The 1st trimester (weeks 1-13): All about your pregnancy

This is how your happiness develops in early pregnancy

The first trimester is an exciting and unforgettable stage on the journey towards a new little life. In the coming weeks, your luck will develop rapidly. From the implantation of the egg to the formation of organs – your body is working at full speed. Naturally, the early stages of your pregnancy are accompanied by uncertainties. You have many questions and are experiencing symptoms such as tiredness or discomfort. In this guide, we will accompany you through weeks 1–13 of pregnancy and provide you with important information and helpful tips for this special time.

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Calculate the week of pregnancy – here’s how

Since the exact time of fertilisation can rarely be determined, the week of pregnancy (gestational week) is usually calculated from the first day of the last period. This means that the egg implants itself in the fourth week of pregnancy. If your period is late and you are holding a positive pregnancy test in your hands, you are probably already in the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy. Your gynaecologist can also determine the week of pregnancy by measuring your little bundle of joy’s growth via ultrasound.

The exciting beginning (weeks 1-4 of pregnancy)

A lot happens behind the scenes in the first weeks of your pregnancy. Although you hardly notice any physical changes at first, your little bundle of joy is developing rapidly. Did you know that in these first weeks, your little one’s organs and nervous system are being formed and the yolk sac, which provides nutrients, begins to develop? At this stage, your little one, who is still an embryo, curls up and resembles a small u-shaped seedling. Don’t worry if you haven’t noticed any symptoms yet. Very soon, you will start to notice how everything changes. ImportantStart taking prenatal vitamins now and take care of your health. You can find a list of the most important vitamins and supplements during pregnancy here.

The hormone rollercoaster (weeks 5-8 of pregnancy)

As the first physical changes gradually become visible, emotions such as joy, excitement and uncertainty can become all mixed up. Speak openly about your feelings. Sometimes it simply helps to talk about it and share your thoughts. This is how your happiness develops – A weekly overview: Week 5: The heart of your happiness is already developed and begins to beat. The formation of the central nervous system continues to progress. Week 6: The foundations for organs such as the liver, kidneys and lungs are being laid. Your little one’s heart is beating strongly and can be seen as a tiny dot on the ultrasound. Week 7: The arm buds, which will later become hands, are forming. The legs are also present, but still very small, as the upper limbs develop more quickly than the lower ones. The brain is beginning to mature and the head is growing. Week 8: In this week of pregnancy, most of your little one’s limbs are already formed. The tiny fingers and toes are visible, and the shape of the face is gradually developing. The sexual organs are already present, but it is still too early to determine the sex.

The magical connection (weeks 9-12 of pregnancy)

As you slowly leave the first trimester behind, your little one is developing at a rapid pace. Your bond is growing ever stronger and perhaps you have already felt the first gentle movements – women who have been pregnant once or several times before usually notice the baby’s movements earlier. Capture these special moments by keeping a diary or writing notes. These are moments you will enjoy looking back on later.

This is how your happiness develops – A weekly overview:

Week 9: Your happiness is already as big as a grape. It responds to external stimuli and “dances” energetically in your belly. From this point on, it is no longer referred to as an embryo, but as a foetus.Week 10: The organs are developed and are beginning to function. Your little one is starting to lift their head and stretch out. Fingers and toes are now fully formed, and the webbing between them is gradually disappearing. Week 11: Your baby’s appearance is becoming more human and movements are increasing. It can now clench its tiny hands into fists, swallow amniotic fluid and pass liquid. Week 12: Most of the critical phases of organ development are complete And you can look forward to something else: the genitals are now sufficiently developed to be able to determine the sex on the ultrasound.

Milestone reached (13 weeks pregnant)

You have successfully mastered the first trimester. During this time, your happiness has developed into a little human being with tiny hands and feet. The risks of complications have decreased significantly. Your little one is now about the size of a plum, weighs around 20 grams, and has a crown-to-rump length of about 6–7 centimetres. Most pregnancy symptoms such as nausea are subsiding, and you can look forward to the weeks ahead.

