First Trimester--1 to 14 weeks

The first trimester is a time of explosive growth for your baby and many changes for you. Find out about your baby this trimester and take a look at some common questions and concerns. There are standard tests performed this trimester that you may want to take a look at.

Take care of yourself, eat well, and get plenty of rest. Remember that your body is working very hard, putting a lot of resources into growing a baby.

Common questions and concerns

I'm really worried that I might have a miscarriage.

Miscarriage often happens in the first trimester because there is something wrong with the fetus and it cannot continue to grow. For instance, the embryo may not be genetically viable and have chromosome problems. However, miscarriages can also happen because the mother has some health problem, such as hypothyroidism, infection, lupus, or diabetes. In addition, studies show that women who drink alcohol, smoke, or use illegal drugs have increased risk of miscarriage.

Click here to find out more about miscarriage warning signs and why miscarriages happen.

When should I make a first visit to my doctor?

Your first visit should be between 8-10 weeks. Your doctor will order specific blood tests, such as a complete maternal blood panel, check your blood pressure and weight, run a urine culture to check for infection, and perform physical and pelvic exams. Your doctor may also use an ultrasound machine to get a look at the positioning of the fetus in your uterus. As a high-risk patient, your doctor will see you frequently, probably every two weeks during your pregnancy.

I'm so nauseous I can't eat. Will this hurt the baby?

No, not eating during this time, won't hurt your baby. Your body has enough nutrients stored up to support your baby's tremendous growth. Morning sickness (really, it should be called 24/7 sickness!) can only cause trouble if your vomiting is so severe that you can't keep any food down for more than 24 hours. This condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum.

I slipped this morning and fell down hard. Could this cause a miscarriage?

Not likely. The baby is well protected inside the core area of you body by an amniotic sac, amniotic fluid, and a strong muscular uterus. The only reason for concern would be if you were in a severe car crash where the impact of the collision caused the placenta to separate from the uterus. This is called plactenal abruption.

I'm 42 and I'm worried about genetic abnormalities.

As women age, there is a greater chance that a baby will have genetic abnormalities. These abnormalities are created by the chromosomes that make up the cells inside the baby. If you are over 35, your healthcare provider may suggest that you see a genetic counselor to determine whether your baby is at risk. Click to find out more about genetic testing.

What kind of genetic tests are there and when can I get testing?

There are many types of prenatal genetic testing that can be done from 10 weeks through 18 weeks. These tests include alpha-fetoprotein, nuchal translucence, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and ultrasound.

What's an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg does not implant itself in the uterus, but somewhere else, usually the fallopian tubes. (The egg could also implant in the ovary, abdomin, or cervix.) This type of pregnancy is also called a "tubal pregnancy." Ectopic pregnancy happens rarely, usually 1 in 2,500 pregnancies, but it is the leading cause in the US of a mother's death during the first trimester. [Source: Nemours Foundation.]

Some resources you might find helpful: