Wow, there's a lot going on in there as your baby begins to
develop and your pregnant body starts to go through some (big!) changes. Here's
more about what to expect in the first trimester of pregnancy.
You may not look pregnant yet, but chances are you're
feeling it. That's because a flood of pregnancy hormones is prepping your body
to play baby hostess for the next nine months. And that means you could be in
line for a bunch of wacky pregnancy symptoms from breast changes to bloating to
fatigue to flatulence. Sure, you might be less than thrilled with some of the
stuff you'll be coping with (did we mention heartburn and constipation?), but
remember that these temporary discomforts are part of the incredible process
that's happening inside: You're growing a child!
During the first trimester alone your baby changes from a
single fertilized cell (a zygote) to the embryo that implants itself in your
uterine wall to a peach-sized bundle of growing limbs and body systems. So much
happens in so little time: Organs take shape, the baby starts to move (around a week
eight of pregnancy), and hair follicles and nail beds form. More major
first-trimester milestones include the formation of muscles, the production of
white blood cells to fight off germs, and the development of vocal cords (I
want Mommy!).
For Mom, a lot happens quickly in the first trimester as
well. At some point, you'll likely have a routine ultrasound to make sure
things are progressing as they should, and a screening (done through a blood
test between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy) to look for chromosomal
abnormalities such as Down syndrome and congenital heart defects.
In terms of day-to-day stuff, by week five of pregnancy, you
may be well into morning-sickness malaise (which, unfortunately, doesn't just
strike in the morning!). The good news is that there's now an FDA-approved drug
called Diclegis that can treat the symptoms of NVP or Nausea and Vomiting in
Pregnancy. Your doctor will likely prescribe you to take two tablets daily at
bedtime. If your symptoms persist, your doctor may then up your dose to a
maximum of four tablets daily.
By week six, you might be wondering who replaced your boobs
with those alien orbs (so tender, so tingly, and big!). Pregnancy mood swings
may hit by week seven, leaving you feeling up, then down, then up again — and
that was just in the past five minutes! Weeks eight through 12 bring a laundry
list of other possible pregnancy symptoms, including metallic taste, food
aversions, and headaches.
The thing to keep in mind when it comes to pregnancy woes
during the first trimester is that every woman is different, so while your
neighbor may have moaned about endlessly peeing, that may not happen to you at
all. And just because your mom or sister reported cramping or spotting doesn't
mean you'll do the same. No matter what symptoms you do have, take heart in
knowing that most lessen or disappear as your pregnancy evolves.
Your first ob-gyn visit may well be the longest as the doctor goes over your medical history and performs a thorough physical exam.
You'll likely undergo a battery of tests including a Pap smear, urinalysis, and
blood work to determine your blood type and Rh status, HCG levels, and the
presence of any infections. You might also be screened for genetic illnesses or
diabetes, depending on your family history. And while your practitioner is
asking you lots of questions, be prepared to ask plenty of your own. Now's the
time to inquire about prenatal vitamins, GERD, weight gain, sexual desire (or
lack thereof), or anything (really…anything!) you might be concerned about.