First trimester of pregnancy: these changes in the body of a pregnant woman

Various body changes have started to occur since you were pregnant in the first trimester. Some of these changes may make you uncomfortable, but that does not mean hindering your happiness awaiting the birth of your baby. In fact, you can be even happier if you enjoy it. Remember, soon your little one will be there to decorate your little family.

Body changes that occur during the first trimester of pregnancy

Various body changes have started to occur since the first trimester of pregnancy. These body changes may vary for each pregnant woman, but generally pregnant women will experience the following changes.

1. Breast pain

Changes in your breasts can occur starting from the beginning of pregnancy. The breasts will feel softer, sore, and more sensitive. This is triggered by hormonal changes in the body in preparation for you to produce breast milk.

The size of the breasts will begin to increase, the breasts feel heavier and fuller. You may need to buy a new bra that is bigger than usual. This makes you more comfortable.

2. The size of the stomach begins to increase

Some pregnant women may notice that their stomach is bigger during the first trimester of pregnancy. Meanwhile, other pregnant women may not have a visible bulge in their stomach until they enter the second trimester. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern.

3. Changes to the skin

Some pregnant women may notice that their skin is more radiant during pregnancy. This can occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and increased blood circulation under the skin.

Pregnancy hormones can cause excess oil production on your skin, thus making your skin more moisturised. However, this can also lead to acne breakouts.

In addition, during pregnancy it can also appear stretch marks on the skin. Most of the time, stretch marks appears on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and chest.

Another skin change is the appearance of a dark line on the skin that extends from the navel to the pubic hair, this is called the linea nigra.

Darker colored patches of skin also usually appear on the cheeks, forehead and nose. This is called melasma or chloasma and usually occurs in women with dark skin.

4. Visible veins

Changes also occur in blood vessels. This may occur because your blood volume increases and your heart pumps blood faster to meet the needs of pregnancy.

Veins that are blue in color may be more visible on your enlarged abdomen, on your breasts, and on your legs. Spider veins or spider veins it can also appear on the legs, face, or arms.

Enlarged veins can also be seen in the legs. These are called varicose veins. These enlarged blood vessels can be very visible and are purple or blue in color. This can happen because of the pressure on the veins at the back of the uterus, so that blood from your legs or lower body will return to your heart more slowly.

5. Changes in the vagina

During pregnancy, your vagina also undergoes various changes. The lining of your vagina can become thicker and less sensitive. You may also experience vaginal discharge and light bleeding (such as spotting). This is normal during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Blood spots early in pregnancy may be a sign that the fertilized egg has successfully attached itself to the wall of your uterus.

However, if the bleeding is heavier, feels painful, and the stomach feels cramped, you should immediately go to the doctor. These can be signs of a miscarriage.

6. Changes in body weight

During the first trimester, you will gain weight and this is a must. You may gain between 1.5 and 3 kg of weight during the first trimester of pregnancy. This increase adjusts to your weight before pregnancy.

Gaining weight during pregnancy is a good thing. This can be a sign that your fetus is developing well. But, remember not to overdo it or you will become overweight while pregnant (this makes pregnancy more risky).