First Trimester Symptoms

Overview

Pickles and ice cream. Waves of nausea. We've all heard about the various cravings and symptoms that moms-to-be experience. But every woman responds differently to the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy. What can you expect? Here are the common symptoms during the first trimester.

Morning sickness

Up to 85 percent of moms-to-be suffer from nausea and vomiting, and not just in the morning. While it's not clear exactly what causes it, it's believed that the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin may be to blame: The more of it in your system, the more nauseated you'll be. And that's not necessarily a bad thing -- some experts think that the queasier you are, the less likely you are to miscarry or deliver prematurely.

Ways to minimize the symptoms of morning sickness until they disappear sometime in the second trimester:

Eat mini-meals throughout the day. Eating smaller meals more frequently can ease digestion and keep your stomach filled (nausea is even worse on an empty stomach). While you may want to opt for bland foods, experts recommend eating whatever you have a hankering for, as long as it's healthy. So if you can only stomach grilled-cheese sandwiches for a few days, go for it.

Have ginger. It's a proven soother for upset stomachs, so try grating some fresh ginger into your tea or juice to get the full benefits.

Try B6. A supplement of this vitamin may help your stomach empty faster. Ask your doctor for the appropriate amount.

Food cravings and aversions

A hankering for certain foods or an intense dislike of others are often linked to morning sickness. These cravings and aversions can be unpredictable, but up to 80 percent of pregnant women report cravings and up to 85 percent say they're being repelled by certain foods. Should you give in to your desires or shun the foods you loathe? It depends. If the craving is healthy and you're not scarfing down bags of chips or pints of ice cream, then you can indulge. A good rule: Limit your treats to one 75-to-100-calorie serving per day. For food aversions, try substituting other foods for the ones you can't stomach:

    If you can't drink milk, substitute low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, or yogurt. And try sneaking milk into sauces, soups, oatmeal, or pancakes.
    If you can't swallow veggies, munch on fruits rich in beta-carotene, like mango, apricot, and cantaloupe.
    If meat turns you off, try beans. Or hide beef, chicken, or turkey in sauces, soups, or stews.

A heightened sense of smell

Many women report having a sharper sense of smell during pregnancy. One theory: It helps you stay away from foods that have a high bacteria content or natural toxins, which could harm the fetus during this crucial period of development. This bionic sense of smell usually abates as the months go on.

Fatigue

Feeling tired 24 hours a day is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy. Your body is going into overload to spur the baby's growth: Your ovaries are producing progesterone, which is thought to have a sedative effect, and blood volume is increasing up to 50 percent to supply blood to the fetus.

One hidden culprit for excessive fatigue is anemia. Extra iron is needed to make the baby's blood cells, and if you don't have enough iron, the baby will take what it needs from your body, shortchanging you. Your doctor will give you a blood test during your first prenatal visit to check on your iron stores. If you don't have enough, she's likely to prescribe a supplement.

Other things you can do to combat your tiredness:

Get moving. Even if all you want to do is lie on the couch, take a short walk or just do some light stretching. Twenty minutes a few times a week can give you a lift.

Take your prenatal vitamin. It will fill the gaps if your appetite for food is at an all-time low, and because it contains iron, it can help stave off anemia.

Sleep when you can. Go to bed earlier, get up later, and nap when you can. If you're working all day, take 15 minutes and catnap at your desk.

Frequent urination

Even if you're not showing yet, your uterus is growing -- and that's causing pressure on your bladder, which never really empties. Plus, your kidneys are working overtime to flush wastes out of your body. The result: a need to pee often, throughout the day and night.But don't cut back on liquids, and don't wait to urinate -- holding it can cause a urinary tract infection. To reduce the number of nighttime bathroom trips, stop drinking a few hours before bedtime, cut out caffeine at night (it's a bladder stimulant), and go one last time before you turn off the light.

Acne

You may break out because your hormones are working overtime, causing your skin to produce more oil. Acne may subside later in your pregnancy, but to help control it now:

Don't scrub or overwash your skin. And use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil to avoid overdrying it.

Switch to an oil-free moisturizer. There's no reason to add oil to your overly oily skin.

Check the labels of the products you use. Glycolic acid is okay, but ditch those containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinols, or steroids: They could potentially cause birth defects.

Breathlessness

Pregnant women are actually inhaling deeper, the better to supply all that extra blood with oxygen. Even though you may be getting plenty of air, don't be surprised if you feel breathless, partly because the baby is transferring more carbon dioxide to you.

Headaches

Low blood sugar (a result of your changing metabolism), increase in hormones, and reduced blood flow to the brain can spell bad headaches for some moms-to-be. If you suffer from headaches, try using a hot or cold compress, massaging your temples, or getting some fresh air. If those don't work, acetaminophen is considered safe for pregnant women. If you're suffering from migraines, talk to your doctor.

Dry eyes or changing vision

With increased blood circulation, your entire body can feel a little swollen, and this includes your eyes. Your corneas thicken and curve, and that changes the way they refract visual images. For contact lens wearers, that may mean ditching the contacts and wearing glasses until delivery. And even those moms-to-be who wear glasses sometimes can't see as well. Even if your vision stays the same, your eyes may dry out from fluctuating hormones. You can try eyedrops to lubricate your eyes and, if needed, visit an eye doctor to temporarily adjust the prescription for your glasses.

Swollen breasts

Even though your baby is the size of a comma, your breasts are getting ready to nurse her. Hormonal changes and expanding milk ducts produce a growth spurt, usually around your sixth week of pregnancy, and make your breasts feel swollen and tender. To ease the ache:

    Buy larger bras with extra rows of hooks for easy adjustments (don't waste money on tight front closures).
    Get a soft cotton "sleep" bra if soreness is preventing you from getting rest -- the support will ease the ache.

Changes in libido

The surge in hormones and blood flow can affect your vagina and clitoris, making them softer and hypersensitive. For some women, that means a libido in overdrive, with more intense or multiple orgasms. For others, sex becomes as appealing as ice-fishing.

Whatever mood you find yourself in, it's normal. But do keep your husband in the loop -- let him know how you're feeling and what turns you on (or not), so he doesn't start feeling insecure or rejected. And remember, sex involves more than intercourse. Cuddling, touching, and back rubs can be ways to stay intimate.

Emotional ups and downs

Hormones, the lack of a good night's sleep, the reality of pregnancy -- all of these can contribute to a roller-coaster of emotions. You could feel quiet and withdrawn, elated, worried, angry or tearful, or happy-go-lucky -- and it's all perfectly fine. Of course, it's better to stay on as even a keel as you can (your loved ones will thank you), so try to get as much rest and exercise as you can. What else helps? Finding sympathetic friends, preferably those who are pregnant, online or off.

Summary

You first trimester is exciting -- and possibly a little scary. The changes your body is undergoing can produce a wide variety of symptoms, and an equally wide range of feelings to go along with them. Try not to worry too much, and ask your doctor if you have any question about what you're experiencing.