Your guide to 1st trimester of pregnancy
Pregnancy in most women lasts for about 40 weeks. The duration is calculated from the time of conception- the fertilization of the egg to the delivery of the baby. The first trimester of pregnancy begins at conception and extends to week 12. During this time, women begin to notice physical changes in the body and other symptoms such as food cravings, aversions and emotional perturbations that are characteristic of pregnancy.
What happens to the woman’s body during the first trimester?
The mother’s body begins to undergo these changes during the first trimester weeks:
- Development of the amniotic sac, placenta and umbilical cord inside the uterus to support fetal growth.
- The breasts begin to enlarge and feel tender as it begins to prepare for breastfeeding. The increased level of the hormones estrogen and progesterone cause the mammary gland enlargement along with the areolas becoming wider and darker. The veins also become noticeable on the breasts.
- The growing uterus begins to exert pressure on the urinary bladder leading to the frequent need to urinate. Some women also experience constipation as the bladder presses on the intestines and rectum.
- The surge in hormones causes pregnant women to experience mood swings that are similar to premenstrual syndrome. Morning sickness, which is one of the most commonly known first trimester symptoms, also flares up because of the increased hormones.
Fetal development during the first trimester
From conception up until 8 weeks, the fetus is known as an embryo. The embryo begins as a mass of dividing cells, and by the end of four weeks, all the major organs and systems begin to form. The neural tube, which eventually forms the spinal cord and brain, begins to develop. The heart begins to beat, and tiny buds appear that eventually develop into the arms and legs.
By the end of eight weeks, the embryo is starting to resemble a human, with the head being larger than the body. The eyes, nose and mouth are starting to become more distinct, and the arms and legs can be distinguished. As the main organs develop, a Doppler ultrasound device can now pick up the heartbeat.
After 8 weeks, the embryo is called a fetus and will be about 2.5 to 3.5 cm long. From weeks 9 to 12, the baby’s genitals are developed, and the eyelids have formed. It also begins to move at an increased rate.
Prenatal visits
The first prenatal appointment is generally scheduled between 6 to 8 weeks, where a complete physical examination is done. The medical history of the women is taken, and a number of tests called the first-trimester screening are performed to assess the health of the mother and the baby. During this time, the age of the fetus is also determined through scans, and a due date for delivery is estimated.
To wrap up
The first trimester is the duration between conception and week 12; during this time, both the mother’s body and the fetus experience significant changes. The first prenatal appointment is scheduled after 6-8 weeks to assess the health of the mother and the fetus.
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-first-trimester
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/first-trimester
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