During the first trimester evidence of pregnancy is limited to missing a period and learning that the pregnancy test is positive. Some physical changes are apparent, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting and breast tenderness. These symptoms are common and vary in intensity.
Emotions are often unstable and feelings of depression are not uncommon, often for no apparent reason. It is commonly believed that the mood changes in pregnancy are caused by hormonal changes. The two main hormones that play a major role in pregnancy are estrogen and progesterone. A woman's emotions are characterized by mood swings, which can range from great joy to deep despair. Frequently a woman will become tearful with little cause. When asked why she is crying, she may find it difficult or impossible to give a reason.
This situation is very unsettling for the husband or partner, causing him to feel confused and inadequate. Because the partner may feel unable to handle the woman's tears, he often reacts by withdrawing and ignoring the problem. Since the pregnant woman needs increased love and affection she may perceive her partner as unloving and nonsupportive. Once the couple understands that this behavior is normal in pregnancy it becomes easier for them to deal with although it will be a source of stress to some extent throughout the pregnancy.
Initially, even if the pregnancy is planned, there is an element of surprise that conception has occurred. The woman may experience some uncertainty about the pregnancy. Feelings that timing is wrong, that career or long-term goals may need to be delayed and/or financial stresses are common. Uncertain feelings may also be related to excitement about assuming the new role of mother, fears about carrying the pregnancy as well as labor and delivery. The pregnancy may not seem real until about the 12th week when the baby's heart beat can be heard with a Doppler.
The second trimester is somewhat tranquil. Morning sickness generally passes. The threat of miscarriage lessens. The highlight of the second trimester is feeling the baby move, called quickening, which generally occurs during the 20th week of pregnancy. Perception of fetal movement often leads to dramatic changes in a woman. She now perceives the baby as a real person and becomes excited about the pregnancy even if she was not prior to this time.
Women sometimes have more energy and feel better during the second trimester, commonly known as the "glow of pregnancy". Most women begin wearing maternity clothes during this time. She may ask her friends and family about pregnancy, childbirth and may attend childbirth preparation classes.
The third trimester combines a sense of pride with anxiety about what is to come in order for the baby to be born. As her protruding abdomen proclaims her advanced pregnancy the woman may find that clerks become more attentive, that a chair may be offered to her in a crowded room and others may offer to carry her packages. Many women may actually need this help and may enjoy it as a privilege of pregnancy. Or she may reject it if she fears the gestures indicate she is helpless and may be very offended by these actions.
During the final weeks of pregnancy a woman's anxieties and fears may increase along with physical discomfort. She may experience sleeplessness because she is not able to find a comfortable position. Periodic contractions may cause discomfort as well as the position of the baby inside the uterus. The woman may feel very vulnerable to rejection, loss or insult at this time. She may feel unattractive and undesirable to her partner. Many of the nurturing and sexual needs of the pregnant woman can be satisfied by cuddling, kissing and being held by her partner. The warm sensual feelings that are present during these times can be uplifting for her.
A woman is eager for the discomforts of pregnancy to end, but also is concerned about the reality of becoming a mother and the changes in marital and family relationships, especially how a baby may affect other siblings. She may be concerned about the pain of labor, especially if she has had a previous unpleasant experience or has never experienced labor and has no idea what to expect. The health and well being of the infant may preoccupy a woman's thoughts during the last month of pregnancy.
Summary
The feelings and fears experienced during pregnancy are intense and varied. These feelings and concerns are a normal part of pregnancy. Each woman comes to terms with the changes in her own way, with the support of her partner or family.
Source: University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Maternity Center
Photographs: Pregnancy.org - fetal development
