As you may know, the stages of pregnancy include the first trimester, the second, and the third. Each trimester is about 13 weeks long, and a full-term pregnancy will last around 40 weeks or nine-ten months. So, how long is the first trimester of pregnancy? It’s about 13 weeks long.
When discussing fetal development with pregnant mothers, providers will usually use weeks as a reference point. This is why it’s essential to understand the various stages of pregnancy and work closely with experts in obstetrics and gynecology in South Miami, Florida if you are pregnant.
How Long Is the First Trimester – Understanding Weeks in Pregnancy
Many women may not know, but pregnancy begins on the last menstrual period’s first day, which is the pregnancy’s gestational age. Obstetricians will usually calculate a mother’s due date simply by adding 40 weeks to their last menstrual period’s first day. This usually means that women know they are pregnant usually about four weeks into pregnancy.
The first two weeks of the first trimester of pregnancy are actually the regular part of any given menstrual cycle, with the first week being the period and the second ovulation. After ovulation, the egg travels to the uterus via the fallopian tubes, meets with sperm, and fertilization happens.
During the third week of the first trimester of pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels to the uterus and divides into more cells on the way. As it reaches the uterus, it implants into the lining of the organ, triggering the body to recognize the pregnancy. This is when the changes begin, and most women miss their period.
What to Expect in the First Trimester of Pregnancy?
Again, just how long is the first trimester? Typically, this stage lasts until the 13th week of pregnancy, and during this period, women can expect several emotional and physical changes.
For the most part, female hormones (especially estrogen) are the culprit behind these often overwhelming and unpleasant first-trimester pregnancy symptoms. Fatigue, feeling bloated, and moodiness are prevalent symptoms. Meanwhile, the mother’s blood volume increases, and the uterus expands.
The Importance of the First Trimester
The first trimester is a crucial period, even if women don’t show any physical signs of pregnancy. During this time, mothers-to-be should find a pregnancy care provider, as the guidance of these experts can help avoid unnecessary and potential complications.
Apart from getting professional assistance to ensure the safety of your unborn baby and yourself, the first trimester of pregnancy is also an excellent time to think about some lifestyle changes and assess your overall health. Pregnancy can affect your work, habits, daily activities, and even your finances, so it’s a good time to make some decisions that will also contribute to a successful pregnancy.
Fetal Development During the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Several crucial developments happen during this period, even if they aren’t apparent to the naked eye. After fertilization, there’s actually a lot going on:
From Week One to Week Four
During these earliest stages, the fertilized egg starts to form into a tiny cell clump that will grow to become the umbilical cord, placenta, and amniotic sac. Also, a tube will form that will become the fetus’s brain, along with the spinal cord and the circulatory system. During this time, the fetus’ face, eyes, and mouth will start to take shape slowly.
At this point, the embryo is smaller than a rice grain.
From Week Five to Week Eight
During this period, the major organs like the heart, lungs, ears, legs, and arms start to develop; bones also start to form, and the fetus begins to take a more humanoid shape, with a distinct face, nose, and mouth.
By the end of week eight, the embryo becomes the fetus, but it’s no larger than a raspberry.
From Week Nine to Week 12
By the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus will have fingers, nails, and toes and start to close and open its mouth and hands. The digestive and urinary systems fully function, and parents can listen to their heartbeat with a Doppler ultrasound.
Needless to say, the first trimester is crucial in several ways. Because all the major organs are forming at this point, it’s essential that harmful substances and toxins don’t affect their development, as they can lead to severe damage and may result in congenital disabilities and disorders after birth.
First Trimester of Pregnancy: Symptoms
As discussed above, the increase in female hormones is the leading cause of pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester, which may be the following:
- Nausea or morning sickness
- Sore breasts
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Skin changes like acne
- Feeling the urge to urinate often (because the uterus grows to support the baby, it may press on the bladder)
- Mild shortness of breath
Medical Tests During the First Trimester and the First Prenatal Visit
During prenatal care appointments, providers will perform different tests, screenings, and checkups to ensure the fetus is healthy.
These prenatal care appointments are essential as they will also help mothers-to-be know what to expect throughout the pregnancy and delivery. Also, these appointments can help experts address any concerns mothers might have.
On that end, women usually have around two or three prenatal visits during the first trimester (or even more in the case of high-risk pregnancy). During the first visit, mothers will be asked about their personal, obstetrical, and gynecological medical history, along with their family medical history. The expert will also calculate the mother’s due date and may perform a pelvic exam, pap test, check for STIs, get a blood sample, and check fetal heart rate, among other tests.
Take Care of Yourself During the Pregnancy
Pregnancy involves a few lifestyle changes that help keep the fetus and the mother healthy. As such, tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs should be avoided throughout the pregnancy. Activities that may put unnecessary pressure on the abdomen should also be avoided, together with specific foods such as undercooked meats, unpasteurized milk, raw fish, and other food.
On the other hand, staying active as much as possible while listening to your body is also essential, along with taking prenatal vitamins and eating a healthy diet full of vegetables, eggs, whole grains, fruits, and lean meat. Getting plenty of rest and water is also crucial, along with regularly attending every prenatal appointment.
Have Any Questions? We’re Here.
If you’ve just found out that you’re pregnant, it’s perfectly normal to have a sea of questions and even feel a bit scared. Still, it’s essential that you consult with a prenatal care expert about the next steps you should take. Pregnancy is a wonderful journey, and we are here to make it secure and even more pleasant.
Reach out to us today.