Changes During Pregnancy



First Trimester (1-13 Weeks)

This is a period of fast growth for your baby. They are developing all of their body parts and organs.



Nausea

You may feel sick to your stomach. People who are pregnant may vomit. It can happen at any time of the day — not just in the morning. It usually begins in the first month of pregnancy and normally goes away in the second trimester.

What Can I Do?

  • Avoid having an empty stomach by eating frequent, small snacks like crackers, toast, pasta or broth.
  • Ginger capsules and vitamin B6 can help.
  • Avoid spicy, fried and greasy foods.
  • Talk with your provider about prescription medications that can help.

Feeling Tired

Feeling very tired during the first three months of pregnancy is common. The tired feeling usually goes away gradually by 13 weeks.

What Can I Do?

  • Take a nap or take a few rest periods each day.
  • Ask family or friends to help you with housework or tasks.

 

 

 

 

Second Trimester (14-27 Weeks)

Your baby is growing quickly. By the 22nd week, you are usually able to feel your baby moving.

Headaches

During the first and second trimesters, your body experiences a surge of hormones and an increase in blood volume. This can cause headaches. They should decrease by the middle of the second trimester when your hormones become more stable.

What Can I Do?

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about any medicines (like acetaminophen) you may be able to take.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen, are not recommended for use during pregnancy.
  • If your headache is severe or does not go away, call your provider. This could be a sign of a serious problem.

Heartburn

Having heartburn while pregnant is common. Hormone changes during pregnancy and growing baby pushing on your stomach can affect how your body digests food.

What Can I Do?

  • Ask your healthcare provider about antacids.
  • Eat five or six small meals throughout the day.
  • Wait an hour or two after you eat before lying down.
  • When lying down, prop up your head and back with pillows.
  • Avoid caffeine in teas, coffees and sodas.
  • Avoid high-fat foods, spicy foods and chocolate.

 

 

 

 

Third Trimester (28-40 Weeks or Birth)

Your baby will continue to gain weight and develop important organs like the lungs and brain.

Back Pain

Back pain is common in the last half of pregnancy. You may find you have to lean back to keep your balance as your belly grows. This puts more stress on your back muscles causing back pain.

What Can I Do?

  • Keep your back straight and bend with your knees when you lift things off the ground.
  • Wear low-heeled shoes with good support.
  • Wear a support belt to lift your belly.

Swelling

Your ankles, feet, and hands may become swollen in the last few months of pregnancy. This is because your body produces a lot of extra fluid when growing a baby.

What Can I Do?

  • Put your feet up and rest as often as you can. Do this a few times each day.
  • Wearing special socks, called compressions socks, can help reduce swelling in the legs and feet.