Pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks which is divided into 3 trimesters, each trimester is marked by specific fetal growth and physical developments. The first trimester is marked from the first day of our last period and this trimester lasts until the end of week 12. The first trimester plays very crucial for overall baby’s growth and development. Growth and development of fetus over this period, week 1 to week 12, is summarized below: 

1st month: 

  • Placenta develops which is helps transfer the nutrients to the baby. 
  • The nervous system and the heart begins to form.  
  • Development of arms and legs.
  • By end of 1st-month baby is now an embryo and around ¼ inch long.

 2nd month: 

  • Major organs begun to form. 
  • Heart of baby starts beating. 
  • Arms and legs grow longer and the formation of fingers and toes begins. 
  • Digestive tract and sensory organs begin to develop. 
  • Embryo now begins to move in mother’s womb and is around 1 inch by now.

3rd Month:

  • The nerves and muscle co-ordination begin to work together.  
  • Reproductive organs also start developing.
  • Eyelids close to protect the developing eyes.
  • Fingernails and toenails begin to develop and the external ears are formed. 
  • Head growth has slowed and baby is around 3 inches long and weighs almost an ounce.

HEALTH ISSUES EXPERIENCED BY THE TO-BE MOTHER’S 

A woman's body undergoes many major changes during the first trimester. Release of hormones that affect every organ in the body. These changes result in a variety of symptoms like:

1) Breast tenderness: 

This is triggered by hormonal changes and is also one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Hormones cause breast to retain fluids making them heavy and sore. 

2) Fatigue: 

As our body works harder to support and nurture the growing fetus and our heart pumps faster as it needs to deliver the extra oxygen to the uterus which too makes us feel fatigued. 

3) Frequent urination: 

The growing uterus puts pressure on bladder thus there is an extra flow of blood to the kidneys also causes them to produce more urine. 

4) Food aversions and Morning Sickness (nausea): 

Nausea may be due to the nervous disturbances and a result of hormonal changes in the body. Hormone progesterone slows down our digestive process which sometimes results in constipation or indigestion. Since our stomach doesn’t empty as quickly as it normally does which makes us feel purge or causes nausea. 

5) Heat burn: 

This is an effect of the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the stomach which in combination with the relaxation of the esophageal sphincter results in occasional regurgitation of the stomach contents.

6) Constipation: 

The muscle contractions that normally help move food through intestines slow down due to high levels of the hormone progesterone.  

7) Mood Swings: 

This can be caused due to physical stress, fatigue, changes in metabolism, and because of the significant changes in hormone levels which can affect our brain chemicals which regulate mood. 

8) Weight Gain:

Weight gain of 900 gms to 1800 gms is normal during the first trimester as a result of the growing fetus and water retention in the body which is quite common during the first trimester. 

NUTRITION IN the FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY  

A balanced diet will promote optimal growth and development of the fetus. Thus, nutrition plays a vital role in the first trimester as this has a great impact on both mother and her baby. The inclusion of specific nutrients during this trimester will support the normal growth of the baby. Nutrients that require the greatest increase are protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. 

PROTEIN:

During pregnancy, the protein you eat helps your baby grow normally and contributes to other important areas of their development. Mother’s need for protein increases during pregnancy to support the various changes in her own body and to meet the additional requirements laid down by the growing fetus. Protein requirements for pregnant women can range from as little as 60 grams to as much as 75 grams per day, depending on how much you weight. 

Food sources of protein:

Eggs, fish dairy foods - [milk, paneer, curds, yogurts] beans, pulses, and nuts

IRON: 

The mother’s blood supply increases to support the growing baby. Thus, she needs extra iron during this time to prevent anemia. As the mother’s blood supply increases, her daily iron needs nearly double. The average requirement for iron in pregnancy is 22mg/day. Food sources of iron: Leafy vegetables, legumes, beans, chicken, eggs, iron fortify cereals. 

FOLIC ACID:  It is important to have folate in the early stages of pregnancy as the baby’s brain and spinal cord are developing rapidly. Also folic acid is vital for the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and for the prevention of neural tube defects in the developing fetus during early pregnancy. 

Food sources of folic acid: Green leafy vegetables (such as green beans, green peas, spinach, and cabbage). Citrus fruits, Brussels, sprouts, beans, peas, lentils, broccoli, and asparagus.