First Steps of Pregnancy: 1st Trimester Health Guide

 

What is Trimester?

Trimester is a term that divides the nine months of pregnancy into three equal periods. Each trimester lasts approximately three months and represents different stages of pregnancy. These periods are times when important changes and developmental stages occur for both the mother and the developing baby.

 

Each trimester presents unique development and challenges for both mother and baby. Each stage of pregnancy is important for the healthy growth and development of the baby. Doctor checkups and healthy lifestyle choices are especially important during these periods.

 

 

 

 

Pregnancy Calculator

 

Want to know how long you've been pregnant so far and your estimated due date? Discover the important milestones of your pregnancy with our Pregnancy Calculator. Using this simple tool, you can quickly and easily calculate the dates you need to know throughout your pregnancy.

 

 

How to use?

 

 

1. In the 'Conception Date' field, enter the day your pregnancy began (usually considered the first day of your last menstrual period).
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3. Instantly get your current week of pregnancy and estimated due date.

 

 

 

Changes in the Body in the 1st Trimester

 

The 1st Trimester covers the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and is filled with many changes, both physical and emotional. During this period, the body undergoes a major transformation to prepare a suitable environment for the baby. Here are some important body changes that may occur in the 1st trimester:

 

Hormonal Changes

 

At the beginning of pregnancy, levels of pregnancy hormones such as HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone increase rapidly. These hormones trigger the bodily changes necessary for the pregnancy to continue.

 

Morning Sickness

 

Approximately 70-80% of women experience morning sickness in the first weeks of pregnancy. In fact, this situation, which can occur at any time of the day, depends on increasing HCG hormone levels. The severity and duration of morning sickness varies from person to person.

 

Changes in Breasts

 

In the first weeks of pregnancy, breasts experience changes such as tenderness, a feeling of heaviness and growth. These changes are part of the body's preparation for pregnancy and subsequent feeding.

 

Tiredness

 

Increased progesterone levels lead to a pronounced feeling of fatigue in pregnant women, especially in the 1st trimester. Adequate rest and a healthy eating plan can help cope with fatigue during this period.

 

Frequent Urination

 

Starting from the first weeks of pregnancy, the kidneys process more fluid due to increased blood volume. This leads to the need to urinate frequently.

 

Emotional Fluctuations

 

Hormonal changes can cause emotional fluctuations and sometimes even sudden changes in emotions in pregnant women. These emotional fluctuations are a natural part of pregnancy.

 

Other Changes

 

Some women may experience light bleeding or spotting, headaches, constipation, and even a type of skin changes called a pregnancy "glow."

These changes in the 1st Trimester are part of a natural process your body goes through to support a new and exciting life. Every woman's experience is unique and the symptoms experienced can vary widely. During this period, regular doctor checks and a healthy lifestyle are important for the health of both the mother and the developing baby.

 

 

Tests to be Done During the 1st Trimester

 

Beta HCG:  The first test to be done during pregnancy is a blood pregnancy test called Beta HCG. This test is important both in showing whether pregnancy actually exists and in distinguishing between ectopic and intrauterine pregnancy.

 

Blood group:  The blood groups of the expectant mothers and fathers are determined and the risk of blood group incompatibility in the unborn baby is determined. In cases where the expectant mother is Rh negative and the expectant father is Rh positive, an indirect Coombs test, called a blood incompatibility test, should be performed.

 

TORCH tests:  They are performed to investigate infectious diseases. These tests, performed in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, are necessary to determine whether the expectant mother has previously contracted infectious agents and to take precautions accordingly.

 

Serological Tests:  HBsAg is the test performed to determine whether the expectant mother has hepatitis (jaundice).

 

Rubella:  Rb IgG can be tested to determine whether the expectant mother has rubella. If Rb IgG is negative, the expectant mother should be careful throughout her pregnancy.

 

Ultrasonography:  Using ultrasound, the embryo and the sac that feeds the embryo are visualized. Additionally, it can be investigated whether there are any fibroids in the uterus or cysts in the ovaries.

 

Complete Blood Count:  In pregnancy tests, a complete blood count is performed to investigate whether there is any blood deficiency, that is, anemia, at the beginning of pregnancy.

 

Blood Biochemistry:  Diabetes that may occur during pregnancy or pregnancy-related hypertension-preeclampsia can be diagnosed by blood biochemistry test during pregnancy and by measuring sugar or protein in urine.

 

Complete Urinalysis:  Urine tests performed at the first check-ups are important in giving information about whether there is a urinary tract infection. Hidden urinary tract infections during pregnancy can cause early miscarriages, risk of premature birth, and premature water breaking.

 

PAP Smear Test:  A smear test, which is a screening test for cervical cancer, is performed in the early stages of pregnancy to determine whether it is present or not.

 

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and AIDS Screening:  HbsAg and Anti Hbs test for Hepatitis B; Anti HCV for Hepatitis C; For AIDS, Anti HIV tests are applied.

