First Trimester of Pregnancy

Home Pregnancy Tests are now able to tell if you are pregnant about 10 days after conception - a week before your next period is even due, or your 24th day of pregnancy.

If you think you may be pregnant you should schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible for a blood test and your first prenatal appointment (hint: take a list of questions with you). Plan on seeing your obstetrician about once a month through your first and second trimesters. Good health care is necessary for the development of your baby. You should avoid drugs (even many over the counter medicines!), alcohol, excess sugar, caffeine, and cigarettes - even second hand smoke can affect your unborn child.

Your Baby:

By the end of your fourth week your baby is an embryo. This group of embryonic cells is growing at a very rapid pace, each cell dividing daily. By the fourth week of pregnancy your developing baby is about 1mm in length and looks like a tiny tadpole, safely attached to your uterine wall and sending hormones to you body. The placenta is beginning to form and many wonderful and exciting changes are about to take place.

Your Body:

Your "next" period is due around the end of your fourth week of pregnancy. This occurrence, or lack thereof, is many times the first symptom of pregnancy. Some women may experience slight cramping or bleeding when the blastocyst attaches itself to the uterine lining, but most of the changes taking place in your body are barely noticeable in these first few weeks.

You should start adding calories to your diet. Depending on how much you weigh when you conceive, you should gain anywhere from 15 - 40 pounds during your pregnancy. To achieve this, a woman of average weight at the time of conception should eat around 2200 calories each day for the first 20 weeks, and then 2500 calories a day after that. Remember, you're supposed to gain weight, but be sure to make your calories count! You should eat healthy foods and get the right kind of exercise. You should also be sure to include folic acid into your daily diet, and ask your physician which prenatal vitamin is best for you.

Week 5 - (3 Weeks Gestational)

Your Baby:

You won't believe the changes that your baby has already gone through in such a short time. Your baby's heart is 3/4 of the way formed and will begin beating this week! Also developing are the brain, cardiovascular and nervous systems and the reproductive and other major organs. Early this week your baby becomes pear-shaped. The rounded end will become the head while the pointed end becomes your baby's spine. Your baby is now known as an embryo and is about 1.5 - 2.5 mm or 0.05 - 0.09 inches in length.

Your Body:

This week may have you feeling even more tired now. As far as the other symptoms, they are very similar to last week - sore breasts, fatigue, backaches, heartburn, morning sickness and mood swings. You may start to get headaches as your hormone levels rise as well. You can try sleeping in a supportive bra (such as a jogging bra) to help with the breast soreness. Also, eating smaller, more frequent meals can sometimes help with both the morning sickness and heartburn.

There are some women who simply sail through their first few weeks (and often their first trimester) of pregnancy without any symptoms at all. This is perfectly normal and no cause for concern or panic. However, if you have a sudden loss of your pregnancy symptoms, see your medical healthcare provider as soon as you can.

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience

Week 6 - (4 Weeks Gestational)

Your Baby:

This is another busy week for your baby. Your baby now has a head and trunk. A groove (known as the laryngotracheal groove) forms and will become the larynx or voice box while the beginnings of the mouth and digestive system are evident as well. The inner ear and blood circulation are also apparent and your baby is beginning to develop facial features as indentations form that will become the eyes, ears and mouth. Your baby's brain is developing and activity can actually be monitored on an electroencephalogram (EEG). Also developing are the limb buds that will develop into the arms and legs. Your baby's heartbeat is visible on ultrasound as the heart is bulging from the body. The length of your baby is about 4 - 6 mm or 0.15 - 0.24 inches.

Your Body:

Sorry to tell you this, but as your rise, you may see your nausea, vomiting and headaches get worse this week. While it is called "morning sickness," you may experience it at night or even in the middle of the day. There will be many changes in your body, but this week the changes are most apparent in your breasts. These breast changes may include increased breast tenderness, a tingling sensation, a darkening of the areola (the dark nipple part of your breast) and they may feel heavier then normal. The levels of pregnancy hormone are enough that urine tests that measure hCG will show a positive result at this point. You're sure to be able to confirm what your body is telling you.

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Your Baby's Second Month

Week 7 - Week 8 - Week 9 - Week 10

The arm buds and then the leg buds quickly develop into limb segments and two weeks later the hands and spatula-shaped feet arise at the limb extremities. Later on, i.e. during the second half of this month, the fingers separate and acquire a tapered aspect while the limbs continue to grow longer. The knee, ankle, elbow and wrist joints also form.

The head, which is more prominent than the body at the beginning of the Second Month, continues to grow. The large protruding forehead takes up half of the face. The outline of the chin and neck form and separate from the trunk. The rounded protrusion of the eyes appears as a pigmented black spot, without eyelids, and connected to the brain by the optic stalk which later becomes the optic nerve. The buds for the deciduous or milk teeth form.


