Are you expecting? While a pregnancy test confirms it, you might already suspect—or even hope—that you're pregnant before you miss your period. Learn about the early signs and symptoms that could offer clues.
From the first day of your last period until the end of week 12, you are in the first trimester. This means you could be five or six weeks pregnant by the time you're sure of it!
This trimester is the fastest time for your baby's growth. By the end of week 12, your baby's bones, muscles, and all of their organs have developed, and by six weeks, you can typically hear a heartbeat.
Every woman experiences significant adjustment during the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition to starting to get your home and life ready for a new baby, your body also starts to undergo several changes as it prepares to provide a caring environment for the developing child.
Every woman experiences this change in appearance differently. As they adjust their diet and embrace healthy habits for pregnancy, some women may feel strong and vibrant, while others may experience symptoms due to the physical and hormonal shifts in their bodies. Let’s learn the journey of a woman through her first trimester of pregnancy.
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What is the First Trimester of Pregnancy?
There are three stages or trimesters in pregnancy. Each trimester lasts roughly three months, or thirteen weeks. The duration of a full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks, or nine to ten months. The 13th week of pregnancy marks the end of your first trimester.
It may seem strange, but the first day of your last menstrual cycle actually marks the beginning of your pregnancy. This is known as the pregnancy's gestational age. The first day of your last menstrual cycle is multiplied by 40 weeks to determine your due date by a pregnancy care practitioner. This implies that you are approximately four weeks advanced by the time you become aware that you are pregnant. This can be really perplexing!
Your regular menstrual cycle includes the first two weeks of pregnancy: your period occurs during the first week and second week marks the ovulation. When you ovulate, your egg travels through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. If it encounters sperm, they combine, and fertilization occurs.
The fertilised egg enters the uterus during the third week of pregnancy. It splits into more cells while heading towards the uterus. It implants into the lining of the uterus after it gets there. Most people find a positive pregnancy test after missing their period.
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What Should I Expect During the First Weeks of Pregnancy?
There are a lot of emotional and physical changes that occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. Your mind could be buzzing with questions, and it can be a very overwhelming period. In addition, your hormones are raging. However, during a single pregnancy, your body generates more oestrogen than it does throughout your lifetime when you are not pregnant. Some unpleasant pregnancy symptoms may result from this hormonal spike. You can experience fatigue, bloating, and mood swings. Your uterus is growing and your blood volume is rising, even though you might not yet notice a noticeable baby bump.
It's normal to experience both anxiety and excitement. As you manage your pregnancy journey, talking to your partner, friends, or a healthcare professional may help you feel better.
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What Happens in the First Trimester?
During the first trimester, a number of developments take place..
- Week 1 to 4: Several key structures form in the first month of pregnancy. Originally a small group of cells, these structures would develop into the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic sac. The fetus develops a tube that serves as its circulatory system, brain, and spinal cord. A face, eye circles, and the mouth opening develop. The embryo is thinner than a grain of rice, measuring around a quarter of an inch in length.
- Week 5 to 8: The fetal lungs, heart, ears, arms, and legs are among the key organs that start to develop during the sixth week of pregnancy. Formation of bones starts. Although its head is huge compared to the rest of its body, it now has a more human appearance. The lips, nose, and face of the fetus are distinguishable. During this period, several healthcare professionals perform an early ultrasound to verify a heartbeat. The embryo develops into a foetus by the end of the eighth week of pregnancy. It is roughly the size of a raspberry and 1 inch long.
- Week 19 to 12: The fetus will have fingers, toes, and nails by the end of your first trimester. It will open and close its mouth and hands. He will also start moving. The stomach and urinary systems of the fetus are also completely functional. Your doctor can use a Doppler ultrasound to listen to the fetal heart at about week twelve of your pregnancy. Additionally, it has either a penis or a vagina at this stage, though an ultrasound can't detect it. The foetus is around the size of a plum by the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, measuring 3 to 4 inches in length. It is roughly one ounce in weight.
Symptoms of First Trimester of Pregnancy
Following are the symptoms a woman might experience during this trimester:
- Sore breasts
- Nausea & morning sickness
- Mood swings
- Feeling tired
- Increased urination frequency
- Acne or other skin changes
- Mild shortness of breath
Conclusion
Pregnancy is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming time in your life. It's normal to have many questions and feel inundated with information. The first trimester brings significant physical changes and growth. Once you confirm your pregnancy, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a pregnancy care provider. Regular prenatal care is essential for maintaining your health and supporting the health of your baby throughout pregnancy.
At Cocoon Hospital, our expert obstetricians can guide you through first-trimester symptoms, body changes, morning sickness, fatigue, and the essentials of prenatal care. Book your appointment today!
FAQs
Q1: When does morning sickness start?
A: Morning sickness usually starts around week 6 and can last until the second trimester.
Q2: How does the body change in the first trimester?
A: Hormonal changes cause breast enlargement, bloating, increased blood flow, and slight weight gain.
Q3: Is spotting normal in early pregnancy?
A: Light spotting can be normal, but heavy bleeding should be checked by a doctor.
