Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a couple’s life, but it’s also one of the most challenging. Women deal with unexpected changes to their bodies and minds during the nine months they’re carrying a baby. You need to be prepared for these changes so that you don’t get overwhelmed or scared, just excited about what’s ahead, especially when it’s your first time. So, here are five things to expect in your first pregnancy:
1. Aches and pains
Aches and pains are common pregnancy symptoms, with back pain being the most obvious. It’s often caused by shifting hormones and weight gain, which can worsen as you get bigger. You might also experience leg cramps or headaches, constipation, or diarrhea.
And if this isn’t enough to contend with, nausea can strike anytime, even after eating! So, while some women are lucky enough to escape morning sickness altogether (and may be able to enjoy their cravings), others find themselves feeling sick throughout their entire pregnancy.
2. Sleep schedule changes
You may find yourself needing to change your bedtime routine. Adjust your alarm clock to get up early and do yoga or go for a walk.
Pregnancy is often accompanied by sleep deprivation, especially in the first trimester when nausea tends to strike. The good news is that most women cope with this issue as their bodies adjust and develop throughout pregnancy.
3. Food cravings and aversions
Cravings and aversions are common during early pregnancy. Food cravings include things you didn’t like, such as coffee or pickles, or even foods you’ve never eaten before but suddenly want to try, such as avocado or broccoli.
You may also notice that your sense of smell and taste are more sensitive than usual. Some women experience smells they didn’t know they could detect before getting pregnant, while others can’t tolerate certain scents they usually enjoy.
4. Bloating and gas
You may experience bloating and gas during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. This is because of your growing uterus, and all of the fluids in your body increase. It’s also common for women to feel bloated around their stomach area due to increased progesterone levels, which relaxes smooth muscles throughout your body (including those in the intestines).
Bloating can be caused by constipation, so ensure you’re drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of fiber-rich foods like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. If you still have problems with constipation or indigestion during pregnancy, talk with your doctor or to a pregnancy clinic like London pregnancy clinic about how best to treat these safely, so they don’t interfere with your baby’s development.
5. Cervical mucus changes
You may notice changes in the color, texture, and consistency of your cervical mucus during pregnancy. This is normal and doesn’t indicate any complications. Cervical mucus typically becomes scanty or non-existent during pregnancy, but later will thin out as you get closer to your due date.
Cervical mucus can be transparent or cloudy in color, but it may also be white or yellowish (sometimes tinged with brown). If you notice a change in the usually clear fluid surrounding the cervix, it could be a sign of an infection.
6. Mood swings and irritability
Mood swings, irritability, and crying spells are common during pregnancy. However, sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between these symptoms and how you felt before pregnancy, especially if your pre-pregnancy moods weren’t that stable. Irritability can be caused by hormones or stress, leading to depression. The good news is that it’s usually temporary; once the baby arrives, most women regain their emotional balance quite quickly. But if these symptoms continue after delivery or become severe enough to interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor about what might be causing them so they can help address it right away.
