An Overview Of Your First Trimester Of Pregnancy
During the first trimester, youre getting used to the idea of being pregnant, and pregnancy symptoms week-by-week can vary a lot! With pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and exhaustion, your body will be feeling many internal changes during this early pregnancy phase.
Throughout this time, you may experience first trimester pregnancy symptoms such as:
- Acne
- Visible veins
- Weird dreams
Not only do you have pregnancy symptoms to take into consideration, there are a lot of emotions that are felt, from excitement for your growing family to nervousness about parenthood. With the right resources and a good understanding of these first 13 weeks, youll feel more confident as you start your pregnancy journey.
Do Talk To Your Partner About Parenting And Budgeting
This is going to look different for all couples because everyone goes into parenthood with their own ideas and practices. One good way to tackle this is to sit down and both write a list of what parenting means to you and what each of you saw from your mother and father. Then, come together and agree on practices that add value to the babys life and help raise your child positively.
Its also important that you talk about how you plan to handle the babys expenses. Its no secret that babies can be expensive with all the diapers, food, toys, and baby gear, in addition to saving for when the baby grows up. Check where you can trim your budget now and make adjustments to save money that can be used for your baby.
The 5 Stages Of An Omicron Infection You Need To Know About
- 6:02 ET, Jan 4 2022
OMICRON has swept through the UK, with most people now knowing someone who has tested positive – if not themselves.
But the good news is it’s a much milder illness than past Covid infections, as long as you’ve had your booster dose.
There is also quite a clear path now between when you will have picked up the bug, when you will get sick and how long you might be feeling ill for.
A string of hugely positive studies show Omicron IS milder than other strains, with the first official UK report revealing the risk of hospitalisation is 50 to 70 per cent lower than with Delta.
Covid booster jabs protect against Omicron and offer the best chance to get through the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.
The Sun’s Jabs Army campaign is helping get the vital extra vaccines in Brits’ arms to ward off the need for any new restrictions.
It’s thought there are five stages of Omicron, all of which we have outlined for you.
Stage one is contact with an infected person.
It’s likely you won’t be certain when you may have picked up the virus, as just a breath of infected air is enough to catch it.
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Kicking Your Smoking Habit
Smoking and taking other drugs is one of the most dangerous things you can do to your future baby. Smokers usually have a more difficult time getting pregnant than do non-smokers, and also have a higher rate of miscarriages.
If you smoke while pregnant, you also expose your unborn baby to toxic chemicals. This increases your babys risks of being born too early or with a low birth weight. We dont mean to scare you, but on a very serious note, smoking also increases risk of sudden infant death syndrome .
If you live with someone who smokes, ask them to smoke outside and away from you so youre not exposed to secondhand smoke.
Quitting smoking is tough! Let week 1 of your pregnancy be your motivator to stop.
Talk to your doctor about how to quit, or join a support group or program. You can learn more about your options by calling 800-QUIT-NOW.
How Can I Tell If Im Pregnant After 1 Week
Because youre at the start of your menstrual period, you wont feelearly signs of pregnancy for at least 2-3 weeks.
Its possible to experience PMS symptoms that are similar to early pregnancy symptoms. But remember, these symptoms arent related to pregnancy they are most likely related to menstruation.
You wont know whether your attempts to get pregnant have been successful until two weeks after you ovulate, or around the time you miss your next period.
If youre planning on conceiving or trying to conceive a baby, make sure youve read BellyBellys article Pre-Conception Checklist How To Prepare For Pregnancy.
Getting pregnant whether its planned or unplanned is a life-changing experience.
It can be a rollercoaster of decisions and emotions.
People react very differently to the idea of having a baby and becoming parents. You might worry about finances and your career, or wonder whether youre even ready to be a parent.
Sometimes its quite a challenge to deal with all the different feelings of having a baby.
You can talk to a trusted friend, family member or healthcare provider, or try journaling. This can help you process all your thoughts and feelings.
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When To Tell Your Friends Family And Employer
The first trimester is the most common time for a loss of pregnancy , so you may want to wait for the pregnancy to settle into the second trimester.
You may also want to consider whether or not you will keep working or quit your job as your pregnancy progresses, and if your employer provides unpaid maternity leave for the birth and care of your newborn.
Tips For The First 13 Weeks Of Your Pregnancy
Congratulations youre about to be a mother! Becoming a parent is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also feel overwhelming at times and you likely have lots of questions. Thats to be expected and we hope this guide will be a useful companion throughout your pregnancy. During the first 13 week of pregnancy, your body is growing and changing, and so is your babys. Heres what to know as you start this amazing journey together.
