How your body changes in the 1st trimester
In the first trimester or trimester (1st to 3rd month) of pregnancy, your body goes through many physical changes that are hormone-related. These primarily affect the skin, teeth, hair and breasts.
Problems with gingivitis in the 1st trimester
During the 1st trimester of pregnancy, your body produces less saliva, which normally protects your teeth from cavities. In addition, stomach acid rises, which mixes with your saliva and attacks your teeth due to the high acid content. The gums are supplied with more blood and loosened up, making you susceptible to infections. Women with chronic gingivitis are at increased risk of preterm birth. That is why you should go to the dentist regularly. You should also switch to a soft toothbrush, rinse your teeth with sage or chamomile tea and pay particular attention to oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth after every meal.
Boobs are already growing
The shape of your breasts will change as the mammary glands prepare to produce milk. As a result, they increase in size by 1 to 2 cup sizes and the nipples become larger, more sensitive and darker. The dark coloring serves as a “guide” for your baby to find its way to the breast. Blue veins can become visible under the skin due to the increased production of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the growth of the mammary glands.
Pigment spots can appear
The skin also becomes more sensitive to UV light, which results in increased pigmentation. Freckles and skin marks become darker. There is a risk of a “pregnancy mask”, i.e. the skin tanning substance melanin can cause brown spots on your nose, cheeks and forehead. Unfortunately, these will not go away, but you can prevent them by using a day cream with a sun protection factor and avoiding the solarium and sunbathing .
Hair becomes thicker and shinier
The hormonal changes also affect hair color and hair structure. The hormone progesterone slows down natural hair loss. This has positive side effects for you, because your hair gets more volume and shine until the end of the pregnancy. If you have naturally dry hair, you should give it extra care and use little shampoo, as the hormone dries out the hair. Women with greasy hair can take advantage of this.
Skin becomes cleaner and smoother
The same happens with the skin. The increased estrogen level reduces sebum production so that oily skin normalizes and fewer pimples appear. However, normal skin often becomes dry and tight. At the same time, however, the skin becomes finer because the hormones cause water to accumulate in the connective tissue and smooth out small wrinkles. This is how you get a “natural” lift. Your whole body is better supplied with blood and supplies your baby with nutrients and oxygen.
More information about the 1st trimester
In our pregnancy weeks and pregnancy calendar you will find a lot more information about the development of your body and your baby: