First Trimester

During the first trimester of pregnancy you are likely to be tired and prone to sickness. In this trimester hormones are produced to prepare your body for the work ahead. They cause your breasts to enlarge and your womb to grow and thicken. Your body goes through a lot of changes and puts your baby first causing you to feel tired and sick.

Your metabolic rate will also increase by 10-15 per cent and your heart rate can rise by up to 40 per cent. This can cause you initially to lose weight. Many women report weight loss before finding out they are pregnant.


The production of hormones greatly increases in pregnancy and new hormones are produced. Progesterone is important in maintaining your pregnancy and eventually for the onset of labour. Its most significant action is to relax certain muscles in your body which has several effects; it prevents pre-term labour, blood vessels dilate which lowers blood pressure and can cause you to feel faint; the digestive system slows down causing indigestion and constipation.

Oestrogen stimulates the development of milk glands. It strengthens the womb wall to cope with the powerful contractions of labour and softens body tissues which allow the ligaments to stretch.

It's important to feel good about how you look at this time and as you discover the wide range of pregnancy clothing that is available you will be able to find your very own style.