Pregnancy is an amazing journey full of excitement, and there are a lot of lifestyle and physiological changes that will occur during the first trimester. Plenty of questions can arise, and you’ll need to begin building a relationship with your OBGYN. This sets the foundation for the coming months and will help you better understand what’s going on with your body. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect.

First Trimester of Pregnancy

Physical Changes

Your body will go through significant changes during the first trimester. You can expect to experience fatigue, heartburn, constipation, swollen breasts, nausea, and a heightened sensitivity to odors and tastes.

Many of these are related to hormonal changes, though any side effects you’re unsure about should be reported to your OBGYN. You can combat them by choosing a lighter diet, eating smaller meals to reduce nausea, and getting plenty of rest throughout the day. Light exercise can also help, and you may want to explore supplements, such as iron, with your OBGYN and family doctor.

Emotional Changes

You may also experience a flurry of emotions due to pregnancy. Some are simply psychological, while others can be hormonal. You may feel elated and energized then exhausted and stressed a short time later. Mood swings are common, and some anxiety can be expected when faced with the prospect of raising a child. It’s helpful to speak with a mental health professional and to give meditation and other calming techniques a try when stress or anxiety run high.

Prenatal Care

You need to stay on top of prenatal care for a healthy pregnancy. If you think you’re pregnant, schedule an exam with your OBGYN. Once they know for certain, you’ll need to schedule similar exams every four weeks, though this can vary from patient to patient. They’ll perform physical exams, answer any questions you have, and build a personalized care plan to ensure the best possible experience for you and the fetus.

An OBGYN can be invaluable during pregnancy, and the team at Walton Family Medicine PC is proud to help expecting mothers. This Monroe, GA, medical practice offers a wide scope of health care services, including pediatrics, preventative medicine, and urgent care. They use the latest equipment to achieve optimal results. Learn more about their practice on their website and call (770) 267-7093 to schedule an exam.