Morning sickness and swollen ankles?!
Our bodies begin to change from the moment of conception. Hormones take off, appetites can change and mornings can become somewhat of a challenge. Some women have virtually
no symptoms, others have too many to list! Some women have even shared
their experiences with us!
Some of the more common symptoms
submitted are:
Heartburn
- This one isn't much fun at all. I lived with a bottle of Rolaids for
almost my whole pregnancy! Try to avoid gassy or spicy foods and eating
late at night.
Nausea
(morning sickness) - This tends to last for only the first trimester and
usually in the morning when you get up. However, that being said, nausea
can happen at any time of the day and can last throughout the whole
pregnancy. Try setting your alarm a few minutes early and remain still
in bed for a few minutes before getting up. Some say soda crackers
before rising can help. For some women, nothing helps... sorry. :(
Sensitivity to odors
- Some women say they can smell things miles away!!
Tender breasts
- YEOUCH! Don't touch! Breasts can become very sensitive in pregnancy.
Fatigue
- Yes, you can feel very tired before you are up all night with the baby!
I would sleep almost 12 hours a night easily during my first trimester.
Get as much rest as you can, your body will let you know what rest it
needs. Hormonal changes in your body contribute
greatly to exhaustion. If this is not your first child, consider having
someone look after your other children for a few hours so you can catch a
much needed nap.
Dizziness
- Be sure to eat! Sometimes low blood sugar can cause dizziness or even
the growing uterus can be placing pressure on the arteries.
Vivid Dreams
- This doesn't help when you are tired already! Sometimes dreams are so
vivid you wake thinking that it really happened!
Acne
- Changes in hormonal levels in your body can change the type of skin
you have. Oily skin can become dry, dry skin can become oily. Use a good
cleanser and moisturizer to try and minimize these effects.
Hair and Nails - Changes
in hormonal levels in your body can change the consistency or strength
of your hair and nails. During my pregnancies, this was the only time my
nails would grow long and strong!
Moodiness
- So, you are tired, sick, sore and now you have pimples! No wonder you
are a little irritable. Again, hormonal levels that are increasing in
your body, will affect this too.
Edema
(swelling) - Retaining fluids during pregnancy is more common later in
the pregnancy, but can begin in the first trimester. Consult your
physician if your face or hands appear swollen. This can be a sign of
preeclampsia although this only appears in a small percentage of
pregnancies. This may develop around week 20.
Frequent Urination
- This is most common in the first and third trimester.
Thanks to all who have shared their pregnancy symptoms with us. We are no
longer accepting submissions, but if you had an interesting first trimester due
to complications or hardships related to pregnancy symptoms, please feel free to
submit your story to us.
ALWAYS consult your physician or childcare expert if you have any questions
concerning your, or your family's, well being.
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