Know all about what is first trimester.
Important facts regarding the first trimester of pregnancy
The period of pregnancy is a delightful experience for a woman, as it is for the husband and other family members, who should take care of the woman who is pregnant.
What is the first trimester?
An average pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks, and this period is divided into three trimesters. Each trimester has its phases. The first trimester is the time between fertilizing an egg by the sperm till the 12th week. The body of a woman goes through some changes during the first trimester. A woman has an entirely different experience during this phase of pregnancy.
General changes during the first trimester:
The first trimester gives a different experience to each woman. While many get by with good health, some face a little trouble during this phase. Some of the important developments that occur during the first trimester are:
1. Breast tenderness
Due to several hormonal changes that the woman’s body is going through in this phase, the breasts become tender. This is due to the developing changes in the milk duct. The bra size of the woman generally starts increasing during the first trimester.
2. Constipation
The hormone progesterone increases during the first trimester of pregnancy, which leads to the contraction of muscles. Also, extra iron intake during this phase leads to constipation. This problem is quite common at this stage, so women need to increase their fiber and fluid intake to bring things under control.
3. Fatigue
The body gets exhausted very often during this stage, as your body is working hard to support the fetus growing inside the womb. Hence, the woman should avoid physically daunting tasks at this stage and take adequate rest at regular intervals.
4. Urinating frequently
As the baby grows, the uterus grows and puts pressure on the bladder in the process. So there is this constant urge to go to the bathroom. But you should keep drinking a lot of fluids, even if it means visiting the bathroom more often.
Growth of the baby during the first trimester:
During the first trimester, the baby starts developing its limbs, and the body systems start to develop. At around ten weeks, the legs and the arms of the baby begin developing slowly. The nails start developing between weeks five and eight. After the eighth week, the intestines of the baby start developing.
Conclusion
You will notice various changes in different parts of the body during the first trimester. Instead of getting worked up in this situation, you should take care of your body well with the help of proper diet and exercise.
Special thanks to Dr. Pradnya Supe Agarwal (M.S. Obstetrics & Gynecology) for the expert advice.
