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Women's Health

First Trimester

Morning Sickness?

Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester. Some ways to manage:

  • Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day.
  • Eat starchy foods like crackers, toast, or dry cereal.
  • Keep crackers by your bed to eat before you get up. Keep them on hand to reduce nausea during the day.
  • Try carbonated drinks like soda water or ginger ale between meals.
When to Call the Doctor

Most pregnancy discomforts are normal and will subside after a few months. Call your doctor if you experience:

  • Bleeding or spotting
  • Severe vomiting
  • Pain or cramps in your abdomen
  • Fever of 100° or higher
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Fainting or dizziness
  • Discharge from your vagina that causes itching or has an odor

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes as the baby inside you develops. The more you understand about these changes and how your baby grows, the more prepared you'll be for pregnancy and birth.

As soon as you think you're pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will start you on a plan for prenatal care that will help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Changes in you
During the first three months, or first trimester, you'll notice many changes in your body that may include:

  • Extreme tiredness
  • Tender, slightly larger breasts
  • Nausea and/or vomiting (morning sickness)
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Constipation
  • Food cravings or a dislike for foods you usually like
  • Moodiness

All of these are normal. Many will lessen or disappear after the first trimester.

Changes in your baby
By the end of the first trimester, your baby will have grown a lot, although you many not notice it yet.

  • Length: about 3 inches
  • Weight: about 1/2 ounce
  • Heart starts to beat

Doctor visits
Your doctor will work closely with you to manage your care throughout pregnancy. During the first visit your doctor will:

  • Discuss your health history and how it may affect your pregnancy.
  • Give a complete physical exam, including lab tests and a Pap smear.
  • Determine your due date.
  • Schedule regular visits for the rest of your pregnancy

Other tests
Some women will need additional tests during the first trimester. Your doctor will determine if any of these are necessary:

  • Blood or urine tests
  • Cultures for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or other infections
  • Ultrasound exam
  • Screening for birth defects or other genetic disorders
  • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) of placenta tissue

Eat right
Healthy foods provide good nutrition for you and your baby. Choose meals and snacks from the four food groups, and eat the recommended number of servings every day. You'll need extra calories – from 2,200 – 2,800 daily.

  • Breads and cereals – 6-11 servings
  • Vegetables – 3-5 servings. Fruits – 2-4 servings
  • Fish, chicken, meat, eggs, beans (protein) – 2-3 servings
  • Low fat milk and dairy (cheese, yogurt) – 2-3 servings
  • Fats and oils -- use sparingly

You should also drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated and to help prevent constipation and excess swelling.

Stay active
You should be able to enjoy your normal activities during pregnancy. In fact, exercise can help you have a more comfortable labor and delivery. Keeping fit also helps you get back in shape faster after you give birth.

  • Discuss any new exercise program with your doctor first.
  • Stretch before and after any activity.
  • Stick to low-impact exercises like walking or swimming.
  • Find ways to take extra steps: Park away from store entrances and walk; take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Protect yourself and your baby
Everything you put into your body goes into your baby's body, too.

  • Don't drink alcohol. Wine, beer and liquor can do long-term damage to your baby.
  • Don't use drugs. Marijuana, cocaine, crack, and heroin and other drugs can seriously harm you and your baby. Also check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
  • Don't smoke. If you do smoke, quit.


Last modified 04/22/08