Congratulations on that positive pregnancy test, you are officially having a baby! 

The next 9 months of your life are going to be a beautiful, yet turbulent, journey involving some nausea, impulsive shopping, unpredictable mood swings and a whole lot of excitement.

The first trimester, ie the first 3 months, is a time of drastic changes that are critical for you and baby’s development. By the end of the third month, you will be able to hear baby’s heartbeat! 

Let’s navigate through the first trimester together as we discuss some important things that you should be careful of, how you and your growing baby can stay healthy and some key stages of development in the first three months.

First Trimester Pregnancy Development: Mama and Baby

The first trimester is when babies grow through a lot of development, very quickly. It is when baby goes from being an embryo to a fetus. Mama also goes through a lot of changes, and while it may not be physically apparent, the symptoms are something she will be experiencing as a result of the first trimester pregnancy development.

First Trimester Baby Development: From Embryo to Fetus

Here are some benchmarks that are common for most pregnancies. With that being said, it is also important to know that first trimester baby developments are differ by each pregnancy.

• By the end of the fourth week: 
  • The placenta, and the major organs such as the eyes, nose, spine and digestive tract are formed.
  • The limbs for arms and legs begin to form.
  • The heart starts beating.
• By the end of the eighth week:
  • Major organs and systems, such as the nervous, digestive, circulatory and urinary systems continue to develop.
  • The head starts to form, and the embryo starts to look more human.
  • Mouth begins to develop tooth buds, and the facial features start to become more apparent.
  • Development of bones is happening rapidly.
  • Now the embryo is referred to as a fetus, and is around 1.5 inches long.
• By the end of twelfth week: 
  • Genital organs are fully developed.
  • Fingernails, toenails, eyelids, arms and legs are formed.
  • Voice box begins to form.

As you can tell, the first trimester of pregnancy is a crucial time for baby’s development. It is a time when mama should practice extreme caution and be careful.

Any exposure to drugs, alcohol, toxic substances and medications of some sorts can be damaging to the development of the fetus.

First Trimester Development: Changes to Mamas Body

We saw how many rapidly baby develops in the first trimester. Well, these vital developments are also facilitated by the changes mama goes through with her body.

Women go through these changes differently, and some experience more intense symptoms than others.

Here are some changes that happen to mama’s body, and the symptoms that she might experience as a result of it:

• There is an increased production of hormones that causes the breasts to enlarge and become tender which is the body’s way of preparing you for breastfeeding.
  The area around the nipples, areolas, will also become more pigmented.
•  The uterus has started to grow, which also presses against the bladder.
• Hormone levels begin to increase significantly as the body is getting used to being pregnant. This causes symptoms like mood swings and nausea (morning sickness).
• Constipation can be experienced because the uterus is pressing against the intestines and rectum. Increased production of progesterone result in slowed muscular contraction which can also cause constipation and indigestion.
• Increased waist size which causes clothes to feel tighter.
• Feelings of exhaustion and fatigue as the body is trying to keep up with the growing demands of pregnancy.
• Increased cardiac output, which will result in a higher pulse rate. The body is producing more blood to flow to the uterus.

What to Expect in the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

The first trimester of pregnancy can be a very challenging one, as your body is going through some drastic physical and emotional changes.

With that being said, it passes by fairly quickly and before you know it, you will be entering your second trimester.

The first trimester is mostly about you and your body adjusting to the new changes, and here are some things that you can expect :

What to expect about physical changes

1. Sensitive and sore breasts that are a result of hormonal changes in your body. You will most likely be going up a couple of cup sizes in the first trimester.
2. Nauseousness in the form of morning sickness that can cause you to vomit. You can avoid the feeling of discomfort by making sure you drink a lot of water and not have an empty stomach in the morning. It is recommended to take unisom and B6 for the nausea.
3. Frequent urination due to the growing uterus pressing against bladder.
4. Extreme tiredness and exhaustion as the body is trying to sustain the growing needs of pregnancy. You should get plenty of rest and make sure you are sleeping well.
5. Cravings and aversions to food, that will cause you to have a sensitive sense of taste and smell to certain foods.
6. Heartburn, constipation, reflux and indigestion due to increased level of hormones, and also uterus pressing against the intestines and rectum. Make sure you don’t eat a lot of fried foods, and that your diet is rich in fiber.
7. Physical discomfort because of overall body changes that causes difficulty in sleeping.
8. Cramping  similar to when you are on your period.

