First Trimester Prenatal Care 

Introduction:

The first trimester is a time when you are simply wrapping your head around the idea that you are pregnant. About half the time pregnancy is a surprise and half the time it is planned. 

In the case of unplanned pregnancy, Time and effort is devoted to evaluating support from family, friends and the father of the baby. It is a time of introspection, reevaluation, and planning. In the case of a planned pregnancy, there is often celebration and a quick entry into prenatal care.

In either case it should be a time for a great commitment to health and self care. Toxins and bad habits should be eliminated. Nutrition and healthy physical activity should become the overriding focus. 

Everything you do in obstetric prenatal care is determined by the weeks of gestation. Week zero is arbitrarily assigned to be the date of the first day of your last menstrual period. Assuming a 28 day cycle, the day of one's missed period would be week number four.

Definitions:

First trimester is conception until the 12th week

Second trimester is 12 week until the Approximately 24th fourth week

Third trimester is 24th week until delivery.

Full-term is defined as 37to 41 weeks

The due date is 40 weeks on the dot.

Common first trimester symptoms:

Breast tenderness

Unexplained fatigue

Nausea vomiting

Pelvic fullness

Heightened emotions

Common first trimester challenges:

Excessive nausea and vomiting or hyperemesis

Spotting

Prenatal appointments: 

Appointments are always tailored to need. Generally they occur every four weeks during this timeframe.

Your first trimester visits and screening tests: