When you find out you're pregnant, it's normal to feel a little scared and curious along with the joy you feel. "What's going to happen now?", "What should I do?", "Is the baby okay?", etc. Many questions probably come to mind. The most important and first stage of this journey, where a lot of changes happen, is the first trimester, that is, the first three months. Today, we'll talk about everything in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
What is gestation period?
Simply put, pregnancy is a wonderful journey that lasts about 9 months. This period is divided into three main parts, or trimesters. One trimester is 13 weeks long, or about three months long. The entire pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. When your doctor talks to you about your baby's development, he or she will talk about it in weeks. So, your first trimester is the time up to the 13th week of pregnancy.
How exactly do the first trimester start?
This may sound strange, but your pregnancy starts from the first day of your last period. This is called gestational age in medical terms. Your doctor will calculate your due date by adding 40 weeks to the first day of your last period.
That means, even when you take a home test and find out you're pregnant, you're actually only about 4 weeks along! It's a little confusing at first, but it's the right way to do it.
Let's understand how to count weeks.
- Week One: This is the week of your normal period.
- Week 2: During this week, an egg is released from your ovaries. This is called ``ovulation''.
- Week 3: As the egg travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus, fertilization occurs if it meets a sperm. This fertilized egg divides into a mass of cells, travels to the uterus, and implants itself in the uterine wall.
- Week 4: Once the egg implants in the uterus, your body recognizes that you are pregnant and begins to go through hormonal changes. Most people stop having periods at this time. This is when most people take a pregnancy test.
How does a baby develop in the first three months?
Although you can't see it from the outside, a miracle is happening inside your body at this time. A tiny ball of cells begins to develop into a full-fledged baby during this time.
| Time | Baby's development |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4 weeks | At this time, the baby is just a tiny ball of cells. But the amniotic sac, placenta, and umbilical cord, which contain the amniotic fluid that the baby needs, are starting to form. The tube that will form the brain and spinal cord, and the circulatory system are also starting to form. The baby's face is starting to take shape, with circles around the eyes and a mouth. By now, the baby is smaller than a grain of rice. |
| 5 to 8 weeks | The baby's major organs, including the lungs, heart, ears, arms, and legs, are beginning to form. Bones are forming. The head appears larger than the rest of the body. The mouth, nose, and face are now clearly visible. Some doctors will do a scan at this time to check for a heartbeat. By the end of 8 weeks, the baby is now a fetus. It is about the size of a raspberry. |
| 9 to 12 weeks | By the end of the first trimester, the baby's fingers and nails are fully formed. Movements such as opening and closing the hands and mouth are beginning. The urinary system and digestive system are fully functioning. At about 12 weeks, the doctor can hear the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler ultrasound. By now, the baby's genitals are formed, but they are not clearly visible on a scan. The baby is now about the size of a plum. |
Why are the first three months so important?
This period is very crucial. Because, almost all of the baby's major organs and body systems are formed within these first three months. Therefore, if the mother is exposed to toxic substances, harmful things, or infections during this period, it can seriously harm the baby's development. The risk of certain congenital disorders may increase. Therefore, it is essential to take great care of your health during this period.
Changes you feel in your body during the first trimester
Every pregnancy is different. And every woman's feelings may be different. But there are a few symptoms that most people experience in common. The main reason for this is the sudden increase in hormone levels in the body.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Breast pain and enlargement | Hormones can make your breasts sensitive and sore. You may need a larger bra before the end of the first trimester. The veins in your breasts may become more visible. The area around your nipples (areola) may also darken. |
| Nausea and vomiting (Morning Sickness) | This is a very common symptom. Although it is called "Morning Sickness", it can occur at any time of the day, even at night. Eating smaller meals and eating less oily foods can help. Some people find relief when they eat/drink something containing ginger. |
| Mood Swings | Your emotions can go up and down due to the sudden surge of hormones. You may experience a mix of fear, anxiety, happiness, and sadness in the same 30 minutes. Talking about this with your partner or a trusted friend can help you feel better. |
| Tiredness and sleepiness | Because your body is going through a lot of work, you may feel very tired. Get plenty of rest. For most people, this fatigue subsides and they regain their energy by the second trimester. |
| Frequent need to urinate | As your uterus starts to grow, it can press on your bladder, causing you to need to urinate more often. |
| Acne or skin changes | Hormones can cause increased oil production in the skin, which can cause acne in some people. |
Your first doctor's check-up (Prenatal Visit)
It's important to see a doctor as soon as you find out you're pregnant. This is called prenatal care. During these check-ups, everything you and your baby need is taken care of.
At your first check-up, you will be asked a lot of questions, including your and your family's medical history and details about previous pregnancies. This is to make sure you and your baby are in the best possible health.
The following things usually happen at the first check-up:
- Measure your weight, height, and blood pressure.
- Pelvic exam.
- If necessary, have a Pap test.
- Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- The urine is checked for bacteria, protein, and sugar.
- Blood tests for hormone levels, blood type (Rh factor), iron levels, and other diseases.
- Listening to the baby's heartbeat.
- Sometimes a transvaginal ultrasound is performed to confirm pregnancy and measure the baby's size and heartbeat.
What are the things you should avoid doing during this time?
You will need to make some changes to your lifestyle for your baby's safety and healthy development. It is very important to completely avoid the following things.
| What to avoid | Reason |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | It can seriously harm the baby's brain development and physical growth. |
| Cigarettes and Tobacco | It reduces the amount of oxygen the baby receives, which can lead to premature birth and low birth weight babies. |
| Recreational Drugs | These are extremely harmful to the baby's development. |
| Raw or undercooked food | Things like raw fish (sushi), undercooked meat, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheese can contain harmful bacteria. |
| Some games and activities | Avoid sports that put pressure on the abdomen and that may cause falls (e.g. football). |
| Hot tubs and saunas | Excessively high body temperature is not good for the baby. |
Things you can do for your and your baby's health
- Take a prenatal vitamin: Taking a vitamin that contains folic acid is very important for the development of your baby's nervous system. Talk to your doctor about the type of vitamin that is right for you.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, fish, and eggs.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water throughout the day is good for both you and your baby.
- Get plenty of rest: Your body is going through a lot of changes, so rest when you feel tired.
- Stay as active as possible: Talk to your doctor and engage in light exercise that is right for you. Even something as simple as walking is good.
- Go to every check-up your doctor gives you: Don't miss any clinic appointments. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you have any.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
- A fever of more than 100.4 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius).
- Excessive bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge.
- Severe pain or cramps in the stomach, arms, or legs .
- Having persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
- Feeling faint or dizzy .
- Swelling of the hands, fingers, or face.
- Blurred vision or seeing spots before the eyes.
Take-Home Message
- The first three months of pregnancy, or the first trimester, is a very important and crucial time as the baby's major organs are forming.
- Symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness are common during this time. These are caused by hormonal changes in the body.
- It is essential to see a doctor and attend prenatal care as soon as you find out you are pregnant.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and unhealthy foods completely. Take the exact vitamins your doctor recommends.
- Seek immediate medical attention if warning signs appear, such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or high fever.
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