The physical and emotional changes that pregnant women experience in the first trimester are most likely a sign of a normal pregnancy. In order not to misinterpret it as a health problem, pregnant women need to know what are the signs of a normal pregnancy in the first trimester.
The first trimester of pregnancy is a very important period for fetal development because it is at this time that the fetal organs begin to form. Along with the development of the fetus, the pregnant woman's body will experience many changes during pregnancy.
The appearance of signs of pregnancy or changes in the pregnant woman's body are caused by hormonal changes. The symptoms that arise as a result of these changes could be a sign of a normal pregnancy in the first trimester.
Signs of a Normal Pregnancy in the First Trimester
In addition to late periods and pregnancy tests that show positive results, there are several signs of a normal pregnancy that are generally experienced by pregnant women in the first trimester, namely:
1. Morning sickness
Morning sickness is a complaint of nausea and vomiting experienced by many pregnant women. This normal pregnancy sign usually appears at 4-12 weeks of gestation. Even though it's called morning sicknessThis complaint can also be felt during the day or night.
To relieve nausea during pregnancy, pregnant women can eat smaller portions but more often or try drinking ginger tea. Because morning sickness can make pregnant women more sensitive to the smell of food, avoid consuming spicy, fatty, or strong-smelling foods.
If the nausea and vomiting experienced is severe enough or lasts all day to make pregnant women unable to eat any food, immediately consult a gynecologist. This condition could be caused by hypermemesis gravidarum which needs to be treated by a doctor immediately.
2. Bleeding
Bleeding from the vagina in small amounts is one of the early signs of a normal pregnancy. This bleeding occurs because the fetus (embryo) has attached to the uterine wall. The appearance of these signs of pregnancy can be accompanied by mild cramping and sometimes resembles menstrual symptoms.
Even so, pregnant women still need to be vigilant and see a doctor if the bleeding is profuse, accompanied by severe pain or cramping, or if the bleeding comes out with clots or tissue. Pregnant women also need to be vigilant if the bleeding occurs after a fall or an impact on the stomach.
3. Cramps
Cramps are a normal sign of pregnancy that pregnant women usually experience in early pregnancy. Cramps that appear during pregnancy are generally not much different from those felt during menstruation.
However, this condition can also be a sign of problems in pregnancy if the cramping is severe or gets worse and is accompanied by contractions that occur every 5-20 minutes.
4. Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy that is not bothersome and does not feel painful or itchy is one of the signs of a normal pregnancy. This discharge is the body's natural way of pregnant women to protect and keep the birth canal from infection.
However, pregnant women need to be vigilant if vaginal discharge during pregnancy looks yellowish or greenish in color, smells bad, or appears with other symptoms, such as vaginal itching or pain, pain when urinating or having sex, and fever. Vaginal discharge with these characteristics could be caused by infection.
5. Weight gain
Another sign of a normal pregnancy is gradual weight gain. During pregnancy, a normal and healthy weight gain is about 1–2 kg in the first trimester of pregnancy and 2–2.5 kg in later trimesters.
6. Other signs of normal pregnancy
In addition to some of the signs and symptoms above, pregnant women may also experience other normal signs of pregnancy, such as mood swings (mood swings), constipation, frequent urination, breasts feel enlarged or swollen, and cravings.
Fatigue is also a common thing experienced during pregnancy. This is because when pregnant, the body of pregnant women will work harder and require more energy to support growth and development and health of the fetus in the womb.
Therefore, pregnant women need more food and drink intake than before pregnancy.
Tips for Maintaining a Normal Pregnancy in the First Trimester
So that the first trimester of pregnancy goes well, pregnant women are advised to do the following:
- Increase rest time
- Consuming healthy and nutritious food and pregnancy supplements
- Do not do physical activity that is too strenuous. However, pregnant women are still allowed to exercise, for example by taking dance classes, yoga, or special gymnastics for pregnant women
- Don't smoke, don't drink alcohol, and limit the consumption of caffeinated drinks
Although physical and emotional changes in the first trimester of pregnancy are normal, pregnant women still need to be vigilant if they experience symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with their activities and rest.
Immediately consult a gynecologist if pregnant women experience heavy bleeding from the vagina, abdominal cramps or severe headaches, and fever. These signs and symptoms are most likely a sign of a problem with your pregnancy that needs to be treated by a doctor immediately.