THE FIRST TRIMESTER Your guide to the beginning of pregnancy Finding out you’re pregnant can bring excitement, anticipation and plenty of questions. The first trimester is a time of remarkable change, as your baby begins to develop and your body adjusts to pregnancy. Pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks. The first trimester begins on the first day of your last menstrual period and continues through 13 weeks and 6 days. So much happens in 13 weeks Although your baby is still very small, development is happening quickly. Major organs and body systems begin to form, along with the arms, legs, fingers, toes, facial features and eyelids. By the end of the first trimester, your baby has already undergone significant development. Your body is changing too. Hormonal shifts can bring a variety of physical and emotional changes. Every pregnancy is different, so you may experience some of these changes, many of them or very few. What you may notice Fatigue. Feeling unusually tired is common, especially during the early weeks. Your body is using extra energy to support your pregnancy, so rest when you need it. Nausea. Often called morning sickness, nausea can happen at any time of day. Certain smells or foods may suddenly become difficult to tolerate. Eating smaller meals and staying hydrated may help. Heartburn and digestive changes. Hormonal changes can slow digestion, leading to heartburn, bloating, gas or constipation. Breast changes. Your breasts may become larger, swollen or tender as hormone levels rise. Dizziness. Changes in blood flow can sometimes cause light-headedness. Staying hydrated, eating regularly and getting up slowly may help. Mood changes. Pregnancy can bring a wide range of emotions. Feeling excited, nervous or overwhelmed is common as you adjust to this new stage of life. Start prenatal care early Once you know you’re pregnant, establishing prenatal care is an important next step. Faith Health offers pregnancy and birth services to support women throughout pregnancy and delivery. Your first prenatal visits are an opportunity to review your health history, establish your due date, complete recommended exams and screenings, and discuss testing. You can also ask questions about nutrition, medications, lifestyle changes and what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. Take care of you too During the first trimester, focus on the basics: Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods and take a prenatal vitamin as recommended by your healthcare professional. Talk with your care team before taking medications or supplements during pregnancy. And remember, you don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning. Faith Health OB/GYN is here to guide you, from those first exciting weeks through delivery and beyond. Emma Mirch, MD, FACOG, Faith Health OB/GYN Your pregnancy journey starts here The Faith Health OB/GYN team, including Alex Laudenklos, MD; Emma Mirch, MD; and Lynnea Stines, DO, is here to support you through every stage of pregnancy. Schedule your appointment by calling 402-644-4600, or learn more at www.faith.health. www.faith.health 9
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