Stages of Pregnancy

1st Trimester Mother: 0‑14 Weeks

1st Trimester Pregnancy

What’s Happening?	Now What?
your periods will stop and you may have tender or painful breasts	wear a comfortable, supportive bra
unexpected mood changes	this is normal focus on yourself and the changes you are going through talk with the people around you eat regularly and often be physically active
If you are feeling down for longer than seven days and the things that used to give you joy no longer do, you may have perinatal depression. For more information about perinatal depression, click here. Talk with your health care provider now about how you are feeling.
feeling excitement, fear, or uncertainty about being a parent	it is normal to have many feelings about a new pregnancy share your feelings spend time with other new parents, a pregnancy support group, or new parent group
Call your public health office for information on pregnancy/perinatal support groups. You can find the number in the blue pages of your phone book. You can also ask your health care provider. Team Support Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs. If your partner smokes, encourage her to stop. Expect and accept mood changes. Share meal preparation, especially if your partner is nauseated. Take over some responsibilities if your partner is feeling tired. Go to prenatal checkups with your partner.
fatigue (feeling tired and sleepy)	this is normal; rest whenever you can have periods of activity and then of rest; stop before you become overtired eat small meals several times a day and drink plenty of water if you are working, try to rest on your breaks and at lunchtime
Feeling tired – how much is normal? You may not feel tired at all, or you may be falling asleep during the day. Both are normal.
headaches (due to hormonal and postural changes)	headaches are quite common practice good posture eat small, nutritious meals several times a day drink plenty of water daily throughout the day avoid activities that cause eyestrain get plenty of sleep at night and rest during the day have your neck, shoulders, face, and scalp massaged apply a cool or warm washcloth to your forehead and the back of your neck drink two cups of water and take some acetaminophen talk to your health care provider if your headache does not go away
need to pee more often	drink water, milk, and 100 percent juice instead of coffee, tea, or colas
morning sickness (nausea and vomiting)	eat smaller amounts of food every one to two hours during the day try to follow Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide as much as possible; however, ignoring the guidelines for a short time won’t hurt your baby try taking a liquid form of vitamins try to keep taking your folic acid supplement even if you can’t take prenatal vitamins for a period of time eat whatever appeals to you during this time avoid fatty and fried foods drink fluids such as apple juice, ginger ale, water, and clear black tea try eating cold meals to avoid food smells, or have someone else cook have fresh air in the bedroom while resting, and in the kitchen while cooking try not to get too tired wear loose clothing around your chest and waist
If you do vomit, rinse your mouth with water. You can also use a fluoride mouth rinse. This will help protect your teeth from the damage of stomach acids. Facts and Stats Nausea and vomiting bother up to 80% of pregnant women to some degree. For many women this can go on beyond 20 weeks.
increased vaginal secretions (thin and milky)	wear small pads, cotton underwear, and looser slacks shower or bathe often contact your health care provider if there is itchiness or frothy, smelly, or coloured discharge
bigger or painful breasts and darkening of the areola (brown part around the nipple) with small lumps becoming visible	wear a supportive bra for comfort, even at night if it helps
light‑headedness or feeling faint	stand up slowly eat regularly and often
shortness of breath	this is usually normal, but check with your health care provider if there is a history of heart problems in your family