How to Handle the 1st Trimester

The 1st trimester of a pregnancy is exciting, but it can also come with discomfort. From exhaustion to morning sickness, frequent urination to painful breasts, the first 3 months of pregnancy can be challenging. If you’re expecting and experiencing a challenging 1st Trimester, keep reading! This blog will look at the cause of these symptoms and how to help treat them.

Exhaustion

Many women suffer from increased exhaustion during their first trimester. This exhaustion comes from the body producing more progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that helps the uterus muscles relax which allows for the body to adjust to the baby. This causes lower blood pressure which can lead to some pregnant women experiencing sleepiness as well as dizziness. Women may also find themselves sleepier than usual because growing a baby uses several of your body’s resources that it’s not used to sharing.

Another cause for fluctuating energy levels is the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. This hormone helps the embryo implant in the uterus, but it also causes moodiness and an increase in blood volume.

The good news? Extreme exhaustion usually dissipates by the eight to ten week mark!

How to Combat Exhaustion

If you’re suffering from exhaustion during your 1st trimester, there are several things that you can try to make yourself feel better.

Slow Down

One of the best ways to combat exhaustion is to slow down. If you feel like you need a nap, take a nap. We suggest napping in the early afternoon if possible so that nighttime sleep is not interrupted. There is no shame in going to bed early or canceling plans. Everyone will understand that you need to take some time for yourself!

Hydration

Another way to battle the exhaustion caused by the 1st trimester of pregnancy is to increase your hydration. The easiest way to do this is to add an extra glass of water to your day! This additional water will help combat the excess progesterone in your system and will also lessen your current bloating and nausea! Plus, water helps your body absorb and transport vitamins, minerals, and hormones to the placenta. Adding an additional glass of water to your daily routine has many benefits. Not a fan of water? There are many different foods that are rich in water! From spinach to soup, watermelon to cucumber, there are many foods that will help increase your water intake.

Bye Bye Sugar

Did you know that sugar can make you sleepy? When you ingest high levels of sugar, you cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then quickly dip. This sugar high can lead to a crash that will have you falling asleep at your desk. Sugar can also lead to mood swings, weight gain, heartburn, and even the potential for gestational diabetes. Switching to a healthier diet that is full of whole foods with valuable nutrients will help keep you awake and also help your baby absorb the proper vitamins and minerals that they need to grow! We know that cravings will strike, but just make sure to keep your body and baby happy by only having sweets in moderation. Can’t fight your sweet tooth? There are several healthier options available including mangos, pineapples, honey, or even coconut sugar. When you decide to cut down on sugar, you will notice the difference!

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to combat exhaustion. Stay away from contact sports or kickboxing, but something as simple as walking can help. We do suggest being cleared by a doctor first before you begin. Many women focus on core work and other exercises that will strengthen the pelvic floor when they find out they are pregnant. These types of exercises can help reduce back pain throughout the pregnancy and can help prevent diastasis recti.

Just make sure to avoid evening exercise as this can affect your sleep!

Nausea

Many women suffer from nausea during their 1st trimester. This nausea typically presents itself in the morning, hence the term “morning sickness”. This is not the same for every pregnant woman though. Some women tend to feel sicker in the afternoon or sporadically throughout the day. The cause of this nausea? Increased levels of estrogen. These elevated levels stimulate the part of the brain that triggers nausea and vomiting. This hormone also relaxes your gastrointestinal tract which can lead to slower digestion and therefore an upset stomach.

The good news? Nausea typically decreases by the 13th to 14th week of pregnancy.

How to Combat Nausea

There are several ways to combat nausea during your 1st trimester. Small, frequent means can help lessen the sickness. A diet that avoids fatty, fried, or spicy foods is also a great way to keep your stomach happy. Many pregnant women suggest starting your day with bread or crackers to help ease the nausea. Ginger Ale or ginger tea can also help! If you have a severe case of nausea and/or vomiting, it is important to speak with your doctor to avoid dehydration.

Frequent Urination

Many women complain about the increase in urination during the 1st trimester. This change is frequency has several different causes. The first cause is your change in anatomy. When the uterus begins to grow, pressure begins to fall on your bladder. This leads to an increase in the frequency of your urination. Another component to this is that the amount of blood in your body increases when you are pregnant. This means that your kidneys have to process more fluid which ends up in your bladder.

The good news? When you reach the 14th and 16th week of your pregnancy, the uterus moves forward and begins to rest on your abdominal wall and not as much on your bladder.

How to Combat Frequent Urination

Unfortunately, when it comes to urination, there isn’t much you can do besides go when you need to. It is important not to limit your liquids throughout the day as your body needs more hydration while you are pregnant. If you find that your frequent urination is disturbing your sleep at night, we suggest limiting fluids before you go to bed. This will help keep your bladder less full and stop you from making so many trips to the bathroom at night.

The 1st trimester is a difficult part of the journey, but with these tips and tricks you should be feeling better in no time! Many women do not experience all of these symptoms, and others do not experience any. If you had a smooth 1st trimester and enjoyed being pregnant, why not consider becoming a surrogate? Surrogacy provides many people who cannot have children of their own the chance to start or grow their family. If you, or someone you know, would like to learn more about becoming a surrogate contact Simple Surrogacy today! Our team of previous surrogates and egg donors will answer any of your questions and get your started on your journey.