The First Trimester of Pregnancy

The first trimester pregnancy is marked by enormous changes in the growing baby inside the womb.  It is the stage where all the major organs of the body is formed.  It is the most sensitive time for the expectant mother.

The first trimester pregnancy marks the beginning of a wonderful journey in the cycle of life. It begins during the pregnancy’s first week and ends at the thirteenth week.  On the average, a usual pregnancy usually lasts about thirty eight weeks.

Added Note:  If you have concerns with your mental health during pregnancy, check out this mental health resource from HealthShire.com.

Week One – Week Four

The most sensitive time of pregnancy is usually during the first four weeks from the date of conception.  At this stage, the growing baby is called an embryo. At this stage is where the formation of the major organ systems of the body occurs. There are notable changes in the body of the expectant mother. Human chorionic gonadotropin is formed by the placenta and is usually the one responsible for bouts of the dreaded morning sickness. This varies in extent from person to person.

Week Five – Week Eight

At this stage of the first trimester pregnancy, the major organs are still forming within the womb.  The embryo has taken a more noticeably human shape but is not yet in the right size as evidenced by the embryo’s ominous head. The facial attributes can already be appreciated. The arms and legs can also be seen already.  At this stage, the embryo is frequently moving within the womb but is too small to be noticed by the  mother.  At the end of week eight, the embryo would now be called a growing fetus.  At this stage the length is about one to 1.5 inches.

Week Nine – Week Thirteen

This last stage of the firs trimester is marked by further growth of the fetus. The sex is already present but still cannot be discerned as it is still under development. The legs and arms of the growing fetus is fully developed and can already react to touching. The baby is still too small to be discerned by the mother however, the heartbeat can now be appreciated with a stethoscope.

Physical Changes Seen And Felt By The Mother

As mentioned earlier, the first trimester pregnancy marks the rise of HcG in the placenta which results in morning sickness.  The expectant mother will also experience bouts of appetite changes as well as increased breast sensitivity.  These symptoms can last for a few months but some report only fleeting feelings.  The growing fetus is supported by the growth of the amniotic sac.  This is the substance that surrounds and protects the fetus for the entire duration of the pregnancy.  The fetus gets its nutrients via the placenta  which is connected to the mother through the umbilical cord.