Some of the less common symptoms that women have experienced in the first trimester include:

• water discharge,
• nosebleeds,
• metal taste in mouth,
• Headaches and dizziness,
• Oily hair and skin,
• acne,
• Shortness of breath.

What to expect about emotional changes

1. A lot of mixed feelings that are a result of hormonal changes that are going on, and also because of the growing realization of being pregnant.
2. Feelings of excitement, nervousness and anxiety are very common. You can deal with such feelings in a healthy way by talking to your partner or a close friend or family member.
3. Worrying about things like baby’s health and financial responsibilities can cause a lot of stress, which should also be dealt with rationally. Right now, your focus should be solely on staying healthy and getting plenty of rest so that baby can continue to grow in your uterus.
4. Find yourself crying for no reason at all.

In order to tackle the emotional ups and downs, it is very important for mama to prioritize her mental well-being, and make sure she is doing everything that will help her stay calm and relax.

If you have any concerns regarding the pregnancy, it is always best to address them to your doctor.

What to expect about doctor appointments

You should have a designated health care provider, whether it is an OB/GYN or a midwife, who will help treat you through the entirety of your pregnancy. The doctor appointments are as frequent as 4 weeks in the first trimester.

Here are some things that you can expect during your doctor’s appointments in the first trimester of pregnancy:

• The check ups will mainly be about your general health, and if there are any potential risk factors involved.
• There will be some questions involved about your and your partner’s medical history, and it is important that you answer these questions honestly.
• You will go through some physical exams involving your blood pressure, weight, pelvis and overall physical health.
• You will go through some blood tests that will check your hemoglobin, and any possibilities of infections.
• There might be some screenings for chromosomal abnormalities.
• You will be expected to ask any questions you may have about the pregnancy and baby’s health.

First Trimester of Pregnancy Must Haves

There are some products that will be your holy grail during the first trimester of pregnancy. Depending on person to person, here are some first trimester must haves for other mamas that they swore by, and could be helpful for you:

• A large water bottle because it is very important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the pregnancy.
• Yoga pants and comfy t-shirts are all you will want to wear.
• Baby tracking app because it’s exciting to know how your baby is changing.
• Snacks like crackers and nuts will keep the nausea at bay, while also keep you full.
• Ginger ale , ginger candies, vitamin B6 and Unisom  have helped some mamas with nausea.
• Baby books to keep you occupied when you are doing all the resting.
• Prenatal vitamins!
  
• Things that will make it easier for you to cook, like crockpots and rice cookers because you won’t be having a lot of energy.

How to Know Pregnancy is Going Well in First Trimester?

It is completely normal to feel nervous in the first trimester of pregnancy, especially if this is your first run. Your body goes through so many changes, and your emotions are all over the place and it is natural to wonder if everything is okay and normal.

If you are experiencing any of the following things, you should know that your pregnancy is going well:

1. Extreme exhaustion in the first trimester

The first trimester is all about feeling tired (and nauseous). The fatigue, as overwhelming as it might be, is completely normal.

Expect your productivity to go down, and wanting to sleep most of the time. It is very important that you get as much rest as you can.

Your body is hard at work to make sure that your baby develops and grows in a healthy way, and the tiredness you are experiencing is a sign of that.

2. You feel nauseous. all. the. time.

Morning sickness is real as it can get. While there are some mamas who are lucky beyond belief to not experience morning sickness, it generally tends to be a very common symptom amongst most women.

Some mamas feel nausea throughout the day in the first trimester which is also completely normal. It just means that they are slightly more sensitive to the pregnancy hormones.

The best thing you can do to keep the nausea at bay is to eat something right away after waking up, such as some nuts and crackers. Nausea can be worse if you have an empty stomach for too long, and this should help counter that.

