Pregnancy is a wonderful, but also challenging time. Especially the first trimester can be accompanied by a number of pregnancy discomforts that can significantly disrupt your daily routine. In this blog, we discuss the most common pregnancy discomforts and offer practical tips and tricks to alleviate these discomforts. Our goal is to support you in this special period and help you feel as comfortable as possible.

What are the Common Pregnancy Discomforts in the First Trimester?

The first trimester of pregnancy, which runs from week 1 to week 12, is a period of major changes in your body. Here are some of the most common pregnancy discomforts:

1. Nausea and Vomiting
2. Fatigue
3. Sensitive Breasts
4. Frequent Urination
5. Mood Swings
6. Change in Appetite and Food Preferences

Let’s look at each of these discomforts in detail and offer tips to address them.

1. Nausea and Vomiting

Cause: Nausea, often called ‘morning sickness’, can strike at any time of the day. It is caused by hormonal changes, especially by the increase in the hormone hCG.

Tips to deal with it:

• Eat small, frequent meals: An empty stomach can worsen nausea. Try to eat a small snack every few hours.
• Ginger: Ginger tea or ginger cookies can help relieve nausea.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water, but avoid large amounts at once.
• Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid foods and odors that make you nauseous.

2. Fatigue

Cause: Your body works hard to support the baby, which requires a lot of energy. This, combined with hormonal changes, can lead to extreme fatigue.

Tips to deal with it:

• Rest and sleep: Listen to your body and rest as much as possible. Try to go to bed early and take naps if needed.
• Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in iron and protein to support your energy levels.
• Light exercise: Daily light exercises such as walking can increase your energy levels.

3. Sensitive Breasts

Cause: Hormonal changes can lead to swollen and sensitive breasts, often one of the first signs of pregnancy.

Tips to deal with it:

• Wear a comfortable bra: Opt for a well-supporting, soft bra without underwires.
• Use warm compresses: Warm compresses can help relieve the pain.
• Avoid tight clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to reduce irritation.

4. Frequent Urination

Cause: The growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, causing you to urinate more often.

Tips to deal with it:

• Plan toilet visits: Go to the toilet regularly, even if you don’t urgently need to.
• Drink enough: Stay hydrated, but try to drink less in the evening to reduce nighttime toilet visits.

5. Mood Swings

Cause: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings and emotional ups and downs.

Tips to deal with it:

• Talk about it: Talk to your partner, friends, or a therapist about your feelings.
• Relaxation techniques: Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress.
• Self-care: Take time for yourself and do things that make you happy.

6. Change in Appetite and Food Preferences

Cause: Hormonal changes can affect your taste and appetite.

Tips to deal with it:

• Listen to your body: Eat what you crave, but try to maintain a balanced diet.
• Healthy snacks: Make sure you have healthy snacks on hand in case you get hungry.
• Eat slowly: Take the time to eat to better listen to your hunger signals.

Conclusion

The first trimester of pregnancy can be challenging due to the many physical and emotional changes. By knowing what to expect and how to address these pregnancy discomforts, you can get through this period more comfortably. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your body and do not hesitate to seek medical help if you are concerned. During the first trimester, some contact moments and check-ups are also carried out with the midwife, where there is always room to answer questions.

Keep following us for more blogs about pregnancy and everything that comes with it. If in doubt, always contact your midwife!