The first trimester can be a very challenging yet exciting time for the first time moms. You've this wonderful announcement to tell all and sundry, but you are at the same time experiencing this horrendous morning sickness.
Bleeding is a common problem in early pregnancy, and women run to their doctor at the first instance. But no bleeding should be disregarded. Usually it might only be cervicitis, a condition that happens even with a change in vaginal pH. Usually it's because of the change in hormones, some of the delicate inner cells at the cervix can become exposed to the outer environment and due to the friction during intercourse, they can bleed and cause spotting. That doesn't mean to say that you do not run to your doctor if you are spotting. It's better to, so that any serious things happening can be ruled out. Cervicitis is due to some infection and inflammation of the cervix. The most common infection of all is by yeast. If any tissue in the spotting shows fetal or placental tissue, then there is much to worry about.
Miscarriages usually take place in the first trimester, although in the first trimester, spotting does not indicate a miscarriage. To overrule a miscarriage, test for the presence of the pregnancy hormone or carry out an ultrasound, to ease the mind of the parents and the doctor. Bleeding must not be taken lightly. It could be harmless as in cervicitis or it could be extremely serious.
Something to be aware of is ectopic pregnancies where the embryo did not travel all the way to the uterus, but instead got lodged in the fallopian tube or other areas. Unlike the uterus that expands to adapt to the growing fetus, the fallopian tube cannot and will in the end rupture. Surgery by laparoscopy or regular surgery is a must to remove an ectopic pregnancy.
Some of the symptoms of pregnancy show up in the first trimester. The symptoms are having food cravings; tenderness of the breasts as a result of the breast being stimulated by hormones; weight gain; constipation as a result of extra hormone progesterone; nausea and vomiting; and mood swings. The worst of the symptoms is extreme nausea and vomiting, which may result in dehydration and thereby hospitalization to replace fluids through an intravenous drip. However the nausea gets less around 12 weeks, although there are exceptions to this.
The most astonishing and astounding changes occur in the first trimester. Also, it is at this stage that the fetus is most susceptible to substances and drugs taken by the mother, which may cause defects in the baby. So if you are on any medication, consult your doctor immediately.
Women also feel a mixture of emotions. They are excited over their pregnancy but next thing you know they are in fear and anxious about their pregnancy. This change in moods is common. Just learn to take it in a relaxed way. Go for some simple relaxing meditation to overcome this and learn to let go fear.