Otherwise, things like ginger candies, peppermint, fizzy drinks, vitamin B6 and unisom do help in subsiding the nausea.

3. Your vaginal discharge is strange.

Things can get a little messy down there, and that is perfectly normal.

Some mamas tends to get a strange consistency of discharge – from thick to watery- and a lot of it.

This is a result of an increased production of estrogen and blood flow to the pelvic region, which stimulates the mucous membranes .

4. You are not experiencing the “normal” symptoms of the first trimester.

Yes, this is also a thing! Pregnancy is a different and unique journey for all mamas, and for some women it can be so different that they don’t experience any symptoms at all!

This is not a sign to worry. As long as you have gone to all your doctor’s appointments, and have had all your tests and screenings done, consider yourself as one of the lucky ones.

Just make sure that you are taking good care of yourself, both physically and emotionally.

5. Your cup size is getting bigger by the day.

Seriously, don’t worry if you wake up to a D cup one day.

Your baby is growing fast, and so are your breasts and that is completely normal. This is mainly due to the increased production of progesterone, which can leave your breasts tender and swollen as well.

What you need to do is make sure that your breasts are well supported, which will mean investing in some good bras.

First Trimester Pregnancy Facts

There are many misconceptions revolving around pregnancy and the first trimester, and this list of facts will help clear it up:

• By the end of the 12 weeks of the first trimester, the baby is fully formed which includes most of the main organs, and some parts of the brain . The organs will continue to develop till the third trimester.
• The first 12 weeks are critical for baby’s health and development, which means any exposure to harmful pollutants, chemicals, and substances should be completely minimized.
• Folic acid is not required after the first 12 weeks.
• Discomfort in the breasts, and cramps are caused by the production of hormones called progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). These hormones are responsible for maintaining your body throughout the pregnancy journey.
• Nausea is not just experienced in the morning for a lot of women, it can happen throughout the day. It is a common symptom and is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. However, excess amounts of vomiting should be checked by the OB-GYN as it can result in dehydration.
• Feeling a metallic taste in the mouth is a common phenomenon in the first trimester and is caused by oestrogen.
• Bleeding in the first trimester is common amongst 20% of women, and it doesn’t always mean a miscarriage. But you should call your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice and bleeding.
• A lot of pregnant mamas experience and improvement in the quality of their hair, skin and nails and this is because of the surge in hormones.
• At six weeks, your baby has a heartbeat even though they are the size of a lentil or a grain of rice.
• By the 10th week, baby can respond to touch but you won’t be able to feel it just yet. Their reflexes also begin to develop by the 12th week, such as the sucking and blinking reflex.

First Trimester Pregnancy Spotting: Is it Normal?

During the first trimester, your body is going through some intense changes which affect a lot of things in the system, including your blood flow.

Your body is producing more hormones and more blood to flow to the uterus which is why spotting or light bleeding is common. In fact, 30% of women experience spotting in their first trimester of pregnancy.

It is still important to get the spotting checked by your healthcare provider if you do experience anything of the sort.

Here are some potential reasons for the spotting:

• Implantation spotting. This happens in the beginning of the first trimester, 6 to 12 days after you have conceived.
• Sexual intercourse or a physical test. Things that poke near or at the cervix can cause some light bleeding, and it is common to happen in the first trimester because your cervix is ​​more sensitive than usual.
• Ectopic pregnancy . This is when a fertilized egg accidentally attaches itself outside the womb. While this is not something that happens commonly, it can involve some light to medium bleeding, and has to be medically treated.
• infection. This can be unrelated to your pregnancy and can happen because of an infection in the pelvic area or bladder. Inflammation in the vaginal area can sometimes cause some light bleeding, along with itching.
• miscarriage If spotting turns into heavy bleeding then it can be a possible miscarriage. Most miscarriages are common in the first trimester of pregnancy and it is not something that can be prevented but it also does not mean that something is wrong with your body.

First Trimester Pregnancy Acne

Through out this article we have discussed how pregnancy can cause a lot of different changes to the body, both internal and external.

