Your first trimester pregnancy symptoms explained!

While missing your period is probably the most tell-tale pregnancy symptom, there are other symptoms that will remind you daily of your growing miracle.

From sore boobs, to morning sickness and a sensitive snout, here are the five most common first trimester pregnancy symptoms.

Achy chest

For some moms-to-be, tender boobs is the first pregnancy symptom that they experience (even before a missed period). You can blame this discomfort on pregnancy related hormonal changes as well as increased blood flow to your chest.

This pregnancy symptom shouldn’t bother you for too long. And while it does, be sure to invest in a supportive bra that has enough room for your growing ladies.

Morning sickness. All day sickness. Just sickness.

This pregnancy symptom hits 50 to 90 percent of women at the six week mark. Dubbed “morning sickness”, the nausea and overall “icky” feeling can occur anytime throughout the day and not just in the morning.

What’s to blame? Hormones of course.

You can minimise the nausea by following these tips;

• Eat frequent small meals
• Nibble on dry crackers before getting out of bed in the morning
• Drink ginger ale
• Be sure to take in Vitamin B6 and B12

If you are struggling to keep anything down and as a result, losing weight, then it is best to consult your doctor  as you could be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum.

A heightened sense of smell

Hormones are to blame for this pregnancy symptom as well.

Overnight, your sense of smell will increase to superpower level. But, before you pull out the cape and get excited,this also means that your favourite dish will probably smell like rotten fish.

If it really bothers you, try to stay away from strong smelling odors.

Needing to go to the loo. All the time.

Frequent urination starts approximately two to three weeks after conception. After the embryo implants itself into the uterus, it produces the hCG hormone – which means another hormone is to blame for this pregnancy symptom (thanks, hormones).

Unfortunately, this symptom will probably be with you until the end. As baby gets bigger, he or she will put more pressure on your bladder which will also result in frequent urination. So, best you get used to this one.

Sheer exhaustion

Your body is working overtime to nourish your baby. No wonder you feel like you have been hit by a truck. Unfortunately, there’s no good news with this symptom. Your fatigue will only get worse as your pregnancy progresses, and then your baby will keep you out of sleep.

Don’t hesitate to hit the snooze button or take the afternoon nap that your body demands.

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Lara Bestbier

Writer. Creative. Word-nerd. Aspiring photographer. Old wife. Brand new member of the elite society called mommy-hood. Mom to the only drama queen more demanding than me. “Life’s too short to keep a straight face”.

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