First Trimester

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 3

Congrats – you’re officially pregnant, although you probably don’t know it yet. However, many women will report that during this week they feel some odd changes in their bodies, which could be a definite sign of pregnancy. These signs include sore, tender breasts; mood swings; fatigue; increased urination. All these changes are due to an increase in hormones in your body – the same hormones that will give you a positive pregnancy test next week!

During this week your blastocyst will reach the uterus and choose its home. Once it has safely burrowed into the uterine lining the blastocyst will split into two – one half will become your baby, and the other half the placenta. Now you have an embryo! At this stage hcg starts to be secreted into your blood and urine.

In the meantime, try to rest up, keep taking those prenatal vitamins and keep your fingers crossed!

Tip

You’ll likely want to take a pregnancy test soon, so either head out to the pharmacy or buy one (or a few) online. Also get a chocolate bar, because it won’t be long before those cravings kick in, and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared!

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 4

Sometime this week you are going to miss your period – HOORAY! You may have noticed that your heart is beating a bit faster; this is in response to the extra blood your baby is requiring. Don’t worry, soon your body will catch up on blood volume soon and you’ll be back to normal.

Your breasts are also using up more blood, as they start to build up tissue. You’ll likely feel tender in this area, and may notice that your nipples have changed. No worries, it’s all part of the fun of pregnancy!

The embryo has an umbilical cord and placenta, and has split itself into three layers. The outer layer, or ectoderm, will eventually become hair, skin, eyes, and the nervous system. The middle layer, or mesoderm, will develop into the heart, sexual organs, bones, kidneys, and muscles. Finally the inner layer, the endoderm, becomes the intestines, liver and even lungs.

Tip

So it’s finally time to find out – are you pregnant? Remember that not all pregnancy tests are made the same, so even if you have a negative test you could still be pregnant. Wait a few days, if you still don’t have your period take a new test, you may get the results you’ve been waiting for!

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 5

Look at that – you’ve just found out that you’re pregnant and you are already almost halfway through your first trimester! You’re also probably getting used to the idea that there is another being growing inside of you. And you may be feeling a bit ‘snacky’. In the first trimester your body requires about 300 extra calories per day. Make sure that most of these snack attacks are healthy choices: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, dairy, etc.

During this week your baby’s teeny, tiny heart will begin to beat. Unfortunately a Doppler sensor will not be able to pick up the heartbeat for several more weeks. In the meantime your baby’s brain and nervous system are rapidly developing and the amniotic sac is beginning to form. Imagine all this happening to a baby that is only 2 millimetres long!

Tip

It’s important that you ensure that your body gets enough iron during the next few months, so your body can keep up with blood production. You also may be experiencing everyone’s favourite – morning sickness. Try out some natural morning sickness remedies, such as Preggie Pop Drops, Sea Band Morning Sickness Acupressure, and Morning Wellness Tea.

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 6

Likely you are pretty tired, as your body is doing a lot of stuff right now! And who called it ‘morning sickness? It’s more like all-day-naseous-plus-occassional vomiting syndrome. Plus your boobs hurt, so it’s no wonder why you’re even more moody than usual this week. Just tell yourself (and your partner) that this soon will pass. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, every night – and it doesn’t hurt to eat well either. You may also find that a little light exercise helps as well. It’s never too early to sign up for prenatal yoga, or to buy some pregnancy body products to make you feel better.

Meanwhile, your baby somewhat resembles a tadpole at this stage, and even has little arm and leg buds! Your baby is now ½ inch long, not very big, but growing.

Tip

It’s never too early to start getting ready for baby. While you may not want to run out and stock the nursery yet, it’s a good idea to start setting aside some funds to buy things down the road. Unless you see a sale that is, as you have to take every opportunity to save!