| The various phases of pregnancy can be an exciting | | | | your first visit with your doctor. This is a good time to |
| time for you as you look forward to the birth of your | | | | ask questions you may have about your health or the |
| little one. But this is also a scary time for you as your | | | | process. |
| body goes through many changes. Knowing what to | | | | 7. It's not easy being pregnant, some women |
| expect on a week by week basis can ease some of | | | | experience nose bleeds, stuffy noses or dizzy spells |
| the discomfort associated with being pregnant for the | | | | during this time. |
| first time. | | | | 8. Now is the time when people will start to notice that |
| A week by week guide to the first trimester: | | | | you have put on weight though the baby bulge will still |
| 1. This is the time when you may be considering getting | | | | not be visible. Say good bye to your waistline though. |
| pregnant. A good idea is to take a prenatal vitamin and | | | | 9. Most women gain about 1 - 2 pounds a month during |
| a dose of folic acid to prevent neutral tube defects. | | | | their first trimester. Many gain even more than this. |
| 2. You have ovulated and your egg is in the process | | | | 10. Week ten can be a relief, since many of the |
| of being fertilized. | | | | uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy get better at |
| 3. This is when a home pregnancy test will come back | | | | this time, though in some women it may stretch a little |
| positive and your body is starting to undergo a change, | | | | longer. |
| you may experience swollen breasts or headaches | | | | The first trimester is weeks 1 - 12 of your pregnancy. |
| due to hormonal change. | | | | Your body is starting to go through many changes |
| 4. This is the week when morning sickness may set in | | | | now. Many women do not know what to expect |
| due to the rising hormone levels in your body. If you | | | | during this time and this guide can be an invaluable |
| have a cat, avoid changing cat litter as there is a risk | | | | source of information. Needless to say, if you need |
| of you catching Toxoplasmosis which is harmful for | | | | more information or have questions, do not hesitate to |
| the baby. | | | | call and ask your doctor. Books and websites on |
| 5. This is the time for you to feel like a teenager again | | | | pregnancy can also give you invaluable information and |
| as many women break out during this stage. | | | | help you through this new and exciting time. |
| 6. This is the week when you may want to schedule | | | | |