First Trimester Essentials: What to Expect in Early Pregnancy

If you’re preparing for pregnancy or are already in your first trimester, you should know what to expect from these first weeks. Our team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom is here to deliver professional guidance and support as you navigate the early stages of pregnancy. 

We want to share an overview of what you might expect during your first trimester, which includes the first three months of pregnancy. 

Morning sickness isn’t just in the movies

We’ve all seen it…the scene where the expectant mother has to stop mid-sentence to rush to the bathroom and vomit. But there’s a good reason why morning sickness is such a prevalent theme in movies and television — it’s because it is a very real thing. 

While not every pregnant woman will experience morning sickness (which, by the way, can happen at any time of day), most will encounter some version of stomach upset in their first trimester. 

You can manage stomach disruption by eating small amounts every few hours to avoid having an empty stomach and prioritizing somewhat bland foods that have a low fat content. You’ll quickly learn which foods trigger nausea either from their taste or even smell.   

Fatigue can drain your energy

Many women experience changes in their energy levels during the initial phase of pregnancy. This makes sense because your body is undergoing significant changes as your baby develops. Your blood volume increases, and your uterus grows larger, even before you begin to show. 

It’s common to experience bouts of high energy, and you should take advantage of these times to handle tasks on your to-do list. But don’t be surprised if you also encounter periods of intense fatigue. 

Getting plenty of rest is critical during your pregnancy. That means getting a solid night’s sleep, but it can also mean taking naps during the day or just altering your routines to give your body a bit of a break. 

Heartburn can be difficult to swallow

During pregnancy, your body creates a range of hormones that support both you and your little one. Some of these hormones slow down your digestion and relax the valve between your esophagus and stomach. 

This can allow acids from your stomach to enter your esophagus, where they can create a range of heartburn symptoms. You might experience a burning sensation in your upper chest, an acidic taste in your mouth, or increased burping and coughing.  

You can reduce heartburn by avoiding large meals, sipping beverages between meals, and avoiding fried or spicy foods, as well as citrus. 

Emotional turmoil is normal

Just as your body is going through a range of changes, pregnancy can also affect your mood. Expectant mothers should expect some deviation from their “normal” mood.

Some women go through bouts of excitement and euphoria, only to run into a round of anxiety and low mood in the same 24 hours. There is so much to worry about as you prepare for motherhood, and every woman goes into the process with her own pre-existing challenges. 

Give yourself grace as you move through the emotional turmoil of the first trimester. Prioritize self care, and don’t be shy about talking with a counselor if your mood swings are causing even more anxiety. 

No matter what your first trimester brings, we’re here to help

The practitioners at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom share a dedication toward supporting women on their pregnancy journey. 

If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant or are already in your first few weeks of pregnancy, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit at our office for prenatal care and guidance. 

You can set up a visit using the online booking tool, or just give us a call when you have a chance.