Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Your pregnancy is going to be an amazing journey. It will be exciting, and also challenging at times. The first trimester is when your body and hormones start adjusting to being pregnant, so you may find yourself having morning sickness. That should lessen and may even be completely gone after the first few months. You may also feel your baby kicking by the end of the first trimester!
Month One
As soon as you suspect you may be pregnant, call your healthcare professional to schedule an appointment. If you do not have a healthcare professional, contact your friends or family members with children to see who they recommend.
During the first week after conception, you won’t notice any symptoms of pregnancy. In the second week after conception, you may notice symptoms similar to menstruation, including cramps, feeling tired, and having sore breasts. In the third week, if you have a change in vaginal discharge, nausea, cramps, and think you may be pregnant, increase your diet with food that is rich in iron, calcium, and folate. Make sure you also start taking prenatal vitamins!
By the fourth week, once you have missed your first period, you will be experiencing the above symptoms in addition to onset morning sickness and a strengthened sense of taste and smell.
Your Body
Breast tenderness is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, possibly even before your missed period. You may also find yourself feeling more tired than usual early on in your pregnancy.
Your Baby
During the first month, your baby is still in the embryonic stage, and is starting to develop organs. Amniotic fluid is starting to collect within the amniotic sac, which will surround your baby as they grow.
Diet
Carrots have a high amount of Vitamin A, which is important for the development of your baby’s bones, teeth and eyes. Evidence suggests that eating more carrots can help reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Tips
Remember to take your prenatal vitamins every day. It helps prevent anemia, improves nervous and circulatory systems, and reduces the risk of spinal cord defects. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals while cleaning at work or home while pregnant.
Have you joined Centering Pregnancy yet?
Centering Pregnancy is a group approach for expectant mothers where you will receive your prenatal care, along with learning more about pregnancy and building relationships with other women at the same stage of pregnancy as you are. Also, get a chance to pick up some free baby items when you attend! Multiple locations around Montgomery County offer Centering Pregnancy.
Month Two
Within the second month, many women experience various symptoms due to the increase of hormones their body is producing to help the baby grow strong and healthy. These symptoms include: nausea, bloating, frequent urination, increasingly sore and tender breasts, moderate morning sickness, and more severe mood swings due to increased hormones.
At the end of the second month, some women experience hot flashes or chills, excessive salivation, and/or a metallic taste in your mouth. If you have any questions or are having a hard time with nausea and morning sickness, be sure to contact your doctor. If you need to find a healthcare professional, reach out to your insurance company, or apply for Medicaid.
Your Body
You may start to notice that you have to use the restroom more frequently. Increased urination is a common symptom for expecting mothers. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and other healthy fluids.
Your Baby
You probably won’t feel it yet, but your baby is starting to move around. Its nerve cells are branching out, forming neural pathways. Also, your baby’s breathing tubes now extend from its throat to its still-developing lungs.
Diet
Avocados are a great healthy food choice, especially if you are having morning sickness. They contain Vitamin B6, which can help reduce nausea. Avocados are full of healthy fats that help to keep you full and satiated, too!
Tips
If you have started to experience morning sickness, avoid heat, fragrances, and foods like onions which have strong odors. Try snacking on crackers and bland foods to help settle your stomach.
Month Three
You may start to notice that you have to use the restroom more frequently. Increased urination is a common symptom for expecting mothers. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water! Your hormones have been increasing steadily, and you might start to experience mood swings. This is all very normal early in a pregnancy. The good news is that if you have been experiencing morning sickness, it may go away soon.
If you experience constipation, increase your fiber intake with foods like fruits, vegetables, low-sugar breakfast cereals, whole-grain bread, and beans.
Your Body
During this week, you may start to notice some of the early symptoms of pregnancy, like morning sickness and constipation, have started to lessen their intensity.
Your Baby
Your baby is kicking, stretching, and even hiccupping, and is almost fully formed. It still may be too small for you to feel the movements for a few more weeks.
Diet
Broccoli has a lot of benefits: it contains both Vitamin C and Calcium, which are both important in the development of your baby’s bones. Calcium also helps your baby develop muscles and heartbeat.
Tips
Do not smoke-pregnant mothers who smoke are more likely to have children who do not develop to a full healthy size.
Do you smoke, and need help learning how to quit? Baby & Me-Tobacco Free can help!
Are you or someone you know pregnant?
Do you live in Montgomery County? Could you use assistance accessing resources like help with utilities, rent, diapers, a crib, legal services, mental health resources, doula services, transportation to your prenatal appointments?