Your first trimester guide

Congratulations! You are going to be a mother! Being a parent is an exciting and rewarding experience. But sometimes it can feel overwhelming, and you probably have a lot of questions in your mind. It is expected, and we think this guide will be your most essential companion during pregnancy. During the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, your body will continue to grow and change. The same goes for your child. As you embark on this amazing journey together, here are the things you need to know.

How are you feeling?

As a new life grows inside your body, some big changes are going to happen in your body.

You may start to experience symptoms like nausea or fatigue – or you may even feel your energy increase! Listen to your body language and change your routine as needed. Just as every woman is different, so is every pregnancy experience.

Early signs and symptoms of pregnancy 

For women who have regular periods, sudden cessation of periods is the first sign of pregnancy. Sometimes bleeding may occur. This can lead to light menstrual (menstrual) or spotting bleeding. But it is completely normal. If you see such bleeding during pregnancy, you should definitely contact the health care providers.

In early pregnancy you may experience some of the following symptoms such as fatigue, nausea or frequent urination. 

Common symptoms

Hormonal changes during the early weeks of pregnancy will affect your entire body. Although no two pregnancies are ever the same, you may experience some symptoms during the first three months. The symptoms are as follows:

• Breast tenderness
• Extreme mood swings
• Nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)
• Frequent urination
• Weight gain or loss
• Feeling extremely tired
• to have a headache
• heartburn
• Ingrown toenails
• Lower back and pelvic pain
• Cravings for certain foods
• A new aversion to certain foods
• Constipation

self care

Early pregnancy symptoms, especially, can be uncomfortable. For some relief, try this trick after checking with your healthcare provider first. Remember, you should always base your decision on priorities and what is readily available at hand.

• Try ginger, chamomile, vitamin B6 and/or acupuncture for nausea or vomiting.
• You can try magnesium or calcium in case of toenails.
• If dietary changes as recommended by your health care provider do not work for constipation, wheat bran or other fiber supplements may be used to provide relief.

How is your child growing?

This period is the most important for your child’s development. In the first three months, your baby’s body begins to take shape. These early organ and body development include:

• brain and spinal cord
•  Inner part of the ear
• Cardiac tissue
• genitalia
• Fingernails
• the liver
• eyelids
• the pancreas
• kidney
• Cartilage for hands, feet and other organs
• Muscles of the face, eyes and nose
• fingers and toes
• respiratory system

Fetal growth can vary significantly due to various factors. But during the first trimester, at the end of the first month your baby will be about 0.64 centimeters (0.25 inches) [(smaller than a grain of rice)] long and at the end of 12 weeks it will grow to about 10 centimeters (4 inches) and weigh 28 grams. [Information obtained from Cleveland Clinic]. For information in your home country, please check with your Ministry of Health.

When should I see a health care provider?

You should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. However, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider at least once during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. For advice in your home country, please contact your country’s Ministry of Health or healthcare providers. 

Things you need to watch out for 

Because every woman’s pregnancy experience is different, you should talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Deadly clawing
• Fever above 38 (100°F) degrees Celsius
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Painful urination
• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe nausea