The individual pregnancy trimesters
Once you understand the system, it is actually quite simple.
As the name suggests, the weeks of pregnancy (40 weeks gestation) are divided into 3 stages. Often called trimesters. If you approach this mathematically and divide the 40 weeks by 3, you get 13.33 weeks. Converted, that’s about 13 weeks and 2 days per trimester. For easier calculation, 13 weeks per trimester were set.
Here you can find all of our 1st trimester articles:
1st trimester - first third of pregnancy
Consequently, the pregnancy trimesters are divided like this:
- The 1st to the 13th week of pregnancy corresponds to the first trimester.
- The second pregnancy, third from the 14th week to 26th week of pregnancy.
- The 3rd trimester (third trimester) starts with the 27th week of pregnancy and ends with the birth of your child.
What happens to me in the first trimester of pregnancy?
In the first trimester, many processes start and you and your body begin to change:
- Your egg is fertilized and then nests in your uterus. The placenta is formed, which is essential for the survival of your baby. You will also notice how your feelings change – your hormones change! Your body is preparing for pregnancy.
- Since your body is now fully prepared for pregnancy, your period naturally stops, so your body prevents another pregnancy. The hormones ensure that your uterus creates the conditions for growth.
- But not only do the hormones act in your abdomen. You feel it all over your body, tightening of the breasts, or else nausea. Because nausea is a common companion of this 1st trimester.
Give your body time to get used to the hormones. It will get better from the 2nd trimester on!
Your baby’s development
Not only you are experiencing a change, but your unborn baby is also developing splendidly!
Within the first trimester, the following happens to your baby:
- The egg develops into a small baby, about the size of an orange.
- The organs are formed.
- The heart is already beating.
- Limbs such as arms and legs are visible.
- Your baby has grown magnificently by the 13th week of gestation and will continue to grow and develop over the next few weeks.
What to pay attention to
Healthy diet
Of course, it’s perfectly normal for food preferences to change during pregnancy. What you once loved, you suddenly can’t smell anymore, and the craziest combos suddenly taste great. It’s important to follow your needs because your body gets what it needs. But the body should not do without important nutrients.
If you don’t like or can’t tolerate meat anymore, get the proteins from beans and eggs. If vegetables are problematic, try fruits high in beta-carotene, like apricots. Oat milk can serve as a substitute for cow’s milk. In addition, cereals are a good source of energy, and nuts and legumes provide the body with protein and iron. A balanced diet during pregnancy is so important because it is responsible for the healthy brain development of the fetus and leads to healthy birth weight.
Do not forget to drink
Staying hydrated is key to a healthy body. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, because that’s already a sign of dehydration.
During pregnancy, drinking can help relieve morning sickness, heartburn, and indigestion.
The body also needs water to make amniotic fluid, produce extra blood volume, build new tissue and transport nutrients, and flush out toxins. It is recommended to drink a minimum of 1,5 liters of water per day. Another reason to drink plenty of water during pregnancy: pregnant women are usually prone to urinary tract infections.
Drinking plenty of water dilutes urine, reducing the risk of infection. And if you don’t like water, it’s easy to switch to unsweetened alternatives such as tea or water with lemon.
Useful Post: Pregnancy Shopping List First Trimester
Reduce stress
Stress hormones make feeling unwell much worse. That’s why the most important thing is to rest, don’t get stressed out and, if you can, take regular breaks. Listen to your body and give it what it needs. Even though it’s not always easy to balance a job, children, and pregnancy, it’s important to take your time and ask for help from your family and partner.
Enjoy the pregnancy to the fullest. Even the first trimester of pregnancy passes. Have fun with our tips!
FAQ - 1 Trimester of Pregnancy
✅ Can I swim or go to the sauna during early pregnancy?
Nothing stands in the way of a visit to the swimming pool. On the contrary, swimming can even help relieve back pain. The situation is different, however, when it comes to taking a sauna. Even experienced sauna-goers are advised by most doctors not to take a sauna during the first trimester. The high temperatures can unnecessarily stress the circulation. Especially at a time when pregnancy is very sensitive, you should avoid high temperatures.
✅ Is sexual intercourse allowed in the 1st trimester?
As a general rule, as long as you feel well and are healthy, nothing stands in the way of lovemaking. If, on the other hand, you suffer from bleeding or have a high-risk pregnancy, you should refrain from sexual intercourse. Seek advice from your gynecologist or midwife if you are unsure.
✅ What foods should I avoid in early pregnancy?
Even though your body basically knows best what they need, there are a number of foods you should avoid. These include raw eggs, undercooked meat, raw seafood, raw or smoked fish, cheeses made from raw milk, e.g. feta, mountain cheese, Camembert, or blue cheese.
In addition, alcohol, party drugs, and nicotine are of course taboo! Anyone who was an extreme coffee drinker before pregnancy should seek medical advice. As a rule of thumb, one to two cups of coffee a day is fine. Learn more about a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy.
