Your body will go through many changes as you adjust to your pregnancy. This page goes through each trimester with the most common symptoms and transitions you may experience.

First Trimester

• Due to the increase of estrogen, you may experience red, itchy palms, varicose veins (prevention early in pregnancy may decrease the chances, raising your legs for 15-20 minutes twice daily can help [Pillitteri, 2007]).
  
• As your uterus grows, it causes increased pressure on your bladder and bowels causing constipation, hemorroids and an increase in urination.
  
• For up to 50% of women, nausea and vomiting are common (also known as morning sickness).
  
• You may be feeling tired and "worn out"
  
• Breast tenderness may be present.
  
• Due to a decrease in calcium and increase in phosphorus levels in the blood, you may experience muscle cramping in the legs (Pillitteri).
  
• A feeling of pressure or mild aching in lower abdomen (excessive cramping or pain is not normal and you should see your health care provider).
  
• White, thin vaginal discharge is common.
  
• Decrease in blood pressure in certain positions may cause dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or anxiety. Be careful to get up slowly from a sitting position to minimize dizziness. Laying flat on your back also decreases blood pressure causing irregular heartbeat or anxiety. Reposition yourself to a side lying position to avert these symptoms (Pillitteri).
  
  
  
  

Second Trimester

As you enter into this part of your pregnancy, you will begin to "look" pregnant.

Many of the symptoms you experienced in the first trimester begin to fade, nausea & vomiting, fatigue and breast tenderness.

Due to higher progesterone levels, you may experience sore or bleeding gums. Maintain a regular dental regime and check up schedule.

As your body is adjusting to the weight of the growing fetus, you may experience backache and stretch marks.

Heartburn can be common during this trimester.

Due to the pressure from the fetus, you may experience shortness of breath.

Hemorroids and constipation may continue. Increasing fluid intake and eating high fibre foods can help.

Third Trimester

Edema of the lower legs and feet may occur. Be sure to sit and rest during the day and lying on your left side can improve swelling (Pillitteri).

Braxton Hicks, or false labour, may occur.

The tired, worn out feeling may reappear.

Constipation and hemorroids continue.

The extra weight of the fetus can cause back, pelvis and hip pain. Speak to your health care provider before taking any medications for pain, including herbal remedies.

Heartburn may still be present. Be sure to remain upright at least 30 minutes after eating. Speak to your health care provider before taking any medication.

Frequent urination is still common. Do not restrict your fluid intake, as drinking plenty of fluids is very important while pregnant.

Breasts may be leaking colostrum.

You may be having trouble sleeping as you can only sleep on your left or right side. Try using body pillows to create a comfortable sleeping position.

The shortness of breath continues at the uterus reaches the ribs.

Near the end of the trimester, the fetus "drops" into your pelvis. You may or may not feel this.

Your body is now prepared for the birth of the baby.



(Erstad & Henley, 2007a, 2007b, 2007c, Pillitteri, 2007)