What’s Normal in the First Trimester?
The first trimester… When your baby is approximately the size of a gummy bear and somehow still has the power to make you feel exhausted, even after a full night of sleep, your favorite foods suddenly smell awful, and every new twinge has you wondering:
Was that normal?
If this is your first pregnancy, all of these new sensations can feel so overwhelming. But before there is even much of a bump to show for it, your body is already doing an incredible amount of work (you know, just casually creating human life)!
So, let’s talk about a few of those “is this supposed to be happening ?” moments and what may actually be going on inside your body.
The nausea… oh, the nausea.
First things first: “morning sickness'“ is possibly one of the worst terms for pregnancy nausea. It is an all day thing. So no you are not insane for feeling like you need to throw up at 3pm when you’re at work!
Nausea and vomiting are very common during the early stages of pregnancy, and to make it worse, there’s not just one specific cause to it.
From a clinical standpoint, you are going to hear about hCG’s (human chorionic gonadotropin) a lot. hCG’s are a pregnancy hormone that is is created by the placenta (when you are taking a pregnancy test, the test is looking at your hCG levels). So, when your hCG’s are sending your hormones on a rapid roller coaster ride, the purpose of it is to keep the corpus luteum function.
What is a corpus luteum you might ask?
Think if the corpus luteum as baby’s little helper behind the scenes. It forms in the ovary after an egg is released an make hormones that help support the pregnancy by releasing progesterone and a small amount of estrogen until the placenta is ready to take over the job!
With that being said, this ‘little helper behind the scenes’ is creating a hormone that is making the things in the digestive system slow down. This can contribute to some of the bloating, constipation, reflux, and general “why does my stomach suddenly have opinions about everything?” of early pregnancy.
Nausea commonly begins in the early first trimester, and many mamas start feeling better as they head into the second trimester (but it should be noted that every pregnancy is different)!
So if crackers have temporarily become their own food group, you are certainly not the only one and you are not crazy!
What is that pulling and stretching feeling in my pelvis?
You are six weeks pregnant, you stand up or move a certain way and suddenly…
Um what was that?
Mild cramping and stretching sensations can happen in early pregnancy as your uterus begins changing and growing.
As pregnancy progresses, the ligaments supporting your uterus stretch along with it. You may have heard of round ligament pain, which can cause a pulling or sharp pain sensation along the lower abdomen, hip, or groin. Classic round ligament pain is more common during the second trimester, when the uterus is growing more rapidly, although some people can notice it earlier.
So rather than assuming every first-trimester twinge is round ligament pain, think of it this way:
Your body is changing, your uterus is growing, and sometimes you can feel those changes happening.
And there is something so sweet about knowing your body is already beginning to make room for someone so little!
Mild, brief discomfort can happen during a normal pregnancy, but pain should not automatically be brushed off as “just pregnancy.” Severe or persistent pain, especially with vaginal bleeding, fever, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms deserves a call to your healthcare provider!
Why am I so tired?
Because growing a human is apparently a full-time job before anyone can even tell you are doing it!
Fatigue is especially common during the first trimester. Your body is adapting to major hormonal and physical changes while still supporting your developing pregnancy.
So if your bedtime is usually at 10:30pm and you’re craving for a 6:00pm nap…
Just go to bed!
There is a whole lot happening behind the scenes, so do not feel like since you found out you’re pregnant that you are not doing enough. You are doing more than most people could ever understand! Take care of yourself and rest up!
Why are my breast so sore?
Breast tenderness can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.
Rising estrogen and progesterone causes changes in breast tissue and can make your breast feel fuller, heavier, sore, or much more sensitive than usual.
In other words, your body got the pregnancy memo very early.
So while I cannot provide you with a miracle solution for sore breast, I can give some recommendations!
Wearing a supportive and comfortable bra
Warm and cool compresses (whichever one feels better to you)
Avoid unnecessary pressure
Wear loose and soft clothing
Why do I already look so bloated?
At seven weeks, the baby is still teeny tiny, so if your jeans already feel personally offensive, bloating may deserve some credit.
Bloating is common in early pregnancy. Hormonal changes can slow digestion, which can also contribute to gas and constipation.
So sometimes that first trimester belly is baby... and sometimes it’s baby and pregnancy hormones!
But we love our bodies either way, and we give ourselves an insurmountable amount of grace because we are, quite literally, growing a human!
And what about all the other weird stuff?
A stronger sense of smell? Food you loved last week suddenly becoming absolutely unacceptable? Running to the bathroom more often?
Pregnancy can bring a whole new set of experiences.
Nausea and vomiting often start in the first trimester. Breast tenderness and fatigue are common. Bloating can show up surprisingly early. And pregnancy-related changes can have you feeling different before you ever look pregnant.
Your body is adapting to something extraordinary. So much is happening, even when you can’t see it yet. Maybe that is one of the strangest parts of the first trimester.
There may not be a big belly yet. You can’t feel the tiny kicks. Most people may not even know that you are pregnant! But still, so much is happening,
Your body’s earliest structures are developing. Their little body changes week by week. And the Lord already knows every detail of the little life growing inside you.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13
There is something so beautiful about remembering that on the days when pregnancy feels a little less magical and a little more nausea, naps, and trying to remember the last time you went to the bathroom.
You do not have to love every symptom to be grateful for this season.
And you certainly do not have to know whether every new sensation is normal.
That is what your healthcare team is there for! I always recommend getting a healthcare provider for your pregnancy to track how you are doing and also how your little one is doing!
At Olive + Bloom, we are here for a different part of the journey; giving you a another opportunity to slow down, see that sweet baby that you are growing, watch those little movements, and soak in a season that somehow goes by far too quickly.
Because long before you get to hold your baby in your arms, they are already known, loved, cherished, and held by the Lord!
What a blessing that is!
With love,
Olive + Bloom