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What Causes A Miscarriage
Miscarriages are not caused by moderate exercise, falls, sex, stress at work, fights with a spouse or morning sickness. Rather, a miscarriage is simply biologys way of ending a pregnancy thats not going right.
The loss of the embryo or fetus and its expulsion from the uterus can be caused by many factors, ranging from genetic defects in the growing baby to immune reactions by the mothers body. In fact, about half of all early miscarriages are linked to abnormal chromosomes.
Often, the cause of a miscarriage is never pinpointed at all. And in nearly every case, theres nothing the mother did wrong to cause the miscarriage or could have done differently to prevent it.
What To Expect In The First Weeks Of Pregnancy
The first weeks of pregnancy can mean uncomfortable physical symptoms and changes to your energy levels. You may feel more tired, sleepy, or fatigued than usual, and you may experience bloating, nausea, and tender breasts. However, some women feel no difference between the first weeks of pregnancy and when they werent pregnant. Pregnancy symptoms tend to intensify by the second month of pregnancy.
Here are some specific symptoms you should be aware of in the first weeks of pregnancy.
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How Do I Know Im Pregnant
A missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy. You may have some other physical signs as well. These include mild cramping and a little bleeding when the fertilized egg implants itself in your uterus.
If youve missed your period and think you may be pregnant, you can take a home pregnancy test. These tests are very accurate if you take them a few days after you expected to get your period. Call your doctor if the test is positive.
What’s Happening Inside You
The fertilized egg grows, and a water-tight sac forms around it, gradually filling with fluid. This is called the amniotic sac, and it helps cushion the growing embryo.
The placenta also develops. It is a round, flat organ that transfers nutrients from you to the baby and transfers the babys wastes.
A primitive face takes form with large dark circles for eyes. The mouth, lower jaw, and throat are developing. Blood cells are taking shape, and circulation will begin.
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What Happens To The Fetus In The First Trimester
The fertilized egg develops into an embryo, which becomes a fetus 8 weeks into the pregnancy.
During the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, a rudimentary brain and spine form, along with muscles of the eyes, nose, and mouth. The fetus measures 11.5 inches , or 2.53.8 centimeters , at 8 weeks.
of the first trimester, all major organ systems have formed, although the organs are not fully developed.
Muscles and bones are beginning to form, and the external genitals are growing. An ultrasound cannot detect the sex of the fetus at this early stage, but a blood test may.
The fetus is larger at the end of the first trimester about 34 in long. Although the fetus starts moving in the first trimester, it is usually too small for the pregnant person to detect any movement.
However, some pregnant people report feeling movement very early, especially if they have been pregnant before.
The first trimester is the most vulnerable time for fetal development because all of the major organs are forming at this time.
The risk of pregnancy loss drops significantly in the second trimester.
Find A Creative Way To Announce Your Pregnancy
Our pregnancy announcement. Not exactly creative, but it worked for us!
It may be hard to keep the exciting news to yourself, but most people recommend waiting until the second trimester to announce your pregnancy. Even if you dont wait that long, you should have time to plan something unique and cute to announce your pregnancy to your family and friends.
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Weeks Pregnant With Covid
Hey yall ! I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and I have unfortunately tested positive for covid. Im very worried and Im wondering if anyone else with through this. If so how are you and baby ?
37+ 3 and I am not gonna lie- I am miserable but LO seems just fine. STAY HYDRATED is my best advice best of luck.
I am 18 weeks and tested positive yesterday as well are you vaccinated? I received antibody transfusion which is supposed to help
no and I will not be getting vaccinated. Vaccine has nothing to do with it. My neighbors gave us this virus and none of them are vaccinated but one and that person is the sickest.
vaccinated has nothing to do with it….vaccinated people are getting and spreading covid daily. im fully vaccinated and got it and i was the one who had it the worst.
I am 16 weeks pregnant and tested positive for Covid yesterday so far just sinus issues and very tired. I am vaccinated but havent received my booster yet, the doctor is calling me everyday for monitoring but they said it will be an uncomfortable couple days because we cant take much but everything will be okay.
Im havin the same symptoms as you. Im not vaccinated and dont plan to be. Im glad your dr is checking in on you though Im sure thats comforting. We got this
Raw Or Underdone Seafood
Got a taste for some tuna sashimi? Obsessing over those oysters on the half shell? Before you visit your favorite raw bar or local sushi joint, keep in mind that uncooked or even seared seafood is off-limits during pregnancy the risk of ingesting bacteria and parasites along with your meal is too high.
So you’ll just have to say “no” to raw oysters, clams, ceviches, fish tartares and carpaccios, along with the smoked stuff that can also harbor illness-inducing parasites and bacteria.