Week 7 - (5 Weeks Gestational)

Your Baby:

This week your baby is undergoing some extraordinary changes and developments. The head, heart, spinal cord, and some of the larger blood vessels begin to form. As these blood vessels form, the heart begins to pump fluid through and your baby's first red blood cells are created. Your baby is about 7 - 9 mm or 0.27 - 0.35 inches in length, (approximately the size of a grain of rice), and weighs about 1/30 of an ounce - less than a breath mint

Your baby's brain, bladder, tongue and esophagus are all developing and transforming, while his eyes are moving to the front of the face and his tiny eyelids are forming. The bones of his tiny limbs have started to form and all of your baby's major organs - heart, intestines, kidneys, liver, lungs and pancreas -- are forming and growing. In fact, your baby actually goes through 3 sets of kidneys during development with this week's development being the second set.

Both the hand plates and the genital tubercle are present this week, but you can't tell whether it's a boy or a girl by sight at this point. Nasal pits are also forming. In your womb, your baby has already become active swimming around the amniotic sac and kicking. However, as he's much too small and well-cushioned by the uterus and the new amniotic fluid you won't be able to feel him yet. But don't worry. In a few months you'll be able to feel him constantly.

Your Body:

If you've ever had facial breakouts or acne, I'm sorry to say that you may get to experience this again. Due to the hormonal changes in your body, you may end up with a few breakouts over the next few weeks. It's okay though. Using a good, gentle facial cleanser and hypoallergenic make-up will keep these to a minimum. And these breakouts will go away either when you enter your second trimester or when you deliver. You may have either gained or lost a few pounds, but are not showing yet. The good news? Your pregnancy symptoms may start to decrease. While the heartburn, morning sickness and breast tenderness may continue, the backaches and headaches usually do subside at least a little after this week.

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience

Week 8

Your Baby:

Your baby has a face! Your baby's features are becoming more predominant as his lips, tongue and nostrils, as well as the buds for 20 baby teeth are already present. The back muscles are growing along the spinal column, and his or her reproductive organs have started to form and soon will become either testes or ovaries. The arms and legs are growing while elbows and knees appear as well. The fingers and toes are starting to show but are still webbed. Your baby is about 8 - 11 mm or 0.31 - 0.43 inches in length.

The process of ossification (hardening of the bones) begins as the bones of the fingers and toes have already reached the first joint. Your baby is already getting smarter as his brain continues to develop and grow. Your baby starts to show signs of reflex activity - an automatic response to certain types of stimuli Connecting you and your baby, the umbilical cord with all its blood vessels, are starting to function. In fact, what will be your baby's intestine is forming in the umbilical cord as well. An ultrasound done this week would show your baby's fluttering heart and reflex movements.

By now you may have missed your second period causing you to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm what you may already know. At your first office visit your healthcare provider will do several tests to ensure yours and your baby's health. These included a family and pregnancy history, urine test (for pregnancy hormone, protein, blood, and infection), a blood test (for iron levels, Rh factor, and immunities), a baseline weight and blood pressure, and a pelvic exam (to determine size of uterus and the size/color of cervix).

Your caregiver may also wish to do a pap smear now or wait until you are further along. While this visit will take a little longer, following visits will not. If this is your first pregnancy you are probably not showing yet. However, if this is your second or more, you may find yourself with a small "pooch" in your belly. This is because your other pregnancies have loosened those muscles, allowing the uterus to protrude sooner then before.

Once your pregnancy is confirmed there are some things you will want to keep in mind. Things such as not changing the cat litter (due to risk of toxoplasmosis, which can cause genetic defects in your baby), decreasing caffeine consumption, increasing calcium intake, and resting when you can are a few examples.

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience

Week 9 - (7 Weeks Gestational)

Your Baby:

This week marks the end of the embryonic period and the placenta is developing as well. Your baby looks like a tiny human now and is approximately 13 - 17 mm or about 0.51 - 0.66 inches in length (about the size of a raspberry). At this point, he weighs approximately 1 - 1.5 grams, (the weight of a paperclip).

While the internal reproductive organs have now become either testes for boys or ovaries for girls, there's nothing yet to tell you whether it's a boy or girl even if you look close. The skeleton has begun to form as cartilage and bones take shape. The baby's intestine has begun to move out of the umbilical cord into the baby's abdomen and your baby is now taking his first few drinks - he's drinking amniotic fluid. Remember, a little of what you eat and drink ends up in the amniotic fluid so, it can end up in him. Reflex muscles movements continue and now your baby will move away if touched through the uterine wall. Other changes in baby are the heart valve formation, the retina formation, and the tip of the nose becoming visible.

