• Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each lasting 3 months, or approximately 13 weeks. You will likely spend the first 1/3-1/2 of the first trimester unaware that you are pregnant unless you have been actively trying to become pregnant and are monitoring yourself closely. And you should feel physically unchanged during that time. By week 6 you will have missed a period and will likely begin to feel the changes your body is experiencing.

    Your Body
    In the first trimester of pregnancy your body will begin to change.

    1. 1. You may experience morning sickness and fatigue.
    2. 2. Your breasts may become larger and more sensitive.
    3. 3. Constipation, heartburn and moodiness (due to hormonal changes) can occur.
    4. 4. Many women begin having increased urination
    5. 5. A whitish watery vaginal discharge may begin now and continue throughout pregnancy.
    6. 6. By the end of the first trimester you will have a baby bump or an obvious belly.

    Your Baby
    During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy your developing baby will begin to grow. By the end of the first trimester it should be 3 inches long and weighs approximately one ounce, and will have developed internal organs, fingers, toes, eyes, ears and genitals. Your baby’s brain and spinal cord have formed, the muscles and nerves work together, and the eyelids close to protect the eyes.

    What You Need to Do
    You should choose an Obstetrician if you do not already have one and make your first appointment during this time. You will need to begin taking folic acid if you did not start before pregnancy and will need iron and prenatal vitamins daily. Stop any smoking or alcohol, continue/begin gentle exercises (check with your doctor first), cut back on the caffeine, drink lots of fluids and eat a healthy balanced diet.

    -Monique Araya, MD, FAAP

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