You may not look pregnant yet, but chances are you’re feeling it, from a few aches and pains to fatigue. These symptoms might no be what you would like to experience but keep in mind your body is starting to grow a baby.
How long is the first trimester?
The first trimester lasts from week 1 through the end of week 13 of pregnancy, basically the first 3 months of your pregnancy.
Not sure what week you are in your pregnancy? There is great link here to calculate your due date. The date might still change and this is just an approximate date.
What are some of the first trimester pregnancy symptoms?
A lot happens for you in the first trimester. A couple of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy you may experience:
- Morning sickness: Even though it has the word morning in it does not mean you only have it in then, unfortunately it can last all day.
- Tender breasts: Around week 6 your breasts can get very tender and grow quite a bit!
- Mood swings: Around week 7 you might start getting some mood swings. If they are severe please talk to your doctor.
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Metallic taste
- Food aversions
- Headaches
What should I do in the first trimester of pregnancy?
- Start prenatal vitamins: Taking these in the first trimester helps ensure that your baby is getting the extra vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy.
- Choose your doctor and book a visit. They will help you along the way and make sure you are on track.
- Make a budget: Having a baby can get expensive. Start looking at a budget for all the upcoming expenses.
- Eat right: Now’s the time to cut down on caffeine, as well as to learn which foods to avoid.
- Carve out time for fitness: Get your 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week for a healthy pregnancy.
- Plan to announce your pregnancy. Think about how and when you want to tell your friends and family the good news. Most women wait until the end of the first trimester, as the risk of miscarriage is lower. Also start thinking about talking to your employer.
Things to avoid during your pregnancy
- Cat litter box – Cat feces can harbor a potentially harmful parasite that can cause an infection. In the early stages of pregnancy, it can cause serious health risks to the fetus, while later in pregnancy, the complications can be less serious.
- Hot tubs, saunas and hot Yoga
- Alcohol – Thinking of toasting to your good news with a glass of bubbly? Try a mock tail! There are some great recipes out there!
- Raw Foods – Try and avoid sushi and rare steaks. Raw and undercooked meat, seafood and eggs can contain bacteria and parasites that aren’t good for you or your baby.
- Cigarettes and marijuana – Smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of low birth weight and early delivery, as might smoking or ingesting marijuana.
Hi, I am Tanja, a Newborn and Maternity Photographer in Vancouver. Ready to book your Maternity session? Let’s chat!
