by Stacey Avila
It all starts with two faint lines on a pee stick, and suddenly you’re hit with a rush of emotions. The pulsing in your veins, the heart racing adrenaline. At this point, you are envisioning a brand new life. No one reacts the same in this life-changing moment, whether you were planning for the double pink lines or not. Today we are going to talk about what to expect after the positive pregnancy test and the information that will have you feeling prepared. You got this mama!
Your body is on a mission the moment you conceive. Your body is now nourishing you plus one (your baby) you are producing hormones at a rapid rate, this will have you feeling upside down, uneasy, and not like yourself. Some women often say they knew they were pregnant the moment they conceived due to the shift in their normal body function, and the decline in energy. Of course, everyone’s pregnancy is different and not everyone will feel the same symptoms.
Let’s understand the changes in your body.
The moment you conceive you will start to feel symptoms similar to the start of your menstrual cycle. You will experience bloating, your breast may feel swollen and tender. You will have implantation cramping as well as mood swings. Most women experience heavier eating patterns while others may not tolerate food at all. You may have changes in your food preferences, craving foods you were not a huge fan of originally, or suddenly finding your favorite dish makes you nauseous.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, you will most often experience morning sickness. Morning sickness is nausea accompanied by vomiting in some cases. Though it is called “ morning sickness” nausea can linger throughout the whole day or at unexpected times in your day. Try to keep yourself hydrated and have some small simple tolerable foods on hand like crackers.
One topic many people do not talk about is how your sex drive can change during your first trimester and throughout your pregnancy. This is due to the extreme shift in hormones your body is enduring. You can experience waves of high urges for sex, and some women experience a downturn for it. Remember to honor what your body tells you and speak with your partner openly about your sexuality during this time.
Fatigue is one of the most talked-about symptoms. Your body is burning through all your energy at a quicker pace. Make sure you are taking it easy, do not try and push your body. Take a moment if you have to relax and rest, put your legs up and pocket the energy.
The constant bathroom breaks 100% are a real thing. Your body is producing high levels of progesterone and HCG which causes an increase in urinary frequency. In addition to the upscale on fluids, you are intaking during this time the low position of your uterus adding pressure is also a co-print for the frequent bathroom breaks.
What to do in your first trimester:
- Even if you have taken an over-the-counter pregnancy test, it’s a good idea to call your Midwife/OBGYN to confirm your pregnancy with a blood or urine test.
- Once you’ve confirmed your pregnancy, you’ll want to begin your OB prenatal visits with your Midwife. During the first appointment, your Midwife will likely perform several tests to assess your overall health. These can include blood tests (prenatal blood work) and a pelvic exam not always but be prepared. After your first prenatal with your Midwife, you’ll have subsequent appointments, approximately every four weeks in the first few months, which will take less time than the first. Be sure to ask any questions you may have. You may want to start a pregnancy journal to record your thoughts, feelings, and questions as well as your nutrition intake and a 24hr log.
- You will also receive a Prenatal Nurse appointment where you will go over foods, beverages, and medicines you should avoid and which prenatal vitamin is best for you. In this visit, the nurse will also go over a binder that was given to you at your first visit. You will learn which classes to take to birth at The Birth Center and so much more information in regards to the binder given.
For more information in regards to your first trimester talk to your Midwife/OBGYN. Or visit the link below for valuable information in regards to your baby’s development and your overall body changes.
.https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-first-trimesterhttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-first-trimester