Morning sickness, fatigue, mood swings—welcome to the first trimester! It's a whirlwind - one minute, you’re thrilled; the next, you’re questioning your life choices while dry-heaving into the sink.
Pregnancy hits differently for everyone, but there are a few universal truths: hormones will take over, exhaustion will become your new normal, and your relationship with food will get… complicated.
Here's what to know and some tips on how to get through those early months of pregnancy.
Common Symptoms: What’s Normal (and What’s Not)
- Morning Sickness: A cruel misnomer—nausea can strike any time of day. Ginger tea, B6 supplements, and small frequent meals can help.
- Extreme Fatigue: Your body is growing a human. Rest as much as you can.
- Food Aversions & Cravings: One day, you love peanut butter. The next, the sight of it makes you gag. Roll with it.
- Heightened Smell: Perfume, coffee, even your partner’s shampoo—everything is stronger. Keep fresh scents nearby to neutralize triggers.
- Frequent Urination: Your bladder is under new management. Hydrate, but maybe map out the nearest restrooms.
How to Cope: Practical Strategies
1. Listen To Your Body
You'll want to continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but don't push it! Reduce the intensity of your workouts, hydrate as much as possible, and sleep when you can. Pre-natal yoga and pilates are perfect activities for your pregnant mothers.
2. Master the Art of Eating (or Not Eating)
Small, frequent meals are your best friend. Bland foods like crackers, toast, and bananas can be lifesavers. If nausea is relentless, sour substances can help to take the edge off. If you need medication however, do consult your doctor first before self-medicating.
While the ideal is to eat highly nutritious food, that doesn't matter if you can't keep it down. If fried chicken is the only thing you can keep down, do it - bad nutrition is better than no nutrition at this stage.
3. Combat Mood Swings
Hormones are driving the emotional rollercoaster. Journaling, therapy, or even a long shower can help. Lean on your partner and friends—this is not the time to bottle things up.
For the husbands out there, please understand that this is a trying time for your spouse. Relationships can be strained, but remember that you're both going through life together, in sickness and in health. Your wife needs you to be extra kind and considerate during this time, and to be there for her.
4. Dealing With The Anxiety
This is a critical and delicate period to get through (especially for those who have experienced loss). Similar to dealing with hormonal mood swings, try to provide an outlet for these emotions.
There are also support networks out there for those who have been through what you have. Despite what it may feel like, you are not alone.
Take comfort that you have done everything that you could have to make it through. If it was meant to be, it will be.
When to Call Your Doctor
Some discomforts are normal, but certain symptoms require medical attention:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe dehydration (unable to keep fluids down for 24+ hours)
- High fever or chills
When in doubt, call your healthcare provider. If you are unable to contact them, do not hesitate to take a trip to the A&E.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
The first trimester is tough, but it’s temporary. Listen to your body, give yourself grace, and know that every wave of nausea is proof that your body is doing something incredible.