first trimester
what is happening inside?
week 1-4 fertilization and implantation
Your first trimester is one of the most exciting times. There is so much happening and your baby is developing so quickly. As strange as it may seem, you are not actually pregnant until the fourth week of pregnancy. The first four weeks are spent fertilizing the egg and creating the zygote. The zygote travels down the fallopian tube, into the uterus and rapidly divides to form a cluster of cells. The outer cells will become the membranes to nourish and protect the inner cells which will become the embryo.
week 5-6 embryotic period
During this time, the baby's spinal cord, brain, heart and other organs begin to form. The embryo has now developed into three layers. The top layer, called the ectoderm, will eventually be part of your baby's outermost layer of skin, eyes and inner ear, connective tissues and your baby's central and peripheral nervous systems.
The second layer, known as the mesoderm, is the layer of cells that will develop into his/her bones, muscles, kidneys, heart and much of the reproductive system.
The innermost layer, called the endoderm, is lined with mucus membranes and will eventually form into the baby's lungs, intestines and bladder. Your child is only about 1/16 - 1/8 of an inch.
By week six, your baby's heart will be pumping blood and basic facial features and appendages begin to form.
week 7-12
Your child's face and brain are now rapidly developing. In week 8, your baby's arms will begin growing longer and more defined and fingers and toes begin to grow. The child's eyes, nose and upper lip have also formed and the he/she will begin to move (but you likely will not feel it yet), after all your child is only 1/2 inch.
By week 12 your child will have a neck and a more rounded head. His/her face will now be recognizable as human and fingernails begin to form. The eyes now have lids and will close to protect them as they develop.
first trimester office visits
During your first trimester, you should be very active with your physician. Visits will include bloodwork, conversations about lifestyle and a physical examination.
When you first believe that you are pregnant, schedule your visit and set ample time aside as you will have a lot to discuss. You may want to bring your partner along with you as well. We will discuss several items such as medical history, due date and lifestyle issues
Subsequent visits will be scheduled every 4-6 weeks throughout the first trimester. Your physician will guide you through this after your first visit so be sure to bring your calendar. Be sure to keep an open relationship with your physician during this time. Be sure to ask any questions and address any concerns that you may have. We suggest making a list prior to your visit so you do not forget to ask anything.
changes to your body
As early as two weeks into the pregnancy, your body may be experiencing noticeable changes due to your natural response to trigger hormones to begin nurturing the baby. Common changes include tender breasts, occasional nausea, queasiness and vomiting, unusual fatigue, increased urination, heartburn and constipation and dizziness. You will also notice some emotional differences including the natural tendency to worry about your child's development, productivity at work, financial concerns, how a new baby will affect your partnership, weepiness and mood swings. If these any of these symptoms become too overwhelming, consult your physician.
|
