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The first trimester of pregnancy

Your guide to pregnancy

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The first trimester of pregnancy

Check-ups, nutrition, complaints and emotional rollercoasters - here you can find out everything you need to know about the first trimester of pregnancy.

Are you interested in a specific week of pregnancy? Then use the search function to find out directly about a week of pregnancy. At Notdienst Hebamme you will get all the information you need. Do you have a question? Ask it in our group.

1. The journey begins - the first trimester of your pregnancy
2. The first trimester of pregnancy - a new life is born
3. First signs - am I pregnant?
4. What symptoms occur in the first trimester and what can you do about them?
5. Pregnancy nausea
6. Pregnancy fatigue
7. Circulatory problems
8. Healthy nutrition during pregnancy
9. The first trimester - can I do sport?
10. Antenatal care - which examinations are usual in the first twelve weeks?
11. Between anticipation and fear of loss
12. The weeks of pregnancy in the first trimester

The journey begins - the first trimester of your pregnancy

There you are, sitting on the sofa with the pregnancy test, looking at these two stripes. Two stripes that will change your life. Congratulations, you're pregnant! At this moment, you must have countless thoughts running through your head and your emotions are on a rollercoaster. This is completely normal. For many women, the feeling of joy is mixed with uncertainty, excitement and even fear. No wonder, you are finally going to be a mum and a little person is growing in your belly. We are happy to take you by the hand with this pregnancy calendar and accompany you on your journey through this exciting time. Below you can find out everything you need to know about the first trimester, i.e. the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.

The first trimester of pregnancy - a new life is born

Firstly, let's take a look at how your baby is developing in these first few weeks of pregnancy. If you are holding your positive pregnancy test in your hand, you are already in at least the fourth week of pregnancy. How can this be? This is because the start of pregnancy is calculated back to the first day of the last menstruation. Most women ovulate around the 14th day of their cycle. Fertilisation therefore takes place at the end of the 2nd week of pregnancy. The fertilised egg then migrates to the uterus within four to five days, where it implants.

Over the next four weeks, the tiny cluster of cells develops into a small embryo. The heart begins to beat around the 6th week. From the 9th week of pregnancy we speak of a foetus. All vital organs are now formed and the brain and nervous system differentiate. At the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, your baby is around 5 to 6 centimetres long and weighs 15 grams.

First signs - am I pregnant?

Every body is different and so is every pregnancy. The following signs may indicate pregnancy:

As you can see, the list is very extensive. Each of these symptoms may or may not indicate pregnancy. There are also women who don't notice any signs of pregnancy at all. You will only know whether you are pregnant if you have taken a positive pregnancy test or if the gynaecologist has confirmed the gestation by means of a blood test or an ultrasound.

What symptoms occur in the first trimester and what can you do about them?

Many of these signs accompany pregnant women in the first trimester (and sometimes beyond). This is not surprising, as an incredible number of changes take place in the body during these early weeks. You go through an extreme hormonal change during this time. From the 5th week of pregnancy, your blood volume increases and the pumping function of your heart increases. Your breasts grow and feel taut, your senses are heightened and you experience emotional ups and downs. What are the most common pregnancy complaints and how can they be alleviated?

Pregnancy complaint: Nausea

Suddenly you can't stand your husband's perfume, the smell of minced meat makes your stomach turn and instead of enjoying your morning coffee, you flee to the toilet? Around 50 to 70 per cent of all pregnant women suffer from morning sickness in the first trimester. This is often referred to as "morning sickness", but can occur throughout the day.

What can you do to combat morning sickness?

 

  • Some women find it helps to have a snack as soon as they get up. It's best to put a thermos flask of peppermint tea and a few biscuits on your bedside table.
  • Eat five to six smaller meals a day instead of three large ones. This keeps your blood sugar level constant and puts less strain on your stomach.
  • Avoid strongly flavoured, fatty and acidic dishes.
  • Drinks should not be too cold and should preferably not contain carbon dioxide.
  • Try home remedies such as ginger extract and tea.
  • Allow yourself to rest and take enough breaks.
  • Acupressure helps many women against the symptoms.
  • If your nausea is very severe, your gynaecologist may prescribe medication.

