By Rahael Mathew

That little pee stick turned into two lines and you are wild with joy ! Congrats momma you are now just beginning one of life’s most beautiful journeys. While all this may seem super exciting, a small voice within you is already wondering what next ? Well, fret not the here at Brown Girl Gossip we bring you the raw and unedited what to expect.

Common First Trimester Symptoms :

• Delayed or Missed Period
• Spotting or Implantation Bleeding
• Swollen or sensitive Breast
• Frequent Urination
• Mood Swings
• Fatigue
• Nausea with or without Vomiting
• Cravings
• Darkening Areola

While these are just some of the most common first trimester pregnancy symptoms, you may or may not experience them all. For first time moms this can be a very difficult trimester because you often find yourself comparing symptoms with other expectant mothers. Some newbie moms, feel worried or concerned with their symptoms do not match other mommas or even their own close family members. But the truth is every pregnancy is unique and different. Second time moms often say that their first pregnancy felt way different and they often experience different symptoms round two. So take it easy and follow your gut. If you feel something does not seem right, consult your OBGYN and clarify. Also, it helps to remember that when you go in for your prenatal appointments no question is too small , too dumb , too silly or too funny to ask. It’s always better to get a medical opinion and directive than run wild with old myths and aunties tales.

What Happens After The Two Lines:

Once you have a positive pregnancy test at home , or probably 3 or 4, since who are we kidding we new moms probably tested many times just to be sure, you may wonder what happens next. Most of what happens next depends on your doctor , and where you live in the world to be very honest. Alot also depends on your personal pregnancy journey. But for the most part here is what you can expect :

1. Contact your OBGYN. If you aren’t seeing one, this would be a good time to do some research on the doctors near your home or in a hospital you think best meets your birth plan or needs. If you are inclined towards a specific hospital, make sure its nearby , you do not want to be travelling forever to get to all your prenatal appointments.
2. Once you schedule a OBGYN appointment, you are most likely to be called in at the 6- 8 week mark for your first ultrasound. The reason being, that at around 6-8 weeks the doctor will be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat and mark the pregnancy as progressed and confirmed. In some countries you can see your OBGYN earlier and some others you may be asked to do a blood HCG test to confirm levels.
3. The first trimester then begins with prenatal appointments that stretch well into the second trimester. Sometimes OBGYNS may call you more often and sometimes prenatals are scheduled every 4 weeks. Either way it is best to make best use of each appointment. Always have questions for your doctor and never shy away from asking and clarifying. Google is a great resource during pregnancy and so is every other family member, but truth be told only a medical professional can fully assess your specific symptoms and provide the best care you need.

First Trimester Lifestyle Changes

Being pregnant now means you need to care for two and no longer one. This however, does mean eat for two, but rather is care oriented. Here are some lifestyle changes you can embrace to make your first trimester a healthy one.

1. Exercise – If you already do not have a exercise routine, check with your OBGYN and begin some light routine that is does not feel to exhausting. Listen to your body girl !
2. Diet – You will want to increase that folic and iron intake. Adding green leafy veggies and keeping a track of your daily meals can help you provide the best nutrition for your growing baby.
3. Prenatal Vitamins – Start your prenatal vitamins as soon as you know you are pregnant. Do not wait !
4. Cosmetics – Time to say bye to the bottle of Retinol based cosmetic products among others. If you are acne prone you should check in with a Dermatologist who can give you alternatives to your current skincare or makeup routine. Its time to now be more aware of what you put in and on your body and how that can affect or benefit your baby.
5. Take it easy – You may find yourself in a whirlpool of emotions or just plain tired. Listen to your body ( I can’t stress this enough) , you do not have to be super mom just yet !

In other news, stay tuned for our second trimester and third trimester posts. We also have a section of pregnancy related articles you may like to give a nod too ! In the meantime new moma take care and congratulations !