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Pregnancy is an exciting and joyful time, but the first trimester can be full of questions about unfamiliar symptoms and what to eat. While every pregnancy is unique, here’s what typically happens during the first trimester, along with tips to help you feel your best.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

A lot is going on in your body right now. After all, you’re growing a tiny human! Pregnancy hormones trigger common symptoms and changes in your body, starting in the first few weeks after conception. Some moms-to-be have minimal symptoms until well into their first trimester, but it’s not unusual to experience them much earlier.

• In addition to a missed period, an early pregnancy symptom is swollen, tender breasts. They’ll grow and change throughout your pregnancy, in preparation for breastfeeding your baby. Wearing a comfortable, supportive bra can help with any discomfort.

• You’ll feel tired, or even exhausted. Try to get to bed earlier, grab a nap if you can, and embrace extra help when it’s offered. Also, take your prenatal vitamin. It has the extra iron needed to prevent anemia — which can increase fatigue. Prenatal vitamins also provide additional nutrients, like folic acid, choline, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which support your baby’s health.

• Frequent bathroom breaks will become part of your routine. It’s because blood volume increases significantly during this time, so your kidneys have more fluid to filter. Don’t restrict fluids, but do cut back on caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine may increase the risk of miscarriage or a baby with low birth weight. You should stick to one 12-ounce cup of coffee per day throughout your pregnancy. Also, limit what you drink after dinner if you’re waking up to urinate in the middle of the night.

Visit Our OB Resource Guide from UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital

About Morning Sickness

Morning sickness affects up to 80% of women during the first trimester. Despite its name, morning sickness — which is nausea, with or without vomiting — can occur at any time of the day.

For most women, morning sickness is relatively mild and passes by the end of the first trimester. Severe nausea and vomiting, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum, affect up to 2% of all pregnant women.

To combat nausea, eat small, frequent meals and avoid skipping meals, which can make you feel worse. Feed your cravings if you get them, but be aware that bland, carb-rich foods like toast, crackers, potatoes, or rice are more tolerable than spicy, fatty foods. Many women find that strong smells and certain foods trigger nausea, so avoid any that bother you.

Ginger also can help. In fact, a January 2020 review in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests it’s one of the most effective treatments for morning sickness. Try sipping ginger tea or ginger ale, or suck on ginger candies when nausea hits.

First Trimester Nutrition

According to the National Institutes of Health, most women gain just two to four pounds during the first trimester. Early on, you may not have much of an appetite; if you do, be sure to nourish yourself and your baby. Foods to eat during pregnancy include eggs, fish, chicken, meat, tofu or beans for protein, milk, yogurt, leafy greens for calcium, and plenty of fruits and vegetables for a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

Even though you are eating for two, your calorie needs don’t increase until the second trimester. Even then, you’ll only need an additional 300 calories per day — the equivalent of a glass of low-fat milk and half of a peanut butter sandwich.

Managing Constipation

Pregnancy hormones cause your digestive tract to work slowly. That, plus any iron supplement you may be taking, may lead to constipation. To keep things moving, aim for at least 25 grams of fiber each day. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, choose a breakfast cereal that has at least five grams of fiber per serving, and snack on prunes and nuts.

If needed, you can use a fiber supplement. Drinking plenty of water helps to minimize constipation and move extra fiber through your digestive tract.

Your first trimester is the beginning of many exciting but sometimes concerning changes. Just know, the second trimester usually brings welcome relief from many early symptoms. Don’t ever hesitate to ask questions or pose concerns to your health care team — they’re there to support you. The more prepared you are for what happens during the first trimester and beyond, the easier and more enjoyable it will be.