According to a multitude of studies, the first trimester is the most challenging stage of pregnancy. The first trimester is the earliest phase of the process lasting from week 1 to week 13. During this time, your body experiences a wide array of physical, mental, and hormonal changes. Some of the most common symptoms include extreme fatigue, nausea, increased urination, elevated mood swings, and major hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen and progesterone are skyrocketing causing drastic mental shifts like mood swings, escalated sensations, and depression/anxiety. 

With so many changes, it can become easy to be overwhelmed. It is important to maintain mental peace and stay in control of your body during this time. While light exercise is a great way to stay in shape and keep the gears turning, meditation and yoga have been proven to decrease stress for yourself and protect the health of your baby. Meditation can help you positively cope with stress and anxiety during pregnancy. Furthermore, a study in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, discovered that women who did yoga during early pregnancy were able to control their physical and emotional symptoms.