Approved Medications
Warning Signs and Discomforts
Risks You Should Know About
Special Exercises
Getting Support
How To Know It's Time
Trimester 1 (Weeks 1 - 8)
Trimester 1 (Weeks 8 - 12)
Trimester 2 (Weeks 12 - 16)
Trimester 2 (Weeks 16 - 20)
Trimester 2 (Weeks 20 - 24)
Trimester 3 (Weeks 24 - 28)
Trimester 3 (Weeks 28 - 32)
Trimester 3 (Weeks 32 - 36)
Trimester 3 (Weeks 36 - 40)
Warning Signs and Discomforts
Risks You Should Know About
Special Exercises
Getting Support
How To Know It's Time
Trimester 1 (Weeks 1 - 8)
Trimester 1 (Weeks 8 - 12)
Trimester 2 (Weeks 12 - 16)
Trimester 2 (Weeks 16 - 20)
Trimester 2 (Weeks 20 - 24)
Trimester 3 (Weeks 24 - 28)
Trimester 3 (Weeks 28 - 32)
Trimester 3 (Weeks 32 - 36)
Trimester 3 (Weeks 36 - 40)
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What To Expect During Your First Trimester - Weeks 8 - 12
Your pregnancy is divided into 3 Trimesters. This page will show you what to expect during your first trimester during weeks 8 -12.
Your Baby
Eyes and ears are in a critical time of growth. Facial features are forming.
The head is large, since the brain grows faster than the other organs.
Cartilage, skin and muscles are starting to shape your baby's body.
The umbilical cord has formed.
Fingers, toes and fingernails are forming.
Stomach, liver, and kidneys are developing.
The heart is beating.
Baby will weigh about 1/2 to 1 oz. and be about 2 1/4 in. long.
The head is large, since the brain grows faster than the other organs.
Cartilage, skin and muscles are starting to shape your baby's body.
The umbilical cord has formed.
Fingers, toes and fingernails are forming.
Stomach, liver, and kidneys are developing.
The heart is beating.
Baby will weigh about 1/2 to 1 oz. and be about 2 1/4 in. long.
Your Body
You may gain 1 or 2 lbs, your waist and breast size increase, and the the area around your
nipples (areola) and your nipples begin to darken.
Your clothes may begin to feel tight around your waist.
Uterus may feel like a small lump above your pubic bone. It is softer, rounded, and larger. It crowds
the bladder, so you may urinate more often.
Placenta is growing and more hormones are being produced.
Tissues around the vagina become bluish as more blood supply nourishes the baby.
Vaginal discharge becomes thicker, whiter and stickier.
You may be more tired and have less energy.
Nausea (morning sickness) may still occur and it may be more noticeable in the morning.
nipples (areola) and your nipples begin to darken.
Your clothes may begin to feel tight around your waist.
Uterus may feel like a small lump above your pubic bone. It is softer, rounded, and larger. It crowds
the bladder, so you may urinate more often.
Placenta is growing and more hormones are being produced.
Tissues around the vagina become bluish as more blood supply nourishes the baby.
Vaginal discharge becomes thicker, whiter and stickier.
You may be more tired and have less energy.
Nausea (morning sickness) may still occur and it may be more noticeable in the morning.
Your Responsibilities
Begin regular prenatal checkups.
Ask about any drugs your are taking.
Begin prenatal vitamins and iron as prescribed by your doctor.
Exercise by walking, swimming or biking 15 minutes a day.
Enroll in a prenatal class.
Eat balanced meals including whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
Take your prescribed vitamins.
Drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day.
Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, junk foods and / or medicines unless prescribed. Avoid being in the
same room with people who are smoking.
Avoid paints (except latex), pesticides and aerosol sprays.
Discuss feelings, ideas or worries about the pregnancy with your partner.
Ask good friends or family about their experiences during the first few months of pregnancy.
Check if you have insurance for maternity and baby benefits. This should be done before delivery.
Ask about any drugs your are taking.
Begin prenatal vitamins and iron as prescribed by your doctor.
Exercise by walking, swimming or biking 15 minutes a day.
Enroll in a prenatal class.
Eat balanced meals including whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
Take your prescribed vitamins.
Drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day.
Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, junk foods and / or medicines unless prescribed. Avoid being in the
same room with people who are smoking.
Avoid paints (except latex), pesticides and aerosol sprays.
Discuss feelings, ideas or worries about the pregnancy with your partner.
Ask good friends or family about their experiences during the first few months of pregnancy.
Check if you have insurance for maternity and baby benefits. This should be done before delivery.
What your baby looks like during weeks 8 - 12.