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A Change is Coming

Pregnancy undoubtedly effects a major change on a women’s body. Each trimester brings different challenges from morning sickness to stretch marks. Here we outline how your body changes each trimester and the best way you can take care of yourself.

1st Trimester: 0-12 weeks

The first trimester is the earliest stage of pregnancy when your body undergoes massive change to establish and nurture your tiny growing baby. At this stage you can expect a variety of pregnancy symptoms which include tiredness, nausea and vomiting, breast change, leg cramps, mood changes and frequent urination.

Breast change: Symptoms include:

  • Increased sensitivity
  • Enlargement and increase in tenderness in preparation for breast feeding
  • Areola, which is the skin around your nipples, becomes darker and can become more prominent.

Tiredness:

Most women feel especially tired during their first trimester. This is caused by the emotional and physical demands placed on your body during pregnancy. Relax, it’s perfectly normal and will soon pass! Ways to beat the fatigue:

  • Try and do some exercise. Even if it’s just a short walk or a relaxing swim
  • Ensure you get at least 8 hours sleep a night and if you need to or can, nap where possible
  • Make sure you are following a proper diet. You may feel tired due to lack of iron, protein or carbohydrates.

Vomiting and Nausea

Often called 'morning sickness', mild nausea and vomiting are very common during the first trimester of your pregnancy and are often caused as a result of the increased levels of hormones that sustain the pregnancy. Even though it’s called ‘Morning sickness’ it doesn’t necessarily occur in the morning and you can feel nauseous at any time of day. More than half of all pregnant women have some nausea during the first trimester. For most women this nausea usually goes away by the second trimester.

Dealing with ‘Morning Sickness’

  • Stay away from fatty foods or foods that are difficult to digest. Avoid or at least limit drinking, coffee, citrus juices and tea with meals.
  • Avoid fatty, fried or spicy foods
  • Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re losing liquid through vomiting
  • Eat six to eight small meals each day. Try not to let your stomach get completely empty and try to eat plain foods that are easy to digest.
  • Get as much fresh air as you can

2nd Trimester: 13-28 weeks

The second trimester (13-28 Weeks) is often the most physically enjoyable for most women and at this stage you may be over the worst of your symptoms.
New pregnancy symptoms at this stage may include:

  • Stretch marks – Almost half of women experience stretch marks during their pregnancy but they usually fade after delivery so don’t worry!

Helpful hints on how to prevent or keep those stretch marks at bay

  • Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your overall health and well-being as well as that of your growing baby, and it is critical to healthy skin.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced and diverse diet that keeps your weight gain under control. This will really help to strengthen the skin and keep it healthy.
  • Increase circulation to the area s where you may have stretch marks or want to prevent them from appearing by massaging with a body brush or wash cloth.
  • Try using a stretch mark or preventative cream

New pregnancy symptoms at this stage may include:

  • Increasing size of tummy
  • Changes to skin – skin pigmentation may change on the abdomen or the face as a result of pregnancy hormones
  • Trouble sleeping -

    Why not try:
  • Following a regular sleeping pattern by getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends and while you’re on holidays
  • Developing a bedtime routine and sticking to it. You can do this by doing some reading or watching some TV. Why not listen to some soothing music, have a warm bath or both together!
  • If you get enough exercise during the day, you’ll feel more tired at night and get to sleep quicker; however, you shouldn’t exercise too close to bedtime, since the exercise-induced high may keep you awake

3rd Trimester: 28-40 weeks

Nearly there....You’re on the home stretch!!
The last few months of pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging. Your baby's size and position may make it hard for you to get comfortable. Treating your body your body and mind to the right kind of care is essential. Try not to do too much, and focus on taking care of yourself by getting plenty of rest and talking about any worries you have with your partner, friends, or doctor.

Symptoms and changes you may notice during your third trimester:

  • Increase in temperature - Your baby will radiate heat as he/she grows and your basal metabolic rate may also increase during this time.

Try to keep cool by:

  • Dressing in loose fabrics such as cottons
  • Taking a cool shower
  • Drinking lots of fluids. A minimum of 8 glasses of water each day
  • Avoiding alcohol and caffeine which can cause you to be dehydrated
  • Swelling: You might notice more swelling than you had before, particularly in your ankles, fingers and face. Known as edema, this is as a result of fluid retention

- Switch sitting and standing positions often
- Soak in the bath – this can help reduce discomfort.
- Elevate your feet and legs while you sleep
- Wear comfortable shoes

If you do notice more swelling then you need to talk to your midwife about the risks of pre-eclampsia.

Braxton Hicks Contractions (False Labour):

By month eight or nine, you'll probably feel Braxton-Hicks "practice" contractions which can feel like a painless tightening of the uterus. They prepare your body for labour and can trick you into thinking you’re at the beginning stages. Try changing your position or moving around to alleviate the discomfort.

How do I know they’re not the real thing?

False contractions tend to be felt in the front of the abdomen whereas real ones start in the back and move around to the front, often moving from top to bottom. Real contractions may also become worse if you move your position, so try to move around to determine whether it's time to go the hospital. If you’re still unsure, ease your mind by calling your doctor/midwife.

Previous symptoms can also continue or intensify:

  • More frequent leg cramps
  • Backache
  • Varicose Veins
  • Heartburn
  • Haemorrhoids