First trimester of pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy consists of weeks zero (the woman’s last menstrual period before fertilization occurred) to 12. During this time, a woman’s body starts adjusting to the developing embryo and begins to provide it with nourishment. As a result, a range of conditions may occur, most of which will disappear or lessen as the pregnancy progresses. The most common changes and symptoms that may occur during the first trimester include:

- Nausea and vomiting. It is common to experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. Although this condition is often referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of day. It is most likely the result of pregnancy hormones relaxing the stomach muscles. Women may benefit from eating frequent, small meals and drinking a lot of liquids. Nausea and vomiting usually disappear after the first trimester. Women who are vomiting a lot, or vomiting with pain or fever should immediately contact their ObGyn (see Morning Sickness).

- Vaginal bleeding. Women may experience metrorrhagia (spotting) early in the pregnancy. In fact, a small amount of bleeding is often one of the fist signs of pregnancy. Light bleeding can occur when the fertilized egg implants in the wall of the uterus. Women experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding, or any bleeding after the first trimester, should contact their obstetrician-gynecologist (ObGyn) immediately.

- Frequent urination. Many woman need to urinate more often during early pregnancy. This is the result of the uterus pressing on the bladder as it grows. This pressure may also cause a woman to leak urine while sneezing, coughing or laughing (incontinence). Women experiencing pain or burning during urination, and those who notice pus or blood in the urine, should contact their ObGyn. This may indicate a urinary tract infection