First-Time Moms: What to Expect in the First Trimester

The first trimester for first-time moms is often a blur of joy and excitement mixed with fear and anxiety! Even if this is a planned pregnancy, that positive test result can leave you feeling shocked and overwhelmed. Many women feel guilty about their conflicting emotions because they believe that this means that they are not good mothers. This could not be further from the truth because these emotions are based only on the enormity of the change and the fear of not being sufficiently prepared. Arming yourself with knowledge will not only help you deal with the physical changes you experience but also help you feel calmer and more in control.

Preparing for Your First Prenatal Visit

Most women start to experience pregnancy symptoms by week 5 or week 6, but most prenatal appointments are scheduled around week 8 or 10. You probably have a lot of questions like, “how many weeks pregnant am I?” or “when will my baby be born?”. Thankfully, you don’t have to wait until your doctor’s appointment to get the answers. If you want to know how to calculate the due date based on your conception date, you will need to add 266 days to get your estimated due date. The calculation is different if you do not know the conception date. A pregnancy due date calculator is a simple but effective way to find out your due date, as it does all the calculations for you. Even if you do not know the date of conception, the pregnancy calculator can calculate your due date based on your last period.

Before your first prenatal visit, find out as much as you can about your family medical history. Your health care provider may recommend screening tests, depending on your personal and family medical history and any past pregnancies. Make a note of all your information, as well as any questions you may have, before you visit your doctor.

First Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms

The term “morning sickness” is misleading because it can hit at any time of the day or night! Morning sickness normally starts around week 4 but settles by week 20. While morning sickness causes bouts of nausea and vomiting, if you have severe nausea and vomiting to the point where you are losing weight or feeling dizzy or lightheaded, contact your doctor immediately, as this might be hyperemesis gravidarum, which should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

While morning sickness is the most common pregnancy symptom, first-time moms are likely to notice other changes as well. For instance, you might start craving specific foods, including ones you disliked before you got pregnant. You may even crave odd food combinations like pulled pork with vanilla ice cream or toast with peanut butter and sauerkraut! As long as you’re eating healthy overall and following a balanced pregnancy diet, it’s okay to give in to your cravings occasionally. Pregnancy is also linked to a heightened sensitivity to smell, especially strong food smells. These can trigger nausea or even make you vomit, so it’s helpful to identify and avoid your triggers. Chewing mint gum may reduce your reaction to strong odors. Hormonal changes during the first trimester can also lead to swollen or tender breasts, constipation, and bloating. A comfortable, supportive bra can ease breast discomfort, and fiber-rich foods combined with gentle daily exercise can help with digestion.

The first trimester can be a roller-coaster of emotions, especially for first-time moms who are working through so many unknowns all at once. That’s why it’s important to lean on support from your family and friends. You can also join pregnancy support groups to connect with others who are walking a similar path and can relate to your experiences. Make it a priority to schedule quiet time with God each day, whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or simply sitting in His presence. It is one of the most powerful ways to calm your heart and mind. Also, don’t underestimate the impact of eating healthy and nourishing your body well. It can make a big difference in your overall mood and energy during these early weeks.

Forest Rose

Forest Rose is a God Loving, Blessed Wife, &  Mama to 3 girls. She’s passionate about lifting moms out of the trenches that are discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling alone or isolated. Her hope is to point them to Christ and equip them to rise up with a newfound hope and joy within, that He alone can provide. Besides blogging, she also loves to create printables!