Trimester 1 – Weeks 1-8

Your Baby

Hereditary characteristics were set when the sperm met the egg.

Father’s sperm determined your baby’s sex.

Brain, nervous system, heart, and lungs are forming.

Tiny spots for ears, eyes and nose exist and arm and leg buds are forming.

Baby grows inside a sac of amniotic fluid (bag of water)

Baby is about 1/4 to 1 inch long at the end of Week 8

Your Body

You were 2 weeks pregnant when you missed your first period, and six weeks pregnant when your second period was missed.

Placenta is forming and making hormones that prepare you for pregnancy.

You may feel nauseated (morning sickness) any time of the day, and tired; your breasts begin to feel tender.

Uterus is growing larger, but you cannot feel it.

You have not gained weight or changed body size.

Your Responsibilities

Make an appointment to start prenatal care.

Check with your doctor or clinic before taking any medicine.

Avoid x-rays while you are pregnant.

Avoid cigarettes and alcoholic drinks.

Limit drinks that have caffeine (colas, teas, coffee).

Eat balanced meals (whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and milk.

Talk with your partner about feelings you both have about this pregnancy.

Decide when and how you will tell your family, friends and employer about your pregnancy.

Continue to take or start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid.