Your first trimester pregnancy milestones

What happens in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Amazing things are going to happen during the 40-plus weeks of pregnancy, so hold on tight as you embark upon the exciting, profound, and life-affirming journey to parenthood.

Here are a few tips, both practical and joyful, to help you make the most of your first trimester of your pregnancy:

1. It’s time to take selfies

   Even if you still have a flat stomach, start taking weekly photos now to document your body’s changes. It’ll be a fun keepsake and makes a great first entry into the baby album.

2. Ask plenty of questions

   “It’s important to go into your first appointment with the right questions,” says Dr. William Sears, paediatrician, professor of paediatrics, and father of eight. “This can include anything from: ‘How much weight should I gain?’ to ‘What kind of screenings do I need?’ No question is a dumb question, and you should walk out feeling like you have all of the answers you need from your first visit.” If possible, bring your partner.

3. Be prepared for sickness

   During the first trimester, many pregnant women begin to experience nausea, vomiting and aversions to certain foods and smells. To find relief, eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and munch on crackers.

4. Tell friends & family

   You may be keeping the good news under wraps for a bit, but don’t let that stop you brainstorming some creative ways to let the cat out of the bag to tell your friends and family about your pregnancy. Or, if a big reveal isn’t your thing, have some fun by starting a list of possible baby names.

5. Check in with work

   Once you’ve let friends and family know, it’s a good idea to check in with your employer and let them know you’re pregnant. Find out what maternity and paternity benefits they offer, and make sure you know your rights too. Is your job something you could manage when you are heavily pregnant? Is your workstation pregnancy friendly? Whose role is it to find maternity cover for your position while you are away? Being prepared and planning now will help your stress levels closer to your due date.

6. Be a couple

   As ready as you may be to become parents, life as you know it is going to change. Make the most of the things you have loved doing as a couple and may not get a chance to do once two become three. Go dancing. Dress up and go out to dinner. Take long walks. Enjoy your time together before life gets more hectic.

7. Plan financially

   Babies are priceless, but also expensive. If you haven’t already, now’s a good time to make a family budget. You’ll want to include all the current and future baby-related costs including childcare, clothing, accessories, housing, and even food. You may want to purchase life insurance, write a will, and start a family savings plan.

8. Lean into the emotions

   You’re already one-third of the way to welcoming your baby. That’s worth celebrating! Appreciate how far you’ve come and take each day as it comes. Your first trimester will be full of emotions ranging from elation to pregnancy anxiety, and that’s ok.