FIRST TRIMESTER PREGNANCY EXPECTATIONS

The first trimester begins on the first day of your last period and lasts until the end of week 12. A lot happens during these first three months. The fertilized egg rapidly divides into layers of cells and implants in the wall of your womb where it carries on growing. These layers of cells become an embryo, which is what the baby is called at this stage. During this trimester, your baby grows faster than at any other time. By six weeks, a heartbeat can usually be heard and by the end of week 12, your baby's bones, muscles and all the organs of the body have formed. At this point, your baby looks like a tiny human being and is now called a fetus. He or she will even be practicing swallowing.

The first trimester of pregnancy is marked by an invisible transformation.  Hormones trigger your body to begin nourishing the baby even before tests and a physical exam can confirm the pregnancy.

Knowing what physical and emotional changes to expect during the first trimester can help you face the months ahead with confidence.

THE BODY

The first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. You should expect several other physical changes in the coming weeks, including:

• Tender, swollen breasts. After conception, hormonal changes might make your breasts sensitive or sore. The discomfort will likely decrease with time as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.
• Nausea with or without vomiting. Morning sickness, which can strike at any time of the day or night, often begins one month after you become pregnant. This might be due to rising hormone levels. To help relieve nausea, avoid having an empty stomach. Eat slowly and in small amounts every one to two hours. Eat low fatty foods. Avoid foods or smells that make your nausea worse. Drink plenty of fluids. Foods containing ginger might help.
• Increased urination. You might experience frequent urination than usual. The amount of blood in your body increases during pregnancy, causing your kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in your bladder.
• Fatigue. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone soar — which can put you to sleep. Rest as much as you can. A healthy diet and exercise might help boost your energy.
• Food dislike. When you're pregnant, you might become more sensitive to certain odors and your sense of taste might change. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, food preferences can be chalked up to hormonal changes.
• Constipation. High levels of the hormone progesterone can slow the movement of food through the digestive system, causing constipation. Iron supplements can add to the problem. To relieve constipation, include plenty of fiber in your diet and drink lots of fluids, especially water and prune or other fruit juices. Regular physical activity also helps

EMOTIONS

Pregnancy might leave you feeling delighted, anxious, exhilarated and exhausted — sometimes all at once. Even if you're thrilled about being pregnant, a new baby adds emotional stress to your life.

It is natural to get worried about your baby's health, adjustment to parenthood and the financial demands of raising a child. One who is working might get worried about balancing the demands of family and career. One might also experience mood swings, tiredness etc. All these are normal. Take care of yourself, look for one who understands you for words of encouragement. If your mood changes become severe or intense, consult your health care provider for support.

PRENATAL CARE

Whether you choose a family doctor, obstetrician, nurse-midwife or other pregnancy specialist, your health care provider will treat, educate and reassure you throughout your pregnancy.

Your first visit will focus on assessing your overall health, identifying any risk factors and determining your baby's gestational age. Your health care provider will ask detailed questions about your health history. Be honest. If you're uncomfortable discussing your health history in front of your partner, schedule a private consultation. Also expect to learn about first trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities, including prenatal cell-free DNA screening.

After the first visit, you'll probably be asked to schedule checkups every four weeks. During these appointments, discuss any concerns or fears you might have about pregnancy, childbirth or life with a newborn. Remember, no question is silly or unimportant — and the answers can help you take care of yourself and your baby.