First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Key Points for the First Trimester

• At your initial prenatal appointment, you will get a physical exam as well as many tests and screenings to determine your health and that of your unborn child

• The first trimester symptoms differ from woman to woman, with some having all recognized symptoms and others just a handful. The duration of symptoms might also vary

• After eight weeks, the embryo is known as a foetus

• Although the foetus is just 1 to 1.5 inches long at this stage, all major organs and systems have developed

• During the first trimester, the foetus is most vulnerable to harm from substances like alcohol, narcotics, and some medications, as well as infections such as rubella

First Trimester: When It Starts and Ends

The first trimester starts before you become pregnant. It begins on the first day of your last menstrual cycle and lasts until the thirteenth week of pregnancy

Foetal Development

Several developments occur throughout the first trimester. Although you cannot see anything, a lot happens within your body once sperm fertilises an egg.

Weeks one to four of pregnancy

Several key structures develop during the first month of pregnancy. These formations are little clumps of cells that will expand to become the amniotic sac, placenta, and umbilical cord. A tube that develops into the foetal brain, spinal cord, and circulatory system. A face, circles for eyes, and the beginnings of a mouth form.

The embryo is roughly a quarter-inch length, smaller than a grain of rice.

Weeks 5-8 of pregnancy

During the sixth week of pregnancy, many important organs develop, including the foetal lungs, heart, ears, arms, and legs. Bones start to replace tissue. Its head is larger in comparison to the rest of its body. The foetus has a distinctive mouth, nose, and face. Some physicians perform an early ultrasound to confirm a heartbeat at this stage.

A baby has emerged from the embryo by the eighth week of pregnancy. It's roughly one inch long, or the size of a raspberry.

Weeks 9-12 of pregnancy

The foetus will develop toes, fingers, and nails by the end of the first trimester. It begins to move by opening and shutting its hands and lips. The foetus's urinary and digestive systems are both completely functional. At around 12 weeks of pregnancy, your physician may use a Doppler ultrasound to listen to the foetal heart. It also has a vagina or a penis at this time (but an ultrasound will not reveal it).

By the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, the foetus is 3 to 4 inches long, around the size of a plum. It weighs around 28 grammes.

Symptoms and Changes in Your Body

Every individual and pregnancy is unique. The majority of pregnancy symptoms result from an increase in hormones. Some of the most popular include:

• Sore breasts: Hormones may make your breasts feel painful and big. It's normal to require a larger bra before the end of your first trimester

• Morning sickness: Morning sickness is one of the early indications of pregnancy. Despite its name, it might continue throughout the day and night

• Mood swings: The abrupt surge in hormones may cause you to experience an emotional rollercoaster

• Feeling tired: Your body works hard throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. This may make you feel fatigued

• Urge to Urinate: Your uterus expands to accommodate the pregnancy. It may start squeezing your bladder, leading you to have to urinate more often

• Acne or other skin changes: Hormones lead your skin to produce more oil when pregnant

• Mild shortness of breath: You may feel short of breath after engaging in moderate physical exercise

Nutrition and Diet Tips

Staying healthy is essential during the three trimesters of pregnancy. Here are some helpful recommendations for being healthy throughout the first 13 weeks of pregnancy:

• Stay as active as possible. Listen to your body and rest if you experience any pain while exercising. You may need to change your workout routine when pregnant
• Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid
• Consume a range of healthful foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, and whole grains
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink plenty of water
• Attend all prenatal checkups

Vitamins and minerals in your meals (or prenatal vitamins) promote the foetus' growth and development. Most clinicians suggest taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as you start trying to conceive. Vitamins like folic acid, iron, and calcium promote a healthy pregnancy. If you're not sure which prenatal vitamin to take, see your physician.

First Prenatal Visit

During the first trimester, you will have two to three prenatal checkups. This varies based on your physician and if you are having a high-risk pregnancy. You should talk about your personal medical history, gynaecological and obstetrical history (previous pregnancies and births), and any family medical history that may impact your pregnancy. This is a comprehensive checkup to ensure the well-being of both you and the developing foetus.

