The First Trimester – The Start of Your Pregnancy Journey

Congratulations, you're pregnant! Welcome to the first trimester, the period from weeks 1 to 12. This is the secret start of an incredible journey, often invisible to the outside world, but all the more intense for you. It's a time of great change, full of wonder, but sometimes also full of uncertainty and discomfort. Know that everything you're feeling is normal.

We tell you what's happening in your body, how your baby is growing and what you can do to reduce any ailments.

Your body: a revolution from within

Even though your belly may not be growing yet, your body is working at full speed. It's building a completely new organ (the placenta, which will nourish your baby) and creating the perfect environment for your baby. This takes a tremendous amount of energy and can lead to several common ailments:

• Overwhelming fatigue: Feeling exhausted? Understandable. Your body is working tirelessly. This isn't a time to push through; it's a time to give in to rest.
  
  
• Nausea (all day long): The infamous 'morning sickness' is often a 24/7 feeling, caused by the pregnancy hormone hCG, which is essential to support your pregnancy in the early stages.
  
  
• Tender breasts: Your breasts may feel sore and swollen. This is one of the first signs that your body is preparing for the arrival of your baby.
  
  
• Emotional rollercoaster: One moment you're euphoric, the next you're crying at a commercial. Your hormones are on edge. Let it be; you're not alone.
  
  
• Constant toilet visits: Your kidneys are working harder to remove waste products and your growing uterus is already putting slight pressure on your bladder.
  
  
• Cravings and aversions: The sudden, intense craving for pickles or the disgust for your favorite coffee? It's all part of it.

Also read: ' Tips for months 1 & 2 ' or ' Tips for months 3 & 4'

Your baby: from cell division to tiny human

This trimester is the most critical phase for your baby's development. In just 12 weeks, a fertilized egg matures into a full-fledged fetus.

• Around week 6: The heart starts beating! An incredible milestone that's often visible on an early ultrasound.
  
  
• Weeks 6-8: The foundation is being laid. The brain, spinal cord, and all major organs begin to form.
  
  
• Weeks 9-12: Your baby is now officially a fetus. All the organs are present. Fingers and toes are visible, and the fetus is already moving, even though you can't feel it yet.
  
  

Your self-care plan for the first trimester

Precisely because this phase is so invisible and intense, being gentle with yourself is the most important thing.

1. Embrace the rest (really!): Put yourself first. Cancel energy-draining appointments, schedule naps, and go to bed early. Your body needs it.
   
   
2. Eat small, often, and smart: Keep your blood sugar levels stable to reduce nausea. Eat small, frequent meals. Crackers on your bedside table, ginger tea, and cold, light meals (yogurt, fruit) can work wonders.
   
   
3. Keep drinking: Drinking plenty of water is essential, especially if you're vomiting. Try water with a slice of lemon or weak tea if plain water isn't your thing.
   
   
4. Start taking folic acid: If you haven't already, start immediately. The recommendation is 400 micrograms per day until the 10th week of pregnancy to reduce the risk of spina bifida.
   
   
5. Choose your provider: Find a midwifery practice where you feel comfortable and heard. This will be your guide throughout your pregnancy.
   
   
6. Move gently: If your energy allows, a short walk in the fresh air or gentle prenatal yoga is a great way to feel better. Don't force anything.
   
   
7. Share your feelings: Talk to your partner, a good friend, or your mother. You don't have to go through this alone. Explaining what you're feeling can help your partner better support you.

Want to approach your pregnancy in an organized way? Then check out our pregnancy planners. This way, you'll stay on top of everything you need to arrange for your pregnancy!

Discover the pregnancy planners here.

The first trimester is a time of adjustment. The pink cloud isn't mandatory. Be kind to yourself, listen to your body's signals, and trust the miracle happening within you. Lots of love, My Sanctum.