During the first trimester, few people will be aware of your pregnancy unless you tell them.
However, your body is gradually changing and adjusting to accommodate a new life.
An amazing but mostly invisible transformation is taking place.
1. Tender or swollen breasts
You may have noticed changes in your breasts, they might feel heavier or tender.
Try wearing a sports bra to minimise discomfort.
2. Fatigue
Find yourself longing for a nap?
This is pretty normal, the hormone progesterone soars during pregnancy and can make you tired.
Make sure you're getting enough iron and protein to combat this fatigue.
3. Dizziness
Pregnancy causes your blood vessels to dilate and your blood pressure to drop, which might leave you dizzy.
Seek medical help if the dizziness is severe and occurs with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding.
This could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
4. Constipation
Constipation isn't a pleasant topic but can be an unfortunate side-effect of pregnancy.
Pregnancy slows down your digestive system in order for nutrients to reach the foetus.
Eat plenty of fibre-rich foods if you are experiencing constipation.
5. Heartburn
Pregnancy hormones can cause the valve between your stomach and oesophagus to relax and allow stomach acid to leak into your oesophagus, causing heartburn.
To prevent heartburn, eat small, frequent meals and avoid fried foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and spicy foods.
6. A heightened sense of smell
This is a pretty weird one but pregnant women often have a heightened sense of smell.
Smells such as foods cooking, perfume or cigarette smoke — might cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy.
7. Morning sickness/Nausea
Morning sickness can occur as early as three weeks into a pregnancy.
If you're experiencing sickness and nausea, try eating small meals which are low in fat.
Ginger is great for nausea, so try sipping some ginger ale.
8. Mood swings
Even if you're thrilled to bits about being pregnant, you may still find yourself feeling teary, anxious or easily irritated.
Mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy and many women experience them.
If you have a history of depression, speak to your doctor.
9. Increased urination
You may find yourself needing the loo more often, especially at night.
You need all the sleep you can get while pregnant so try to avoid caffeine which makes you urinate more.
10. Spotting
You may experience some light bleeding early in pregnancy.
Consult your doctor if you have heavy bleeding.
Always consult a doctor if you have a concern about your pregnancy.
