Congratulations, Dear Mom! Welcome to the most extraordinary experience of your life. Your first pregnancy is a brand new journey that is filled with joy and a lot of surprises. you are making and producing new life in your body. This alters your world in a way that may be hard to imagine. That was my first experience when I think back on my first trimester weeks. we have all been there and you are not alone.
You will find yourself being consulted by everyone you know, even by people who don't have the experience. I'm telling you to get ready for those comments lol. You don't have to be overwhelmed by what's happening around you. Here you will find numerous valuable pieces of advice and tips for your beautiful 9 months of the pregnancy journey. Let's drive on the exceptionally stunning journey :)
In your 1st Trimester which would be from 1-12 weeks. Different feelings, body changes, and various symptoms will be noticed. Everything that you are thinking and planning will become skeptical to you. You will feel like you are not ready for what's happening in your body. Your belly would get bloated due to your body starting to retain water and your clothes getting tighter. when we come to scents or smells, you feel like, everything that you smell is so gross you start hating perfumes, mists, and even foods because of this, you may start to lose your appetite even some foods could make you sick. So, be prepared for this. You will see your breasts are getting tender and swollen.
Tips: wearing a support bra is helpful. Occasionally, you feel pelvic pressure and cramping like menstrual cramps. It's kind of scary but your uterus is growing slowly and causing cramps and pelvic pressure. If you feel serious pain or like twice as much as menstrual cramps, call your doctor.
You may also notice, sleeping and waking at irregular hours. This will result in Fatigue. So try to sleep as much as possible. Besides, your appetite will decrease because of an enhanced sense of smell that you feel like every food smells bad and makes you sick as well. You will have frequent urination since your growing uterus squeezes your bladder. At this point, we need to talk about your well-being especially mentally.
Dear Mama! sometimes you might be Anxious and concerned about all of the upcoming changes. It's normal to be worried. In case you feel too much concerned about it, its the best to contact your provider. Don't be surprised if you are tired when you wake up and want to go back to sleep again. Your body is in a lot of process making a baby that needs a lot of energy. So, try to rest as much as you can. Doing a mild exercise like walking at a comfortable speed helps with fatigue and your overall sense of well-being. Try to get relaxed and have a good spirit. This helps with all the body changes that are completely out of your control. If you get a chance Sign up for a childbirth class or parenting class which will be so helpful.
Tips: To make your pregnancy healthy, remember to eat a balanced diet, take your prenatal vitamin daily, and eat small and healthy snacks often. Your baby is tiny and needs very little now. Even when you are not hungry try to feed the baby every few hours. Eat snacks like fruits, nutritional bars, crackers, small pieces of cheese, sips of milk, or yogurt. Increase your fluid intake and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
HURRAY! You are now in your 2nd trimester. You are noticing that feeling better and look amazing and you start glowing. This part of your journey is so fun ;) You have an increased craving for food now. You feel like you have more energy too. Also, you get better sleep in this trimester and your little belly is showing up now. So, it's time to buy and wear loose apparel.
If your gums start bleeding sometimes remember to visit your dentist regularly. and If you notice more bleeding you need to contact your provider. The other thing that occurs in your 2nd trimester is varicose veins and puffy feet.
Tips: you can reduce the problem by wearing compression socks, avoiding crossing your legs, and placing your feet up whenever you can. Stretch marks lotion will help the itching, try maternity athletic shorts to support your skin and uphold the weight of your growing belly. Hormonal changes will create skin changes like acne on your face, back, and chest. Another thing that no one ever talks about is the darker pigmentation on your face.
Tips: you can conceal it using sunscreen or other creams which are suitable for maternity. Remember to avoid cremes with Retinol. For detailed information talk to your provider. and refer to the link: https://blogs.webmd.com/healthy-skin/20110831/retinol-when-to-use-it-and-when-to-avoid-it.
When your belly gets bigger and bigger, it's normal to notice ligament pain, side aches, and the small cramps that you may feel when you step upstairs or get out of bed. Plus, you might also feel a few mild contractions, 2 to 4 times each day now. These are often called Braxton hicks contractions and are not harmful. If you have 3 to 4 contractions in an hour it's advisable to call your provider.
