Question

What can I expect during the first trimester?

Answer

The first trimester starts from the first day of your menstrual period up to the end of week 12. Although unpleasant, it is quite common to experience the following during this time:

• Tender breasts - your breasts may start to feel sore, swollen or tingly.  This is often the first sign of pregnancy as, even at this stage, your body prepares for breast feeding
• Nausea - a surge of pregnancy hormones at around seven or eight weeks can trigger morning sickness. It generally peaks by 10 weeks and subsides by 13 weeks
• Tired and emotional - The first trimester is your baby's most critical growth stage, when all the vital organs are forming. Hormonal changes mean you can expect to feel exhausted, not to mention tearful and emotional. This is all normal. Take things easy and try to rest whenever you can
• Frequent loo stops - Thanks again to hormonal changes, you may find you need to empty your bladder more often than usual

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