First Trimester Symptoms
The first trimester is a time of big changes. Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, and you may start noticing new physical and emotional symptoms. Some changes may feel small, while others might catch you off guard. All of it is part of your body adjusting to this new and amazing role.
Physical Changes You Might Notice
Morning sickness
Even though it is called "morning sickness," nausea can happen at any time of the day. It often begins around week six and tends to ease by the end of the first trimester. For some people, it may last a bit longer. This queasy feeling is usually caused by rising hormone levels that are important for a healthy pregnancy.
Feeling very tired
You might feel more exhausted than usual, even if you are getting plenty of sleep. This is completely normal. Your body is using a lot of energy to support your baby’s development. A hormone called progesterone plays a big role in making you feel this way. Try to rest when you can, even if that means slowing down your usual routine.
Breast tenderness
Your breasts may feel sore, fuller, or more sensitive. This is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. You might also notice the area around your nipples becoming darker, and small bumps appearing around them. These are called Montgomery glands, and they help prepare your body for breastfeeding.
Other common changes
You may also notice other symptoms such as needing to pee more often, having stronger cravings for certain foods, or not wanting foods you usually enjoy. Some people experience mood swings, too. This is all part of your body responding to hormone changes.
It is important to remember that every pregnancy is different. You might have some of these symptoms, or just one. Some days may feel harder than others, and that is okay. If anything feels too much or you are unsure about how you are feeling, your doctor or midwife is there to help you.
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes
Hormones are your body’s messengers, and they’re very active in the first trimester. They help your baby grow and make sure your body can support a healthy pregnancy. While they are doing important work, they can also cause many of the symptoms you’re feeling.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is one of the first hormones your body produces when you’re pregnant. It starts showing up soon after the fertilised egg attaches itself to your uterus. hCG plays a key role in supporting your pregnancy during the early stages, and it's also the hormone that pregnancy tests look for to confirm if you’re expecting.
Progesterone
It helps keep the lining of your uterus strong, prevents early contractions, and supports the growth of the placenta. While you might notice feeling more tired or emotional due to progesterone, it’s working hard to protect your baby and support your pregnancy.
Oestrogen
Oestrogen plays an important role in your pregnancy by supporting the development of your baby's organs and boosting blood flow, which helps ensure that both you and your baby receive essential nutrients. While it’s doing all this work, it can also contribute to mood swings or stronger emotional reactions.
Relaxin
Relaxin helps your body stretch and adjust as your baby grows. It makes your muscles and ligaments more flexible. While this helps create space for your baby, it might also make you feel a little unsteady or achy.