The first 12-13 weeks might be the least physically obvious of your pregnancy, but you can still expect a lot of changes to occur within yourself. Here’s a quick guide to some of the things to anticipate during your first trimester.

Your Body’s Changes

You won’t adjust to being pregnant straight away; you might feel uncomfortable within your skin for a while before you get used to the changes you’re experiencing. Keep in mind that not much weight gain typically occurs during the first 12 weeks – the baby bump usually emerges in the second and third trimesters.

The main 2 symptoms to expect during the first trimester are:

• Morning sickness (we have some tips for dealing with this)
• Changes to your breasts (halfway through the first trimester, they will most likely have grown and become more sensitive).

There are also slightly less common symptoms you might experience, such as:

• Aversions to certain foods
• Heartburn
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Mood swings

Remember that every person is unique – the way your body responds to pregnancy might be completely different to how things went for any of your friends who have had babies!

Your Baby’s Development

A lot of exciting things happen inside your womb during the first trimester. Your baby will begin developing:

• Various touch receptors
• Bones (including arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers and toes)
• Skin, hair follicles and nail beds
• Optic nerves, lenses and retinas
• A heartbeat
• A digestive system
• Tastebuds
• Muscles
• White blood cells
• Vocal cords.

If you experience any concerning or severe symptoms during your first trimester, please contact us straight away to make an appointment. Call our friendly reception staff on 1300 464 464.

Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.