August 27th, 2011 by Hasham

Week by Week Newsletter

Subscribe to our FREE week-by-week email newsletter tailored to your pregnancy. Each week you receive a new newsletter that tracks your pregnancy and is filled with tips and information on:

* Changes in your body
* Your developing baby
* Pregnancy planning
* Tips for a healthy pregnancy
* Tips for your partner

Your pregnancy is determined from the date of last menstral period, not date of conception. Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It is not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may recieve from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.

Congratulations! After recognizing the early signs of pregnancy you have now entered the first trimester of your pregnancy journey, better known as the first three months of pregnancy or weeks 1 through 12. During this time your body is undergoing many changes that can sometimes be confusing and worrysome.

With the proper information and knowledge, you will know what to expect during this first trimester of pregnancy, as well as how to handle different pregnancy symptoms that are thrown your way. Enjoy this amazing journey that you and your body are about to embark on, because sooner than you think, you will meet the newest tiny addition to your family!

Pregnancy Week 1 & 2
Pregnancy Week 3
Pregnancy Week 4
Pregnancy Week 5
Pregnancy Week 6
Pregnancy Week 7
Pregnancy Week 8
Pregnancy Week 9
Pregnancy Week 10
Pregnancy Week 11
Pregnancy Week 12
Among the more common early pregnancy symptoms that women experience during this time include nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings and stress. All of these experiences are perfectly normal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

You can blame your surging hormones for your uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester. Your elevated hormones (such as human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, estrogen, etc.) are supporting your pregnancy and helping it thrive. In fact, did you know that women who don’t have morning sickness are at higher risk for miscarriage? The pregnancy hormones that are causing you to feel nauseous and sick all the time are actually supporting the baby growing inside you!

Fortunately you will find that many of the unpleasant side effects of the first trimester disappear during the second. If you haven’t already, be prepared to quit smoking and drinking cold turkey, as these habits could be detrimental to your baby.

During your first trimester you will set up your first prenatal visit. The first prenatal visit is one of the most comprehensive of all visits during your pregnancy. At this time your healthcare practitioner will take a comprehensive medical history and conduct a full physical examination.

Most women will see their provider for the first time between weeks 8 and 10 when they first detect early pregnancy symptoms. Your healthcare provider should discuss with you any significant aspects of your medical & sexual health or family history that may impact your pregnancy. In many instances, your healthcare provider will perform an ultrasound exam to confirm the viability of your pregnancy, and during this time you will be allowed to greet your baby for the first time!

Many women will also be able to hear the baby’s heart beat for the first time by about week 12, though it may take a little longer in some cases!