First Time Pregnancy

Ask anyone who's had a baby, and they'll tell you: There's nothing like being pregnant for the first time. You may feel energized and elated one moment, exhausted and worried the next. Plus, you have a lot of new, possibly unexpected, physical symptoms to deal with. 

All these experiences are normal — and may be completely different from someone else's. No two pregnancies are identical. Here are some things to keep in mind about your first pregnancy.

Is the First Pregnancy the Hardest?

The first pregnancy isn't necessarily the hardest. Some people have an easy first pregnancy but develop complications the next time around. Others have aches, pains, and morning sickness the first time but find symptoms ease with a second pregnancy. 

Like any "first" in life, pregnancy may not be what you expect. You may feel upset, disappointed — or pleasantly surprised — by some of the first signs of pregnancy.

How Does It Feel to Be Pregnant for the First Time?

Although symptoms vary from person to person, these are some of the most common experiences in a first-time pregnancy. 

Physical changes

One of the first signs of pregnancy is a missed period. For many, this will trigger a home pregnancy test and learning of their first pregnancy.

You may also experience:

• Fatigue — One of the most common early pregnancy symptoms is feeling tired. High levels of progesterone, a female sex hormone, can add to fatigue.
• Nausea — Morning sickness is a common early pregnancy symptom. Some people experience nausea throughout their pregnancies, but for most, it subsides in the second trimester. 
• Tender breasts — Your breasts may become fuller, heavier, and more sensitive. You'll notice breast changes throughout pregnancy.
• Loose joints — Your body is preparing for labor and delivery, so pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments in your pelvis and hips. Because of this instability, it's easy to overstretch or strain your lower back or legs.
• Heartburn — Hormonal changes relax the muscles that keep stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. As your uterus grows, it presses up on your stomach, making it worse.
• Constipation — Pregnancy hormones slow the digestive system. As your uterus enlarges, it pushes against the large intestine, making it harder to have a bowel movement.  
• Changes in your hair, skin, and nails — Your blood volume increases when you're pregnant, which can lead to oiler skin. Your hair and nails may grow faster and feel stronger.
• Frequent urination — Having to pee frequently is part of pregnancy. That's because as your uterus grows bigger, it presses on your bladder.
• Hemorrhoids — The growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvis. That strain may cause the veins in the rectum to enlarge into painful, grape-like clusters.

Emotional changes

When you find out you're pregnant, you'll feel many emotions. You may feel nothing but excitement and eagerly start planning for your baby's arrival. Or you may be anxious about having a miscarriage or early loss.

Feeling overwhelmed and anxious is normal. You may worry about how you'll handle delivery and whether you'll have any complications. You may not feel ready to be a parent. 

You may also experience:

• Mood swings — Pregnancy hormones can trigger emotions like those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). You may feel overjoyed one minute, sobbing at a TV commercial the next.
• Nesting instinct — It sounds like an old wives' tale, but many pregnant people feel the urge to deep clean and organize their homes for the baby. It's important to prep a safe sleep space and clean clothes for your baby during your third trimester, but they won't notice if you scrub the baseboards.
• Problems concentrating — Many pregnant people describe having "brain fog." You may feel forgetful, scattered, or overwhelmed. This phenomenon may come from a combination of hormonal shifts, fatigue, and stress. Anemia or other pregnancy complications may also play into this feeling.

Note: If you have problems sleeping or feel overwhelming sadness for more than a few days, talk to your doctor. There are treatments to help with prenatal depression and anxiety.

What Should I Do When Pregnant for the First Time?

After you get over the thrill of a positive pregnancy test, there are several steps you should take. Good prenatal care — for yourself and your unborn baby — should start as soon as possible. Almost everything else can wait – you have nine full months before the baby's here.

See your ob-gyn

You should call your obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) right away to get on their schedule. Often, your first appointment won't happen until you're about eight weeks along, but they'll advise over the phone about what foods and activities to avoid. Good prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

You can see an ob-gyn for the duration of your pregnancy. You may also choose a certified midwife for pregnancy care. It's important to find someone you feel comfortable with who will support your preferences regarding labor and delivery when possible. 

Take childbirth classes

UPMC offers a range of prenatal and childbirth classes. Attending is a good way to learn what happens during labor and delivery, especially with your first pregnancy. These classes can make the process less daunting for you and your partner.

A good childbirth class will cover pain relief during labor, C-sections, and the basics of newborn care.

There are different types of childbirth classes, including Lamaze and others, that teach breathing and relaxation techniques. Ask your ob-gyn or midwife what they offer and recommend.

Take good care of yourself 

When you're pregnant for the first time, it's important to take your health — and the health of your unborn baby — seriously. The habits you form during pregnancy can help ease labor and delivery. They can also give your baby the very best start in life. 

You should:

• Eat healthfully—For a healthy pregnancy, eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Skip processed foods and soda.  
• Exercise — Low-impact workouts (like walking or swimming) can ease pregnancy symptoms and help your body prepare for labor and delivery. Any workouts you did before pregnancy should be fine to continue as long as you're not at risk of falling.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs — Drinking and doing drugs can harm both you and your unborn baby. No amount of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy.
• Maintain a healthy body weight — Being too heavy or too thin puts you at risk for premature birth and other pregnancy complications.
• Quit smoking — The chemicals in smoke (firsthand or secondhand) can harm an unborn baby.
• Take prenatal vitamins — Look for one with 400 micrograms of folic acid, which can help prevent congenital disabilities.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.