Physical changes & symptoms in the 1st trimester

Many mums find the first trimester particularly exhausting. While your little bundle of joy is growing inside you, you may notice some physical changes. Nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and frequent urination may occur. These symptoms are completely normal and show that your body is working hard to take care of your baby. Listen to your body and allow yourself enough rest. Drink plenty of water and try to eat many small meals to reduce nausea.

Pulling sensation in the lower abdomen

Another symptom that causes uncertainty in early pregnancy is Pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, which some women associate with period pain. Most of the time, however, this pain is no cause for concern. In early pregnancy, the round ligaments that hold the uterus in the pelvis begin to stretch. Due to the growth and increased blood flow of the uterus, this stretching can lead to lower abdominal pulling sensations. A visit to the doctor is necessary if the pain persists for a longer period or becomes more severe. Diarrhoea Diarrhoea during pregnancy in the first trimester occurs mostly without further complications. However, severe diarrhoea may indicate a foodborne infection with listeria, smear infections or salmonella, which can be dangerous for your little one. As soon as additional symptoms such as stomach cramps or stomach pain occur, you should consult a doctor. Headaches Not uncommon - Headaches during pregnancy. The unpleasant pain can be caused, among other things, by hormonal fluctuations, low blood pressure and blood sugar levels, stress, iron deficiency or tension. To alleviate the symptoms, fresh air, drinking plenty of fluids, massages or peppermint oil can help. If nothing helps against the headache, There are certain medications that are permitted during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before taking any. He will probably recommend paracetamol or ibuprofen to you until the 28th week of pregnancy.

Nutrition in the first trimester

During the first trimester, your nutrient requirements increase slightly and you need about 300 extra calories per day. Pay attention to a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain products and protein-rich foods. But biscuits, crisps or a piece of your favourite cake are of course allowed now and then. It’s important that you treat yourself from time to time and aren’t too hard on yourself. By taking folic acid, you also support the healthy development of the brain and nervous system. Folic acid is also essential for blood formation as well as for growth. You know best what you and your little one need. However, during pregnancy, there are some foods you should avoid:

• raw eggs
• raw meat and raw sausages
• raw or smoked fish
• Products made from raw milk
• Caffeinated energy drinks
• Alcohol and nicotine

Doctor visits and prenatal examinations

During the first trimester, you will have several doctor's appointments to monitor both your baby's health and your own. The costs for these check-ups are generally covered by your health insurance. It is important that you attend all the examinations and discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

What happens during the preliminary examinations?

If your period has not come and you have had a positive pregnancy test, you should make an appointment with your gynaecologist straight away. Normally, the first appointment takes place between the 6th and 10th week of pregnancy. At this appointment, blood will be taken to confirm the pregnancy and some tests such as z.B. the voluntary toxoplasmosis test or Antibody screening test done. In addition, the following will be examined at regular intervals throughout your pregnancy: urine, body weight, blood pressure, the baby's heartbeat, the position of the uterus, and the position of the embryo. The results of all examinations will be recorded in your Maternity record registered. Please always carry it with you. In an emergency, it provides important information about you and your well-being.

Dental care during pregnancy

It is also important that you attend regular dental check-ups. As your calcium requirement is particularly high during pregnancy, tooth damage can occur if this need is not sufficiently met. It is best to make an appointment for a check-up and dental cleaning straight away, to ensure you are optimally protected.

Your journey continues

The first trimester of your pregnancy is an emotional whirlwind with many changes. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, it is a time full of magic and happiness. As you leave the first trimester behind, you can look forward to the second trimester, which is often described as the "golden phase" of pregnancy. The nausea subsides and you often feel energetic and full of vitality. Remember that every pregnancy is unique and there is no "right" or "wrong". Listen to your body, take the time you need, and don't hesitate to ask for support.

Editorial note: For reasons of readability, the masculine form is used for personal designations and nouns referring to people in this guide. The corresponding terms are fundamentally intended to refer to all genders equally. The shortened form is purely for editorial reasons and does not imply any judgement.

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