Pregnancy's Initial Stage: Length, Symptoms, and Things to Steer Clear Of
In the first trimester of pregnancy, which spans weeks 1–12, expecting parents may experience a range of symptoms and bodily changes. This period is a crucial time for fetal development, as all major organs form during this stage.
Common Symptoms and Bodily Changes
- Fatigue: A surge in progesterone causes increased tiredness.
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness): Often peaks around weeks 6–10, but can occur anytime during the day.
- Breast changes: Tenderness, swelling, and soreness due to hormonal shifts.
- Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations may increase sensitivity or irritability.
- Frequent urination: Hormonal changes and the growing uterus increase pressure on the bladder.
- Food cravings or aversions: Changes in taste preference can occur.
- Headaches and indigestion: Some pregnant people experience these due to hormonal and physical changes.
- Constipation: Slow digestion related to hormonal effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
Additionally, some may notice early skin changes like pigmentation patches, but more common skin changes typically appear later. Bodily changes also involve the uterus beginning to grow and hormonal systems adapting to support the pregnancy, but major visible changes like abdominal enlargement generally start in the second trimester.
Health and Safety Precautions
Pregnant people should avoid certain foods that may carry dangerous bacteria, including undercooked meat, raw shellfish, undercooked eggs, and unpasteurized milk and cheese. It is also advisable to limit caffeine intake, with less than 200 milligrams per day being relatively safe.
Pregnant people should also avoid skin care products containing retinol or isotretinoin, recreational drugs, smoking, and mosquito bites. Pregnant people should also avoid fish that may contain mercury or pollutants, such as shark, swordfish, and marlin. Instead, they can safely eat tuna, salmon, sardines, and some other oily fish.
Medical Consultations and Appointments
As soon as a person learns they are pregnant, it is a good idea to call a doctor to schedule a prenatal appointment. If birth abnormalities occur, they tend to happen early in development. A doctor may schedule an early ultrasound to ensure that the pregnancy is in the uterus and that the fetus is developing normally.
It is essential not to stop taking prescription drugs without talking to a doctor first. Taking folic acid supplements during the first trimester can help reduce the chance of certain abnormalities.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fever above 100.4°F, severe dizziness or fainting, and persistent vomiting causing dehydration require prompt medical attention. Pregnant people should also call a doctor if they experience intense headaches, cannot stop vomiting, have dizziness that interferes with daily functioning, have a fever or intense stomach cramps, begin to bleed heavily, or have any other concerning symptoms.
Timeline of Pregnancy
The first trimester of pregnancy lasts approximately 3 months, often defined as weeks 1-12, but some doctors extend it to week 14. By the end of the first trimester, all major organ systems have formed, although they are not fully developed. A person typically only knows they are pregnant for about 2 months of the first trimester.
Sharing the News
Many people delay telling others about their pregnancy until the end of the first trimester due to lower pregnancy loss rates in the second trimester and beyond. Pregnant people should schedule an appointment with a doctor or midwife to discuss their pregnancy and receive appropriate prenatal care.
[1] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). First Trimester. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/first-trimester/ [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). First Trimester of Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/week-by-week-calculator/first-trimester/prc-20213524 [3] What to Expect. (2021). First Trimester Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms/first-trimester-symptoms/ [4] WebMD. (2021). First Trimester of Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/first-trimester-pregnancy [5] Healthline. (2021). Skin Changes During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/skin-changes-during-pregnancy#changes-in-pigmentation
- Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccination has not been approved for use in pregnant people, and further research is needed to determine its safety during pregnancy.
- Despite the importance of prioritizing health-and-wellness, some expecting parents may worry about the potential risks of vaccinations during the crucial first trimester.
