First Trimester
Your pregnancy journey generally lasts about 40 weeks, and can be divided into 3 trimesters.
First trimester: from conception until 13 weeks.
Second trimester: ends at around 26 weeks.
Third trimester: between 26 weeks and your due date.
This is a time of rapid growth and development, a time when your body adjusts to pregnancy.
Discovering you’re pregnant is exciting. Anxious thoughts are normal if this is a first time but try not to worry. Learning about pregnancy and a healthy lifestyle will set you and your baby off to a great start.
Changes in your body that you will notice
Pregnancy hormones are responsible for all the changes that your body goes through. Creating a safe place for your baby to grow is complex and energy consuming and the reason why you feel tired in the first three months.
Your uterus changes from the size of a kiwi fruit to that of a grapefruit in the first trimester. The mucus plug that keeps bacteria out of the uterus forms in the cervical canal. The blood supply to the vagina and vulva (external lips of the vagina) increases and skin in these areas may turn purple in colour.
Milk glands in the breasts develop and your breasts feel heavier, fuller and tender. The brown skin around the nipple darkens and small oil glands develop around the nipple to prevent it from drying out.
Your heart works harder because of extra blood needed for the placenta to provide nutrients and oxygen to your baby. The sensation of breathlessness is also a result of hormonal changes.
Menstrual cycles will usually stop in pregnancy. You should report any bleeding during pregnancy to your Birthright specialist.
Changes in your developing baby
Your baby is fully formed at 13 weeks, and now needs time to grow. You will become aware of your baby’s movements at around 18 – 20 weeks.
You may experience some of these common pregnancy symptoms
Nausea and vomiting
- This is common and varies from pregnancy to pregnancy. You may notice certain triggers, such as smell or taste of food or while brushing your teeth. You may experience this at any part of the day. Most women will feel better after 20 weeks.
- Hydration is paramount. If you are unable to keep any fluids in, you may need intravenous rehydration.
Helpful hints to manage this include:
- Eat frequent small portions of whatever food you want
- Keep something next to your bed to take when you wake up
- Avoid strong smells such as cooking smells or perfumes.
- Avoid warm and stuffy places
- Fresh lemons or ginger: Lemonade, ginger ale, ginger biscuits or ginger capsules have all been shown to help.
- If symptoms are severe, medications can be helpful
Fatigue and Tiredness
- You may notice a lack of energy and unable to perform your usual routine.
- Listen to your body, and rest up if you need to.
Constipation
- Another very common symptom of early pregnancy
- This can be managed with appropriate diet and some over the counter medication. Speak to your local pharmacist
- Laxatives medication – discuss this with your family doctor
Antenatal care visits
Prenatal care is the medical care that you receive before your baby is born. Most pregnancies will progress normally and most babies will be born healthy, but studies show that women who have regular care have better outcomes.
The first visit: 10 – 12 weeks
Our Birthright specialists would like to meet you around 10 weeks of pregnancy.
This visit can be more in depth and take longer. We will do a full medical assessment and discuss what tests to expect in your pregnancy, and your options for screening for problems in your baby. We will discuss your pregnancy care plan tailored to your needs.
Your visits with a Birthright Midwife
Our midwives will discuss issues such as antenatal classes, caring for a baby, breastfeeding, clothing, exercise, home supports and parenting. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your birthplan.
They will also give you information about antenatal and parenting classes and coffee groups.
What to expect in subsequent antenatal visits
The following are some important visits:
- 10-14 weeks – First trimester screening ( NIPT/MSS-1). If you have opted for an amniocentesis, this is done at 15 to 17 weeks.
- 20 week – Anatomy scan
- 28 weeks – Routine antenatal blood test for hemoglobin, iron and diabetes screening test. You will receive an injection of Anti D if you are Rhesus negative.
- 34 weeks – You will receive an injection of Anti D if you are Rhesus negative.
- 36 weeks – Routine antenatal blood test and vaginal swab for Group B streptococcus. A growth ultrasound may be indicated. Discussion of your birthplan
- 37 weeks – Weekly specialist check ups until delivery. We may discuss an induction of labour if this is indicated.
Our goal at Birthright is to provide you the best obstetric care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where you can talk to us about your needs.
Call us to discuss your care.
0800 247 848