 

Thyroid Function Test:  With the thyroid function test performed in the first weeks of pregnancy, it is determined whether the expectant mother has thyroid disease and, if so, treatment is started.

 

Free T4 and TSH Test:  TSH and free T4 tests are required to diagnose thyroid disease. It is important to do this because thyroid disease negatively affects the development of the baby as well as the mother.

 

Double Screening Test:  In the first trimester of pregnancy, i.e. 11-14 months. During the weeks, double screening tests are performed. The double screening test is a blood test that shows the risk status for different chromosomal disorders, especially Down syndrome. By measuring Beta hCG, PAPP-A values, nuchal translucency and nasal bone (NT) in the blood, the risk of the baby having Down syndrome and the presence of genetic disorders such as trisomy 18 are determined. Bone measurements taken during these weeks also provide important information about whether the baby has Down syndrome.

 

Your Baby's Development in the 1st Trimester

 

In the first weeks of pregnancy, especially in the 3rd week, when your baby is still in embryo form, its size is as small as a pin head and it is difficult to detect it with ultrasound during this period. However, throughout the 1st trimester, your baby continues to grow and develop rapidly with each passing week. At the end of the first trimester, that is, at the end of the first three months of pregnancy, your baby will weigh approximately 20 to 25 grams and be 6.5 to 8 cm tall. During this period, your baby may be the size of a lemon, which is an indication of how quickly he is growing and developing.

 

The baby, which starts its life as a ball of cells, is defined as an embryo for most of the first trimester. The baby, which is the size of an embryo in the first weeks of pregnancy in the womb, experiences very important changes in the 1st trimester and becomes a fetus in the 10th week. At the end of the 1st trimester, it begins to take on the appearance of a tiny human. During this process, the following developments occur in the baby:

 

• While cartilage and bone formation continues, the formation of the auricle, upper lip and palate begins.

• The baby's face begins to take shape, and its eyelids, nose, mouth and ears take their first shape. His eyes, mouth and nose become more visible, and his face begins to resemble a human face.

• Their hair begins to grow and soft fingernails and toenails begin to form.

• Due to brain development, his head grows faster than his body.

• Digestive and respiratory activities begin to emerge. Small airways form where your lungs are.

• Arms, legs, fingers take shape and now it looks like a baby. During this process, thin, soft hairs appear on your skin.

• The period in which body development is completed and organs mature begins.

• Since the kidney and urinary tract are working, urine is produced and this turns into amniotic fluid.

• Their sexual organs develop.

• The baby's first developing and functioning organ is the heart. The heart rate of a 13-week-old baby is between 120-160 beats per minute. 

• Its head is one-third the size of its body. This rate will stabilize in the coming weeks.

 

 

Healthy Nutrition Recommendations During the 1st Trimester

 

In the first trimester of your pregnancy, you need to pay extra attention to your nutrition routine for the growth and development of your little guest. During this period, it is recommended to add about 300 calories to your daily diet, but the quality of the foods from which you get these extra calories is of great importance. During this first stage of pregnancy, you can benefit from a variety of food groups and keep your blood sugar balanced by eating small amounts six times a day.

 

Vegetables rich in vitamins A and C contain important minerals such as folic acid, iron and magnesium. Try to consume four to five servings of vegetables a day, including at least two servings of green leafy vegetables. Grains, especially carbohydrate sources such as bread, rice, bulgur and pasta, are excellent options for adding energy to your daily main meals.

 

Consume three to four servings a day of fruits rich in vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. You can increase your fiber intake and provide a fiber diet by eating fruits with their peels, if possible.

 

Milk and dairy products are one of the indispensable food groups during your pregnancy. These foods provide high amounts of protein, calcium and phosphorus. Make room in your diet for three portions of dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese a day. If you want to keep your calories and cholesterol under control, you can choose fat-free options.

 

You can consume three servings a day of foods such as meat, poultry, fish, legumes, eggs and oilseeds as sources of B vitamins, protein, iron and zinc. Use fats, especially olive oil, in a balanced way to provide long-term energy and support your baby's brain development.

 

Your fluid needs increase during pregnancy because adequate hydration is critical for both you and your baby. You can meet this need by drinking 2 to 3 liters of water a day, so you will feel good and have a healthy pregnancy.

 

 

The Beginning of Your Pregnancy Journey: Your First Doctor Appointment

 

One of the first steps you should take after receiving the good news of your pregnancy is to choose your doctor and hospital that will guide you on this exciting journey. Working with the same doctor throughout your pregnancy is beneficial in keeping all your health records together. This allows the person who knows your health history best to intervene quickly and effectively in any unexpected situation.

 

Your first doctor's appointment is arranged to identify potential risk factors for both you and your baby, to create a pregnancy follow-up plan, and to inform you about the examinations and tests to be performed in the upcoming period. At this appointment, important documents such as the Pregnancy Follow-Up Guide are filled out and delivered to you.

