After getting that first positive pregnancy test, you may feel a rush of excitement…followed by a surge of nausea, and then the overwhelming urge to take a nap. The first trimester of a pregnancy can come with several challenging symptoms as your body goes through fast and significant changes. You are growing a brand-new human, after all.
The first trimester can bring anxiety for some expectant parents as well, especially if they have suffered early miscarriages in the past. You may be hyper-aware of every twinge and ache in your body, wondering what’s normal and what warrants a visit to the doctor.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms
Many pregnancy symptoms can be blamed on the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG), sometimes referred to as “the pregnancy hormone,” as well as progesterone and estrogen. However, hormones aren’t the only cause of unpleasant symptoms.
“A lot of physiological changes are happening in the body to support a pregnancy,” says Jennifer Kaiser, MD, an OB/GYN at University of Utah Health. “Blood volume is increasing and the amount of blood the heart is pumping out each minute is increasing, so we see a lot of changes to the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems within the first trimester.”
When people think of pregnancy symptoms, nausea and vomiting are probably the first to come to mind. Even though it’s referred to as “morning sickness,” feeling ill enough to throw up can actually happen throughout the entire day.
“The majority of people are going to have nausea, and maybe some vomiting, but it can be managed well with medications, ginger, or dietary changes,” Kaiser says. “For people who are having really severe nausea and vomiting and not able to keep anything down, including fluids, then they should see their provider as soon as possible to get it under control. Sometimes that may even mean a short stay in the hospital.”
Besides nausea and vomiting, the following symptoms are all very common in the first trimester:
- Breast changes and soreness
- Fatigue
- Increased urination
- Mood swings
- Appetite changes
- Mild cramps
- Light spotting
- Constipation
Not-So-Common (But Harmless) Symptoms
The following symptoms aren’t as common, but they’re also not a sign that anything is wrong with you or the baby:
- Gums bleeding when flossing: Also called pregnancy gingivitis, the increase in hormones coursing through your body can cause your gums to become inflamed.
- Metallic taste in the mouth: If you feel like you have a mouth full of pocket change, you can once again blame those pregnancy hormones. Estrogen in particular can cause your sense of taste to change.
- Nosebleeds and congestion: The increase in blood flow during pregnancy can cause the mucus membranes in your sinuses to become inflamed, leading to a blocked nose or even nosebleeds.
- Lightheadedness: According to the American Heart Association, some mild dizziness during the first trimester is normal and can likely be attributed to a drop in blood pressure. You may also feel dizzy due to dehydration if you’ve been vomiting. However, if you faint or feel short of breath, see your doctor.
When to See a Doctor
Pregnancy comes with a wide variety of normal symptoms, but what red flags might point to something more serious? If you experience the following, consult your provider immediately:
- Vaginal bleeding: Light spotting can be harmless. You may also lightly bleed after intercourse. But if you have bright red blood that is soaking through a pad every hour, go to the emergency room.
- Severe cramping or pelvic pain: Occasionally, light cramping is common during the first trimester. But if your pain is severe and won’t go away, you should seek medical care. Very painful, long-lasting cramps, especially accompanied by bleeding, could be a sign of a miscarriage or a serious issue like an ectopic pregnancy.
“It’s never wrong to get things checked out for any amount of bleeding,” Kaiser says. “Light spotting that’s pink or brown that lasts for a day or two is usually not anything worrisome, but seek medical attention if you’re concerned.”
If you’re ever worried about anything with your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your doctor.
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