First Trimester Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know from a Fertility Doctor

Summary

In this video, Dr. Laura Shaheen, a double board-certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, guides viewers through the first trimester of pregnancy. She explains the critical early development of the baby, common symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and food aversions, and addresses common questions such as weight gain, cramping, and what foods to avoid. Dr. Shaheen also offers practical tips on managing the first trimester, including the importance of rest, hydration, and prenatal vitamins, while emphasizing the need to avoid smoking, alcohol, and marijuana for a healthy pregnancy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first trimester of pregnancy lasts from the first day of the last menstrual period to 13 weeks and 6 days, encompassing about 10 weeks of knowing you're pregnant.
• 😀 During the first trimester, the embryo develops rapidly, growing from a small ball of cells into a fetus with a heartbeat, a developing brain, and forming organs.
• 😀 Fatigue is a common symptom during the first trimester, as your body is working hard to support the growing pregnancy, making rest and hydration crucial.
• 😀 Smell and food aversions are frequent during early pregnancy, with some people experiencing strong aversions to previously loved foods and certain smells.
• 😀 Nausea and vomiting, commonly called morning sickness, can occur at any time of the day and usually peaks between weeks 4 and 9 of pregnancy. Ginger, small meals, and hydration can help alleviate symptoms.
• 😀 Breast tenderness, frequent urination, heartburn, and constipation are other common symptoms due to hormonal changes in the body.
• 😀 Cramping can be normal in early pregnancy as the uterus and ligaments stretch to accommodate the growing embryo, but consult a doctor if concerned.
• 😀 Spotting or bleeding in the first trimester occurs in about 30% of normal pregnancies, but it's important to contact a doctor if it happens, as it could signal complications like an ectopic pregnancy.
• 😀 It is not necessary to gain significant weight during the first trimester. Many people gain around 3-5 pounds, but weight gain usually happens more in the second and third trimesters.
• 😀 Exercise is beneficial during pregnancy, but it's important to avoid strenuous activities and high-risk exercises. Gentle movements like walking, yoga, and strength training are ideal.
• 😀 It's essential to avoid certain foods during pregnancy, such as raw meat, sushi, unpasteurized dairy, and certain high-mercury fish to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• 😀 Pregnant people should limit caffeine intake to 200-250 mg per day, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and marijuana to prevent complications like miscarriage and preterm labor.

Q & A

What is the first trimester of pregnancy?

The first trimester spans from the start of pregnancy until 13 weeks and 6 days, which is approximately the first 14 weeks. It covers the crucial early stages of the embryo's development, turning from a ball of cells into a fetus with a heartbeat, brain, spinal cord, and digestive system.

Why is fatigue so common in the first trimester?

Fatigue is common because the body is undergoing significant changes. Your heart is working harder, and your cardiovascular and kidney systems are adjusting. Even though you may not look different, your body is essentially running a marathon to support the pregnancy, which leads to extreme tiredness.

When does morning sickness typically occur during pregnancy?

Morning sickness, which includes nausea and vomiting, typically occurs between weeks 4 and 9 of pregnancy. While it's called 'morning' sickness, it can happen at any time of the day or night. For many people, symptoms improve after the first trimester.

Is it normal to experience cramping in the first trimester?

Yes, cramping is common in the first trimester as your body adjusts to pregnancy. The uterus is growing, and the hormone progesterone is relaxing ligaments. However, if cramping is severe or accompanied by bleeding, it's important to contact your doctor.

What should I do if I experience bleeding or spotting during the first trimester?

Spotting or light bleeding can occur in up to 30% of pregnancies and is not always a sign of a problem. However, it can sometimes indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. If you're experiencing bleeding, it's important to contact your doctor to rule out any complications.

How much weight gain is normal in the first trimester?

It's not necessary to gain weight in the first trimester to have a healthy pregnancy. Some people may gain 3 to 5 pounds during this period, but it's not a requirement. Weight gain typically becomes more noticeable in the second and third trimesters.

What foods should be avoided during the first trimester?

During pregnancy, it's important to avoid raw meat, raw fish, unprocessed dairy, and deli meats due to the risk of bacteria and foodborne illnesses. Fish high in mercury, such as swordfish and king mackerel, should also be avoided. Limiting caffeine intake to 200-250 mg per day is recommended.

Can I still exercise during the first trimester?

Yes, exercise is important for both physical and mental health during pregnancy. However, avoid high-intensity exercises, particularly those that increase the risk of injury or dehydration, such as downhill skiing or hot yoga. Low-impact activities like walking, prenatal yoga, and light strength training are great options.

What should I do if I can't tolerate my prenatal vitamins due to nausea?

If nausea prevents you from taking your full prenatal vitamin, you can try taking just folic acid. Iron, which is found in many prenatal vitamins, can be hard to digest during the first trimester, so focusing on folic acid is beneficial for neural tube development.

Is it safe to use marijuana during pregnancy?

No, marijuana use during pregnancy is not recommended. It can be associated with complications such as preterm labor, miscarriage, and developmental issues. Studies show that marijuana can harm the developing baby, particularly during the early stages of pregnancy.