Pregnancy symptoms by trimester and what to do

During pregnancy, over the next 9 months you will experience a series of normal changes, both physical and psychological, and every woman experiences them differently. It is normal for many questions about pregnancy to come up. Knowing what the changes are and why they happen can help you cope with them and avoid unnecessary worries. That is why the midwives at Happymami have prepared the following post especially for you, with the pregnancy symptoms by trimester and what you should do.

The changes of pregnancy and how to act

Hormonal changes and the growth of the uterus are responsible for most of the symptoms that accompany pregnancy. Pregnancy is not an illness, quite the opposite. It is a physiological fact or state, for which we are all perfectly prepared, like every female mammal.

Changes during the first trimester of pregnancy

In the first trimester of pregnancy (up to week 12-14 of gestation) you will experience various changes as you adapt to the growth and development of your baby. Your uterus will grow considerably, going from around 60 g to 1,000 g by the time you give birth. Although during the first trimester of pregnancy you may not notice many changes, because your uterus is still inside your pelvis.

As for the cervix, it will close with the well-known cervical mucus, to prevent any bacteria or substance from getting in and harming your baby. Your vagina will also go through changes and you may notice more discharge than usual. It is important that this discharge does not change colour and is not accompanied by itching or other symptoms. If it is, it could be an infection and you should go to your gynaecologist or midwife as soon as possible.

Your breasts may be the first thing you notice changing in your pregnancy. They will become fuller, firmer and more sensitive than usual, and may even be uncomfortable when clothes rub against them. Slowly they will grow and get ready for breastfeeding.

You may also suffer from nausea and vomiting, which are caused by a pregnancy hormone (HCG). Further on you will find the measures to take to prevent or treat them, such as a suitable diet during pregnancy. But it is important to bear in mind how long these discomforts last and whether they make it impossible to eat or drink, as in some cases it is a sign of a complication (hyperemesis gravidarum) and you should go to hospital to have it treated as soon as possible.

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Changes during the second trimester of pregnancy

In this new trimester of pregnancy (up to week 24), the changes will be more noticeable. To start with, your uterus will have grown considerably and will now be outside the pelvis. The internal organs, such as the heart, the stomach, the intestines, etc., have to reposition themselves to make room for the uterus. All of this means you may have some digestive, urinary, circulatory or intestinal problem, etc.

Your skin will be affected by pregnancy, so it is important to moisturise it well to keep it as elastic as possible, and even more so if you are prone to stretch marks, because once they appear they do not go away, although they can be improved. The pigmentation or colour of certain areas can also increase, such as the areolas, the linea alba (from the navel to the pubis), the cheeks or face (chloasma of pregnancy), but they almost always disappear when the pregnancy ends. However, if you are going to sunbathe, try to protect your skin with a high factor (SPF 30 at least).

In general, the second trimester of pregnancy is known as a fairly calm and satisfying stage. Feeling your baby inside you makes you more aware of the state you are in.

Changes during the third trimester of pregnancy

We now head into the last trimester of pregnancy, characterised by rapid growth of “everything”. To start with, your uterus can reach up to your ribs, making breathing difficult or more breathless because your lungs have less capacity to expand and take in the oxygen you need. But you should not worry, it is completely normal: pause for a moment, rest, breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth, giving your baby oxygen.

As for your stomach, it has become “squashed” into the upper part, and this can make your digestion harder. Your heart has also been displaced, and it has probably had to increase in size to pump more blood. This can cause a feeling of tiredness or palpitations, which are completely normal.

A physiological anaemia of pregnancy is also very common, due to having more fluid with the same number of red blood cells. Your breasts will be ready to breastfeed your baby as soon as you give birth. What is more, they may start to secrete a whitish, or yellowish and thick liquid called colostrum; it is liquid gold, because even though the amount is small, it contains all the nutrients and immune factors your baby needs in the first few days.

As for your baby, they are now growing at a fast pace, and this is the month when you will put on the most weight during pregnancy . Remember that excess is never good, and when it comes to weight, putting on too much carries a greater risk for you and your baby.

Your uterus “takes up everything”. At the front it presses on the bladder and at the back on the rectum. That is why you will feel as though you need to urinate more often. You may also have constipation, with the risk that comes with it of suffering from haemorrhoids, or quite the opposite: because of irritation in this area you may have to go to the toilet more often during the day.

Also, due to the increase in fluids and the difficulty your circulatory system has in eliminating them from your body, your feet may swell, so it is important that you keep your blood pressure and your salt intake under control and do appropriate exercise regularly, as well as trying to change position if you stay sitting or standing for a long time.