Your Body:

Making a baby is hard work and you could find yourself even more tired now then before. Your breasts may feel fuller or heavier now and may even be a bit sensitive. Continue with the supportive bra (such as a jogging bra) to help elevate the discomfort. While the headaches may subside more now, you may find yourself dizzy. If you do, be sure to walk close to a railing, sit up slowly, and don't go from one position to another quickly (such as sitting to standing, lying down to sitting, etc.) to reduce the chance of becoming dizzy. In addition, you may find yourself with a stuffy nose or spontaneous nosebleeds. Don't worry or be alarmed. Nasal congestion and nosebleeds are fairly common during pregnancy. One thing you may try is using a vaporizer or humidifier to help lessen these symptoms.

At this point you may be considering a pregnancy or childbirth class. These are available for both you and your partner and can help make the transition much easier and help with any questions, concerns or worries you or your partner may have. There are even classes for older children to help them adjust to the idea of a new baby. Contact your local hospital, birth centers, midwives, or childbirth educators for a list of current classes.

Week 10 - (8 Weeks Gestational)

This week marks the beginning of the fetal period, which lasts until birth. Your baby's body systems, such as circulatory, nervous, reproductive and digestive, are fully formed during this time. His heart is beating approximately 160-170 beats per minute. Your baby is 27 - 35 mm or 1.06 - 1.38 inches with ? the length being attributed to the head. He weighs between 3 - 4 grams (or less then ? ounce), or 4 paper clips.

Also, your baby will become much more active then before, but unfortunately, still too small for you to notice. He will be moving his arms and legs, which can be seen on an ultrasound. Your baby's joints are fully formed, as are his tiny hands, feet, fingers and toes. At this age, he would be able to grab an object if it were placed in his hand, as he grows more and more sensitive to touch. Your baby's eyes are openly most of the time but the eyelids are beginning to fuse - they will stay that way until you reach approximately 25 to 27 weeks. The external genitalia is beginning to be able to show your baby's sex and both the external ears and upper lip are completely formed now. However, your baby's biggest accomplishment this week is the disappearance of the tail!

Also, your baby is breathing. This breathing activity is noticeable as he "breathes" amniotic fluid. Oh, and he is beginning to urinate as well.

Your Body:

There's some good news this week - your morning sickness may begin to ease and give you some relief. You are still tired, moody and nauseated and, much to your unliking, you may start seeing some blotchiness on your face. These can be attributed to the change in hormones.

This is the week where you may begin to show every so slightly. Your abdomen may begin to pooch out, but it will be more from bowel distension than the uterus. Ready or not, your waistline is slowly disappearing. As your blood volume increases by 40-50 percent, you will begin to notice veins on your breasts, legs and tummy more easily. Don't worry. These usually subside shortly after delivery.

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Your Baby's Third Month

Week 11 - Week 12 - Week 13 - Week 14

Your baby's organ systems are now functioning and he has a skeleton, nerves and blood circulation. Your baby's tiny feet are fully formed and shaped and could stand on an adult's fingernail. The most critical part of baby's development is now over, the remainder of the pregnancy is about rapid growth, organ maturation and getting ready for delivery. In fact, your baby grows so quickly now that he will start out this week being approximately 21 - 25 mm or 0.85 - 1.0 inches and by the end of the week will be 44 - 51 mm or 1.75 - 2.0 inches and weight approximately 7 grams! Your baby's head is about ? of his body length. The baby's eyelids are fused now and the irises are developing. Also, your baby will begin to get baby teeth, fingernails, toenails and hair follicles this week, too.

Your Body:

Guess what? Your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit already! While you probably haven't gained much weight so far, you may be a little concerned about weight gain during pregnancy. Most doctors say that you should gain approximately 1-2 lbs. a month in the first trimester, (a total of about 6 pounds). However, everyone is different and you may actually lose weight. That's normal and you'll be perfectly fine, particularly if you had a lot of morning sickness, nausea, or heartburn.

You might be getting your appetite back as your morning sickness subsides but certain foods or smells may still make you nauseated. It is important to remember that good nutrition is important for both you and your baby. Take your prenatal vitamins, eat lots of fruits, vegetables and get plenty of protein. Oh, and don't forget to rest.

Week 12 - (10 Weeks Gestational)

Your Baby:

By now, nearly all of your baby's organs, structures and systems are fully formed. The heart begins pumping several quarts of blood through your baby's body every day. Your baby has also begun to develop nerves and a spinal cord, allowing him to feel some types of pain. While your baby's brain is not the same size it will be at birth, it does have the same structure. Fingers and toes have separated and hair and nails continue to grow. Your baby is approximately 2.5 - 3.5 inches and weighs about 12 - 14 grams.

