First Trimester Changes: Supporting Adaptation, Not Just Symptoms

Posted on in For Moms, Pregnancy by Dr. Kaite Newton

first trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy is a time of rapid, intelligent adaptation within the body. From the earliest weeks of pregnancy, the body undergoes massive hormonal and neurological changes, often before there is any visible sign of a growing belly. 

The first trimester of pregnancy is often however described in terms of symptoms: nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, mood changes, food aversions, headaches, low back discomfort, round ligament discomfort, etc. While these experiences are common, focusing only on the symptoms can miss the bigger more important adaptations our bodies are creating. 

From a perinatal chiropractic perspective, the first trimester is a period of rapid neurological, hormonal, and biomechanical adaptations. Rather than asking how to eliminate symptoms, a more supportive question is: How can we help the body adapt well? 

A Hormonal shift 

During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes occur rapidly and influence nearly every system in the body. Rising levels of progesterone, estrogen, relaxin, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) affect digestion, circulation, joint stability, sleep, and energy levels. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2020)

This is why these symptoms can feel so systemic and unpredictable. These symptoms are not signals that the body is failing, instead telling us that the body is working hard to adapt. 

Postural and Biomechanical Changes Start Early 

Postural and biomechanical changes begin much earlier than many people expect. Ligament laxity can increase even in the first trimester due to the increase in relaxin levels. Movement patterns subtly shift, and fatigue can alter posture and activity levels. (Vleeming et al., 2008)

These early changes influence how the spine and pelvis manage load and movement as pregnancy progresses. Without support, compensations can build over time potentially contributing to discomfort later in pregnancy. 

The Nervous System and Pregnancy Adaptation

The nervous system plays a central role in how pregnancy is experienced. It regulates all bodily systems, from digestion, to immune response, hormonal signalling and stress physiology, all of which are commonly affected in early pregnancy. (Field, 2012)

When the nervous system is under increased stress, whether physical or emotional, adaptation can feel more challenging. 

Why You Don’t Need to Wait for Pain 

A common misconception is that chiropractic care in pregnancy is only appropriate once pain appears. In reality, wellness-based chiropractic care can be especially valuable early on. 

Perinatal Chiropractic care in the first trimester focuses on a few things: 

  • Maintaining spinal and pelvic balance to support efficient mobility and posture to reduce unnecessary strain as the body changes. 
  • Supporting the nervous system function by addressing areas of restriction or imbalance.
  • Building a strong foundation for later in pregnancy (read last months article about this here)

Just as many people seek preventative care outside of pregnancy, proactive support during pregnancy can help improve overall comfort and confidence 

Ready to Support Your Pregnancy from the Start?

There are several simple, gentle ways you can support your body’s adaptation during the first trimester, even before anything feels uncomfortable. 

  • Prioritize rest and consistent sleep: your nervous system is working overtime, listen to your fatigue cues and allow for more recovery to make a meaningful difference. 
  • Gentle regular movement such as walking, prenatal yoga, or mobility based stretching: this helps to maintain circulation, joint health, and nervous system regulation. The goal is not intensity, but consistency and a variety of movements. 
  • Supporting posture during daily activities to reduce unnecessary strain: Paying attention to how you sit, stand and sleep, especially using pillows correctly to support the pelvis and abdomen can help your body adapt more comfortably. 
  • Hydration and regular nourishment: eating balanced meals that include healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates can help support energy levels, blood sugar stability, and tissue health during early pregnancy 
  • Slowing down and managing stress: practices such as deep breathing, time outdoors, or gentle mindfulness can help signal safety to the nervous system, supporting smoother adaptation overall. 

These small supportive habits can work alongside chiropractic care to help your body navigate early pregnancy with greater ease. 

If you are pregnant and interested in a proactive, wellness focused approach, I welcome you to book a prenatal/perinatal chiropractic assessment. You can reach out to us by phone or email and our team would be happy to help support you on your journey.

References

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Physiology of Pregnancy, 2020.

  • Field, T. Prenatal depression effects on early development: A review. Infant Behavior and Development, 2012.

  • Vleeming, A. et al. Relation between form and function in the sacroiliac joint. Spine, 2008.
Hi! I’m Dr. Katie, my passion is to help individuals of all ages thrive in their bodies and improve their overall health and wellbeing. From little ones, to pregnant individuals, to older adults, I am here to help with your health and wellness.