First Trimester

Congratulations! Your journey to motherhood is underway. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, or the first trimester, there are many changes happening to you.

As your body adjusts to the growing baby, you may experience nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings, and stress. Just remember that these things are normal during pregnancy. Most of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses, so try not to worry about them. Just as each woman is different, so is each pregnancy. When you are tired, get some rest. If you feel stressed, try to find a way to relax. Accept that your normal routine is changing.

Visiting your health care provider is very important during these early stages. Your health care provider will perform several tests to check the health of both you and your baby. She/he will also be able to answer questions about any concerns or fears you might have, and she will tell you what you can do to make your pregnancy as easy as possible. You'll need to know what types of exercises you can do, what you should eat for good nutrition, and what you might need to avoid during this time. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and listen to your health care provider's advice. This is an exciting time, and it is important to understand what you should expect during your pregnancy.

Fetal Development In The First Trimester

• First Month- Embryo implants into the lining of the uterus.
• Second Month- Cells start to differentiate and begin forming the different body systems including the nervous system, the digestive system, and the circulatory system. The heart begins to beat after the fourth week. Lung buds, limb buds, eyes, and ears are all developing. The liver begins to make the embryo's blood. The embryo is approximately 1 inch long.
• Third Month- The embryo is known as a fetus after eight weeks and continues to grow. The fetus in approximately three inches long and is beginning to make fetal movements. The endocrine system starts making hormones.