Whether you're pregnant for the first time or you're pregnant again, there's always something to learn.
Time passes and information changes, so it's always good to learn as much as you can.
A good place to start is to remember that this is your pregnancy.
Yours won't be like anyone else's in your family, in your friend group, or in the waiting room of the health clinic.
That's because every pregnancy is unique.
The first trimester is a time of rapid growth.
The embryo begins as a dividing ball of cells.
Between weeks 8 and weeks 12, organs, muscles, limbs, and bones are forming and growing.
And by then, the embryo is now called the fetus.
It also has grown to about the size of your thumb.
Now the minute you're pregnant, your body also starts to change.
That's why you may feel tired.
Even your emotions may change.
And your thoughts may have shifted to thinking about having a healthy pregnancy, giving birth, and becoming a parent.
Or you may be considering adoption.
At any time during your pregnancy, call your doctor or midwife and let them know if you're experiencing any uncomfortable, lasting feelings like anxiety, sadness, or depression.
A lot of people have nausea and vomiting during the first few months they're pregnant.
Yep, morning sickness.
But despite the name, it can happen anytime, not just in the morning.
But call your doctor or midwife if you can't keep food or liquids down, if you're vomiting more than 3 times a day, or if you're losing weight.
Not gaining enough weight when you're pregnant raises your baby's risks for early birth and for low birth weight and size.
Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for both you and your pregnancy.
Here are five ways you can care for yourself.
One: Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
Folic acid can help prevent major birth defects, including of the spine.
Two: If you use tobacco, it's time to quit.
Quitting helps you feel better and helps prevent a lot of other problems during pregnancy.
Three: Avoid alcohol and drugs, including marijuana.
No amount of alcohol or drugs is safe.
If you need help quitting alcohol or drugs, it's important that you talk to your midwife or doctor about that as soon as you know you're pregnant.
Four: Keep eating healthy foods.
But avoid eating unpasteurized dairy, such as blue cheeses or queso blanco, and fish that is high in mercury, such as mackerel or sea bass.
Five: Tell your doctor about all the medicines and natural health products you take.
And here's a bonus: Have someone else clean the litter box.
Don't handle cat poop.
It can cause an infection that could be harmful during pregnancy.
Regular prenatal visits are very important during any pregnancy.
They can help you be safe and healthy.
Your doctor or midwife is watching for problems that can only be found through regular checkups.
The visits also give you and your doctor time to build a good relationship.
If you have concerns about paying for prenatal care, call your local health department.
They may be able to help you get the care you need.
At your first prenatal visit, your doctor or midwife will ask about your medical history, including any surgeries, pregnancies, or sexually transmitted infections.
This isn't to make you feel uncomfortable or judged.
This information helps your doctor or midwife keep you safe.
You may also have some exams and tests.
First-trimester exams and tests may include hepatitis B screening and fetal ultrasound.
This is also a good time to begin discussing your concerns and what's important to you with your doctor or midwife.
This includes whether you want tests for birth defects.
There's a lot to think about, like what the results would mean to you and how they might affect your choices.
Now, as your pregnancy continues, many of your symptoms may feel new and strange.
For example, you may feel tired or need a lot of naps.
Most physical changes and symptoms you may feel throughout pregnancy, such as swollen, painful breasts or feeling full or achy in your lower belly, are normal.
But get emergency help right away if you have vaginal bleeding or sudden, severe pain in the belly.
Let's pause here for a moment.
Just so you know, many people who've been pregnant say they were surprised by so many of their feelings and a lot of the symptoms.
So while this video may seem to focus on many symptoms that seem unpleasant and what to watch for, this is just to help you know what you may experience and to help you learn when to call your doctor or midwife.
And while we can't cover everything related to your pregnancy, you are already getting to know your changing body.
Trust yourself to ask questions and talk about your symptoms.
Even if you're unsure about something, let your doctor or midwife know your concerns and how you're feeling.
And most definitely call if you have something that doesn't feel right or hurts.
For example, call your doctor or midwife if you have signs of a blood clot such as pain, swelling, or a color change in the calf, thigh, or groin.
And call if you have symptoms of a bladder infection, such as pain or burning when you urinate or blood in your urine.
Yes, there is a lot to learn.
But you don't have to know everything right away.
You've got time to discover what each stage of your pregnancy means for you.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique.
And if you have any questions or concerns along the way, you can always call your doctor or midwife.
