Becoming pregnant can be thrilling, but at the same time, it comes with a lot of questions. One question that many women ask when they discover their pregnancy is how long the first trimester lasts for. It's understandable because during this period, there are a lot of changes happening in both the mother and fetus.
When exactly does the first trimester start and end? How does the body change during this period? What should expectant mothers look out for during these three months?
Well, have no fear because we will be answering all your questions about what to expect from conception up until week 12 - so sit back and relax!
When Does The First Trimester Begin And End?
The first trimester begins on the first day of your last menstrual cycle and ends after 12 weeks or roughly three months. Experts advise women to consult their physicians as soon as possible once you realize that you're pregnant.
Nowadays, tests such as home pregnancy kits help confirm a woman’s pregnancy within weeks after conception. With health professionals' assistance comes proper medical care, including dietary recommendations and prenatal vitamins necessary for an optimal outcome.
Counting Weeks
Counting weeks may seem complicated and confusing- like trying to learn algebra in high school- but don't worry! There are little tips here and there that will make life much easier throughout your journey into this magnificent thing called motherhood- thank us later!
It all started counting from day one(usually marked by my favorite red flag!), or if ovulation was predictable then counting starts from ovulation date (our favourite egg-on-fertilization day). Remember 'date/calendar' systems only work if there is sufficient information available about recent periods patterns i.e irregular cycles could throw off due dates based on this system).
Doctors count by adding days to calculate how far along a woman is on particular days of pregnancy (an expected delivery date). This can be through Naegele's rule (see what we did there, throwing around some medical jargon?) or ultra-sound measurements done between the weeks of 8-12.
You may receive little slips with numbers from your doctor within the first few visits. They carry very important information - number codes that accurately represent body size and dates throughout this huge rollercoaster ride!
Changes You May Notice During The First Trimester
A trilateral change occurs in most women during their first trimester as a lot happens while your uterus becomes home to the baby:
Mood Swings Turn Up A Notch
Moody? Tired? Feeling like you're at sea with no paddle? While these are already common feelings for anybody even if they aren't pregnant; Your hormones go from high to higher when becoming pregnant.
Increased progesterone levels take over sorrowful estrogen levels which affect emotions such as happiness, sadness and fear among other things! Women should avoid stressful situations where possible due to potential negative impacts on blood pressure affecting both mother and unborn child.
Sickness Can Be Common
Nausea often triggers vomiting, mainly in people receiving painkilling treatments. Pregnant women experience roughly the same thing but thanks to nausea medication prescribed by their doctors, it’s more manageable than before. Well not always because babies have personalities so don’t worry too much about not feeling ship-shape all day long!
Sleepiness Or Fatigue Is Real
As many changes happen inside our bodies, one physical effect is increased fatigue after doing trivial tasks that would usually come quickly naturally which has led to an increase in nap-taking amongst soon-to-be mothers!
So practice those penmanship skills now cause signing "Having my afternoon nap" will become part of everyday actions once baby arrives!.
###Cravings Of All Sorts?
Personal cravings such as salty chips, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a glass of fizzy drink go beyond personal preference. It's your body’s signal you need something specific to fulfill its craving.
Symptoms To Look Out For During The First Trimester
It's crucial for expectant mothers to recognize hyperemesis gravidarum (morning sickness) symptoms in the first trimester. Rest well, eat healthily and consume plenty of liquids to prevent continuous vomiting leading into dehydration.
Other vital signs that could sound an alarm are:
- Bleeding
- Pelvic pains/cramps
- Heavy discharge or mucous discharge changes from clear to pinkish light bleeding
If any of these happen within the twelve weeks period, make sure you contact your doctors immediately: quick response is essential during this time!
## Conclusion
Pregnancy comes with many questions making it such an uncomfortable journey where each day brings new excitement and anticipation. Knowing what happens throughout the 12-week first trimester period will alleviate concerns while fostering information about bodily changes occurring as gestation advances leading us one step closer towards meeting our little bundles of joy!