Your guide to first trimester of pregnancy: what to expect, baby development

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Bringing a child to this earth is one such experience which is going to change the world for you. However, if you’ve just heard about your pregnancy and are a few weeks into this, this blog is for you!

While an entire new journey of fun and responsibility awaits you, there are a few things we bet you need to know. Let’s walk you through this guide to the first trimester of pregnancy.

First trimester of pregnancy: What Is It?

First trimester is your phase when a woman is expecting her first child. It starts on the day one of your last menstruation, long before you're even pregnant, and continues until week 13 of your pregnancy. From the moment of conception to the moment of birth, your growing child goes through a number of stages of development.

For both the mother and the child, this is a period of immense expectation and fast change. You'll be more prepared for the months ahead if you know what to anticipate. Here's a rundown of how your baby develops throughout the first three months of pregnancy.

Changes during first trimester in your body

Every pregnancy is different. Some women glow with great health throughout the first three months, while others go through a multitude of changes. Here are some of the changes you could notice in your body:

Slight bleeding:

Around 25% of pregnant women have little bleeding throughout the first trimester. Early in the pregnancy, light spotting might signal that the fertilised egg has implanted in your uterus. If you have considerable bleeding, cramping, or severe discomfort in your stomach, call your doctor.

Constipation:

During pregnancy, high levels of progesterone slow down the muscle contractions that carry food through your system on a regular basis. You're more likely to endure uncomfortable constipation and gas as a result of the excess iron in your prenatal vitamin, giving you a bloated feeling throughout your pregnancy.

Fatigue:

Your body is working so hard to support a developing child. As a result, you'll grow tired faster than usual. Take naps or rest as required during the day. Examine your food to check if you're getting enough iron. If you don't get enough iron, you might get anaemia, which will make you even more tired.

While these were some common changes during your first trimester, here are a few developments your baby will be going through in this phase.

Baby’s growth in first semester

• Your kid starts to develop from a fertilized egg to a complete foetus over the initial 13 weeks. All of the major organs and systems start forming for your child.

• Here are a few other changes that occur:

• The fertilized egg starts diving quickly and implants all around your uterus, forming a cluster of rapidly dividing cells. The umbilical cord, amniotic sac, placenta, all begin to develop.

• Your child’s nervous system starts developing from a neural tube which connects to the brain and spinal cord. Your kid can move on its own!

• The heart begins to take form and beat. As early as around the 6th week, you may hear it on ultrasound. It has a heart rate of 120 to 160 beats per minute.

• Your baby starts developing its digestive system, starting from kidneys and intestines.

• The lungs and other important organs are present, although they are not fully grown.

• The soft skeleton is beginning to form.

That’s all!

So that’d be your takeaway to everything you and your child will be facing during the first trimester. Now that you have an idea of the different contractions you need to beware of, we hope you take care of the different things in mind. Stay safe and healthy!  It’s always best for you to check with your doctor before making any decision. If you are in Rajasthan, you can visit Medipulse hospital or can consult with our gynecologist to get the best and most updated information regarding first trimester of pregnancy.