Stages of Pregnancy : First Trimester

Congratulations! You're in your first trimester, meaning you've been pregnant for 1-12 weeks. You might be feeling excited, surprised, even frightened, or a combination of the three. These are common emotions shared by women in their first trimester. You may also feel skeptical, not believing that you actually are pregnant, despite the positive pregnancy tests. This is normal, too.

Your first trimester can be physically and emotionally difficult. But you can look forward to the second trimester, which many people describe as a period of pregnancy marked by great energy and enthusiasm.

At the end of your first trimester, your baby will be about three inches long. It has hands, is beginning to develop fingernails, and can swallow and discharge fluids.

It is never too early to start getting prepared for pregnancy. Woman's offers a variety of classes to help, and you can access helpful articles, tools and information by signing up for My Woman's. You can also schedule a tour of Woman's Hospital, so you'll know what to expect. Remember, being informed eases anxiety.

To take a video tour, click here.

Recommended Classes:

Great Expectations

Attend this class to learn how to provide your baby with the best possible environment for growth and development. We discuss nutrition, practice exercise routines, offer tips for common discomforts, and make you aware of preterm labor warning signs. Wear slacks or shorts so you can practice the exercises with the fitness instructor. Register as soon as you learn you are pregnant. $25 per couple. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Baby 'n You Orientation Tour

Woman's Hospital welcomes expectant parents to a tour of the labor and birth suites, family waiting areas, Transition nursery and the Mother/Baby suites. The tour includes information about the OB EXPRESS registration process and what you can expect while delivering at our hospital. Please understand that this tour is for adults only. There is no charge for this tour. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Woman's Hospital Resources:

Forward Motion Aquatic Program

Fitness Club Training

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Health Articles:

The First Trimester Know Your Blood Type. All pregnant women are tested for the Rh factor during the early weeks of pregnancy. A mother and fetus may have incompatible blood types; the most common is Rh incompat... more

Nutrition During Pregnancy The importance of good nutrition during pregnancy:According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 300 extra calories are needed daily to maintain a healthy singleton pregnancy. Multiple... more

Common Discomforts During Pregnancy What are some common discomforts during pregnancy? Symptoms of discomfort due to pregnancy vary from woman-to-woman. The following are some common discomforts. However, each mother... more

Folic Acid - One a Day Are you thinking of getting pregnant? No? Yes? This is one question about your health in which no matter how you answer, our health advice is the same: you need to be making sure you get enough folic... more

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More Resources:

Preparing | Second Trimester | Third Trimester | Postpartum | Special Needs