 

During your appointment, the exact confirmation of your pregnancy is made, and the week of pregnancy is determined by vaginal examination and ultrasonography. Vaginal ultrasonography is usually performed 5-6 days after the first day of the last menstrual period. gestational sac at week 7-8. In one week, the baby can view itself and its heartbeat.

 

The questions your doctor will ask you at your first appointment include information about your health history, lifestyle, previous reproductive experiences, and current pregnancy. This information aims to give you a comprehensive idea about your pre-pregnancy and general health:

 

• Is this your first pregnancy?

• Have you had any miscarriages before?

• Do you have a chronic illness?

• Have you had any operations in the past?

• Are there any medications you use regularly?

• Do you have a habit of smoking or consuming alcohol?

• Are you related to your spouse by blood?

• Do any of your family members have a special health condition?

• Do your parents or family members have chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes?

 

Your answers to these questions allow your doctor to make more informed decisions about the health of both you and your baby. At the end of the appointment, your first ultrasound check may be performed and you can take the first image of your baby. Additionally, your doctor will determine your next appointment date and take the necessary steps to ensure your pregnancy progresses smoothly.

 

 

Common Symptoms Encountered During the 1st Trimester

 

The first trimester, the beginning of pregnancy, is a time when the expectant mother's body goes through various adaptations and major changes. During this period, as the foundations of a new life are laid, women's bodies show different symptoms to adapt to this process. In the first few weeks, many expectant mothers who are not aware of the existence of pregnancy may experience symptoms similar to the premenstrual period. The most common symptoms encountered in the first trimester can be listed as follows:

 

• Postponement of the expected menstrual period,

• Digestive system disorders such as morning sickness and vomiting,

• Excessive saliva production and cravings,

• Changes observed in appetite patterns,

• Darkening in skin tone,

• Fullness, pain and increased sensitivity in the breasts,

• Increased need to urinate,

• A general state of fatigue and a constant desire to sleep,

• Sudden headaches and dizziness,

• Emotional fluctuations and mood changes,

• Significant groin pain,

• Tendency to bleeding in the gums,

• Dark spots appearing on the skin,

• Increase or decrease in sexual desire.

 

The first trimester of pregnancy is a volatile time, both physically and emotionally. These symptoms are part of your body's natural processes to support new life. However, the severity and type of symptoms experienced may vary from person to person. Therefore, if your symptoms worry you or become difficult to manage, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

 

 

Foods to Avoid in the 1st Trimester

 

It is very important for the health of you and your baby to stay away from certain foods in the first three months of your pregnancy, that is, the 1st Trimester. Especially unpasteurized milk and dairy products, processed meat products containing additives (such as soudjouk, sausage, salami) and ready-made foods are among the risky foods. Products such as raw or undercooked seafood, eggs and meat products, cold-smoked seafood and raw sushi are also on the avoid list.

 

Ready-made foods and drinks such as ready-made soups, carbonated drinks, fruit juices and broth tablets should not be preferred during pregnancy. Avoiding high-sugar drinks and fruit juices is also helpful. Additionally, products such as fatty and heavily spiced foods, fatty meats and cream should be avoided. Caffeine consumption should be reduced and, if possible, healthy alternatives such as milk, buttermilk and freshly squeezed fruit juices should be preferred.

 

 

Helpful Tips for Morning Sickness

 

Morning sickness during pregnancy is a situation that many women experience. During this period, eating small and frequent meals can relieve nausea. Eating more frequently and in smaller portions throughout the day, instead of large meals, can ease the stomach.

In the morning, you can eat light snacks such as saltine crackers, breadsticks or roasted chickpeas before getting out of bed. Keep these by your bedside and get out of bed after consuming a few in the morning. This may reduce your stomach upset.

It's also important to increase your fluid intake; Make sure to drink 2-3 liters of water a day. However, in very hot weather your body may need more fluids, so adjust your water consumption according to the season.

Make sure your snacks are healthy and balanced. Choose foods that are fat-free and rich in protein and carbohydrates. Avoid heavy and spicy foods.

Avoiding acidic drinks and especially fruit juices, which can increase stomach acid (for example, orange and lemon juice), may also be helpful in reducing nausea.

When you feel nauseous, try breathing techniques: Taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly can provide relief. Stay away from extreme temperatures and unpleasant odors. Fresh and refreshing scents can reduce your feeling of nausea.

It will also be beneficial to go out for a walk in the morning to ventilate your room and get fresh air. These simple methods can help relieve your pregnancy morning sickness.

 

Important Information

All this shared information is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health problems or special circumstances related to your pregnancy, please consult your doctor first for the most accurate information and guidance. Please remember that all health-related decisions and treatment processes should be guided by healthcare professionals as a result of a detailed evaluation of your personal health condition.