An overview of the first trimester of pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy! The team at Athens OB/Gyn is excited to be a part of your journey. The first trimester, which covers the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, is a time that’s full of new experiences, and you likely have many questions. Our Athens obgyns are here to walk you through what to expect during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Doctor appointments during the first trimester of pregnancy

Most women find out that they are pregnant after taking a home pregnancy test. If you think you are pregnant, we encourage you to call the office to schedule your first appointment. We typically want to schedule your first appointment at around seven to eight weeks of gestation. During that stage, we can do an ultrasound to estimate your baby’s gestational age and listen to their heartbeat.

At your next appointment, our Athens obgyns will order blood work, perform an overall physical exam and explain what to expect during pregnancy. Another optional appointment that occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy is screening for chromosomal abnormalities at 11 to 14 weeks. This will include an ultrasound to check the thickness on the back of your baby’s neck (nuchal translucency) and a blood stick on your finger to test different hormones. An alternative test, which only consists of a blood test, can be done at 16 weeks.

After these appointments, you will be seen once a month during your first trimester of pregnancy. A typical visit will consist of a urine test to check for protein and sugar, checking your weight and blood pressure, and listening to your baby’s heartbeat. This is also a great time for you to ask any questions you may have about your pregnancy.

We ask that you see all of our Athens obgyns at least once during your pregnancy to help you get to know them because the on-call physician when you go into labor will deliver your baby.

Symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy

You may experience any of the following symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Mild cramping
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Constipation

It is also possible that you may not experience any symptoms at all because every woman and every pregnancy is different. If you have any questions or concerns, our Athens obgyns are happy to answer them.

The team at Athens OB/Gyn is here to help you get your pregnancy off to a healthy start. Contact us to schedule an appointment.