Your guide to the first trimester

Congratulations on your exciting news! If you’ve just found out that you’re pregnant, no doubt you’ve already noticed a lot of things changing. Here’s what to expect in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy

Your baby

At the end of the first month, your baby will be around 6-7mm – that’s about the size of a grain of rice! But by the time you reach the 12-week mark, your baby will be fully formed. All their major organs will have developed and they’ll have hands, feet, arms and legs – even their fingernails and toenails will have started to form.

TIP: Now is a good time to start taking pregnancy vitamin supplements. They contain nutrients like folic acid, which will help your growing baby.

Your body

You’re going through a lot of physical changes, so you may find yourself feeling very tired – listen to your body and rest when you need to, you are growing a small human after all. Morning sickness often kicks in at around week five, and can happen any time of the day, despite its name.

TIP: If you’re starting to feel nauseous, try eating little and often. Keeping cool is also important as feeling warm can make nausea worse. Lots of moms-to-be say ginger helped with nausea. Ice lollies are a good option too as they can help you keep cool and stay hydrated. 

Your emotions

These first three months are an exciting time and with so many new hormones running through your body, your emotions are likely to be very up and down. If you feel like you need a good cry one moment, go for it, and if you're overjoyed the next, don’t worry, it’s all part of pregnancy!

Your medical care

Now you know you’re pregnant, it’s time to book an appointment with your doctor. Your first scan will normally be scheduled for between eight and 14 weeks, and this is typically when you’ll get to see your baby for the first time.

TIP: Most people wait until they’ve had this first scan to let people know they’re expecting, so as you move into the second trimester, get ready to let everyone in on your exciting secret!