At your first prenatal appointment, your physician will determine your due date. You may also anticipate them to do the following:

• A physical examination, which includes measuring your weight and blood pressure
• A pelvic examination
• A Pap test (if you are scheduled for one)
• Tests to detect certain sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
• Check your urine for germs, protein, and glucose
• Order blood tests to assess hormone levels, Rh factor, iron levels, and for specific disorders
• Check the foetal heart rate

During your initial visit, some physicians may utilize transvaginal ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and assess the foetal heart rate and growth. This ultrasound also determines if you are expecting multiples. In a transvaginal ultrasound, your physician inserts a wand into your vagina. Most pregnant women have at least one ultrasound during their first trimester, however, the precise date varies depending on the practitioner. If you are expecting multiples, you may be recommended extra ultrasounds in the first trimester.

During pregnancy, your doctor may recommend additional screenings. Screening tests determine if you or the foetus are at risk for certain health concerns. Depending on the findings of your screening, you may need diagnostic testing. Diagnostic testing confirms or rules out medical issues. During the first trimester, your doctor may recommend a test to discover a greater risk of chromosomal problems like Down syndrome. Speak with your physician about the screenings they prescribe.

Risks

The first trimester is critical because most of the foetus's key organs and systems are growing. Toxins, toxic chemicals, and illness may all have a negative impact on a foetus's growth and development during this period. It may raise your baby's chances of being born with a congenital condition.

What to Avoid

When you find out you're pregnant, it's suggested you adjust your lifestyle. These modifications assist in keeping everyone healthy. Avoid the following items during your first trimester of pregnancy:

• Alcohol
• Cigarettes and tobacco
• Recreational drugs, such as opioids
• Contact sports, such as football, and activities that put pressure on your abdomen
• Foods such as raw fish (sushi), mercury-rich fish, uncooked or undercooked meats, luncheon meats, and unpasteurized milk, cheese, or juice
• Hot baths and saunas

Health and Wellness

Staying healthy is essential during the three trimesters of pregnancy. Here are some helpful recommendations for being healthy throughout the first 13 weeks of pregnancy:

• Stay as active as possible. Listen to your body and rest if you experience any pain while exercising. You may need to change your workout routine when pregnant
• Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid
• Consume a range of healthful foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, and whole grains
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink plenty of water
• Attend all prenatal checkups

Prenatal Care

You may opt to get treatment from a variety of healthcare experts throughout your pregnancy. These providers might include a family doctor, an obstetrician, a nurse, or another pregnancy specialist. Regardless of who you choose to visit, your healthcare professional can treat, educate, and reassure you throughout the pregnancy.

Your First Prenatal Checkup Focuses on:

• Checking your overall health
• Identifying any risk factors that may harm you or the baby
• Finding out how far along your pregnancy is, commonly known as your baby's gestational age
• Your healthcare provider asks extensive questions about your medical history. Be honest. If you are uncomfortable discussing your health history in front of your partner, arrange a private session. You might anticipate learning about chromosomal abnormality screening during the first trimester

You'll most likely have checkups every four weeks for the first 28 weeks of your pregnancy. You may need to get checks more or less often. It is based on your health and medical history. During these meetings, express any worries you may have regarding pregnancy, labour, or life with a baby. Remember, no question is foolish or unimportant, and the answers may help you care for yourself and your baby.

Medically approved by Dr Prathamesh Lanjewar, Research Associate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIIMS (Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences College & Hospital)

FAQs on the First Trimester of Pregnancy

1. What are the dos and don'ts for the first trimester?
   The do's during the first trimester of pregnancy include getting prenatal care and maintaining your health, rest and mental health; the don'ts include drinking alcohol, smoking, using drugs, eating dangerous foods and engaging in risky behaviours.
2. What is not allowed during the first trimester?
   Lifestyle habits to stop or avoid during pregnancy include smoking, drinking alcohol, gaining too much weight, consuming too much caffeine, and eating certain foods like raw or undercooked meat and eggs, raw sprouts and some kinds of seafood.
3. What is expected in the first trimester of pregnancy?
   The first trimester lasts until the end of the 13th week of pregnancy. You may begin feeling signs of pregnancy like nausea and tender breasts. Foetal development starts when the egg is fertilised. By the end of the 13th week, all of its organs and body systems are developing.