Some women experience amazing, glowy skin and some women experience…acne. Pregnancy is a very different journey for every woman, and if you are experience some of that first trimester acne, it is okay!

Acne usually shows up in the first trimester because of surging hormone levels that cause your body to produce more sebum. If you are someone who tends to breakout around the time you get your period, then you might get acne in the first trimester too.

But the good news is that it does tend to clear by the second trimester, which is when you get the clear and healthy skin that everyone raves about during pregnancy!

Another important thing to know is that acne can show up in different parts of the body, and not just the face. So don’t be alarmed if you are starting to breakout in different regions of your body.

Treating First Trimester Pregnancy Acne

When you are experiencing acne in your first trimester of pregnancy, it is importnat that you are cautious of the way you treat it. Any medication or even topical ointments will end up in the blood stream, so it is important to be careful about what you put in your body.

This is why it is advised to stick to natural solutions for treating acne:

• Tea tree oil
• Lavender toner and face masks
• Drinking a  lot of water and fresh orange juice
• A solution of witch Hazel and apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• oatmeal

General Tips for Treating First Trimester Pregnancy Acne

Here are some things that you can do to deal with the first trimester acne to help your skin clear up:

• Whatever you do, don’t pick on the acne. This really doesn’t help at all, and in fact will make it worse.
• Cut back on any make up you use, and just let your skin breathe for some time. Make up can make acne worse as it clogs the pores.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages, and increase your intake of water and fresh juices.
• Have a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Change your pillowcases once a week.
• Consult your doctor about the skin care products you are using. There are some products that claim to be “safe” for pregnant women but may actually not be in reality.

First Trimester Pregnancy Problems

The first trimester can be a rocky time because you are going through all of these changes that tend to take a toll on you. And if it is your first time being pregnant, it can get overwhelming very quickly!

Here are some of the first trimester pregnancy problems that women experience and how to deal with them:

1. You don’t feel like yourself in the first trimester

This is something that a lot of mamas experience in the first trimester. Because of the surging levels of hormones, your thoughts and mood can be impacted severely which may cause a lot of negative energy to build up.

Sometimes it can become very hard to explain what you are going through as well which can cause you to become distant from the people that are close to you.

The best thing you can do at this point is to power through. What you are experiencing is common in the first trimester and it will pass.

Let your partner and the people in your life know that all you need is their support and for them to be understanding to your situation. Another thing you can do is journal what you are going through. It can be very grounding to write down your thoughts and feelings, and it is also a good way to track your emotions through each semester.

2. You are not sleeping enough in the first trimester

Lack of sleep is common in the first trimester and it can also take a huge toll on mama’s mental health. It can cause her to be irritable and also exhausted.

It is very important that mamas take care of their sleep for their sanity, even if it means investing in the right things, like a comfy pregnancy pillow and melatonin pills.

A good pregnancy pillow can do wonders to the sleep quality, and it is something that we guarantee you will use throughout your pregnancy and postpartum as well.

Melatonin pills, after consulting with your doctor, are also great to help with getting ample sleep during pregnancy. There are melatonin pills/gummies available that are completely safe to take for pregnant mamas.

3. You feel tired all the time

The exhaustion is not easy and it hits you like a ton of bricks. But this is a sign of a healthy pregnancy! It means that your body is hard at work to make sure that baby is developing steadily.

Our advice is to give in and rest and sleep as much as your body needs you to. Don’t fight it, even if it means taking a couple days of work as well.

4. You feel anxious and nervous

The first trimester can bring about feelings of anxiety and panic. It is natural because it is a critical stage for baby’s development and you want everything to go smoothly.

The best way to deal with these feelings is to talk to your doctor or midwife so they can assure you that everything is okay.

The last  thing you should be doing is googling your symptoms because they will only add to your anxiety.

First Trimester Pregnancy Care

The first trimester is a critical time for baby’s development which means that mama is also in a fragile state. It is simply because the body goes through drastic changes that can take a toll on mom.

