First Trimester Pregnancy

The male sperms unite with the ovum to form one single cell. These contain 23 pairs of chromosomes from both the parents which determine the sex, colour of hair, the height, complexion, nature, features of the child. Isn’t that wonderful. A single cell turning into a full grown baby.

Soon after the ovum is fertilized it is implanted on the wall of the uterus. The gender of the child is decided immediately depending on the chromosome. An implantation might cause slight bleeding which might be mistaken for a period but it is very sparse.

At this moment the stage has been set for:

  • Neural tubes- these will develop into the child’s nervous system. The foundation for senses, feelings has already been laid.
  • The heart and the preliminary circulatory system has also been formed.

Development of the foetus during the first trimester.

  • The fertilised egg goes through the fallopian tubes and implants itself on the walls of the uterus which has started strengthening its walls since the time of ovulation. The zygot starts multiplying and gradually starts increasing in size.
  • By the end of the third week it is the size of an apple seed. The placenta and the umbilical cord start functioning. The heart starts beating by the third week.
  • By the fourth week, the backbone of the foetus starts taking shape, slight impressions of the arms, legs ears and eyes start appearing.
  • By the end of the fifth week fingers can be distinctly noticed on the hand and the hollows of the eyes are visible.
  • The liver and the brain become active during the 6th week.
  • By the end of the seventh week the uterus is as big as a tennis ball. The teeth buds and the eyelids start appearing appear during the seventh week.
  • By the end of the 8th week the foetus which is now an inch long starts functioning like an adult. The stomach and the kidney start functioning.
  • During the 9th week finger prints are visible and the hair and fingernails start developing.
  • By the 10th week the fists of the foetus open and close and facial expressions like wrinkles can be seen on its forehead.
  • By the end of the 12th week the foetus urinates, sleeps, curls, turns its head and breathes the amniotic fluid.

Changes in the women during first trimester

The range of symptoms may vary from one woman to another. When a woman conceives many changes take place in her system. Some symptoms subside within a couple of days while some may continue till the end of the term. Each woman’s body reacts differently to pregnancy. Some of the common symptoms are as follows:

  • After a woman conceives, the hormones progesterone and estrogen are released in large doses, which enlarge the mammary glands, making the breasts tender and swollen, preparing them for feeding the child.
  • The areolas or the dark circles surrounding the nipples, get enlarged and darkened, with small eruptions called Montgomery’s tubercles which are nothing but enlarged sweat glands.
  • The veins can be seen prominently on the breasts.
  • The uterus which starts growing in size, lays pressure on the urinary bladder, forcing her to urinate very frequently.
  • Most of the pregnant women experience mood swings. This may be due to the hormones which are released in a large quantity. They become irritable, they have a sudden craving for stuff that they have always disliked before or a sudden aversion for their favourite foods.
  • Hormones are again responsible for morning sickness, associated with nausea and vomiting. Morning sickness may not occur to all pregnant women although it is called morning sickness, it need not necessarily occur in the morning.
  • Added pressure of the uterus on the intestines may cause constipation.
  • Progestrone released in high levels may cause indigestion, acidity, and heartburn.
  • The women will start gaining weight on the abdomen, waist and breasts.

Nourishment during the first trimester.

Once you conceive you are bound to put on weight. So it is advisable that you maintain a very well balanced diet which does not increase your calories but at the same time gives you and your baby all the nourishment you need. There are various nutrients your body requires during the prenatal stages.

  • Proteins
  • Carbohydrates
  • Minerals
  • Iron and calcium

So try to eat foods which fulfil these requirements. It is always advisable to each natural foods for nutrition like calcium and iron. Milk and milk products are rich in calcium while fresh fruits and vegetables contain all the vitamins that the mother and child require for good health.