In general, your whole body is preparing for that long-awaited moment, the birth of your baby. It is fascinating how the nature of your body is capable of changing so much and so gradually so that the event unfolds naturally.

Normal signs and symptoms during pregnancy and what to do

Digestive Problems

Heartburn or Pyrosis

It appears in 70 % of pregnant women due to the reduced tone of the oesophageal sphincter and the increased pressure from the growth of the uterus. Recommendations:

• Eat small meals every 2-3 hours.
• Avoid lying down after meals.
• Avoid very hot food and drinks.
• Do not eat fruit on an empty stomach.
• Avoid foods that make the symptoms worse: fats, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, tea, tobacco.

Constipation

It is common, especially at the end of pregnancy, due to reduced gastrointestinal motility. Recommendations:

• Drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day.
• Include fruit with the skin on, vegetables, pulses, nuts and wholegrain cereals in your diet.
• Walk for at least 20-30 minutes a day.

Wind or Indigestion

• Eat fruit 2 hours before or after meals.

Circulatory Problems

Iron-deficiency Anaemia

It is a normal physiological change during pregnancy. Recommendations:

• Take iron supplements recommended by your midwife or doctor.
• Eat iron-rich foods such as walnuts, cockles, chicken and millet.

Leg Cramps

They occur at night and are caused by the enlarged uterus compressing the nerves. To relieve them:

• Gentle massages of the muscles.
• Stretch the leg and flex the foot upwards.
• Apply a hot water bottle or warm cloths.

Oedema

They are due to the pressure of the uterus on the vena cava and fluid retention. Recommendations:

• Do circulation exercises with your ankles.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
• Do not use diuretics.
• Consult your midwife if you have swelling in your face, hands and legs.

Varicose Veins

They are veins that become dilated due to the pressure of the uterus on the vena cava and the increase in blood volume. Recommendations:

• Walk every day.
• Avoid standing or sitting for a long time.
• Do not wear tight clothing.
• Raise your legs when you rest.
• Avoid hair removal with hot wax.
• Wear compression stockings if your doctor recommends it.

Changes in Skin and Hair

Hair Loss

Hair loss is temporary, and hair grows back after birth. Recommendations:

• Avoid conditioners and harsh products (dyes, highlights, perms).

Stretch Marks

They are common in the third trimester and do not disappear after birth. Recommendations:

• Keep the skin moisturised on your abdomen, thighs and breasts.
• Avoid excessive weight gain.

Skin Spots (Melasma)

They appear in areas exposed to the sun and usually disappear after pregnancy. Recommendations:

• Use sun protection.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Palmar Erythema

It is redness of the palm of the hand.

• There are no preventive measures.
• It disappears after birth.

Pain and Discomfort

Abdominal Pain

From the second half of pregnancy onwards, the abdomen can become hard due to preparatory contractions.

• They are normal if they are not painful and ease with rest.
• If they are painful and continuous, consult your doctor.

Lower Back Pain

It is due to the increased curvature of the spine caused by the weight of your abdomen. Recommendations:

• Keep a good posture.
• Lean against the backrest when you sit down.
• Do not stay standing for long periods.
• Squat down by bending your knees, not by bending your back.

Pelvic Pain

It appears in the last few weeks due to the stretching of the ligaments.

• It eases with rest and by avoiding sudden movements.

Headache

Recommendations:

• You can take paracetamol.
• Avoid prolonged fasting.
• Reduce physical activity.

Sleep and Rest Problems

Tiredness

The heart works harder to pump blood, causing fatigue. Recommendations:

• A suitable diet.
• Avoid long periods of fasting.
• Reduce physical activity.

Insomnia

To prevent it:

• Do not sleep during the day.
• Avoid heavy dinners.
• Try relaxation techniques (warm milk, a warm bath, reading).

WARNING SIGNS:

You should always consult your doctor if any of these situations occur, as they can be dangerous for you or your child.

• Fever of 38º C or more.
• Pain, discomfort or blood when urinating.
• Continuous vomiting that does not ease.
• In the event of an accident or a significant blow.
• In the event of swelling of the ankles, face or hands.
• Vision problems such as blurred vision, flashes, spots, etc.
• Severe headaches, intense abdominal pain like a very strong contraction that does not ease.
• If you start bleeding like a period.
• If your waters break, get to hospital promptly; go even more urgently if the fluid is greenish.

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Conclusion: pregnancy symptoms by trimester and what you should do

As we always tell you, every case is different; in this post you will find general recommendations for the different symptoms of each trimester of pregnancy, but if you still have doubts, go to your midwife or gynaecologist. Lots of encouragement for this stage!