Pregnancy is an amazing and exciting time for a woman. Over the next nine months, a woman’s body will go through a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. If this is your first pregnancy, you may have a lot of questions about what to expect. However, if you have been pregnant before, you may be more familiar with some of the changes that occur during pregnancy. As you go through the first trimester, you may begin to experience some discomforts, which will require you to make some lifestyle changes and prepare for the later stages of pregnancy.
But you shouldn’t worry because there are solutions to these discomforts. All you need to do is learn all you can about these first trimester discomforts and solutions, so you can keep both you and your baby healthy and make this pregnancy a more enjoyable journey.
Morning Sickness
Women who are pregnant often experience morning sickness. This can start two to four weeks after they miss their period. For some women, this happens during the early phase of the first trimester, while for others it happens later on. This can be a very unpleasant experience, as women may feel nauseated before breakfast and throughout the day. To help alleviate this, women should eat small, frequent meals and snacks. No matter how you feel, it’s important to maintain a level of hunger and fullness. Start with crackers or other bland snacks, and later move on to easy-to-digest foods like toast, rice, fruit, and mashed potatoes. You can also drink juices if you don’t feel like eating at the moment.
Breast Tenderness
Breast tenderness is something that a lot of women experience during the first trimester. It’s caused by all of the changes happening in your body, especially the increase in hormone levels. These changes lead to your breasts growing and developing, which can cause swelling and soreness. To help you keep your breasts comfortable, remember these solutions:
oIt’s important to take note of any changes in your breast size, like an increase, and wear a bra that fits those new measurements.
oA cotton bra is a great option for anyone looking for a breathable and comfortable option for their breasts.
oAt night, sleep without a bra or try wearing a cotton sleep bra. This will help your breasts feel more comfortable and can prevent them from becoming irritated.
oIf you want to avoid restricting blood flow to your breasts, don’t wear a wire bra. Instead, opt for a non-wire bra. This will help keep you comfortable and your breasts healthy.
oWearing the right kind of bra is important when working out. There are a lot of different sports bras on the market, so it can be confusing to know which one to choose. Look for a bra that is comfortable, fits well, and provides support.
oA warm bath can help reduce swelling by promoting blood flow and relaxing the muscles.
oIf your breasts are throbbing, try applying a cool facecloth.
Frequent Urination
As your uterus grows during the first trimester, it presses on the bladder which can cause frequent and uncomfortable urination. This can be especially disruptive if you’re in the middle of something important, like work. To deal with this first trimester discomfort, consider these solutions.
oDiuretics like tea, coffee, and colas can make you urinate frequently, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re trying to stay hydrated.
oYou can do kegel exercises to help strengthen the muscles that keep your urethra closed. Try to do at least 10-20 repetitions three times a day.
oDrink fluids earlier in the day so you won’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. You should make sure you’re drinking enough fluids throughout the day, and especially avoid drinking a lot right before bed.
oBe sure to fully empty your bladder when you go to the washroom. Don’t try to hold it in when you still feel the urge to urinate.
Fatigue
Being pregnant can be tough, especially during the first trimester. You might be surprised at how exhausted you feel and how difficult it is to do simple tasks or even get out of bed in the morning. To help you through this tough time, it’s important to accept your need for rest and take breaks or naps whenever possible.
During the first stage of pregnancy, you might experience any number of discomforts. First trimester discomforts vary from woman to woman, but it’s still important to be aware of them and have solutions on hand. That way, when you experience them, you’ll know exactly what to do.
