Being Pregnant
No two women are the same, and therefore no two pregnancies are the same either. The first trimester of pregnancy is characterised by a hormonal change. It is possible that the only sign of the pregnancy is the absence of your period, but it is also possible that the changes in your body manifest themselves more clearly. Nausea, fatigue and ligament pain are the most common complaints.
Nausea
The fertilised egg and later the placenta produce the hormone HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), which can cause nausea. Nausea is difficult to treat, but it can help to avoid having an empty stomach. Try to eat something before you get up in the morning, and try to frequently eat something like a light snack in between meals. Avoid food that is heavy or rich in fat. A good night’s sleep and frequent naps during the day can also prevent nausea. When the nausea gets really bad, your GP or gynaecologist can prescribe medication.
Fatigue
Hormonal changes and the growth of the uterus and the baby cost extra energy. It is normal to feel tired when you’re pregnant, and usually there is not much that can be done about it. You simply need a couple of extra hours of sleep. Usually, women feel less fatigued after the first trimester.
Ligament pain
The growth of your uterus may cause convulsive pains, and the stretching of the ligaments of the uterus can cause a sharp pain in the groin. Both complaints are normal during pregnancy.
Other complaints
Other common pregnancy complaints are: frequent urination, sensitive or painful breasts, and mood swings. All of these complaints are part and parcel of pregnancy, but please do not hesitate to talk to us about your complaints. For more information, please see pregnancy complaints.