Pregnancy First Stages

Pregnancy is categorised into 3 stages known as trimesters. The first trimester will see your body undergoing an explosion of change in so many ways as it adjusts to nurture your growing baby. Some of the very earliest things you may notice include the following:

Morning sickness / Nausea
One of the first signs of your pregnancy will probably be morning sickness (nausea and/or vomiting). Not all women experience this in their pregnancy first stages, but if you do, stick to bland foods and certainly avoid spicy and rich food. Excess saliva production may happen at the same time. Brushing your teeth regularly and chewing minty gum may help with this.

"It's frightening to think that you mark your children merely by being yourself. It seems unfair. You can't assume the responsibility for everything you do -- or don't do"

- Simone De Beauvoir

Breast Changes
Your breasts will certainly increase in size and this will begin immediately. They will continue to increase in size all through your pregnancy. Later in the 1st trimester, you may feel some tingling and your breasts may get slightly sensitive to touch. Find a maternity bra that is a good fit.

Pregnant Glow
No this is not a wife's tale! Upon conceiving, amongst the million other changes your body starts experiencing, you will start to produce more blood. Your resting heart rate may increase slightly to help circulate the extra blood through your body - including to your face which can give you a slightly brighter appearance. Your oil glands are also at work which adds to the shine. You may however also experience acne breakouts and skin discolouration, but steer clear of commercial acne treatments. If you don't already, keep to a day and night cleansing routine with a fragrance free face soap and finish with an oil-free moisturiser.

Tiredness/Concentration
Expect to be tired all the way through, but especially in the beginning pregnancy stages. It's quite common for women to experience periods of forgetfulness as well as the inability to concentrate. Keeping a simple written "to-do" list on the fridge or a whiteboard can help you keep on top of things.

Pregnancy Yoga Exercises DVDs

Check out our online store where you can buy a range of pregnancy exercises DVDs. Pregnancy Yoga DVDs as well.

Vaginal Discharge
Leukorrhoea is the medical term for this thick, whitish vaginal discharge most pregnant women experience. It's not unusual for this to begin in your very first stages of pregnancy and this is normal. It may vary in heaviness throughout your term.

Mood
Unfortunately it is more than likely you will experience mood swings, similar to PMT combined with headache. Normally this is worst in the first and last weeks of pregnancy. It is thought that 1 in 10 women in Australia also suffer antenatal depression. Make sure you refer to the Beyond Blue Website and run through the symptoms checklist.

Urination
Another glamorous symptom of pregnancy is the need to urinate more often - and sometimes when you don't even mean to... i.e. when sneezing, coughing or laughing. To help prevent urinary tract infections, urinate when you feel the need to. You may also consider drinking more fluid in the mornings and less in the evenings for better sleep without needing to get up too often. If you're worried about leaking, panty liners can help.

Leg Cramps
You might get cramps in your legs or feet. It is thought you will get these because of the way your body processes, or metabolises, calcium. Make sure you get enough calcium through milk, and calcium-rich foods. Prenatal vitamins also help with this but ask your doctor about a calcium supplement if you feel don't get enough through your diet. Relieve leg and foot cramps with gentle stretching. Wrapping a warm moist towel around your leg muscles may also help cramping.

$94.95

Birthing Sense DVD Series

A full prenatal Course on DVD. This 3 part series misses out NOTHING you need to know about pregnancy, giving birth and your newborn baby.

Free Online Previews

Dizziness
As well as fatigue and tiredness, you may also experience dizzy spells not only in the first stages, but throughout your pregnancy. Avoid fast jerky actions/reactions, drive only short distances, keep hydrated and snacking on natural energy boosting foods (such as fruit and nuts) will help.

Appetite and Cravings
Your hormone changes can also effect your appetite in the pregnancy first stages. You will probably find that your taste in food will change and you may be hungrier more often.