Overview: First Trimester is where it all begins! It starts with mom’s last period when she’s not even pregnant yet and goes through week twelve using the Last Menstrual Period (LMP) approach of 40 weeks.
First Trimester Major Development Milestones:
Weeks 1 – 2: Nobody’s home
Momma is having her last menstrual period and getting ready to ovulate! If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your chances of conception, I highly recommend Toni Weschler’s “Taking Charge of Your Fertility” (see Resources below). This book helped me and my husband conceive on our first try! Can’t beat that!
Weeks 3 – 4: If this womb’s a-rockin’…
An egg has been fertilized — that’s you, baby! You are in what is called the “pre-embryonic stage” which includes conception in fallopian tubes, implantation in uterine lining, and formation of the placenta.
Week 5: Anybody there?
Baby, you’re an “embryo” now ’cause your cells have begun to differentiate and you’re taking the form of a baby. Mom(**), you are probably wondering whether or not you’re pregnant. On the more timely side of things, you can pick up a pregnancy test online (see Resources below) to avoid any embarrassing encounters at the pharmacy.
Week 6: You gotta have heart
During week 6 your heart starts a-beating and you look like a little salamander with buds for arms and legs. You are approximately 1/4 inch long with facial and neck features.
Week 7: Got brains?
Baby, during week 7 you’re growing a brain! So don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise! In this stage, you’re growing from top to bottom and that’s why you’ve got such a big head and small body. Don’t worry, no one can notice and it’ll all even out!
Week 8: Let’s face it
During Week 8 your nose, mouth and palate develop and your arms and legs are also rapidly developing
Week 9: Fingers and toes are cool
Hey baby! You’re almost 1/2 inch long! Your wrists, elbows, knees fingers and toes are all defined now and you’re almost a fetus! Your urogenital development also begins during week nine, which means pretty soon you’ll know if you’re a boy or a girl even if the rest of us have to wait to find out!
Week 10: Bye Bye Embryo … Hello Fetus!
Congratulations! You’re a fetus now! This means your essential structures are in place and need further growth and development so you can get born. You can respond to touch and your hand would close if someone could touch your palm.
Weeks 11 – 12: You’re all put together now
Time to hit the salon, baby, ’cause you’ve got hair and fingernails now! You can make sucking motions and swallow and pee, but try not to go too crazy on that amniotic fluid because the stuff you don’t pee out just turns into meconium and makes a big mess once you’re born! You also know whether you’re a boy or a girl, although the rest of us have to wait to find out. Your eyes developing although they’ll remain fused shut until they are completely developed. You are about 3.75 inches long now and weigh about an ounce.
Resources for First Trimester Pregnancy Calendar
Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth
Website: http://amazon.com
Book Description: Here is a holistic approach to childbirth that examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting will help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy. For use during birth, the book offers proven techniques for coping with labor pain without drugs, a discussion of the doctor or midwife’s role, and a look at the father’s responsibilities. Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a process of continuous learning and adjustment; Birthing From Within provides the necessary support and education to make each phase of birthing a rewarding experience.
California Baby
Website: http://amazon.com
Safe. Natural. Fun. Made in the USA. All California Baby® products are allergy tested, concentrated and free of gluten, soy, dairy, sulfates, parabens and synthetic fragrances.
Taking Charge of Your Fertility
Website: http://amazon.com
Book Description: Celebrating 10 years of helping hundreds of thousands of women achieve pregnancy, avoid pregnancy naturally, and gain better control of their health and lives.
Pregnancy Test
Website: http://amazon.com
Pregnancy tests available online at Amazon.com.
Taking Charge of Your Fertility - Website
Website: http://www.tcoyf.com/
Home of Taking Charge of Your Fertility - for fertility charting, women trying to get pregnant and reducing the time to conceive.
Amazon Baby Registry
Website: http://amazon.com
Everything you need, in one registry. Amazon offers a large selection of baby products and the Amazon baby registry provides tools to help you find the right items.
The Land of Nod
Website: http://LandofNod.com
You'll find everything for your kid's room from A to ZZZ.
Newborn Gifts
Website: http://eBeanStalk.com
There are thousands of Toys for Newborn Old but only a select-few make it on ebeanstalk. That's because our team of child-experts review thousands of fun, educational toys and choose only the best.
