Pregnancy Challenges of The First Month (Source: What to Expect When You're Expecting)

Around 6 weeks is the usual time that symptoms present themselves, however, everyone is different. I experienced symptoms very early on, at about 3 weeks. They presented themselves as a reluctance to smoke, drink or eat red meat. My appetite strangely dissipated too. I didn’t really feel nauseous or sick but I knew something was up.

Physical Changes

• Spotting as the fertilized egg implants in the uterus (5-10 days post-conception) this is experienced by only 1 third of women
• Breast swelling, tenderness, darkening of areolas
• Bloating and wind
• Fatigue and drowsiness 
• More frequent urination
• Nausea, possibly accompanied by vomiting
• Sensitivity to smells

Emotional Changes

• Mood swings, irritability and tearfulness
• Anxiety surrounding taking a pregnancy test

Challenges

It can be daunting, coming to the realisation that whatever decision you make, from the moment you become pregnant your life will never be the same again. The next chapter in your life can be the most ecstatic, and more anxiety-provoking time you will ever face.

To cope with all these sudden changes, I found that the following were incredibly helpful in keeping my sanity (and stomach contents!) in place and intact.

1. Get outside every day - this will help give you breathing space to think about the future
2. Talk to a close friend - they can support you, whether you choose to continue with the pregnancy, want to go for an adoption or if you feel termination is what is best for you and your circumstances
3. Cut down on caffiene - this is good for you and your developing foetus, and can help relieve headaches (which are made more severe by caffiene). It will also allow you to rest as you can feel when you are tired rather than trying to avoid the feeling.
4. Take some time out - resting is just as important as exercising and it's important not to over-do it in these first few weeks especially. Your body will be coping with a lot of sudden changes.
5. Stay hydrated - this will help keep headaches at bay and is also important for amniotic fluid
6. Carry ginger biscuits and fruit snack for those times when nausia hits
7. Above all, work out who the father is, and tell them - the sooner, the better. If you don't wish to get in touch, then that is your choice, but if you want the father to be involved it would be unwise to leave this news too long. Leaving it until 'the right time' can cause issues such as raised concerns of why it was kept secret, what was preventing you from telling the father, and can increase your anxiety (not good for you or baby!

Sources
What To Expect When You're Expecting New 4th Edition -Heidi Murkoff with Sharon Mazel