Pregnancy complaint: Fatigue

Falling asleep on the sofa watching a film again? Do you suddenly need a daily nap? No wonder, a new life is growing in your body. Tiredness is caused by the hormone progesterone, which has a calming effect on all organs. Don't overstretch yourself during this exciting time. Recharge your batteries by taking rest breaks as often as possible. Alternating showers are a good way to stimulate your circulation. To make sure you don't miss out on exercise, we recommend going for walks in the fresh air and doing gentle sport.

Pregnancy complaint: Circulatory problems

Do your eyes go black when you get up from the sofa? This is also not uncommon during pregnancy. The cardiovascular system undergoes a number of changes: Your blood volume increases, your heart rate rises and, at the same time, many pregnant women suffer from low blood pressure. Try to stand up slowly and make sure you drink enough. Support stockings can also be helpful.

Healthy nutrition during pregnancy

To ensure that you and your baby are well looked after, a balanced diet important. Support your body by eating enough vitamins and minerals. Basically, you can eat almost anything as long as it doesn't make you feel sick. Your diet should include plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre. Avoid raw dairy, meat and fish products, as these pose a risk of infection. Reduce your coffee consumption. Alcohol and tobacco are harmful to your unborn baby and are therefore taboo. The additional need for minerals and vitamins during pregnancy can usually be covered by a healthy diet. It is best to ask your gynaecologist or midwife about this. If possible, you should start taking folic acid as soon as you stop using contraception to prevent neural tube defects.

The first trimester of pregnancy - can I do sport?

The right amount of exercise during pregnancy has a positive effect on your well-being. Unless your gynaecologist tells you otherwise, you don't have to give up exercise. Disciplines with a high level of exertion or risk of injury such as marathons, martial arts, squash, mountain biking, climbing or skiing are unsuitable. Perfect sports for pregnant women: yoga, gymnastics, Pilates, swimming and hiking.

Antenatal care - which examinations are usual in the first twelve weeks?

Do you suspect you are pregnant and have perhaps already tested positive? Then the next step is usually to see your gynaecologist. They will first ask you about any symptoms and your medical history. This includes the first day of your last menstruation, illnesses in the family and previous pregnancies. All of this will later be entered in your maternity record. You will be weighed, your blood and urine will be taken and the doctor will perform a vaginal ultrasound. From the 7th week of pregnancy, the heartbeat of your little miracle can even be observed - a very emotional moment! Your gynaecologist will explain everything about the further course of the pregnancy and the planned check-ups.

Now is a good time to look for a midwife. They will accompany you on this fascinating journey of pregnancy and give you a feeling of security and confidence. If you would like more answers to your questions, we recommend our our free pregnancy course in the member areain which midwife Katharina shares helpful information about your baby's development, examinations during pregnancy and possible complaints. You can register for free here log in.

Between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy, you will have your next appointment with your gynaecologist and at the same time the first of the three planned antenatal appointments according to the maternity guidelines. Ultrasound examinations takes place. The doctor will determine your gestational age and confirm your cardiac activity. You will also receive your maternity pass at this appointment. If the booklet with all the abbreviations is a closed book for you, then our free Online workshop "Maternity passport" Light into the dark.

At your request, a nuchal translucency measurement will be carried out between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy, which can provide an indication of a possible chromosomal disorder. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the topic of screening in advance so that you and your partner can make an informed decision. Our Workshop "Online prenatal care" This is part of the free pregnancy course.

Between anticipation and fear of loss

The first twelve weeks of pregnancy are the most exciting. A rollercoaster of emotions between anticipation of the baby and fear that something will happen. While one mum-to-be wants to go on a romper shopping spree straight away, the other great fear of loss and hardly dares to tell anyone about the pregnancy. Are you completely relaxed or are you already dreading the pregnancy? Birth? Try to trust your body. You are not alone on this journey, but are embarking on it together with your baby. Meditation can help you to concentrate fully on yourself and your child. It is also important to talk about your fears, be it with your partner, your best friend or your midwife. Together you will master this overwhelming time in the beginning.

At the end of the first trimester, most women breathe a sigh of relief. The most risky phase is now over and the discomfort is also subsiding. Hopefully you have now really "arrived" in your pregnancy, can enjoy the time ahead and feel completely at ease.

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