Your Body in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

view larger picture 12 weeks pregnant picture Source: The Growing Uterus Charts, © 1989, 2006 Childbirth Connection

• The uterus (the hollow, muscular organ that supports growth and development for the fetus) will begin to increase in size to hold your growing fetus. You may feel strong twinges (known as round ligament pains) on either side of your belly as the uterus grows.
• The bladder is compressed by the growing uterus. You may feel the need to urinate more frequently.
• The muscles in the bowel relax due to the increasing flow of certain pregnancy hormones, and the growing uterus begins to place pressure on the bowel. Digestion slows down and this may cause constipation, heartburn, and gas. Increasing your intake of liquids and eating extra fiber can be helpful.
• In the cervix (the neck of the uterus), glands begin to release thick mucus that forms a structure called the mucus plug. This plug seals the canal that leads to the inside of the uterus in order to prevent infection.
• Your breathing and pulse rates increase.
• Your breasts begin to swell and feel fuller and tender to the touch. The nipples and areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipples) will begin to darken, and the sweat glands that are found around the areola seem larger (like goose bumps). You'll probably notice the veins in your breasts more than usual; this is because the blood supply to them is increasing.
• Your metabolism (the mechanical changes in your body that control digestion, elimination, breathing, and energy) will speed up. Around the third month, you may begin to notice an increase in your appetite. You may feel warmer than usual.
• The changes in your body may also cause you to feel nauseated or to vomit. Although this is sometimes called "morning sickness", it can occur at any time of day. It usually goes away by the 12th week of pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about what you can do to feel better.
• You may have less energy and will probably feel an increased need for sleep. Take naps as often as you can.
• You will probably experience mood changes. You may feel less in control of your feelings and may sometimes have mixed feelings about being pregnant.

Your Emotions

• Recognize the things that cause you stress, and try to avoid them.
• Ask others to help you.
• Take a break - meditate, nap, do something fun, be physically active.
• Talk to someone - your partner, a friend, a health care provider.
• Set your priorities carefully.

Continue to "Healthy Eating During Pregnancy"
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Continue to "Your Baby: What's Happening"