Your Body

Within only two weeks of conception your body will begin the changing process in order to nourish baby’s development.

Common changes in the early stage of pregnancy are:

Fatigue – If you feel tired and emotional, make sure you get ample rest but include daily exercise such as a walk. Watch that your intake of iron and protein is sufficient.

Nausea – Often nausea is worse in the morning, hence the term ‘morning sickness’ – eat small frequent meals, and sipping on ginger tea or ginger ale can help ease the upset.

Tender breasts – Breasts are often very tender and may swell in the early stages of pregnancy so try switching to a more supportive bra.

Dizziness – Many pregnant women experience light dizziness. Eat sugary foods such as yoghurt or dried fruit as snacks to maintain your blood sugar levels and sit down when you experience dizziness.

Urination – As the uterus presses on your bladder while your baby develops you may find you need to urinate often. If you find you leak urine while laughing or coughing, panty-liners can help.

Emotional You

You may find yourself a bit of an emotional rollercoaster – even if you are thrilled at the idea of having a baby, it is only natural to be concerned about baby’s health, your relationship with your partner, how to cover the extra financial demands and what having a baby will mean for your career. There will be a lot on your mind and the added pressure of the physical changes in your body such as fatigue can only add to the pressure. Remember it is normal to have mood swings and encourage your partner, friends and family to understand what you are going through.