Here are some first trimester pregnancy care tips that will ensure both mama and baby stay healthy:

• Rest as much as you need to. Don’t fight the feelings of exhaustion and fatigue, it is your body’s way of telling you to slow down. If this means canceling on plans to take a nap – do it!
• Increase intake of foods that are rich in fiber and fiber supplements. This is because your prenatal vitamins will be iron rich, which causes the digestive system to slow down, causing constipation.
• Stay away from Dr. Google. As much as you might be tempted to look up something that seems “off”, fight that urge and call your doctor or midwife instead.
• Don’t freak out if you notice some light spotting. It is normal in the first trimester, but it is always good to call your doctor up to ask.
• Be gracious to yourself, and don’t worry about how you’re not doing things that you planned. The first trimester is all about surviving and pushing through which means if you have to order take out everyday because you are too tired to cook, it is okay!
• Have something in your stomach all the time to keep the nausea at bay.
• Only tell people you are comfortable in telling about your pregnancy. This is not news you owe to everyone.
• Invest in your sleep! This cannot be said enough. Sleep is super important for your physical and mental health. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your health care provider about take melatonin pills which are pregnancy safe.
• Stay hydrated and drink a lot of water. Yes, those bathroom trips will be annoying but this is very important.

Can’t Sleep in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

A symptom that a lot of mamas don’t see coming in the first trimester of pregnancy is insomnia. Mamas feel tired and exhausted throughout the day, which really impacts the quality of sleep in a negative way, and is also a culprit of insomnia.

Here are some reasons why you probably can’t sleep in the first trimester of pregnancy:

• frequent bathroom trips
• nausea
• hormonal shifts
• back pain
• sore and sensitive breasts
• cramping in legs
• shortness of breath
• heartburn and indigestion
• stress

Naturally, all of these things combined can impact the quality of your sleep. On top of all that you also feel a lot of stress and anxiety about the safety of your baby, labor and the delivery process which only adds to the problem.

Importance of Sleep in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Your body needs to sleep and rest so that it can continue to assist baby, which is in fetal form in the first trimester, to develop in a healthy way.

While, insomnia does not harm the baby, it can take a toll on you and your mental well-being. And according to some research, it might be risk factor for miscarriage .

Things You Can Do if you Can’t Sleep in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

There are a couple of things you can do to improve the quality of sleep during the first trimester of pregnancy. These tips have helped other mamas in their first trimester so they can potential be helpful for you too!

1. Practice good sleeping habits, like not looking at a screen at least an hour before you are supposed to sleep. The glare from the blue light of our mobile phones and even the TV can have a negative impact on the cicardian rhythm . A book would be better practice.
2. Take a warm bath before going to bed, it’ll help you unwind and de-stress. However, make sure that the temperature is not too hot.
3.  Listen to sleep inducing audios, from a podcast or app.
4. Make changes in your diet, such as reducing fried and fatty foods and eating in small portions. Also avoid eating right before bed. You can also keep some nuts and crackers by your bedside in case you wake up in the middle of the night due to hunger pangs.
5. Stay hydrated throughout the day, and get enough water in take so that you can cut down on liquids before you go to bed.
6. Change where you sleep. This might sound weird but changing locations, from the bedroom to the couch for instance, can do just the trick.
7. Use a nightlight in the bathroom because the normal light can startle you awake.
8. A pregnancy pillow can be a game changer if you manage to find the right one. It can help in making you comfortable in bed, and it is something you can use after baby is born as well.
9. Melatonin gummies are also very helpful in combating sleep insomnia. While they are safe and natural, it is important to discuss with your doctor before taking them.
10. Don’t try to fight the insomnia, because the frustration of not being able to sleep will make it worse. Mamas have found that giving in and enjoying laying in the dark became an enjoyable experience for them.

When is First Trimester of Pregnancy Over?

The first trimester will be over after the first 12 weeks or 3 months. In this trimester baby turns from an embryo to a fetus, and develops most of the main organs, and some parts of the brain. Towards the end of the first trimester baby also has a heartbeat.

Intercourse During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause some major changes in your interest in intercourse. It can be something that you find yourself want more, or not at all. Either way, it is important to be educated about intercourse during the first trimester of pregnancy.

