He or she may refer you to a prenatal nutritionist. 

Prenatal Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

While typical pregnancy symptoms like nausea and frequent urination can most often be controlled or contained, it’s important to tell your doctor about any problems you’re experiencing. Also, contact your doctor straight away if you have any of the following pregnancy symptoms or any seemingly normal symptoms that worry you:

Persistent abdominal pain

A little pain every now and then is nothing to worry about, but severe, constant pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis during early pregnancy could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy), which can be dangerous.

Vaginal bleeding

Light bleeding from time to time isn’t usually a problem, but if the bleeding resembles a period or fluid or tissue passes through your vagina, it could be problematic. Unfortunately, heavy bleeding can be a sign of a miscarriage. If you experience bleeding during pregnancy, see your doctor to make sure everything is normal.

Abdominal cramps

If you experience abdominal pain, be sure to see a doctor straight away. It’s normal to experience abdominal pain that resembles menstrual cramps, and morning sickness, indigestion, and diarrhea can sometimes mimic the sensation of uterine cramps. However, like vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain can be a sign of a miscarriage, so it’s important to see a doctor.

Severe swelling, headache, and discomfort

You may experience swelling and discomfort, especially in your legs, but don’t ignore any swelling, headaches, or severe pain: these symptoms can be signs of high blood pressure, which puts extra strain on your kidneys and heart and can lead to serious complications like pre-eclampsia.