Pregnancy Info

Learning about your pregnancy by trimester will enable you to prepare for your pregnancy. Each trimester of pregnancy comes with signs, symptoms, benefits, and changes. Keep reading for changes that occur during pregnancy by trimester.

One of the most rewarding experiences is pregnancy. At the same time, though, pregnancy can be very challenging - as can anything having to do with children. Pregnancy is different for every woman, since every woman’s body is different, with its own quirks. However, there are some general things you can expect during pregnancy. Here are some things to expect during your pregnancy, by trimester:

Pregnancy Trimester 1

The first trimester of your pregnancy comes with a number of new changes to your body, as well as to your emotions. It can be a little confusing at first, especially since you may feel a little different, but not visibly see the changes that happen within your body. Here are some things that may occur, to varying degrees, during the first trimester of your pregnancy:

• Nausea: You may feel queasy, or even vomit. You can ease these symptoms by eating smaller meals during the day, rather than large, infrequent meals. Try low fat meals and drink lots of water. If you are having especial problems with nausea and dizziness, let your health care provider know.
• Tender breasts: Hormones increase during pregnancy, and this can make your breasts tender. You can find more supportive bras to help with this.
• More urination: Your uterus is growing to accommodate the new baby, so it will press on your bladder, and could cause you to need to urinate more. Wear panty-liners or feminine napkins in order to help contain leaks.
• Fatigue: You may feel more tired during pregnancy. The changes that take place during pregnancy put stress on your body and take energy, this may last through each trimester of pregnancy. Do a little physical activity can help you rest better later and provide you with energy. Foods with iron and protein will also help.
• Heartburn: This is common during pregnancy, and you can reduce the instances of heartburn by eating smaller meals, and avoiding a lot of fried, spicy, carbonated and citrus foods. This can vary by pregnancy and by each trimester of pregnancy. 
• Constipation: This is another common ailment during pregnancy. You can reduce constipation by getting physical activity, and eating fiber rich foods and drinking fluids.
• Emotions: Your emotions will begin changing, and you may feel a number of them jumbled together. You may also be more susceptible to stress. While some mood swings are normal, if you feel that things are becoming overwhelming, or if the mood swings are too intense, your health care provider can help you.

Pregnancy Trimester 2

Your body’s physical changes become more noticeable during the second trimester of pregnancy. You might have some holdover of symptoms from the first trimester, there a number of other things that you will notice as the pregnancy progresses:

• Larger breasts: wear a supportive bra.
• Growing belly: You may have to get larger clothes to accommodate.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: These are attempts by your uterus to get stronger. They are irregular and weak. If they become strong, painful and/or regular, you need to let your health care provider know.
• Nasal and gum problems: Pregnancy increases your circulation, and this can lead to changes throughout your body, including in your nose and in your gums. You may begin to snore, and you may have softer gums. You may need a softer toothbrush.
• Changes to your skin: Your skin may become darker, and it could become more sensitive to the sun. Additionally, stretch marks are common. There are things you can do to help prevent stretch marks, but for some they cannot be completely avoided.
• Infections: You may see an increase in, our experience a kidney and/or bladder infections. Pay attention to burning sensations when you urinate, or if you develop a fever. See your health care provider in such cases, most can be treated with an antibiotic.
• Shorter breath: You will find it difficult to breath sometimes, so take this into account in your activities.
• Leg cramps: These are common especially at night. Stretches and gentle walking can help.

Pregnancy Trimester 3

When considering pregnancy by trimester, the final trimester of your pregnancy almost always has all of the symptoms that you experienced during the second trimester. You will still have cramps, shortness of breath, increase in breast size, skin changes and Braxton Hicks contractions. Additionally, you may also experience the following:

• Backaches: The weight you are carrying in your front can create backaches. You can use a heating pad or an ice pack to ease the pain, and you should wear comfortable and supportive shoes. Placing one foot on a box or stool can help when you are standing.
• Hemorrhoids: These become more likely as constipation increases. Drink plenty of fluids and fiber rich foods to help with this.
• Swelling: You may experience swelling, so you can use cold compresses to reduce the effects, and lie down. You can use a pillow to elevate your legs slightly while you sleep. Slow swimming can also help.
• Varicose veins: You may notice spider and varicose veins develop during the third trimester. You can ease this with support stockings and by elevating your legs.
• Weight gain: Realize that while your baby contributes to some of your weight gain during pregnancy, some of it is also due to increased fat storage and larger liquid volumes. You want to gain some weight, since that is healthy, but physical activity and healthy eating during pregnancy can help you lose the weight faster after.

If you are aware of the changes taking placein your pregnancy, by trimester, you will be able to take measures to be more comfortable during your pregnancy.