Sexuality and Sexual Health

Sexuality and Sexual Health - Pregnancy

Help! I'm Pregnant!
Every pregnancy is different but one thing you can be sure of is that your life and your body will never be the same again.

Here's what you can expect over the next nine months
Pregnancy is often referred to in three different stages, called trimesters, each lasting roughly about three months.

The first trimester (conception up to 13 weeks) is a time when your body undergoes profound changes. Everyone will experience these changes in different ways and at different times.
Here is what you might experience:

Nausea. You will probably feel tired and emotional. Unless you are really lucky you will also experience nausea and occasional vomiting. This is often termed 'morning sickness' although many women find that the nausea occurs at other times of the day as well. Nausea is common but can vary in severity from mild queasiness to a complete inability to keep any food in the stomach. In extreme cases you may need to be admitted to the hospital because of dehydration.
Cravings. Many women also have strong food cravings and/or food aversions. Suddenly food you have always loved makes you feel sick and you have cravings for things you've never enjoyed in the past or for bizarre combinations.

Breast changes. Another change you may notice in the first trimester is increased breast fullness and sensitivity. Increasing levels of oestrogen and progesterone stimulate the milk producing glands in the breasts. The areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) may also enlarge and darken. Some women also notice small bumps appearing on the areola. These bumps are normal; they are actually glands that help lubricate the breast during breastfeeding.

Weight gain. Weight gain during pregnancy can be worrying for many women. As a rough estimate, you should gain between 11 and 15 kg during the pregnancy. How much is appropriate for you depends on your body size and nutritional needs. If you are overweight or underweight, you should discuss your weight gain with your doctor or midwife.

The second trimester (from 13th week to 27th week), is usually an easier time for most pregnant women. You will probably experience fewer pregnancy concerns or effects compared to the other trimesters. You may, however, experience some:

Aches and pains
Skin changes
Constipation

In the beginning of this trimester, you will be able to feel your uterus extending above the pubic bone if you gently, but firmly, press on your lower abdomen. By 20 weeks you will probably have felt your baby move for the first time. This is an exciting time but it is also important information to remember and relay to your doctor or midwife to help determine the age of the foetus as accurately as possible.

The third trimester begins at the 28th week of pregnancy and lasts until birth. This is usually a time of heightened pregnancy effects as your body adapts to accommodate the developing foetus. You may experience:

Heartburn
Gas
Constipation
Sleeping problems
Incontinence
Haemorrhoids
Increased vaginal discharge
Nasal stuffiness
Occasional shortness of breath
Light-headedness

Your doctor or midwife will be able to offer suggestions for how to cope with these changes.