What to Expect: First Trimester (Weeks 1 to 12)

You may experience:

• Fatigue due to hormonal changes.
• Nausea or morning sickness, which can happen at any time of day.
• Sore, swollen, or tender breasts.
• Frequent urination.
• Mood swings.  Hormonal changes can make you feel more emotional or easily irritated.
• Food cravings or aversions.
• Sensitivity to smells.
• Gas or bloating as your body adjusts to pregnancy.

At your first prenatal visit (around 8 to 10 weeks), your provider will confirm your pregnancy, review your medical history, and do a physical exam.  They'll also likely do:

• Blood tests to check your blood type, Rh factor, and hormone levels, plus screen for infections and immunity to certain diseases.
• Cell-free DNA testing (noninvasive prenatal testing) to screen for genetic abnormalities.
• A urine test to confirm pregnancy and check for infections.
• A Pap smear if you're due.
• An early ultrasound (around 8 to 12 weeks) to check your baby’s heartbeat and confirm your due date.

Weeks 1 to 2:

Your uterus is getting ready for an egg and sperm to meet.

Weeks 3 to 4:

An egg and sperm meet, and the cells start dividing.  They implant into the wall of the uterus, where the embryo will continue to grow.

Weeks 5 to 6:

Your baby’s heart starts beating, and tiny limb buds begin to form.

Weeks 7 to 8:

Your baby is starting to develop facial features and is about the size of a blueberry.

Weeks 9 to 12:

Your baby is now considered a fetus.  By week 12, they're about the size of a lime and can move their arms and legs.  Their organs are also starting to function.