During the first trimester many women will experience physical and emotional changes. These early pregnancy symptoms can be managed by understanding their causes and knowing what to do.
The minute you notice an early sign of pregnancy - like lower back pain, breast tenderness or bouts of nausea, you rush to buy a testing kit - and when pregnancy is confirmed, you feel unmatched joy. However, in truth, joy is not the only feeling you experience. You are most likely to feel a wide range of emotions, from elation to apprehension, to anxiety and so on. Coping with some of the early symptoms of pregnancy can be extremely difficult, yet the more understanding you have about your body, the easier it will be for you to accept and deal with the changes. Here’s what to do and how to cope with your early pregnancy symptoms.
Your changing body
o Back pain
Early pregnancy symptoms can be a real pain in the back! Typically lower back pain is caused by several factors including weight gain, realignment of the posture and torso, the loosening of pelvic joints and ligaments and also lack of sleep. All of these changes added together can cause the early pregnancy symptoms of lower back pain.
- What to do? The best thing you can do is to stretch daily and attend antenatal yoga classes in order to relax any areas of body tension and strain. You can also ask your partner to give you a gentle massage or better yet, treat yourself to one by a professional.
o Breast tenderness
Swollen, itchy or tender breasts may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception due to the presence of pregnancy hormones. Your breasts will probably also feel fuller and heavier.
- What to do? Wearing a more supportive bra may help. For itchy breasts you can also try applying a nipple cream that helps alleviate dryness.
o Nausea
Many women have queasiness, nausea or vomiting in early pregnancy, probably due to normal hormonal changes. Nausea tends to be worse in the morning, but it can last all day.
- What to do? Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day will help relieve this pregnancy symptom as it is important to keep your sugar levels balanced. Substitute processed sugars and white flour with whole grain foods and protein, as they are less likely to cause nausea. You can also try sucking on hard candy or drink ginger ale or ginger tea. Avoid foods or smells that make your nausea worse, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water to ensure that dehydration doesn't become a problem.
o Unusual fatigue
You may feel tired as your body produces more blood and prepares to support the pregnancy. Your heart will need to pump faster and harder and your pulse will also quicken, which may take a toll on your energy level.
- What to do? Make sure you're getting enough iron and protein in your diet. Include physical activity in your daily routine, such as a brisk walk and get as much rest as you can, taking naps of 15 minutes to a half-hour whenever possible. Explain to your family, friends and co-workers that you need this rest and ask for their help in making this possible for you.
o Dizziness
Normal circulatory changes in early pregnancy may leave you feeling a little dizzy. Stress, fatigue and hunger also may play a role.
- What to do? To prevent mild, occasional dizziness, avoid prolonged standing. Rise slowly after lying or sitting down. Keep blood sugar from falling with occasional snacks, such as dried fruit or low-fat yogurt. If you start to feel dizzy while you're driving, pull over. If you're standing when dizziness hits, sit or lie down.
o Food Cravings and Aversions
While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. Another related early symptom of pregnancy is a heightened sensitivity to aromas. Even a favourite aroma, such as the smell of a food or perfume, can make you feel sick. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy and is thought to be yet another side effect of the oestrogen that is flooding your body.
- What to do? Taking a good pre-natal vitamin supplement and a pure fish oil capsule may ease some cravings and help prevent extra weight gain, and of course it is doctor recommended for the health of your baby.
o Heartburn and/or Constipation
This pregnancy symptom is caused by the uterus starting to swell and pushing against the stomach and other organs as it grows. Also, increasing levels of hormones may slow down digestion and bowel functions to allow the body to absorb as much vitamins, minerals and nutrients as possible from foods. The slower emptying of the stomach may also cause the release of increased stomach acid to aid digestion, leading to a feeling of heartburn.
- What to do? Antacids that are certified as safe to use during pregnancy and sparkling water can help with the heartburn, and smaller, more frequent meals are easier to digest. Drink plenty of water and eat fruits, vegetables and perhaps some raisin and bran cereal to help regularity. Some daily vitamin formulas also contain digestive enzymes (from pineapple and papaya fruits), which can help with digestion.
o Frequent Urination
You may need to urinate more often as your uterus presses on your bladder as yoyr unborn baby grows. The same pressure may cause you to leak urine when sneezing, coughing or laughing.
- What to do? To help prevent urinary tract infections ( UTI's), urinate whenever you feel the need to. If you're losing sleep due to middle-of-the-night bathroom trips, drink less fluid in the evening. If you're worried about leaking urine, panty liners may help you feel more secure.
Your Strange Emotions
With all of these physical symptoms of pregnancy to deal with, along with raging hormones, it is perfectly natural to have mixed emotions and ‘mood swings’. Where one moment you may be perfectly happy and laughing; the next you can be screaming and rolling out the tears. To cope with these emotions, remind yourself that what you're feeling is normal. Take good care of yourself, and look to your partner and family for understanding and encouragement. If the mood changes become severe or intense, consult with your doctor or see a psychologist for additional support.
Here are a few tips on coping with your emotions and maintaining a general good mood:
o Share Your Joys And Anxieties
Don't confine yourself after noticing the signs of pregnancy. Rather, even if you are an introvert, try to discuss them with your partner, family members, and friends. Even when your pregnancy is confirmed, share your joy with all the people who are close to you. Speak about the coming days to them and discuss the likely changes and precautions to be taken. This will definitely ease your mind.
o Get Mild Exercise
Go for a walk every day. It would help you get some fresh air and cope with indigestion, heartburn, constipation, and stress. exercise more often as this helps to flatten your tummy after you have given birth. It also keeps you fit during your entire pregnancy as well as have an easy labour.
o Nurture your relationship
Encourage your partner to identify his doubts and worries and be honest about what he's feeling - both the good and the bad. Do the same yourself. Discussing your feelings honestly and openly will strengthen your relationship and help you begin preparing a home for your baby.
Educate your spouse
Let him know that mood swings are normal for women, espically during pregnancy so that when you throw a tantrum or start crying because your pen won't write, he won't panic and start worring anf fussing again too much. Be sure to tell him that not all of your moods are to be blamed on the hormones.
In closing.
Though some women are lucky and feel fine during their first trimester, most others suffer from one or many of the early pregnancy symptoms. By being able to recognise these symptoms for what they are, you can take steps to better manage and help releive some of your discomfort, which will also improve on your emotional wellbeing (mood ). The good news is that by the second trimester a lot of these symptons stop bothering you. But in the meanwhile - just try to get plenty of sleep, eat right, take your prenatal vitamins make sure you keep your doctors appointments and remember that what you are experiencing is perfectly normal for a pregnant woman.