While this doesn’t mean you should shun your favorite Japanese restaurant for the next nine months, it does mean that you’ll need to be careful about what you order. Most places, for example, offer rolls made with cooked seafood or vegetables right at the sushi bar! Just make sure that any seafood you order is well cooked: Fish should flake and shellfish should be firm.
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How Far Along Am I
Knowing how far along you are in pregnancy is helpful for both you and your healthcare provider. Your provider will use this information to check on your babyâs growth and development, keep an eye on your health, and schedule tests and exams.The weeks of pregnancy can be grouped into three trimesters:
-
First trimester: 1 to 13 weeks
-
Second trimester: 14 to 27 weeks
-
Third trimester: 28 to 40-42 weeks .
Check out the illustration below to see how far along you are in your pregnancy:
Begin Looking Into Your Postpartum Options
Will you stay home? Return to work? How will this affect your budget? Theres not much I can say on this topic as everyones situations will be different. But its time to start weighing your options. Keeping your finances in order throughout your pregnancy and being prepared for those precious first few weeks home with your baby is vital.
No one wants to stress about money while battling the baby blues. Thats a recipe for disaster!
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Pregnancy Checklist First Trimester
- The hospital will give you lot of basic baby care items, like diapers and a nasal aspirator. But they have postpartum care items, too, like perineum cold packs or a Velcro belly band for your abdominal muscles if you had a C-section.
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more abouthow we write Babylist contentand theBabylist Health Advisory Board.
Group Dance Or Aerobics Classes
Low-impact aerobics and dance workout classes like Zumba are a great way to increase your heart rate and get the endorphins flowing if youre a newbie exerciser. As your abdomen expands, avoid any activities that require careful balance. If youre an experienced athlete, listen to your body, avoid jumping or high-impact movements, and never exercise to the point of exhaustion. If youre new to exercise, opt for the water version of aerobics, which is ideal for the expecting set.
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The First Trimester: Fetal Development
The most dramatic changes and development happen during the first trimester. During the first eight weeks, a fetus is called an embryo. The embryo develops rapidly and by the end of the first trimester, it becomes a fetus that is fully formed, weighing approximately 0.5 to 1 ounce and measuring, on average, 3 to 4 inches in length.
Week Pregnant Hcg Levels
As theres no fertilized egg implanted yet, there wont be any detectable levels of hCG in your urine. So theres no point to taking a pregnancy test at 1 week pregnant.
If youve been trying to conceive and youre keeping track of your basal body temperature, you might notice the chart stays elevated past the date of your expected period.
This would be the earliest time to take a home pregnancy test, if you want to.
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Do Visit Your Dentist
Trips to the dentists office were avoided for decades for fear that an oral cleaning might cause bacteria to spread and lead to an infection. Now we know thats just not the case.
In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that expectant mothers have a routine oral health assessment while pregnant, along with regular dental cleanings. Be sure to tell your dentist that youre pregnant.
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- behavior problems
- lagging patterns in terms of growth and development milestones
Even small amounts of alcohol can be a problem. There appears to be no safe level of alcohol intake in pregnancy.
If you need help stopping drinking while youre pregnant, talk with your doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the healthier your baby is likely to be.
How To Determine Your Due Date
When you find out youâre pregnant, youâre probably wondering when youâll meet your new baby! For an estimate, try our Due Date Calculator, where you can simply enter the first day of your last menstrual period or the date of conception.
Healthcare providers use the LMP method to determine your estimated due date. Due dates are typically calculated as 280 days starting from the first day of your last menstrual period. Remember, when generating a due date this way, you arenât technically pregnant during the first couple of weeks of pregnancy.And, again, this is why you probably wonât feel those highly anticipated very early signs of pregnancy in weeks 1, 2, or 3. But once you start to notice themâand take a pregnancy test or confirm youâre pregnant with your healthcare providerâyou can calculate your due date!
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What Can Be Expected From The Doctor And Midwife
Your antenatal health checks might be with your GP, a midwife or an obstetrician, depending on where you will give birth. During your first antenatal health check, you will probably have your pregnancy confirmed with a urine or blood test. These are more reliable than home pregnancy tests. First trimester antenatal health checks usually happen every 4 to 6 weeks, but this can vary, based on your health and how your baby develops.
Many women are offered an ultrasound scan at around 12 weeks you might hear the babys heartbeat at this scan. This ultrasound will also show if you are having a multiple birth and can help estimate the babys size and due date, as well as check for some health conditions.
Other health checks during the first trimester include:
- urine tests to detect urinary infections, a common but manageable condition that if left untreated can trigger pre-term labour
- blood tests to check your blood type , iron levels, blood sugars , rubella immunity, and other infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis
- general maternal health and wellbeing checks, including a discussion of concerns you might have about your pregnancy or general health, and a medication review to check for safety during pregnancy
