The first trimester of pregnancy can be a time of great joy and excitement. However, it is often filled with anxiety, fear, and stress at the same time. It can become more difficult when the first trimester symptoms kick into gear. With someone by your side to help process these changes/feelings, it is easier to feel centered. Building your support team during the first trimester can help create an empowered, educated, and well-supported journey into birth and postpartum. Here is your guide to navigating the first trimester symptoms with the education and support of a birth doula.
Understanding First Trimester Symptoms
Understanding the symptoms you might face in your first trimester can help you prepare ahead. Furthermore, the more you know about these common symptoms, the more you can find ways to help alleviate or handle them with care.
Nausea and vomiting: Often referred to as morning sickness, though for many it can happen at any time of day. This is one of the more common symptoms that effects many women.
Frequent Urination: Unfortunately, this is almost unavoidable with hormonal shifts, growing pressure on the bladder, and an insane increase in blood volume. Your body has more fluids to process and therefore it is pushing out more fluids.
Fatigue: Exhaustion is a common side effect due to hormonal changes.
Mood fluctuations: Emotional fluctuations can be heightened during this period as your body is flooded with an increase in hormones. Not to mention, this is a time of great excitement, stress, fear, and other emotions.
Food aversions and cravings: Foods that were once a staple in your diet might suddenly no longer appeal to you. On the other hand, you might experience strong cravings for certain foods. A balanced diet is always best, but it's important to listen to these cravings or aversions and eat what you can keep down. Sometimes our cravings also are indicators of things we might be low on. An example, craving salty snack foods indicates that you are low on salt-- which is very common during pregnancy.
The Role of a Birth Doula
Doulas offers you emotional support through the ups and downs of the first trimester. We are your listening ear to give space to emotional shifts during this time. We also provide educational resources on different first-trimester symptoms you might encounter and the best coping strategies for them. In some cases, the physical comfort and support of a doula can be helpful even in these early days of pregnancy with massage and acupressure skills.
Education and Resources For First Trimester Symptoms
Doula's support during the first trimester is heavily educational and emotional. Education support can take the form of regular information handouts and posts on practical tips for managing nausea and other symptoms. Some doulas might also offer longer workshops or classes on practical topics.
With 24/7 support from the time of hiring, I offer my clients continual access to me for any questions, concerns, or processing needed during this time. Finally, as a birth doula, I provide recommendations for local services such as counseling, nutritionists, prenatal fitness experts, etc who might help with alleviating the symptoms of the first trimester.
Building a Support Network
A strong support network during pregnancy can help with all of the changes, emotional shifts, and unwelcome pregnancy symptoms. Connecting with other pregnant women in support groups is a great way to feel heard and share personal experiences. Many online groups also exist. Educating your partner on how to provide support and including them in your doula meetings can create another branch for your growing tree of support.
The value of a dedicated pregnancy and birth support person for every trimester can't be understated. They provide education, resources, support, emotional processing, and community. If you just got the news that your family will be growing, hiring a doula early is a great way to get support every step of the way.
I would love to connect and learn more about what you are seeking for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Click below to get connected and book your FREE consultation.
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