First Trimester Pregnancy Signs

This was originally written on Wednesday, January 30, 2008

I feel like I'm going to have a big baby. Aside from the fact that I've gained 21 lbs. at almost 26 weeks pregnant, Joe was nearly ten pounds at birth and my maternal grandma said that my mom was nine pounds. I know I was expected to be there if I'd gone full-term (but I ended up being 4 lbs. at 30 wks). My brother (same dad, different mom) was like Joe at almost ten, too!

Anyway. . .I'm feeling relaxed again about my pregnancy so that is good. And, I have only needed 8 hrs. of sleep a night this week (and no more nightmares--which I had been having lately, another hormonal thing).

On Sunday night Joe & I tried to listen to L.J.'s heartbeat. We had bought a fun, safe, prenatal heart listener (it's like a stethoscope) earlier this month but the directions say it doesn't work until the third trimester. Still, we tried it and thought we had it--so we put it on our computer. . .but then Joe realized it was MY heartbeat because it was only 70 beats per minute. :-( Who knew that you could hear your own heartbeat below your belly button! (Update Note: It never did work, I don't recommend you waste your money on Bebe Sounds Prenatal Heart Listener.)

For today's topic, I thought I'd share with you the first symptoms of pregnancy. Before I got pregnant last year, I went to as many pregnancy websites as possible because I usually experienced one or more of these signs each month. But, because they are so similar to menstrual signs, I was wrong every time! The month that I actually was pregnant, I didn't experience ANY of these symptoms (until after I knew I was pregnant--and still I didn't experience all of them).

*missed menstrual period
*nausea
*extreme fatigue
*frequent urination
*tender breasts
*headache
*heartburn
*constipation
*spotting
*feeling faint

Fortunately, the first couple of weeks before a woman knows she's pregnant, her body might not even know that she is! Therefore, you don't have to panic if you weren't following the proper rules during that time. However, it quickly changes to the most important time to follow the "do's" and "dont's" of pregnancy (I'll go over those tomorrow).

In one of my books, Your Pregnancy Week By Week by Dr. Glade B Curtis and Judith Schuler, they explain what's going on those first weeks:

"During intercourse, an average of .06 to .15 ounce of semen is deposited in the vagina. Each millilter contains an average of 70 million sperm; each ejaculation contains 140 to 350 million sperm. Only about 200 sperm actually reach the egg in the tube."

It takes about a week for the blastocyst to travel through the uterine tube to the cavity of the uterus. Once it attaches to the uterine cavity (implantation), cells burrow into the lining of the uterus. Over the next week, amniotoc fluid starts to form, as well as the placenta (which will transport oxygen and nutrients to the baby). Different layers of cells develop to become parts of the baby's body.

It is the THIRD week after fertilization that health is extremely important, as the next 5 weeks are when most birth defects occur. This is considered the fifth week of the pregnancy calendar. The book says: "As early as this week, a plate that will become the heart has developed. The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and muscle and bone formation are beginning to take shape. During this time, your baby's skeleton is also starting to form."

For week six (or four weeks for the fetus): "At this time, the embryo is most susceptible to factors that can interfere with its development. Most malformations originate during this critical period."

By now your body will recognize that you're pregnant, and changes begin to occur. Morning sickness can start around week six, due to the HCG hormone (that makes a home pregnancy test change color) and may last anywhere from week 12 to 16 to 40.

You may also feel the need to urinate frequently. It can continue during most of your pregnancy and become particularly annoying near delivery, as your uterus enlarges and puts pressure on your bladder.

Another symptom of pregnancy is fatigue or tiring easily. Be sure to take your prenatal vitamins. It is recommended that women take Neuromins DHA in addition to prenatal vitamins. (I started taking these immediately, as they are the best thing you can do for your baby's eyes and mental development, and should be continued while nursing. It is really the only way we can obtain the important omega 3's since it is best to avoid fish while pregnant & nursing. Neuromins is the best brand to take for pregnant women, rather than other types of fish oil, because other brands act as a blood thinner, which may not be as safe. Neuromins are algae or plant-based.

You may notice changes in your breasts. Tingling or soreness is common. (I didn't experience this until they actually started to grow during my fourth month.)

Heartburn may begin at this time, or not until later in pregnancy. (I haven't experienced it yet, although you might remember that for a couple of weeks back then I was burping frequently!) This occurs because food moves more slowly through the intestines and the stomach is compressed as the uterus enlarges and moves up into the abdomen. Don't lie down after eating.

Most women notice some constipation, as well as hemorrhoids (this has only happened a couple of times to me. I suggest prune juice).

One in five women experience spotting. (I never have.) This does not mean you will have a miscarriage. As your uterus grows, the placenta forms and vascular connections are made, often causing bleeding. Most doctors suggest resting, decreasing activity, and avoiding intercourse.

Finally, headaches, feeling faint, and emotional changes are all due to the increase of hormones. Tylenol is the only painkiller safe for headaches (I had to take this a couple of times), rest is the best cure for feeling faint, and support from your partner is best for your emotions.

For week 7 (fetus age 5), you will have started to gain weight. By the end of pregnancy, at least 12 pounds will be maternal stores (fat, protein, and other nutrients), 4 pounds increased fluid volume, 2 pounds breast enlargement, 2 pounds for the uterus, 7.5 pounds for the baby, 2 pounds for amniotic fluid, and 1.5 pounds for the pacenta (connects mother and baby; brings baby nourishment and takes away waste).

For week 8 (fetus age 6), the book says: "Before pregnancy, your uterus was about the size of your fist. After six weeks of growth, it is about the size of a grapefruit."

For week 9 (fetus age 7), you will see that your waistline has grown thicker by this time. Your blood volume increases to about 50% more than before you were pregnant.

For week 10 (fetus age 8), it is encouraging to know that a critical part of your baby's development is safely behind you.

For weeks 11 & 12 (the end of the first trimester), fetal growth is rapid. The crown-to-rump length of your baby doubles over the next three weeks. External genitalia are beginning to show distinguishing features. Development of the fetus into a male or female is complete in another three weeks. The book says: "By the end of 12 weeks, your uterus is too large to remain completely in your pelvis. . .when your baby is born, your uterus weighs almost 40 ounces, compared to 2.5 ounces before pregnancy."

It already seems so long ago that I was in the first trimester! I've forgotten what it's like not to be pregnant! To be able to move around freely. During those weeks I could still dance. That's my advice to those just starting out in pregnancy: dance :-)