First Trimester Pregnancy

Congratulations! You are going to embark on a beautiful journey: nurturing new life. The first trimester is the first three months following conception, which is the process of fusion of a sperm from a fertile male and an ovum from a fertile female.

First Trimester Symptoms

Early signs of pregnancy include missed menstrual periods, breast enlargement, abdominal distension, frequent urination, constipation, nausea and fatigue. The health care provider performs certain tests to confirm pregnancy, including uterus enlargement, bluish color of vaginal walls, softening of the cervix and increased size of the abdomen. A positive urine or serum HCG test can also be done.

First Trimester Pregnancy Tests and Check-ups

Plan to see your practitioner at about nine weeks and continue to follow-up every four weeks thereon. Routine ultrasounds to check for fetal problems, if any, are required. If your family has a history of genetic disorders, it is advisable to do a prenatal test. Also, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, Rubella immunity, diabetes, blood pressure abnormalities and urine protein is essential.

Dealing with Morning Sickness

Morning Sickness for a newly pregnant mother is a little hard to get used to. However, its effects can be reduced by eating small, frequent meals, consuming plenty of water, taking carbonated drinks between meals and brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth after vomiting. Vitamin B6 tablets and ginger capsules are also known to help relieve morning sickness.

Eat and sleep and exercise

Following a nutritious diet including food from all five food groups, grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat is important. Be sure to start taking pre-natal vitamins and increase calcium intake. Getting sufficient amount of sleep of about 8-10 hours in the night and a couple hours during the day is recommended. Some exercise (like a walk or a slow jog) helps to not only deal with fatigue but also prepares the body for birth.