(From week 0 to week 13 + 6)
The first trimester starts on the first day of your last period (or when you receive a positive reading on a pregnancy test) - this extends to the end of week 13.
During the first trimester, cell division occurs at a fast pace, your baby's initial structure and organs begin to develop and the heart starts to beat. From pregnancy week 10, the embryo becomes a fetus and by the end of trimester 1, all organs will have formed. From then, the organs continue to develop and grow. It is truly breathtaking to know your baby has already formed their structure and has everything in place.
Your body will undergo several changes and adapt to pregnancy. More blood is formed, circulation increases, your breasts swell and the hormone levels change. It is common for these changes to give rise to so-called pregnancy symptoms. Typical indications that you are expecting a baby during the first trimester may be; tense breasts, fatigue, nausea and mood swings. Once the body has made adjustments and gotten used to them, it is not uncommon for certain symptoms to disappear/come and go.
During the first trimester, you will register at your midwife clinic and meet your midwife - they will accompany you throughout the course of your pregnancy. Together, you structure a plan to arrange the appointments you should have, which samples you need to take, and if/what type of fetal diagnosis you will opt for.
