Medically Reviewed By Experts Panel
The first trimester of pregnancy can be sometimes quite overwhelming and amazing. The first trimester of your pregnancy is a period of dramatic changes. You will experience one of the most intensively bodily transformations. Even though your first sign of pregnancy will begin with missed period, what follows in the coming weeks is a metamorphosis that can fascinate and surprise you.
Most of the early symptoms of pregnancy are driven by a hormone called HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone). The HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, and multiplies very rapidly. Breast tenderness, feeling emotional, nausea and fatigue – they’re all due to the proliferating HCG levels.
Be prepared for dramatic changes in the body that will be felt in the coming weeks.
- Changes in your breast – You will also find your breasts getting larger and heavier. This is in preparation to make and supply milk for your baby.
- Morning sickness – More than half of all pregnant women will experience morning sickness to some extent or the other, in the first trimester. Morning sickness is typically at its worse early in the day, hence its name, but it can strike at any point during the day or night.
- Increased Urination – Urinary frequency initially occurs due to increased levels of the hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced primarily by the placenta during pregnancy. Later in the pregnancy as the uterus and the baby continue to grow, they create pressure on the bladder.
- Fatigue – Fatigue during pregnancy is very common. Although some women may feel more tired than others, the energy level definitely seems to have decreased as compared to before. Even sleep requirement may increase now. You may usually need only six hours of sleep at night, but during your pregnancy you may be curling up for more sleep. Which is normal.
- Food cravings – Food craving and change in appetite affects more than half of pregnant women. Like most other symptoms, pregnancy food preferences can be attributed to hormonal changes. It can cause a great sensitivity to smell and taste, which can influence the foods you prefer to eat. The most common aversion that surface during pregnancy include eggs, onions, garlic, meat, and dairy products. Just like food aversions, there can be food cravings too during pregnancy. Chocolates and pickles are found to be the most commonly craved food. Ice-creams and spicy food follow.
