See all of our locations

Call or Text: 612 866 7643
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
logologologo
  • Our Services
    • Pregnancy Testing & Verification
    • Options Counseling
    • Ultrasounds
    • Abortion Pill Reversal
    • STD Testing & Treatment
    • Prenatal Classes
    • Parenting Education & Support
    • Community Resources & Referrals
    • Adoption Services
    • Post Abortion Healing
  • Your Options
    • Abortion
    • Adoption
    • Parenting
  • FAQs
  • Our Locations
  • Our Blog
  • Our Services
    • Pregnancy Testing & Verification
    • Options Counseling
    • Ultrasounds
    • Abortion Pill Reversal
    • STD Testing & Treatment
    • Prenatal Classes
    • Parenting Education & Support
    • Community Resources & Referrals
    • Adoption Services
    • Post Abortion Healing
  • Your Options
    • Abortion
    • Adoption
    • Parenting
  • FAQs
  • Our Locations
  • Our Blog
img

Your Pregnancy Part 1: The First Trimester

January 23, 2020 Pregnancy

Regardless if you are pregnant with your first baby or you already have multiple little ones at home, most women have questions about what to expect in the months following a positive pregnancy test. This three-part series will cover expected changes during each trimester of pregnancy, whether differences you notice in your body or the growth and development of your growing baby. Let’s jump in with the first trimester!

Signs and Symptoms

The first trimester of pregnancy begins with the date of your last menstrual period and lasts until the end of the 13th week of pregnancy. By the time you first notice a missed period, you may already start experiencing signs and symptoms of pregnancy like nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, fatigue, and frequent urination.

Every woman’s experience surrounding symptoms of pregnancy is different, and these symptoms can even vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. These symptoms are caused by changing levels of hormones, and they generally improve by the second semester.

Week by Week

During the first trimester, your baby is rapidly growing and developing. All human life begins as a single fertilized cell, and by the end of these thirteen weeks, your baby is about the same size as a peach! Here’s an overview of some developmental highlights during these exciting first few weeks:

9 Week Ultrasound

Week 2: Conception occurs! All of the genetic information is already present that will determine the baby’s sex, hair and eye color, height, and other physical features.

Week 3: The embryo implants in the lining of the mother’s uterus.

Week 4: This is about the time the mother will notice she has missed her period. A hormone called hCG is being produced, which is what causes a positive pregnancy test. Baby’s brain and spinal cord are forming, and the liver is already beginning to function.

Week 5-6: Baby’s heart starts beating! Arm and limb buds are well developed by the end of week six.

Week 8: Fingers and toes are present. Baby’s nose, mouth, and ears are forming. Nerves and muscles continue to develop. Taste buds are already forming on baby’s tongue.

Week 9: All essential external and internal structures and organs are present! Eyelids are beginning to form but are closed. Bones are starting to harden.

Week 10-11: Baby can move on purpose with the coordination of the developing muscles and nerves. Baby can yawn and suck.

Week 12-13: Nails start growing on fingers and toes. Baby can be seen stretching and moving arms and legs. Baby weighs about one ounce and is the size of a peach.

Looking Ahead

You have made it to the end of the first trimester! It’s incredible to think about how much your baby has already grown in this short amount of time, and there are still two trimesters to go! Part two of this series will cover fetal development taking place within the second trimester.

If you think you are pregnant, please schedule your appointment online or call us at 612-866-7643 to speak to one of our friendly staff to schedule your appointment. First Care also offers ongoing prenatal classes to educate and support you through your pregnancy. Join us for an upcoming pregnancy or birth class!

 

Sources:

  • Understanding Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide. (2012). InJoy Productions, Inc. 
  • London, M. L., Ladewig, P. W., Davidson, M. R., Ball, J. W., McGillis, R. C., & Cowen, K. J. (2017). Maternal & Child Nursing Care (5th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
  • Dihle, V. L. & Beck, B. G. (2016). The First 9 Months. Focus on the Family.
Prev
Next

Related Posts

img
Why should I come to First Care Pregnancy Center instead of doing a home test?
January 9, 2020

Taking a pregnancy test can be scary, so why do it alone? At our First Care...

Learn more
img
Your Pregnancy Part 1: The First Trimester
January 23, 2020

Regardless if you are pregnant with your first baby or you already have multiple...

Learn more

Recent Posts

  • I Don’t Want to Be Pregnant. Is Abortion My Only Option?
  • Is an Online Abortion or At-Home Abortion Safe?
  • Why Talk to Us About Abortion?
  • How Can I Recover Emotionally After An Abortion?
  • 3 Things Needed Before an Abortion

Archives

  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • March 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • October 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • February 2018

Latest News

  • I Don’t Want to Be Pregnant. Is Abortion My Only Option?
    I Don’t Want to Be Pregnant. Is Abortion My Only Option?
    February 27, 2023
  • Is an Online Abortion or At-Home Abortion Safe?
    Is an Online Abortion or At-Home Abortion Safe?
    January 28, 2023
  • Why Talk to Us About Abortion?
    Why Talk to Us About Abortion?
    December 27, 2022

If you’re concerned about being pregnant and want help with the next step, contact First Care Pregnancy Center. Visit our center to take a free pregnancy test, talk about your situation and learn more about abortion and your options. All services are free and confidential. First Care Pregnancy Center does not perform or refer for abortion.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Locations in

  • Minneapolis
  • Richfield
  • Rochester
  • Saint Paul
  • University

Address:
2900 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

© 2022 First Care Pregnancy Center. All Rights Reserved. | Terms Of Use | Privacy Statement | Site by Malley Design