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The first three calendar months of pregnancy are referred to as the first trimester. This period is a time when prenatal organ systems are being formed and begin to function. For the pregnant woman, the first trimester is a time of physical and emotional adjustment to her pregnant state.
The expectant mother may feel extraordinarily tired and require more sleep because of the new demands on her energy and because of the subsequent shift in her metabolic rate, especially in the second and third months of pregnancy. She also may experience nausea and vomiting during the early months of pregnancy. Although this is usually referred to as “morning sickness,” it can occur at any time of day and is believed to be caused by human chorionic gonadotropin, produced by the developing placenta.
Although the female’s breasts develop in puberty, the glandular tissue that produces milk do not completely develop until the woman becomes pregnant. As the levels of estrogen and other hormones change during pregnancy, the expectant mother’s breasts change. They enlarge, veins are often more prominent, and a tingling sensation is often felt in the nipples. The expectant mother may also need to urinate more frequently as the enlarging uterus puts increases pressure on the bladder. In addition, her vagina and cervix become bluish in color, the cervix becomes softer, and vaginal secretions increase.
Emotional changes accompany physical changes in the early months of pregnancy. It is not unusual for the expectant mother to experience emotional ups and downs. The thought of motherhood may at times be pleasing and, at others, disturbing. She may cry easily. Such mood swings may be difficult to understand, for both the expectant mother and her partner.
Finding out that she is pregnant may not only bring about a mixture of emotions in the expectant mother but also in her partner: pride in the ability to produce a child; fear of losing independence; apprehension about changes in the marital relationship; doubts about one’s ability to parent; and happiness about becoming parents. Sharing thoughts and feelings with each other can help expectant couples develop a closer relationship during the transition of parenthood.
A couple’s sexual relationship may change during the first trimester. The expectant mother may experience an increased interest in spontaneous sexual activity because she no longer has to worry about tying to become pregnant or about avoiding pregnancy; or an expectant mother’s sexual interest may decrease because of fatigue, nausea, breast changes, or fear of miscarriage. In a normal pregnancy, the expectant couple should discuss their feelings about sexual intercourse and do what is mutually desired.
It is important for expectant parents to become knowledgeable about the nature of pregnancy and prenatal development. Many expectant parents benefit from a parent education class on pregnancy and prenatal development in the first trimester of pregnancy. Prenatal care varies enormously but usually involves a package of medical care services in a defined schedule of visits. In addition to medical care, prenatal care programs often include comprehensive educational, social, and nutritional services.
In the beginning of the first trimester, from conception to four weeks, the fertilized egg is less that 1/10 inch long. The beginning development of the spinal cord, nervous system, heart, and lungs form. An amniotic sac envelops the preliminary tissues of the entire body. This is called an “ovum.” By the end of the first trimester, around twelve weeks, the term “fetus” can be applied. The fetus is about three inches long and weighs about one ounce. It can move arms, legs, fingers, and toes. The fingerprints are present. It can smile, frown, suck, and swallow. Sex is also distinguishable. The fetus can also urinate.
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