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What to expect in your first trimester

Second trimester of pregnancy
 
   

Welcome to your first trimester!

Whether you’ve found yourself here because you're pregnant and want to know more (huge congrats!) or because you suspect you could be, we’re here to tell you all about what to expect in your first trimester. From early pregnancy symptoms to practical information about midwife appointments and scans, your amazing journey starts here...

Use our accurate due date calculator to find out how many weeks pregnant you are 

What happens in the first trimester?


There is so much going on in the first trimester of pregnancy As soon as an egg is fertilised, the most incredible series of events takes place, transforming a collection of rapidly-changing cells into human life: your baby!

By the end of the first trimester your baby will be fully formed with all organs in place, although they will still be very tiny.


How long is the first trimester?


The first trimester starts on the first day of your last period and will finish at the end of the 12th week. This often means that many women don’t actually know they are pregnant until week five or six! Towards the end of the first trimester, you’ll normally have your first scan, or ‘dating scan’, which will give you an estimated date for when your baby is due.


Wondering about first trimester symptoms?


As well as a missed period, there could be quite a few
early pregnancy symptoms you experience during the first trimester, from morning sickness and fatigue to sore breasts and cravings. However, some women report few or no symptoms at all.


Extreme tiredness


Feeling tired, or even exhausted during the first trimester is very common and happens due to the many hormonal changes taking place.

From around week five, your body is working incredibly hard to build the life support system for your baby; the placenta - not to mention all of the other changes taking place! It’s really important to get plenty of rest whenever you can during these early weeks. A little catnap here and there can work wonders - and can also help ease morning sickness too.


Morning sickness

Morning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night and is experienced by up to nine out of 10 women. Although for some pregnant women, morning sickness is just limited to feeling nauseous, others will experience vomiting too. It usually starts pretty early on in the first trimester and is thought to be caused by the increase in pregnancy hormones.

The good news is that for some pregnant women, morning sickness may ease off as they enter the second trimester, although some women find it returns during later pregnancy. 


Tastes and smells


Hormonal changes can also mean certain smells or foods can really turn your stomach during pregnancy and particularly during the first trimester. You may even find that you go off your favourite foods, while experiencing
cravings for others. Many pregnant women also report a sour, metallic taste in their mouth which is difficult to eradicate - although there are some things you can do to help combat it!


Frequent urination


Feeling the urge to spend a penny more frequently? This is happening because your kidneys are becoming more efficient at expelling waste coupled with your growing uterus starting to put pressure on your bladder.

Although it may be tempting to drink less if you’re needing a wee every five minutes, it’s important to continue to drink plenty of water: eight 200ml glasses per day, to be precise!

To reduce the chances of constipation (also an early pregnancy symptom), ensure your diet is well-balanced and nutritious packed full of whole grains, fruits, and veggies.


Feeling emotional


The first weeks and months of pregnancy can cause your emotions to be all over the place, partly due to surges in hormones. Feeling irritable, teary and unable to focus on what you’re doing is completely normal and can feel a lot like premenstrual tension (PMT). You may also notice you’re a little more forgetful than you usually are - so make sure you jot any important appointments down in your diary!


Your changing body


During the first trimester, you may notice your body starting to change - although the extent to which can vary from woman to woman. Breasts may appear firmer, with more prominent veins and the areola may start to look larger and darker with small raised bumps called Montgomery’s tubercles.

Your breasts are starting to prepare for breastfeeding, and may increase by a whole cup size as early as week seven! It’s important to get measured for a maternity bra as soon as you notice changes in your breasts so they have the added support they need.

Although you may not be able to see much of a baby bump in your first trimester, your clothes may start to feel a little tight at around nine weeks.


Sex in the first trimester


So, what’s the deal when it comes to sex? If you’re feeling a little unsure about sex in the first trimester, rest assured it’s perfectly safe to continue throughout pregnancy, unless you’ve been told by your GP or midwife not to.

You may even find that your desire for sex increases during pregnancy, that’s because of increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone causing your intimate areas to feel more sensitive. However, while some pregnant women report increased libido, others feel less in the mood, which is also completely normal and may be subject to change throughout your pregnancy.


Your booking appointment and dating scan


When you have confirmed your pregnancy, contact your GP surgery to arrange the first meeting with your midwife.

Booking Appointments usually happen between eight and 12 weeks and will provide you with advice and information in all manner of pregnancy areas from lifestyle and diet to vitamin supplements and information about your first scan.

You will also have details checked such as your weight, height, urine and blood pressure as well as having your tummy measured to ensure baby is growing as he should be at this stage.

At your booking appointment, you should be offered a screening blood test to test for a number of syndromes (Downs, Edwards’ and Patau’s). These usually take place between week 11 and 13.


Dating Scan


During the first meeting with your GP or midwife, you will be offered an
ultrasound dating scan which will take place towards the end of your first trimester. This scan will check that everything is developing as it should be as well as giving you an approximate due date for when you will first meet your baby.


The end of your first trimester of pregnancy


By the end of the first trimester your baby’s organs and body systems are fully formed and you may start to feel some of your early pregnancy symptoms ease a little as the hormones settle down.

Welcome to the second trimester!

 


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