Common Symptoms of the First Trimester: Bigger Boobs, Longer Naps, and Feeling Seasick

      A friend of mine shared wonderful news that she and her husband were expecting another baby.  The pregnancy took her somewhat by surprise, and the symptoms of tiredness and nausea she had mistook as maybe a bug she was coming down with. "Boy, are you ever," I remarked.
     Most commonly, women experience subtle changes in their breasts.  The breasts are slightly sore, with increased dark pigmentation in the nipple, and fullness.  Some freakishly large blue veins in your chest may be seen.  These are all hallmarks of changes in hormone levels, and these changes in the appearance of breast tissue is nature's way of preparing our bodies to nurse our young.
    Other common changes is the fatigue of early pregnancy.  With all three of my children I felt like a Mac truck slammed straight into me and I only woke for periods racked my nausea.  Yes, nausea is another common symptom and probably the most infamous of early pregnancy symptoms.  It is mostly commonly referred to as morning sickness, but it does not wear a watch and can occur at anytime of day.  Researchers report that nearly two-thirds of pregnant women will experience some nausea in the early weeks of pregnancy.  Since waves of nausea are often triggered by the smell or sight of eggs, meats, alcohol, cigarette smoke, this may be the body's way of shielding the developing embryo from dangerous foods that could threaten development in addition to hormonal shifts.  For the vast majority of women fatigue along with nausea will subside as the pregnancy progresses into the 2nd trimester.  This gives way to increased energy levels and the real joys of pregnancy, feeling all those little kicks and somersaults of a growing healthy baby.

   So if you're not feeling so blessed, try these tips.

• Eat smaller, more easily digestible foods. Often this means carbohydrates, i.e. the saltines on your bedside.  It is often helpful to eat something before getting up in the morning if nausea is a problem in the morning.
• Avoid foods that commonly trigger your nausea when possible.  Maybe your partner shares in meal preparation if possible.
• Avoid overheating.
• Citrus smells can quell nausea symptoms.
• Pressure points on the wrists can sometimes help ease nausea.  OTC products such as "Sea Bands" designed to help those with seasickness may be beneficial.
• Suck on Peppermints.

   Remember this too shall pass.  Take some comfort that these symptoms indicate a healthy pregnancy.