Although it may not be apparent to others yet, a multitude of changes occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. Not only is the fetus making extraordinary leaps in development, but the pregnant woman herself also may discover many physical changes occurring in her own body.
Food Cravings or Aversions
The stories of pregnant women sending their husbands out in the middle of the night for pickles and ice cream may be based in some truth. The American Pregnancy Association states that many pregnant women will experience food cravings or food aversions, both during the first trimester and throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
Fatigue
Many pregnant women find themselves napping more frequently, going to be earlier or sleeping in later. This is because pregnancy can cause lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, higher blood production levels and hormone surges, all which can produce feelings of tiredness and fatigue throughout the first trimester, explains the Mayo Clinic.
Breast Changes
Breast tenderness can be one of the first noticeable pregnancy symptoms of the first trimester, beginning during the fourth to sixth week of pregnancy, according to BabyCenter. The entire breast will feel tender, swollen or sore. Because of the increased blood flow, veins within the breasts become more vivid and pronounced. Around the eighth week, breasts begin to increase in size and will likely continue growing throughout the entire pregnancy.
Nipple Changes
The area around the nipples, called the areolas, and the nipples themselves also undergo changes during the first trimester, says BabyCenter. The nipples start to become more pronounced and may stick out more than before. The areolas get darker in color and larger in size, and the small bumps on the areolas may also appear larger or increase.
Bloating, Nausea or Vomiting
As early as a few weeks after conception, some women begin to experience nausea. Although many people refer to this as morning sickness, it can happen at any time of the day or night. This nausea may develop because of the surge in estrogen, explains the Mayo Clinic. Some women may also experience abdominal bloating or vomiting along with the nausea, although this doesn't always occur. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may minimize the effects of this symptom.
Headaches or Dizziness
Headaches and dizziness can also plague pregnant women in the first trimester. An increase in the circulation of blood and surges of various pregnancy hormones may be responsible for this, says the American Pregnancy Association.
Increased Urination
The American Pregnancy Association warns that pregnant women may find themselves making extra trips to the bathroom during the first trimester. Because of the increase in fluids and blood during pregnancy, there is an increased need to urinate. This symptom typically begins when a women is around six to eight weeks pregnant and may get even more frequent later in pregnancy when the baby gets larger and places more pressure on the bladder.
