Early Pregnancy Awareness

Take your time with this information

Early Pregnancy

Congratulations on Your Pregnancy!

This is a thrilling new chapter in your life, but it can also be overwhelming. Our goal is to provide you with the essential guidance, support, and resources you need during your first trimester

What to Expect in the First Trimester

The first trimester spans from weeks 1 to 13 of your pregnancy. During this time, your body undergoes significant changes as it adapts to support your growing baby. Here’s what you can expect:¹

Physical Changes:¹

Hormonal fluctuations may lead to symptoms like morning sickness, fatigue, and breast tenderness.

Emotional Adjustments:¹

It’s normal to experience a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. While it’s normal to experience severe mood swings, if you’re experiencing persistent low mood and depression, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider for support.

Key Milestones:¹

The first trimester is a crucial period of growth for your baby. By the end of this trimester, your baby will have developed essential organs and systems and should weigh around 28 g (1 oz)!

Health and Nutrition

Nourishing Your Body

Proper nutrition is crucial during this stage, but it can also be very difficult if you’re experiencing morning sickness and food aversions. Some days will be better than others, and you may only want crackers and toast on those particularly queasy days. However, on the better days try to focus on a balanced diet rich in:

Fruits and Vegetables: Aim for a variety of colours to ensure you receive a range of nutrients.²

Whole Grains: Provide sustained energy and essential fiber.²

Proteins: Support your baby’s growth and development.³ Protein will also help stabilise blood sugar levels that often contribute to morning sickness.⁴ Easy protein sources like yoghurt, nut butters, protein smoothies or shakes, and cooled meats, such as chicken, can be good ways to help boost your protein intake when you’re not feeling great.⁵

Prenatal Vitamins: Your healthcare provider will recommend that you take prenatal vitamins that include folic acid, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are vital for your baby’s health.³

Lifestyle Tips

Self-Care Practices

Taking care of yourself is essential. Here are some tips:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.² When water doesn’t sound great, try adding electrolytes in to enhance the taste, the saltiness may also help with nausea.⁶

Rest: Listen to your body and prioritise sleep.

Gentle Exercise:⁷ Activities like walking or prenatal yoga can help boost your energy and mood and may help reduce back pain as your body grows, while promoting healthy weight gain. It is perfectly safe to keep exercising throughout pregnancy, you may have to make some adjustments to your changing body and energy levels. If you are ever unsure, make sure to speak with your health care provider for further information.

Avoid Harmful Substances: Stay clear of alcohol, smoking, and certain medications. Consult with your healthcare provider about any medications you may be using.^8,9

Regular Check-Ups

Schedule Your Appointments⁹

It’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. These appointments will help monitor your health and your baby’s development.

Key tests during this trimester may include:

Blood Tests:

To check your blood type, iron levels and for any indicators of infection.

Ultrasound Scans:

To confirm your due date, check for the baby’s heartbeat and development.

A lot happens in the first trimester, but you usually have very little contact with your healthcare provider. This can be unsettling, but you can reach out to your healthcare provider at any point if you are struggling emotionally, with sickness, or just needing more information.

What to expect in the early weeks of pregnancy

Next: Red flags and reassurance.