The first trimester
During the first trimester, future moms go through a range of conflicting emotions. With the joy of bringing life into the world comes feelings of fear that we are going to lose it all. It's quite normal because, during the first trimester, the pregnancy and the baby feel quite intangible since all we can feel are the unpleasant symptoms that usually accompany the first few weeks.
Worries
- Fear of miscarriage
- Fear of not hearing the baby's heartbeat
- Fear of the results of the nuchal translucency ultrasound
Common Ailments
- Nausea and vomiting
- Little to no appetite
- Abdominal cramps
- Swollen and tender breasts
- Vaginal bleeding
- Emotional ups and downs
- Fatigue
Tests
- Blood tests: The purpose blood tests is to check if you are immune to certain diseases that can be dangerous to you or your baby like the fifth disease, rubella, and STIs.
- Dating ultrasound: Usually performed when the mother isn't sure when she conceived.
- Nuchal translucency ultrasound: Preventive ultrasound done to detect the possibility of genetic abnormalities.
- Prenatal screening for trisomy 21: To detect the risks of trisomy 21 (down syndrome).
The second trimester
During the second trimester, your pregnancy becomes more real to you, because you can finally start noticing the physical changes that are happening to you. The second trimester is also usually less difficult in terms of physical ailments than the first, which helps the mom feel more comfortable but also gives her time to start planning for the future. Enjoy these beautiful moments with your partner; the memories will help you regain perspective if you're not feeling well later on.
Worries
- Weight gain
- Feeling the baby move
- If the baby is normal and healthy
- Having sex during pregnancy
- The sex of the baby
- Fear of giving birth prematurely
Common Ailments
- Gastric reflux
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Insomnia
Tests
- Amniocentesis: By removing a small amount of amniotic fluid, it's possible to detect certain abnormalities in the genetic code of the unborn child.
- Ultrasound: This ultrasound is used to determine the position of the baby, whether he or she is developing properly and to discover the sex of the baby!
- Test for gestational diabetes: Detect and manage gestational diabetes if necessary.