The first trimester is from 0 to 12 weeks. This is the beginning of your pregnancy and is a very important time for the development of the baby in your womb.
You may feel more tired and will experience some physical and emotional changes.
You can also get started with the medical and maternity care that is available for you and your baby.
Urgent advice: Contact the My Options support service if:
- you are pregnant and in distress
Appointments to make
Contact your GP or midwife as soon as possible to confirm you are pregnant. You can discuss the options available to you for antenatal or maternity care.
Your GP can also register you for the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme.
It is important to:
- take folic acid
- get the vaccines needed during pregnancy
Your GP will refer you for your first hospital antenatal appointment and dating scan.
Confirming your pregnancy with your GP (video)
Physical changes
Your first symptom of pregnancy might be a missed period. But you may notice other physical changes in your first trimester.
Emergency action required: Contact your GP, midwife or maternity unit immediately if:
- you have bleeding from your vagina or severe stomach pain
Feeling tired
Your baby is growing at a rapid rate. This can be tiring work for your body.
There are things you can do to improve your energy levels.
Do
-
ask for help and accept offers of help
-
drink lots of fluids (2 litres per day)
Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is called 'morning sickness'. It is very common, affecting 8 out of 10 pregnant women.
It usually starts between 4 to 7 weeks of pregnancy and ends around 16 to 20 weeks. It can happen any time of day or night. Some women find the sickness lasts through the entire day.
Talk to your GP or midwife if your morning sickness is severe, especially if you cannot keep fluids down.
More vaginal discharge
You may experience increased vaginal discharge. Do not clean or douche the inside of your vagina.
If your vagina is itchy or sore, or you notice a bad or unusual smell from your discharge, you may have an infection. Talk to your GP or midwife.
Frequent peeing
Most people need to pee more often when they are pregnant. This can be annoying. It is important to keep hydrated and drink plenty of water.
If you have pain when you pee or if there is blood in your urine, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
A UTI is an infection of your bladder, urethra or kidneys. They are common during pregnancy. Being pregnant increases your risk of complications from a UTI. Contact your GP, midwife or obstetrician if you think you have a UTI.
You may need to get up during the night to pee. To help with this, keep drinking plenty during the day but cut out drinks in the late evening.
Changes to your breasts
You may notice changes to your breasts after becoming pregnant. Your breasts will grow in preparation for breastfeeding.
Tips for a healthy pregnancy (video)
Emotional changes
Finding out you are pregnant can be an emotional time. This news may bring feelings such as nervousness, excitement, joy and fear. Or you may not be sure how you feel.
If you are pregnant but not sure you want to be, talk to your GP or a counselling service.
It is normal to wonder “do I want to be a parent?” as you think about the responsibilities of caring for your baby. Talking to people you trust, your partner, family or friends will help you with these feelings.
Some people choose not to tell others about their pregnancy in the first 12 weeks. Do whatever feels right for you.
You may feel less interested in sex and other activities. This is normal.
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP or midwife if:
- your feelings of anxiety or sadness become severe
Pregnancy loss
Unfortunately, pregnancy loss can be common during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you experience pregnancy loss, supports are available. Talk to your GP or maternity unit.
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