MIA
What is happening in your body
Pregnancy hormones rise fast in the first weeks. They support your baby but can leave you tired, sick, emotional and needing to pee more. Your breasts may feel full and tender.
Your baby goes from a tiny cluster of cells to a fully formed baby by week 12. The heart starts beating at around six weeks.
Nausea and sickness
Up to eight in ten pregnant people have nausea, often called morning sickness, though it can happen at any time of day. It usually eases by weeks 16 to 20.
Small, frequent snacks, plain foods, sips of water and rest can help. Ginger helps some people. If you cannot keep food or drink down, or you feel faint, you may have a more serious form called hyperemesis gravidarum. Call your midwife or GP, as treatment is available.
Tiredness and mood
Feeling exhausted is very common and is not a sign that anything is wrong. Go to bed early, say yes to help and lower the bar on everything else for a while.
Mood swings, worry and low days are common too. If you feel low most of the time, or anxious in a way that stops you living your life, tell your midwife. Mental health support is part of pregnancy care.
Your first appointments
Your booking appointment with a midwife usually happens by week 10. You will talk about your health, your history and your choices, and be offered blood tests.
The dating scan is offered between weeks 10 and 14. It checks your baby’s heartbeat, confirms your due date and can be combined with screening tests if you choose them.
Looking after yourself now
Take folic acid until week 12 and vitamin D throughout pregnancy, as advised in the UK. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and check any medicines with a pharmacist or doctor.
Gentle movement such as walking or swimming is good if you feel up to it. If you were active before, you can usually carry on with some changes.
Third trimester
Baby movements