Pregnancy is an exciting time and comes with many changes. Some of these changes may occur before you even know you are pregnant. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare. The first trimester lasts from week 1 to week 12 of your pregnancy. During this time, there are many changes that occur both to your body and your baby.

What can I expect?

Changes you can expect to your body include:

• Feeling extremely tired.
• Tender or swollen breasts.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Changes in your mood.
• Feeling light-headed or having headaches.
• Gaining or losing weight.
• Needing to pass urine often.
• Constipation.

Your baby is also developing. Important structures such as your baby’s brain, heart, arms and legs begin to form. By the end of the first trimester, your baby is about 3 inches long and weighs an ounce. The muscles and nerves are now working, and your baby can make a fist. Your baby’s reproductive organs are developed, but it is too soon to tell the sex on ultrasound.

How can I take care of myself?

If you know or think you might be pregnant, make an appointment with your OB-GYN. They will help as you embark on this pregnancy journey. Some tips to keep in mind (provided they don’t conflict with your OB-GYN’s advice):

• Take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
• Choose healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and those that are high-calcium and low-fat.
• Protect yourself from foodborne illnesses by washing fruits and vegetables and avoiding uncooked or undercooked meats or fish.
• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or do drugs.
• Aim for 2.5 hours of exercise a week, unless your doctor instructs you not to.

When to see your doctor?

Getting early prenatal care is important for your health and the health of your baby. Once your doctor confirms your pregnancy, your doctor will schedule you for regular checkups. You will likely need to be seen once a month for the first three months. Schedule an appointment with one of our OB-GYN’s as soon as you know you are pregnant.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Office on Women’s Health