Early pregnancy is a time of rapid change, both emotionally and physically. Slow down and listen to your body. Adopt a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise and rest everyday. These practices will help you prepare for late pregnancy and childbirth. But some first trimester pregnancy symptoms — such as fatigue, nauseousness and constipation — are normal and expected. “It’s common for around 70% of women to experience these symptoms throughout their entire first trimester,” postpartum nurse Rachel Taylor told Mom.com.
When do pregnancy symptoms start?
First trimester pregnancy tips for common symptoms
Some symptoms can be dealt with by using home remedies. There are other symptoms that just occur and you have to bide your time with them. Most are minor inconveniences such as increased urination and mood swings. Be kind to yourself and you’ll get through it all.
Increased toilet time
While having to urinate more is often seen later in pregnancy when the baby is bigger and putting pressure on your bladder, it is possible that you have the need to frequently urinate in the early weeks of pregnancy. To keep you sleeping well, refrain from drinking anything late in the evening, so you don’t have the urge to get up and head to the toilet.
The ups and downs of mood swings
Your hormones will be playing a number on you in the early weeks of pregnancy. You might find yourself crying at nothing or getting angry at the smallest things. Then you might swing into complete elation over the pregnancy. Mood swings are part of the first trimester and are to be expected.
“Throughout the pregnancy, I’d cry and cry and cry and cry. I’d go out and live life and smile in between, but I remember the constant emotional undercurrent of guilt and shame concerning my pregnancy,” mom Jill Simonian wrote for Mom.com.
If your mood swings are severe and long lasting and your feelings of anxiety are overwhelming, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about a mental health evaluation.
Food cravings
It happens and doesn’t make much sense. Food items that you would normally not want might be something that you crave as your body seeks out certain vitamins and minerals through diet. “Before I was pregnant, I hated anything with mayonnaise in it. Suddenly, when pregnant, all I wanted to eat for weeks were tuna fish sandwiches with extra mayonnaise,” explained mom Linda Maldanado.
When to see a doctor
Most common symptoms will subside on their own as your pregnancy continues. If your symptoms are excessive and affecting your daily activites — such as bleeding, overwhelming fatigue, excessive mood swings or extreme and unrelenting nausea — talk to your doctor. She may have other methods that can help alleviate the discomfort or refer you to a specialist.