Try consuming more meat, green leafy vegetables, and beans to prevent anemia. They are best absorbed with fruit juice, not with milk iron since it can cause constipation. So. increase your fluid intake, fiber, fruit, and veggies as much as you can. Now is a good time to eat a balanced diet. Your baby needs a variety of nutrients to grow and develop. Take your prenatal daily, protein-rich foods like chicken, soybeans, beans, meat, fish, eggs, and nuts. Calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables, almonds, and sardines. In case you don't tolerate dairy, then try to take calcium supplements. You need to add vegetables, fruits, bread, cereal, rice, and pasta to your daily meal plan to get essential vitamins and minerals. Don't worry too much about your weight, most women will gain 20 to 35 lbs during their pregnancy.
Way to go! You are in your 3rd trimester (from 28 weeks - baby arrival) The current journey seems difficult your belly is stretched and growing bigger and bigger. you feel so tired. Remember, in a few weeks you'll meet your precious little one. Taking a rest and regular exercise are the best remedies to crush all the symptoms and tiredness. In this trimester you will notice a clear discharge from your breast and you will also have frequent urination since the baby presses your bladder which is normal. Maybe you may find out you're leaking doing kegel exercises at least 50 per day will help.
Getting heartburn is another irritating symptom to handle so try antacids and eating smaller meals more frequently. Sit up for 30 minutes after each meal. when you lie down, lay down on your left side. It's discomforting and painful when our bowel movement does not work properly and we get constipated. To ease the problem with natural remedies, try to increase fresh fruits and dry fruits like prunes based on my experience they are so beneficial to soften the stool, veggies particularly beetroots also resolve the problem. If it is not fixed simply and before it turns out Hemorrhoid, ask your health care provider for stool softener. Remember not to take any stool softener or other over-the-counter products without consulting your health provider.
In this trimester, you may find your appetite gets lower. It's vital to eat a balanced diet because your little one is proliferating now. Please remember to continue your prenatal vitamin daily. Eat 5 to 6 small meals or snacks each day. Avoid carbonated drinks since they make your indigestion worse. It is advisable to eat protein and calcium-sourced foods daily like, beans, peas, boiled eggs, sunflower seeds cashew, almonds, or other nuts. Good sources of calcium like yogurt, cheese cottage cheese, calcium-fortified juice, green leafy vegetable sardines, and so on. Skin changes darker nipples and a line on your tummy are normal. Leg cramps may occur at night when you're trying to sleep. Try to stretch your legs then put a pillow between your thighs to get comfort. Increase your meal with calcium-rich foods or try calcium supplements.
If the problem lasts consult your doctor. If you have lower back pain consider seeing your doctor and physical therapist. For swollen feet and ankles, elevate your legs increase your water and protein intake, and consider wearing compression socks. If it becomes severe it is better to talk to your provider. If you feel tingling or numbness in your hands may be it is an indication of carpal tunnel syndrome. Try a wrist support brace to keep your wrist straight and discuss it with your physician.
Baby growth during your 9 months journey
6 weeks, your baby has a beating heart, eyes, and limb buds, and 1/2 inch long.
At 8 weeks, All your baby's major organ systems are developing.
In 12 weeks the baby's fingers and toes will separate, muscles and bones start to grow and the genitals will appear. your fetus will be the baby is 3 1/2 inches long.
At 16 weeks ears, eyelashes, and fingernails begin to develop. your baby's legs get longer and his finger open and close.
At 20 weeks your baby is covered with fine hair, practices suckling, and is now 7 inches long and her/his weight is increasing.
by 23 weeks your baby's movement becomes noticeable.
At 24 weeks little bump starts to move his/her eye. The lungs continue to develop.
At 28 weeks baby's skin becomes a little wrinkled, and practices breathing movements, also the eyes can open and close at this week.
I hope you got something beneficial from this piece. You got this Mama! I wish you all the best! Until we meet with exciting tips and trick that makes your pregnancy easy.
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