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First Trimester Changes: What to Expect
First Trimester Changes: What to ExpectAs a parent-to-be, you’re getting ready for some big life changes. During pregnancy, your body will begoing through changes, too. These changes help your body get ready for the growth and birth of yourbaby.You may already know about some of these changes, like morning sickness. Others may surpriseyou. Here is what you can expect in the first trimester, or weeks 1 through 13, of pregnancy.After conception, the fertilized egg has made its way from a fallopian tube to your uterus. Once there,it nestles in the lining of your uterus and begins to grow.Your uterus starts to expand in response, making more space for the embryo. As it expands, youruterus may push against other organs like your bladder and intestines. You may need to pee moreoften. Or you may have constipation.Inside your uterus, the placenta has developed. This organ passes much-needed nutrients andoxygen from you to your growing baby. It also removes waste from their body.In the first trimester, your hormones are rapidly changing. As a result, you may have someuncomfortable symptoms, such as: Swollen, tender breasts; Fatigue; Mood swings; Nausea andvomiting, called morning sickness; Heartburn; Food cravings or dislikes; And changes in weight. Buteveryone is different. You may have all, a few, or none of these symptoms.While your body goes through these changes, your baby will continue to grow. By week 4, majororgans–like the heart, lungs, and liver–are starting to develop. So, are the brain and spinal cord. Yourbaby is now about the size of a poppy seed.By week 8, your baby’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth start to take shape. Their arms and legs are alsonoticeable–along with webbed fingers and toes. Your baby is now about the size of a raspberry.Around this time, you’ll likely have your first prenatal checkup with your healthcare provider. Duringthis visit, you can hear your baby’s heartbeat with an ultrasound.Week 13 marks the end of the first trimester. By this point, most of your baby’s organs and bodysystems are fully formed. Over the next 6 months, they will continue to mature.Although you may barely be showing, your baby is now about the size of a lemon! And you’re aboutto enter the next stage of pregnancy: the second trimester.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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