What happens in my first trimester?

By the time you realise you have missed your period, the embryo will have been developing inside you for 2 weeks. However, you will be four weeks pregnant,  because pregnancy is measured from the first day of your last period.

You probably won’t look like you’re carrying a precious little person (although women who are on their second and third pregnancies may show a lot earlier) but there are so many changes taking place, both inside and outside of your body. Your baby will be growing faster than at any other stage of your pregnancy, with its heart, brain and spine already developing.

The first few weeks

You might already be feeling some signs of pregnancy in these early weeks. Tiredness, problem skin, increased vaginal discharge, needing to pee more often and an ‘odd’ feeling are all perfectly normal – while some women also claim that they have a metallic taste in their mouths.

You may also have sore or enlarged breasts and some feelings of light headedness if you stand up too quickly.

By week six you may begin to experience morning sickness, though don't let its name deceive you – it can actually strike any time of the day or night! Certain smells (including that aftershave you loved and bought for your other half) or even the thought of some foods, may reduce you to a nauseous wreck in these early weeks. 

During this time you may also experience some 'spotting' or implantation bleeding. Don’t panic, this is usually harmless, but it’s always a good idea to get yourself checked out by your GP or Early Pregnancy Unit if you are worried, in pain or the blood is bright red.

Your booking appointment

You will also have your 'booking appointment' with your midwife during your first trimester, and excitingly your first scan. Make an appointment as soon as you find out as early contact ensures scans and tests can be arranged in a timely manner. Your midwife will give you information on nutrition and diet, and might suggest you take folic acid supplements if you are not already doing so. She will also advise you on the rest of the care and screening you will receive throughout your pregnancy.

Your booking appointment can make your pregnancy seem really real, although many mums prefer not to share their news until they have had their dating scan. If you're eager to find out your due date before your first scan you can check out the pregnancy due date calculator on Bounty.com which will give you an approximate arrival date for your little one.

By the end of the first trimester, you will be out of the 'danger zone' which means a much lower risk of the pregnancy not progressing.

You may well have a visible bump by the end of the trimester, and if you've had your first scan, you’ll know when your baby is expected to arrive.

Exciting times!