A first look at your first trimester of pregnancy
You have been trying to have a baby, the stick turns blue, and you are finally pregnant! So, now what? For many women, the first trimester brings on the initial signs of pregnancy. While you probably feel excited about this time in your life, our San Antonio women’s practice doctors recognize that many patients also feel nervous and overwhelmed with the pregnancy changes they are experiencing. We want to provide our unwavering support.
Understanding the stages of pregnancy
Each pregnancy is divided into trimesters, or stages. A trimester is about three months, or 13 weeks, in length. The first trimester of pregnancy begins with the first day of your last period and continues until the 13th week of pregnancy. Our San Antonio women’s practice doctors expect a full-term pregnancy to last 38 to 40 weeks.
What pregnancy changes occur during the first trimester?
Because conception happens two weeks after your period, many women don’t know that they are pregnant until well into the first trimester. Often, pregnancy changes begin right after the implantation of the fertilized egg, or embryo, or around week five. Your hormones usually kick into overdrive to support the developing fetus.
During this time, patients may experience swollen breasts, mood swings, nausea, increased urination, heartburn, constipation and fatigue. Every woman is different, which means you may have every possible symptom, just a few, or none at all.
Your baby’s growth at a glance
During this time, the fetus undergoes significant development. All the major organs and systems are formed by the end of the first trimester, but the fetus cannot survive outside the uterus. By week 13, the fetus weighs approximately 0.5 to 1 ounce and is about 3 to 4 inches long. Most women will hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time between 10 and 12 weeks.
How to prepare for the first trimester
With the physical and emotional upheaval of this new pregnancy, you may not know where to begin. We stand ready to provide the medical care and guidance you need.
Consider these tips from our San Antonio women’s practice doctors.
- Schedule your initial appointment with your doctor as soon as you suspect you are pregnant or get a positive pregnancy test
- Continue taking prenatal vitamins
- Rest as much as possible to address fatigue
- Sip on clear liquids and eat small meals to combat nausea
- Call our office with any unusual cramping or bleeding
Expecting a baby is a time of great joy and preparation in your life. Our team of San Antonio women’s practice doctors are here for everything you need throughout your pregnancy, starting with the first trimester. Contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
