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All about the first trimester of pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy is defined between week 1 of pregnancy and the 13th week of pregnancy.

In terms of amenorrhea, this takes us from the first week to the 15th week called "SA". The first trimester is for the mother a moment of revolution in the body: the HCG hormone comes to disturb the party, you feel exhausted, nauseous. And as baby has just arrived, you have to preserve it while hiding your pregnancy from those around you! 3 months to keep this secret, will you succeed?

Signs of pregnancy

The most classic sign of pregnancy is amenorrhoea (absence of periods), but blood loss may persist in some cases. The increase in volume of the uterus remains very gradual and difficult to perceive before 5 or 6 weeks of amenorrhea. Other signs may suggest pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, minor mood swings, but these are inconstant and are only found in half of pregnant women.

And on a psychological level? We observes a gradual adaptation to bodily changes, to the idea of the child in his body and to the change in social status with the coming passage that will constitute childbirth.

Physical changes

  1. Your period stops.
  2. Your uterus is expanding, although this will only be visible between the 4th and 5th month of pregnancy. However, if this is not your first child, your belly could be apparent from the 3rd month. From the 2nd month of pregnancy, the height of the uterus increases by 4 cm per month. Around the 12th week of pregnancy, the uterus is about the size of a grapefruit.
  3. Your breasts begin to enlarge. They become heavier and more sensitive. They may even be slightly painful. You will notice a hardening and enlargement of the nipples and areolas.
  4. To meet the needs of the baby, your body must direct some of the blood circulation towards him. Your heart rate therefore increases from the 6th week and will remain high until the end of your pregnancy.
  5. The effect of hormones causes the blood pressure in your blood vessels to drop and slow of your digestive system. You will also notice that you produce a lot of saliva, sometimes excessively.
  6. You feel short of breath. This is normal since oxygen needs increase by 15 to 20% during pregnancy. You don't breathe faster, but each breath brings more air into your lungs.

You begin to gain a little weight. However, some women may lose it during this time due to nausea and vomiting.

Common ailments

Pregnancy has repercussions on the entire body of a woman.
The cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, nervous, reproductive and urinary systems are thus affected.
During the next few months, it will therefore be normal to feel a variety of discomforts and some pain.

You will find below the list of the most common ailments during the first trimester:

  1. Nasal congestion
  2. Frequent urge to urinate
  3. Changed emotional state
  4. Fatigue
  5. Headache
  6. Nausea and vomiting
  7. Vaginal discharge
  8. Short breath
  9. Vertigo and lightheadedness

If any of the symptoms concern you, make a note of them and discuss them with your healthcare professional when you of your encounters. Do not hesitate to contact him between your appointments or to call Info-Santé (811) if you have any concerns.

TO DO IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY

During the first trimester, you must:

    1. A first prenatal visit before the 15th week of amenorrhea, i.e. the 13th week of pregnancy.
    2. Confirm your declaration of pregnancy sent by your gynecologist on the CAF website to receive social benefits for the PAJE.
    3. Do a first dating ultrasound to assess the age of the foetus.

In addition to this, you can also:

    1. Have an early prenatal interview with or without your spouse, to determine the conditions for the baby. This interview is not mandatory.
    2. Prepare your big announcement the way you want: in an original way by distributing the ultrasound in gifts, or thanks to the classic "I'm pregnant!".. .
    3. Also remember to notify your employer once you have had an appointment with your doctor. The sooner the better in order to plan your maternity leave.

And from now on, think about your child's future childcare.

Are you thinking about the crèche? Fill out a registration form with the town hall where you live. Do you prefer a childminder? The PMI will provide you with a list of those living near you.

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