Navigating the First Trimester: What to Expect in Early Pregnancy

The entire duration of pregnancy is about 40 weeks. These weeks are divided into three parts. The first trimester of pregnancy begins with the fertilization of the female egg and the male sperm. After which the first trimester lasts for about 12 weeks. During pregnancy, different changes occur in the body of every woman. At this time some women feel happy and healthy, while some feel sad. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the woman should get complete information about the following topics. What to eat during pregnancy. 

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The first trimester of pregnancy is important for every woman. During this time, the hormones secreted from the woman's body affect almost every organ. The first symptom of pregnancy is the absence of periods. After this, many types of changes start taking place in the woman's body. The changes that occur in the first trimester of pregnancy are being described in detail below.

Breast Pain And Swelling:
It is common for women to have pain and swelling in the breasts during the first trimester of pregnancy. During this time, due to hormonal changes, the milk ducts in the woman's breasts are getting ready for breastfeeding. To avoid this problem, you can wear a slightly bigger size bra or a support bra. This will provide adequate support and comfort to your breasts.

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Constipation:
Due to contraction of muscles in the first trimester of pregnancy, the process of passing food through the intestines slows down. This happens due to the increase in progesterone hormone in the body of women. Due to excess iron in the vitamin medicines taken during pregnancy, women have the problem of constipation and gas. Due to gas in the stomach, women feel bloated at this time. To avoid this problem, women should include fiber in their diet. Also, adequate liquid should be consumed. Apart from this, the problem of constipation during pregnancy can also be reduced by continuing physical activity.

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Nausea:
Morning sickness is a common symptom during pregnancy. In the first month of pregnancy, a woman can have morning sickness at any time of the day or night. Due to hormonal changes in the body, women suffer from morning sickness. To avoid nausea during this time, you should not remain hungry at any time. Keep eating something every one or two hours and eat whatever food you consume slowly. Along with this, eat low-fat food and do not eat such foods whose smell makes you feel nauseous.

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White discharge (discharge):
It is normal for a woman to have white discharge (leucorrhea) from her vagina during the initial stages of pregnancy. Do not use tampons during this time. There is a risk of germs entering your vagina from tampons. If there is yellow, foul-smelling and excessive discharge during this time, then contact your doctor. 

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Frequent urination:
The fetus is very small in the first trimester of pregnancy, but despite this, the continuous growth of the uterus puts pressure on the woman's bladder. Due to pressure on the bladder, you feel the urge to urinate frequently. In such a situation, do not reduce drinking water to avoid frequent urination, at this time the body needs water or liquid. To reduce bladder pressure in this problem, reduce caffeine intake, because caffeine acts to put pressure on the bladder. 

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Other Changes In The Body In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy:

• Fatigue 
• Upset stomach
• Heartburn
• Mood swings 
• Weight gain 
• Headache
• Desire to eat a particular food item

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Generally, the first day of pregnancy is considered to be the first day of the woman's previous periods. After 10 to 14 days, an egg is formed in the woman's body and after this, fertilization takes place with the male sperm. After this happens, the fetus starts growing slowly in the first trimester.

In the initial stage, the shape of the fetus is like a plum. The heart, lungs, liver, spinal cord, head and other organs of the fetus are formed during the first trimester of pregnancy. The heart of the fetus starts beating in the first three months. Along with this, it also starts moving or rotating in the mother's uterus, which the woman starts feeling from the second trimester. By the time three months are completed, almost all the organs of the fetus are formed.

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In the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman needs extra nutrients. During this time, the woman should take almost all types of vitamins and minerals in her diet. For the development of the fetus in the initial stage, a pregnant woman mainly needs folate, vitamin A and beta carotene. Next, you are being told about some foods to eat in the first trimester.

Spinach:
Spinach contains abundant amounts of folate, it mainly protects the baby from neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It also helps in forming the nervous system of the fetus. Spinach also contains fiber, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and manganese.

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Fruits:
In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman is advised to eat fruits at least three times a day. Eating citrus fruits is considered better at this time. Folic acid is present in citrus fruits. Therefore, you should eat juicy fruits, oranges and sweet and sour fruits regularly. During this time, you should include banana, avocado, cherry, grapes, guava, apple, watermelon, pomegranate and mango etc. in your diet.

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Non-vegetarian diet:
In the first trimester, you can include chicken soup, eggs and lean meat in your diet. While taking these, make sure that all these are well cooked, because you are likely to have digestive problems and bacterial infections. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish, but even during this time you should not eat all types of fish, because many types of fish contain mercury, which can cause problems for you.

Dairy products:
During this time, a pregnant woman should include at least one-third of her diet as dairy products. During this time, cheese is considered a good source of protein and calcium. It helps in building bones and muscles. You can include curd, low-fat milk and other milk products in your diet.

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Foods Not To Be Eaten In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy

• Raw meat
• Unprocessed milk
• Raw sprouted grains
• Unwashed fruits
• Papaya
• Black grapes
• Pineapple
• Eggplant
• Cabbage
• Caffeine, etc.

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In the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman should have complete information about all the precautions. What a woman should do and what she should not do during this time, all these things are being told here.

What To Do In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy

• Take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy
• Include fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins and fiber in your diet.
• Exercise regularly
• Do exercises related to pelvic muscles, such as Kegel exercises etc
• Drink water as required
• Get enough sleep
• Take the right amount of calories, try to take 300 calories more than normal days.

What Not To Do In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy

• Do not drink alcohol
• Do not take caffeine
• Do not do drugs.
• Do not do exercises that cause abdominal injury.
• Smoking
• Eating raw fish.
• Drugs

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The first trimester of pregnancy is the period of the first three months (0-12 weeks) of conception. During this time, physical and hormonal changes begin that are important for both the pregnant woman and the fetus. The fetus develops rapidly, including the beginning of a heartbeat, the formation of organs, and the development of the nervous system. The woman may often experience nausea, fatigue, and mood swings at this time. Early medical checkups and care are important, including ensuring the intake of folic acid and other essential nutrients. This trimester lays the foundation for pregnancy, so a healthy lifestyle, proper diet, and regular medical consultations are essential.