Most women are excited the minute they discover they are pregnant. However, the early symptoms of pregnancy may cause some discomfort to an extent that, a woman may feel frustrated and lost. Not every woman experience the same kind of discomfort and each woman experience is unique. Some women are lucky enough to experience only a slight discomfort while others may experience a combinations of several symptoms, that they may even need to be hospitalized. 

 

First Trimester Symptoms (Discomforts)

Breast Tenderness - This is usually the first symptom of early pregnancy. Breast tenderness discomfort is usually very minimal  that most women are less bothered or less concerned about it.  It tends to occur more often if the breast is exposed to cold or if a woman is wearing a tight fitting or ill fitting brassiere.  Wearing a brassiere with a wide support at the back and minimizing exposure to the cold air help to ease the discomfort.

 

Palmar Redness or Erythema - Palmar redness with frequent itching in the early pregnancy is related to increased level of estrogen and it usually disappear by its own. Applying a soothing lotion on the palms may help in easing the itchness. 

 

Fatigue

As the metabolism needs of the mother and the growing fetus increases, pregnant women tend to get easily fatigued.  Taking a rest in between work and having an adequate sleep can decrease the fatigue.

 

Muscle cramps

Muscle cramps usually results from an increase or a decrease in minerals, like calcium and phosporous. It may also occurs from  the increasing pressure from the growing uterus that tends to impair the circulation on the extremities. Muscle cramps can be relieved by simple exercises like dorsiflexion of the toes while the woman is lying at the back and keeping the legs supported while sitting down.

 

Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Supine hypotension (low blood pressure) occurs if a  pregnant woman suddenly moves from a lying  or a sitting position to a standing position. It can also happens when a pregnant woman is lying on her back. This is because, the uterus presses on the venacava, impairing the blood flowing back to the heart.  Sleeping on the left side and slowly moving from a sitting position to standing position  prevent  supine hypotension.

 

Varicosities

This is another discomfort experienced in early pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the weight of the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins as they return blood from lower extremities.  This causes the pooling of the blood inside the veins, leading to vein distention.  Resting on the back with the leg lifted on a footstool for 15 to 20 minutes, two times in a day help to prevent and to relieve varicosities.

 

Hemorrhoids -  Hemorrhoids occurs due to increased pressure on the rectal veins caused by the growing uterus. Assuming a knee-chest position for atleast 10-15 minutes, in a day help to relieve pressure on the veins.

Frequent Urination - This another early pregnant discomfort brought about by the enlarging uterus. As the uterus enlarges in size, there is increased pressure on the anterior side of the bladder, leading to frequent urination.  Frequent urination is a normal  discomfort in pregnancy that does not require any intervention, unless it is accompanied by other symptoms.  Pregnant women should never restrict their fluid intake since fluid plays an important role in increasing the blood volume.

Pounding Heart (Palpitations) - Sudden movements or fast walking may result in a pregnant woman feeling her heart beating. This can be prevented by moving slowly or gradually decreasing the level of activities.

Other symptoms of early pregnancy may include; painful, pulling like abdominal pain due to increased tension on the round ligaments and whitish vaginal discharge due to high level of estrogen hormone.