our introduction to pregnancy is less of a dip in the shallow end of the pool and more of a belly flop into the deep end. The end result is well worth it, so keep focused on that amazing light at the end of this nine (plus) month tunnel.

WHAT YOU MIGHT BE EXPERIENCING
You may not physically see all the changes going on in the first trimester, but you’ll definitely feel some changes. And though you won't want to be thinking about it, most miscarriages happen during the first trimester.

• Morning sickness might kick in (which sometimes is unfortunately more like all-day sickness); it usually affects about 50 to 70% of women.
• Good news: Your breasts may become bigger. Bad news: They may be more tender.
• Your areolas may start to darken.
• Some women start to experience chloasma (aka the "mask of pregnancy"), which is the appearance of dark patches on your face. (They should lighten or disappear some time after delivery.)
• Cravings may kick in (bring on the PB&J, macaroni and cheese or some strange concoction that you probably would have never considered before).
• Or... you may lose your appetite for a while.
• You may experience constipation, heartburn, gassiness or indigestion. (Break out the Tums!)
• Pounds might start creeping on (unless you have morning sickness and you may lose a few), and your waist may start to thicken a bit.
• You may feel very tired. (And for good reason - your body's at work creating a person!)
• You may need to urinate more frequently as your uterus grows and presses on your bladder.
• You may feel occasional mild cramping. (If bleeding or spotting accompanies the cramping, call your health practitioner).
• Those wonderful mood swings may kick into high gear.
• Your body is pumping more blood and your heart is pumping faster.

Even though you might not “look” pregnant yet, you and your baby have been through a lot this trimester. If you experienced morning sickness these past months, rest assured that it usually subsides in the coming weeks.

Click here for What's Happening with You: Second Trimester

This article was compiled using information from the following websites:
Pregnancy Info
American Pregnancy Association
Kid's Health
Pregnancy Weekly