• Intercourse in the first trimester will not cause a miscarriage. In fact it is safe to have sex throughout the 9 months of pregnancy,  unless  it is something that your healthcare provider has told you not to do.
• Sex might be painful in the first trimester because of hormonal changes that your body is going through that can cause your vagina to become dry. However, if the pain is making you avoid sex altogether, it is important to talk to your doctor about it.
• You might feel mild cramps after intercourse in the first trimester. This is because stimulation and orgasm can cause uterine contractions. But it is not something to be worried about.

Intercourse in the first trimester, and the entire pregnancy journey, is safe. But if you have any concerns, you can always consult your doctor about them.

First Trimester Pregnancy Do’s and Don’ts

This section of the article is a crash course on your first trimester of pregnancy – what you should be doing and what you should not be doing. It will also assure you of the things that are not needed to be worried about.

Here are the do’s and don’ts of the first trimester of pregnancy:

Do take your prenatal vitamins

Your prenatal vitamins will have all the nutrients you need to sustain a healthy development for baby. These vitamins tend to be rich in folic acid, calcium and iron which are essential for the proper development of the fetus.

Your doctor or midwife will provide you information on the right dose and which ones to take.

Do prioritize sleep

The first trimester of pregnancy is a series of lazy days where you are too tired to do anything at all. There’s a lot of factors as to why you are feeling this way – hormonal changes, anxiety, stress.

As a result, you are bound to feel exhausted. This is why prioritizing sleep is important because your body needs to rest and recharge whenever it needs to.

If you are struggling with sleeping, make sure to take the steps to correct your sleeping habits.

do stay mobile

It is extremely important to have some type of movement throughout your pregnancy. In the first trimester, you might not have the energy to do an intense work out, but it will be great for you to incorporate some low impact exercises in your routine.

Staying mobile can actually help combat sleep issues, and mood swings that are common in the first trimester.

If you are not used to working out, ask your doctor or a fitness instructor on how you can start. Prenatal yoga will do wonders for your lifestyle too!

Do start your research

Pregnancy is such an exciting time, and there is so much you don’t know. It is best to start educating yourself early on.

This is also something your partner should be doing with you. Get some great books and material on pregnancy, and postpartum and read away!

Do take out time for your partner

In the first trimester of pregnancy, things can be quite a roller coaster. With the nausea and fatigue, one-on-one time with the partner can become rare.

However, it is important to take out as much time as you can to spend with each other. Whenever you have a good day that is not plagued by nausea, make an active effort to plan something with your partner.

Do ask for support

The hormones can take quite a toll on your mental health, and there might be days where you feel low. In these days it is better to call up a friend for a little pick-me-up.

You might also find yourself not having the energy to cook, and somedays it is okay to reach out for help.

Do be cautious of your hygiene and skin care products

Anything from tooth paste to topical skin products should also be checked after you get pregnant.

This is because anything you use will end up in your bloodstream eventually which means it will end up with baby too.

Make sure you check the ingredients of the products that you use, and consult with your doctor about them being pregnancy safe.

Don’t drink alcohol and too much caffeine

It might be difficult to do, but during the first trimester try to keep your caffeine away from you. While limited levels of caffeine are okay during pregnancy, it is best to still keep away in the first trimester.

Alcohol should not be consumed throughout the pregnancy but especially so in the first trimester. The baby is going through drastic development and alcohol can harm that .

Don’t smoke or do drugs

Nicotine and drugs of all sorts can cause major health problems for your baby later on, and it is very important that you stay away from them.

Mothers who smoked were found to have babies that were at a higher risk for having learning disabilities.

Don’t eat raw food

Uncooked foods like meat, eggs and fish can cause diseases like listeriosis and toxoplasmosis which can lead to miscarriage.

You don’t want to be eating anything that has potential for bacterial growth. It also applies to unpasteurized milk and cheese. And sushi unfortunately.

Don’t take extremely hot showers

The hot showers can raise the body temperatures which is a huge risk for miscarriages. It has also known to be a risk factor for miscarriages and birth defects.

