First Trimester

Pregnancy & Childbirth

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Pregnancy & Childbirth

The First Trimester

Congratulations! You're pregnant! Or so they say. The first trimester actually begins as your begin your last period prior to becoming pregnant.

Pregnancy is counted in weeks, lasting 40 weeks (on average) from the first day of your last period. So you are actually only preparing for pregnancy during those first two weeks, until ovulation. For two more weeks many women do not know that they are pregnant, even though they may be hoping that they conceived this month.

About the time your next period is due is when pregnancy tests begin to pick up the first traces of hCG in your urine or blood. A positive test can send you through a whirlwind of emotions, both positive and negative, no matter how long you've planned for pregnancy or if it's a pleasant surprise.

Hopefully, you've already been taking your prenatal vitamins, if not now is a great time to start. Believe it or not all of your baby's organs are made suring the first trimester, which is why it is the most sensitive time period as far as exposure to drugs and chemicals.

Second Trimester | Third Trimester | Trimester Index

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