What Happens During First-Trimester (Weeks 1 to 13 of Pregnancy)?
The first trimester lasts until the end of the 13th week of pregnancy. During this time, several developments happen. Although you can’t see it happening, there’s a lot going on inside your body after sperm fertilizes an egg, such as:
- Weeks one to four of pregnancy: A face, circles for eyes and the beginning of a mouth take shape.
- Weeks five to eight of pregnancy: Several major organs start to develop during the 6th week of pregnancy, including the fetal lungs, heart, ears, arms and legs.
- Weeks nine to 12 of pregnancy: Towards the end of the first trimester, the fetus is between 3 and 4 inches long (about the size of a plum) and will have toes, fingers and nails. The fetus will begin to move by opening and closing its hands and mouth.
At the same time, there is an increase in hormones like hCG, progesterone, estrogen, and relaxin, which is important for critical fetal development. These can lead to early pregnancy signs like morning sickness, fatigue, breast tenderness, and mood swings.
Some expecting mothers may experience these symptoms almost immediately, while others may notice very few changes at all. Both experiences can be totally normal.
What are Common First Trimester Symptoms?
During the first trimester, your body transforms into a hormone powerhouse, which can lead to the following 10 common symptoms:
10 Common Symptoms | Description |
Missed period | Often the first sign of pregnancy is hormones stopping menstruation. Confirm with a pregnancy test. |
Morning sickness | Morning sickness is one of the telltale signs of early pregnancy. Despite its name, it can last all day and all night. It typically starts around weeks 4–9. How to manage morning sickness? Here are the tips: - eat small
- frequent meals
- avoid spicy or greasy foods
- stay hydrated
- try ginger
Seek care if you can’t keep fluids down. |
Fatigue | It’s common to feel very tired during early pregnancy as levels of the hormone progesterone rise and body energy demands increase. How to manage fatigue during the first trimester? Through these tips: prioritize sleep, eat balanced meals, rest, and do light activity if approved. |
Tender, swollen breasts | Soon after you conceive, hormonal changes might make your breasts sensitive or sore. However, you will likely have less discomfort after a few weeks as your body adjusts to these hormonal changes. |
More urination | You might find yourself urinating more often than usual due to an increased amount of blood in the body. This puts extra pressure on the kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in the bladder. |
Mood swings | Hormonal changes can cause irritability, anxiety, or sudden emotional shifts. These are normal but discuss them with your doctor if severe. |
Bloating and constipation | Slowed digestion can cause bloating, gas, and constipation. Tips to manage: eat fiber, drink water, stay active, and limit processed foods. |
Food cravings & aversions | Sudden cravings or strong dislikes, plus taste or smell changes. Usually temporary. |
Mild cramping & spotting | Light spotting (implantation) and mild cramps may occur. Seek immediate care for heavy bleeding or severe pain. |
Headaches & dizziness | Caused by hormonal and circulatory changes, dehydration, or low blood sugar. Tips to manage: eat regularly, hydrate, and stand up slowly. |
4 Less Common Early Pregnancy Signs
Here are some less common symptoms you may experience:
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- An elevated sense of smell (hyperosmia)
- Increased vaginal discharge
- A persistently elevated basal body temperature (BBT)
How Early Do 1st Trimester Symptoms Start?
Some people notice them as early as 1–2 weeks after conception (before a missed period), though most women notice them by the 4- to 6-week mark.
These happen because of a surge in chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone, which is vital for supporting embryo growth and development.
6 Important First-Trimester Care Tips
Proper first-trimester care is crucial for both mother and baby for proper growth and lowering the risk of complications.
- Schedule your first prenatal appointment immediately after pregnancy confirmation.
- Take a prenatal vitamin at the prescribed dosage. Your prenatal vitamins should contain folic acid, iron, calcium and vitamin D.
- Focus on nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy products and healthy fats.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs.
- Prioritize sleep.
While many symptoms are normal, some of the following symptoms require immediate medical attention:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- High fever
- Severe vomiting
- A sudden decrease in fetal movement
- Fainting
- Painful urination
Conclusion
All these first-trimester symptoms are important for the growth and development of the fetus, but these can also bring emotional and mental challenges. Sometimes, you might feel a mix of excitement, nervousness, fear, and happiness, which can be challenging to handle. However, openly talking with your partner, family, or doctor can help you navigate emotional ups and downs during early pregnancy.
For accurate medical guidance and personalized care, always contact a qualified healthcare professional and follow their advice only.
Are You Looking for Ways to Protect Your Baby’s Health in the Future?
Then, like many parents in Singapore, you can also consider an option such as cord blood storage for stem cell preservation from Cryoviva Singapore.
Stem cells from cord blood offer the following benefits:
- Safeguard from 90+ diseases and 700+ medical conditions, such as cancers, blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and genetic conditions.
- Support healthy immune systems post-chemotherapy.
Contact us for further guidance:
- Phone number: (65) 8339 8482
- Address: Corporate Office 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #01-06 Mapex, Singapore 577177
- Write Us: enquiry@cryoviva.com.sg
FAQs
How much does Umbilical Cord Blood saving ?
No, the collection process is painless and safe for both mother and baby
What is the Cord Blood Banking Cost in Singapore?
Cryoviva Singapore, a private cord blood bank. is known for its affordability for newborn stem cell banking, with a cost range from 5,000 to 8,000 SGD. We make the service accessible to every parent living in Singapore.
What is a Cord Blood Collection Kit?
It is a specialized, sterile package containing all the tools (like tubes, barcode stickers, etc.) required for the safe collection of blood, labeling, and transport.
