Motherhood, for many expecting mothers, can spark a storm of emotions ranging from joy and ending in stress. During these changes, the body is in a fury of hormonal and physical changes to prepare for the child. Navigating the emotional and physical changes is overwhelming for anyone. However, educating yourself on what to expect during the first trimester can help you be prepared to begin the journey into motherhood.
Emotionally, motherhood could become a source of stress as well as happiness. Many new or expecting mothers can experience multiple emotions at once: delight, anxiety, exhaustion, etc. What’s important to remember is any emotion any expecting mother is feeling is normal. It is natural to worry about balancing work and life or the child’s health. Take time now to begin adjusting your lifestyle and prepare to welcome your new child.
Physically, there are some changes one can expect to happen:
Tender, Swollen Breast
The breasts will start to feel sensitive or sore due to hormonal changes. The tenderness will go down as your body adjusts to the hormones.
Nausea
While normally called “Morning Sickness” nausea can hit at any moment of the day and typically occurs one month after you become pregnant. Avoid having an empty stomach by eating slowly and in small amounts every 1-2 hours. Avoid smelly, fatty food, and drink plenty of fluids.
Increased Urination
The amount of blood in the body increases during pregnancy, and your kidneys process the extra fluids that end up in your bladder. As such, you might find yourself using the bathroom more often.
Fatigue
Hormone progesterone soars, which can make you sleepy. A healthy diet and exercise can increase energy but be sure to rest as much as you can.
Food Cravings/Aversions
You might become more sensitive to certain odors and tastes—changing what you want to eat and what makes you disgusted.
Constipation
Due to the high levels of the hormone progesterone, food movement can slow down, causing constipation. Be sure to have plenty of fiber in your diet and be sure to drink lots of fluids.
With all these changes, it is vital to be sure to consult with a medical professional to ensure everything is developing accordingly. During these visits, your provider may ask for your medical history as well as your family. Additionally, there will be exams and tests: pelvic exams to get information regarding the fetus, lab tests such as urine and blood tests, blood screenings, genetic tests, and other screening tests. If there are any questions, be sure to reach out to your attending provider to schedule an appointment or alleviate any doubts.
While becoming a mother may seem daunting, it is essential to remember that expecting mothers are not alone. These physical changes and emotional turbulence are normal. More importantly, support networks are there to help mothers every step of the way.
Resources and References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-first-trimester