The risk also applies to saunas and soaking in hot tubs.

Don’t clean the litter box

If you have a feline friend in the house, it is okay to pet them (and wash your hands after) but it is definitely not okay to clean out their litter box.

This is because cat waste has a lot of bacteria, which is dangerous for expecting mothers and the unborn baby.

Babies who contract parasites, like toxoplasma gondii , are at a considerable risk for health problems, like seizures and mental disabilities.

Don’t clean with toxic products

It is important to switch to  clean  cleaning products, because the fumes from normal products can be harmful for baby.

Expecting mamas usually switch to baking soda and vinegar which seems to be the solution to cleaning everything!

First Trimester Pregnancy Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of the fetus, which is most common in the first trimester of pregnancy, or in the first 20 weeks.

While there is no sure cause of a miscarriage, there are some known factors that can increase the risk of a miscarriage, many of which that cannot be prevented.

Cause of miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy

A miscarriage is not usually the result of something you did, or did not. It does not always mean that there is something wrong with your body.

A miscarriage happens because the fetus did not develop properly , and here are some causes for that:

• Genetic or chromosomal problems that can result in a damaged egg or sperm is something that can lead to a miscarriage.
• Underlying health conditions , such as obesity, cervix issues, high blood pressure, uterus anomalies can be a potential cause of miscarriage.
• Lifestyle habits  such as drinking alcohol and using drugs, and malnutrition.
• Certain that are not pregnancy safe can be medications harm the development of the fetus. This is why it is importnat to consult your doctor before you take any medications.

A miscarriage does not mean that you won’t be able to conceive again, and is usually not a fertility issues. However, it is important to wait till both you and your partner feel like you are ready to start trying again.

First Trimester Pregnancy What to Eat

The first trimester of pregnancy can make it difficult to keep food down, let alone plan your meals. The nausea, fatigue and aversion to food is not a good combination for maintaining an appetite.

The first trimester is about survival so it is really okay if your diet is not chock full of fresh vegetables and fruits. As long as you are eating 2000 calories daily, which is not very difficult to meet, you can stick to the foods that you find easy to keep down.

Foods to eat in the first trimester of pregnancy

• Oranges, strawberries, leafy veggies, nuts, beetroot and kidney beans are rich in folic acid which is essential in the first trimester of pregnancy as it prevents neural tube defects. They are also rich in vitamin C which assists in bone and tissue development.
• Eggs, greek yogurt, and lean meat are abundant in protein which helps in muscle development for both you and baby.
• Pasteurized milk and cheese, yogurt and dark leafy vegetables are have a lot of calcium which should be present in your diet as it helps with the development of baby’s teeth and bones.
• Beef, eggs, tofu and spinach are great sources of iron which is extremely important to sustain your growing blood supply.
• Bananas are one of the foods that are easy to keep down and are rich in potassium which help your body is maintaining fluid balance.
• Ginger products like tea and candies are known to be very helpful in combating nausea.

Dietary tips for the first trimester of pregnancy

Here are some general tips that will help with your first trimester food struggles:

• Try not to worry about nutritional value that much and focus on eating whatever your stomach can handle. Your appetite will come back in the first trimester which is when you can follow a proper diet that is rich in nutrients. You will be getting most of your nutrients from the prenatal vitamins which you will be taking.
• If you are struggling a lot with nausea and vomiting, talk to your doctor about prescribing you some anti-nausea meds.
•  Eat something right after waking up and it’ll help combat the nausea, like some nuts and crackers. The idea is to not have an empty stomach as that can make nausea worse.
• Don’t worry about eating a big portion to satisfy your calorie intake. You can eat in small portions and try to have some snacks through out the day.
• Gatorade and Powerade are helpful to tackle morning nausea.
• Eat whatever you want, whenever you want. Don’t limit yourself to the usual foods for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you want to have mashed potatoes for breakfast, do it!
• Try avoiding foods that are high in fat and are spicy because it can make nausea worse.
• Always have an emergency bag of snacks with you, filled with crackers, saltines, cereal and nuts.