Pregnant Women - Tips For The First Trimester

The first trimester is classified as the period of pregnancy from conception up to the 13th week.

Although the mum-to-be may well not even look pregnant during the first trimester and should gain only 1-2kg (2-4lbs), this is a period of huge growth for the embryo.

Of the weight gained, about 48g (1.7oz) will be the baby, the rest is made up from the baby's support system (placenta, amniotic fluid), enlarged uterus and breasts and increased blood volume.

In the first trimester pregnancy hormones will affect different women in different ways. Some will have strong mood swings, others an increased libido, others will have a bigger appetite while some will be nauseous and manage to eat only small amounts of bland food.

During these first weeks of pregnancy a woman's body works very hard to nurture the growing embryo and placenta.

She will have an increased metabolic rate with cardiac output increasing significantly and raising the heartbeat. Breathing gets more rapid as her body sends more oxygen to the embryo. She will most likely feel extremely tired and need to cat nap during the day.

A woman's breasts develop becoming fuller and usually tender to the touch. It's important to wear a good supporting bra to prevent discomfort and stretching.

As the uterus grows it will press upon the bladder (until it rises higher in the pelvis in the second trimester) meaning the woman will have the urge to pee more often.

It is very important in this first trimester to eat a healthy diet rich in all the necessary nutrients and a good supply of protein and carbohydrates.

It's also very important to drink lots of water (a minimum of eight glasses a day) avoiding caffeine, junk food, alcohol, drugs and cigarettes.

During the first trimester it's important to keep comfortable, wearing clothes that do not feel constricting or tight. Most couples do not share their pregnancy news until the start of the second trimester and wearing looser clothing will help disguise any growing waistline!

More tips for the first trimester:

Focus on yourself and your relaxation.

Prioritize and do only what is needed to be done.

Enjoy this quiet time before baby arrives. Spend some quality time with your partner.

Involve others: Your partner, family and friends will understand what you are going through (morning sickness, difficulty adjusting) and can lend moral support if you communicate with them.

Don't listen to negative stories. Most pregnancies and births go smoothly.

Ask for help: Friends and family will probably be only too happy to help out.

Get informed: Pregnancy and baby care websites are a great source of useful info at your fingertips.

Enjoy: First Trimester is a very special time of your life. Try to enjoy it!

Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist, editor and leading writer for the Emma's Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as pregnancy & baby care. She also writes on women's health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.