Pregnancy is one of the most exciting journeys a woman can take in life – but for many new moms, it can be a scary one as well. After all, entering a pregnancy for the first time comes with a lot of unknowns. How bad will morning sickness get? What do I have to avoid to help my baby grow? What should I expect during pregnancy? At Doylestown Women's Health Center, we understand how uncertain pregnancy can be, and our mission is to help keep you and your baby health through every stage of pregnancy. If you're getting ready to be a new mom, here's what you should expect during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Common Symptoms of First Trimester Pregnancy
Before we go on, it's important to note that every pregnancy – just like every person – is different. Different women may experience wildly different reactions during pregnancy, and ultimately there is not a "right" reaction for your body to have.
But while the reactions may vary, there are a number of common things to look out for. A few of the most common physical changes during the first trimester include:
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Light Bleeding: About a quarter of women still experience some menstrual bleeding during the first trimester. In fact, light spotting may indicate that the embryo has implanted. However, if the bleeding doesn't stop or becomes significant, you should call your doctor – it may be a sign that something's up.
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Sore Breasts: One of the classic, earliest signs of pregnancy is breast tenderness. At the start of your pregnancy, your body unleashes a flood of hormones to prepare for the growing baby – and as your breasts prepare to produce milk, you may feel it.
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Fatigue: You're eating, sleeping, and breathing for two now, and that might take its toll. It's very common for women to feel more tired than normal during a pregnancy. Try not to overwork yourself or just "push through it." If at all possible, take naps or rest throughout the day to let your body recharge. Also make sure you're getting enough iron, as anemia is a common problem that can cause fatigue.
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Mood Swings: Once your pregnancy gets in motion, your body becomes a pandemonium of hormones. Those hormones may affect your mood – and that's ok. If you feel more irritable, ecstatic, tired, sad, cranky, and petrified than normal (or all those at the same time), give yourself space to feel the feelings and try to find someone you can talk to.
Warning Signs During the First Trimester
Most problems women experience during the first trimester are just annoyances that come as part of a normal pregnancy. However, some things should warrant immediate attention. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following first-trimester warning signs:
Contact Your Female OB GYN in Bucks County
No matter where you are in the process of pregnancy, you deserve a team of experienced, compassionate gynecologists and women's health professionals to help you get through it. At Doylestown Women's Health Center, that's exactly what we aim to provide. Call us today at 215-340-2229 to learn more about our services and how we can help make your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible. We're excited to hear from you – and we look forward to helping you welcome your little bundle of joy into the world.