First trimester of pregnancy ( I )

• Fatigue. Many women feel exhausted during the first trimester, regardless of how much sleep they are getting at night. This is the result of the body producing additional blood, releasing hormones and preparing to support the pregnancy. During this time women should rest as often as possible. Expectant mothers should try to get around eight hours of sleep a night and nap during the day. During the second trimester fatigue is generally replaced by feelings of increased energy, however, fatigue may return during the third trimester as the body carries the additional weight of the fetus.

• Tender and enlarged breasts. An increase in breast size is another early sign of pregnancy. Breasts usually become swollen and enlarged during early pregnancy as the result of increased levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. The breasts may continue to grow throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy may also cause the breasts to become more sensitive. Women may benefit from wearing a more supportive bra.

• Mood swings. Pregnancy may cause extreme changes in mood in some women. Moods may range from excitement and happiness to irritation and depression. Mood swings may occur at any time during pregnancy but are common in the first trimester and in the weeks before delivery. They may be caused by hormonal changes, anxiety or discomfort. Women experiencing mood swings may benefit from eating fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, getting plenty of sleep, and using relaxation techniques such as meditation.

• Sleeplessness. Most women have trouble sleeping at some point during their pregnancy. This may include difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night and difficulty returning to sleep once awakened. During the first trimester, the same hormones responsible for fatigue can cause lack of sleep at night. Sleeplessness may also appear in the later stages of pregnancy, as an enlarged abdomen makes finding a comfortable sleeping position difficult. Feelings of anxiety and stress may also contribute.