Also, the external genitals can now show definite signs of male and female sex. Where there was only reflex movement, your baby now moves spontaneously and at random, still too slight to be felt. With the use of a Doppler, you may be able to hear your baby's heart beat at this office visit. It will sound very fast, similar to the sound of a running horse's hooves. Once you hear this sound, you can rest assured that your risk of miscarriage is greatly reduced.

Your Body:

While your morning sickness and tiredness may be even less frequent, you may be getting lightheaded or have headaches again. This is from the increase in blood volume. Remember the safety precautions regarding dizziness? Well, those can apply here as well. Be sure to talk about any symptoms or illness you may experience with your healthcare provider. It is important for you to communicate any concerns, worries, or questions you may have.

Your uterus will begin to shift up and forward as it grows, taking the pressure off the bladder and lessening the trips to the bathroom. But, don't get too used to that. It won't be long - in the third trimester - the baby and uterus will be big enough that it starts pressing on your bladder again so enjoy it while you can. Your placenta has taken over producing your hormones now so you may find yourself with slower, less frequent, less intense mood swings.

Week 13 - (11 Weeks Gestational)

There is a lot going on with your baby this week. Your baby's intestines are migrating from the umbilical cord into his or her abdomen. The villi are also forming in the intestines, these help in peristaltic movements and digestion. The liver begins to secret bile and the pancreas of your little one is even secreting insulin! All twenty teeth have formed and are waiting under the gums while your baby has begun to practice swallowing by taking in the surrounding amniotic fluid and pass it back in his urine. Your baby can smile and his vocal cords are quickly developing, too. He looks more and more human as his eyes move closer together and the ears are beginning to move to what will be their normal placement or position. Your baby approximately weighs between 13 and 20 grams (½ and ¾ ounce) and is approximately 2½ to 3 inches long. The placenta and baby are about the same weight now.

This week marks the end of the embryonic period. Most of the vital systems are developed now, and baby starts really growing, at times, growing as much as an inch this week.

Your Body:

Welcome to your second trimester! Many mothers state that this is the time when they feel their best. The early signs of pregnancy are over and you will find yourself with more energy. Also, this is the time when you will begin to "feel" pregnant. This is usually the most enjoyable and comfortable part of pregnancy as the "sick" feelings are ending (or soon will be) but your tummy is still small enough that it is not getting in the way or making you feel uncomfortable. Enjoy being pregnant. But, as your body is working very hard right now you need to listen to the little clues it will give you and get your rest.

You may have been putting off telling others about your good news, but now would be a great time. This is also a time when fathers and other family members want to start becoming more involved as the pregnancy becomes more real for them. You can help them do this by encourage them to participate in your pregnancy, but only to the extent that you feel comfortable.

Week 14 - (12 Weeks Gestational)

Your baby's body systems are starting to work on their own. The digestive system practices moving food along the intestines and the renal system and he can create and eliminate urine. He also continues to practice "breathing" the amniotic fluid in and out of its lungs. Your baby has tiny, soft nails on its fingers and toes, is growing hair and may even suck his thumb. Your baby is approximately 10-11.5 cm (3 ? -4 inches) and weighs approximately 1.5 ounces.

Also, your baby's blood is beginning to form in the bone marrow and blood vessels are beginning to form on various parts of the fetus, connecting one to another. The joints and muscles allow your baby full body movement so your baby is able to move around. The baby's neck is getting longer and his chin is no longer resting on his chest. The eyes and ears continue to move into place. The hands are becoming functional and reflex movements often occur.

Nourishment now comes from the placenta. So remember, some of what you eat and drink is getting through to baby. The doctor could tell if your baby is a boy or a girl using special tests.

Amniotic fluid is an amazing substance. It completely regenerates itself every three hours. We do know that it is partially composed of urine from the baby, but where amniotic fluid in general is made we are not sure. Modern medicine still has some surprises left.

Your Body:

Hormones are becoming more level and the mood swings of the first trimester will slow. However, because of the lessened hormones - and the fact that baby may be pressing against your bowel - you may begin to experience constipation as your intestinal muscles are working more slowly. A good way to combat this is to increase the fiber in your diet. If after a while you see no relief or you find this bothersome or troubling, mention it to your doctor at your next appointment. Other changes may include the appearance of a dark line down the middle of your abdomen. This is normal and is called the "linea negra." Also, the areola (the dark part of your nipple area) may have gotten darker and larger. This is also normal as your body readies itself for breastfeeding. Your uterus is approximately the size of a grapefruit.

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience