What to expect in the first trimester of pregnancy

The first trimester is from 0 to 12 weeks. This is the beginning of your pregnancy and is a very important time for its development.

You may feel more tired, and will see some physical and emotional changes.

You can also get started with the medical and maternity care that is available for you and your baby. Talk to your GP about the options available to you.

Related topic

Pregnancy tests

Appointments to make

See your GP or midwife as soon as possible to confirm you are pregnant. You can discuss the options available to you for antenatal or maternity care.

Your GP can also register you for the Maternity and Infant Care scheme.

It is important to take folic acid and to get the flu vaccine.

Your GP will refer you for your first hospital antenatal appointment and dating scan.

Related topics

0 to 8 weeks pregnant

9 to 12 weeks pregnant

Warning signs during pregnancy

Antenatal and maternity care options

Vaccines needed during pregnancy

Physical changes

You may experience a range of symptoms in your first trimester:

• mood swings and tiredness due to hormonal changes
• ‘morning sickness’ (nausea and vomiting) which can occur any time of day and usually settles by 20 weeks
• clear or white vaginal discharge
• frequent urination (peeing) due to hormonal changes
• breast changes – they may get bigger and feel tender to touch
• dizziness due to changes in circulation and hormones

Related topic

Warning signs during pregnancy

Feeling tired

Your baby is growing at a rapid rate. This can be tiring work for your body.

There are a few things you can do to improve your energy levels:

• rest when you can and get a good night’s sleep
• ask for help and accept offers of help
• drink lots of fluids (2 litres per day)
• eat small meals often
• take regular exercise

Related topics

Tiredness and fatigue in pregnancy

Healthy eating in pregnancy

Safe exercise during pregnancy

Morning sickness

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is called ‘morning sickness’. It is very common, affecting 8 out of 10 pregnant women.

It usually starts between 4 to 7 weeks of pregnancy and ends around 16 to 20 weeks. It can happen any time of day or night. Some women find the sickness lasts through the entire day.

More vaginal discharge

You may experience increased vaginal discharge during the first trimester. It is important not to clean or douche the inside of your vagina.

If your vagina is itchy or sore you may have an infection. Speak to your GP or midwife.

Frequent urination

Most women need to pee more frequently while they are pregnant. This can be annoying. It is important to keep hydrated and drink plenty of water.

If you have pain when you pass urine (pee) or if there is blood in your urine contact your GP or midwife. This could be a sign of a urine infection.

You may need to get up during the night to pee. To help with this, keep drinking plenty during the day but cut out drinks in the late evening.

Changes to your breasts

You may have noticed your breasts changing after becoming pregnant. Your breasts will grow in preparation for breastfeeding.

Related topics

Breast changes during pregnancy

Emotional changes

Finding out you are pregnant can be a very emotional time. This news may bring a range of feelings like nervousness, excitement, joy and fear. Or you may not be sure how you feel.

If you are pregnant but not sure you want to be, you can talk to your GP or a HSE-funded crisis pregnancy counselling service.

It is normal to wonder “do I want to be a parent?” as you think about the responsibilities of caring for your baby. Talking to people you trust, your partner, family or friends will help you with these feelings.

Some women choose not to tell others about their pregnancy in the first 12 weeks. Do whatever feels right for you.

You may feel less interested in sex and other activities which is normal. If your feelings of anxiety or sadness become severe, talk to your GP or midwife.

Related topics

What to expect in the second trimester

What to expect in the third trimester

This information has been taken from the hse.ie website https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/child-health/what-to-expect-in-the-first-trimester.html