First Trimester: Week 0-13

Your Body's Changes

In early pregnancy, physical changes in your body are mainly due to elevated hormone production. It is quite common to feel increasingly tired and sleep as many as 12 hours a day.

In fact, the symptoms of early pregnancy closely resemble PMS and include acne, mood swings, cramps and especially swollen, tender breasts. Your breasts will grow and feel tender, due to the expanding milk ducts. The aerola (dark area around the nipple) begins to darken.

Frequent urination is normal due to hormonal changes and the increased pressure exerted on the bladder as the baby grows. Some women also experience increased vaginal discharge and irregular bowel movements.

You may experience morning sickness, which can range from a slight upset stomach to nausea to vomiting. Nausea tends to be worse in the morning, but it can last all day. You may be repelled and nauseated by certain smells or foods and drinks. On the flip side, cravings for certain food can also occur.

Spider veins, which are thin veins visible at the surface of the skin, may begin to appear.