The long-awaited positive result has finally arrived! Along with it come many questions and, of course, many changes. But what transformations happen to your body in the first trimester of pregnancy? When do these changes occur, and when should you be concerned if a symptom signals that not everything is okay? Let’s find out!
When does pregnancy start to be counted?
Pregnancy should be counted from the first day of your last menstrual period. However, the correct pregnancy date will only be determined by an ultrasound done at the beginning of the pregnancy. In the 5th or 6th week, only the gestational sac can be seen1. From the 7th week of pregnancy, the embryo can be seen on the scan. However, the levels of HCG (a hormone unique to pregnancy) will already be present as soon as the zygote implants. Around the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy, it is possible to detect pregnancy and find out if there is a baby (or more) growing inside the uterus.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, your body will go through radical changes! It is no longer the same, but the pregnancy still does not show as much as you would like. To others, it may look like you’ve just gained some weight and are not pregnant! Nevertheless, it is the most magical time of your life. During the first trimester, the most radical changes are hormonal.
Your body is working with three times the amount of hormones it is used to2. From ovulation, progesterone takes over your system and symptoms can begin even before a missed period. When fertilization happens, your body receives a surge of hormones, telling the corpus luteum to produce even more hormones to ensure the health of the pregnancy.
First symptoms
At this moment, it is possible that nausea comes on with full force! As well as sleepiness, tiredness, cramps, abdominal and back pain. In many cases, the urge to urinate increases a lot!
Some women may even think they have a urinary tract infection. However, these may only be symptoms of pregnancy. The ideal is to take a type 1 urine test to check if there are actually any bacteria causing the frequent trips to the bathroom. The belly is not yet evident. However, pregnancy can leave some marks, such as facial swelling (chipmunk face) and also larger breasts. In fact, breasts may be the first to completely change during this first trimester of pregnancy! They will become more sensitive and the areolas, darker. It is important to remember to keep your breasts and belly well moisturized to support their growth and help prevent stretch marks. Facial spots are also common. These are called melasma. In this case, there is no treatment before the baby is born. Mood swings can affect the people around you, but no less than they affect you! The rise in hormones may make you seem erratic to your family and those around you.
When you feel very sad, angry, or on the verge of tears, try to keep to yourself until you feel better. It is perfectly normal and expected that your mood and behavior may change. Just pay attention if you start to feel extremely sad. If this happens, talk to your doctor, ok? Weight gain is still subtle. It will increase more noticeably starting in the second trimester. However, it is also common for women with lots of nausea and vomiting to lose weight. 500 grams is the ideal amount to gain each month during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you gain more than this, pay attention to what you are eating and, if you prefer, talk to a nutritionist. Ideally, a pregnant woman should gain about 12 to 15 kilograms during pregnancy.
When should you worry?
The most delicate stage of pregnancy is the first trimester, that is, up to the 12th week. This is because the developing embryo can have a problem forming, and then miscarriage happens. The initial stage is also the most delicate due to hormone levels. If they are not at the correct levels, unexpected bleeding may occur. It’s not uncommon to hear about women in early pregnancy, at eight or nine weeks, experiencing brown spotting or even bright red bleeding. In these cases, a doctor should assess what is going on.
In most cases, no problems are found. The cervix remains closed and the baby is perfectly healthy. In these situations, you may be advised to wait and see what happens. Some doctors also prescribe medications to help with hormones.
Tests
Have your blood tests and ultrasounds done as requested. Usually, the doctor will order two ultrasounds during the first trimester of pregnancy: one at the very beginning, around 5 to 8 weeks, and another around 12 weeks to check the nuchal translucency. If there are any changes, more tests will be prescribed.
If you have any questions, your doctor is the best person to help clarify them. If the health professional you chose is not very helpful, you still have time to research and find someone compatible with your style. There is nothing better than starting prenatal care with a doctor who understands your needs, questions, and wishes!
See also: Three months of pregnancy
