What are the symptoms and reactions during the first trimester of pregnancy?

Mar 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, symptoms and reactions during the first trimester of pregnancy may include missed menstrual periods, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, and mood swings. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Pregnancy symptoms and reactions vary from person to person; some pregnant women may experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms. All of these are normal physiological responses during pregnancy. If any abnormal conditions occur, timely medical care should be sought.

Generally, symptoms and reactions during the first trimester of pregnancy may include cessation of menstruation, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, and emotional fluctuations. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Cessation of Menstruation

After becoming pregnant, hormonal levels in a woman's body change. The level of progesterone increases, and the endometrium no longer undergoes periodic shedding, thus causing the cessation of menstruation.

2. Fatigue and Drowsiness

During early pregnancy, a large amount of progesterone is secreted in the woman's body. This hormone raises the basal metabolic rate and increases energy consumption. At the same time, the body undergoes a series of physiological adjustments to accommodate the growth and development of the fetus, which makes pregnant women prone to fatigue and with a relatively poor mental state.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

After pregnancy, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the woman's body rises rapidly. Combined with reduced gastric acid secretion and slowed gastrointestinal motility, this can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Generally starting around the sixth week of pregnancy, pregnant women may experience symptoms of nausea and vomiting, which are particularly noticeable in the morning or when exposed to certain irritating odors. This may affect the pregnant woman's appetite and food intake.

4. Frequent Urination

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the growing uterus gradually compresses the bladder, reducing the effective capacity of the bladder. At the same time, changes in hormone levels in the body can also affect the function of the urinary system, leading to increased frequency of urination in pregnant women. Some pregnant women may frequently wake up at night to urinate, affecting sleep quality and causing some inconvenience in daily life.

5. Emotional Fluctuations

After pregnancy, hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body undergo significant changes, which can affect the nervous system. In addition, concerns about the health of the fetus, changes in lifestyle, and other factors can also bring psychological pressure. Pregnant women may become emotionally unstable, easily anxious, depressed, irritable, or moody, which may impact interpersonal relationships and daily life.

Pregnancy symptoms and reactions vary from person to person; some pregnant women may experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe reactions. However, these are all normal physiological responses during pregnancy, and any abnormal conditions should be addressed by seeking timely medical attention.

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