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Your First Trimester: What to Expect. From ‘Is This Normal?’ To Your First Scan


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Before we begin, a quick note: this isn’t medical advice. It’s a blend of solid research and real-world observations from a mum of three — offered to help you feel informed, not instructed.


So, the first trimester. A chapter that arrives quietly but changes everything. One minute you’re living your usual life; the next you’re navigating cravings, fatigue, heightened emotions, and a search history that looks like you’re preparing for an exam you didn’t revise for.


Here’s what often happens in those early weeks, backed by evidence.


The Symptoms: Your New Unexpected Houseguests


Symptoms vary dramatically between women — and even between pregnancies. Some breeze through with barely a blip. Others feel like they’ve just boarded an unpredictable ferry crossing. Both experiences are completely normal.


Nausea

“Morning sickness” is an optimistic title — it can show up whenever it pleases. Research shows it usually improves around 12–14 weeks, but until then, you may develop a strong emotional attachment to ginger biscuits.


Fatigue

This isn’t everyday tiredness. This is “how is 3pm considered late?” tiredness. Your body is growing a placenta, which is basically the project manager of pregnancy — and it’s demanding a lot of energy up front.


Breast Changes

Tenderness, fullness and sensitivity are common thanks to hormonal shifts. If your bras feel suddenly hostile, you're definitely not alone.


Mood Shifts

This is where things get interesting. You may find yourself crying at a John Lewis advert you’ve seen ten times, and then immediately wonder why. Hormones certainly play their part, but so does the emotional weight of everything happening — even if it still feels abstract.


Antenatal Appointments: The Practical Part


Once you contact your GP or midwife service, you’ll start your official pregnancy pathway.


The Booking Appointment (Around 8–10 Weeks)

Your midwife will go through your health history, lifestyle and any questions you have. It’s thorough, reassuring, and a great chance to feel supported right from the beginning.


The Dating Scan (Around 12 Weeks)

Your first real glimpse of baby. This scan confirms how far along you are and checks early development. For many, this is when things start to feel undeniably real.

If you’re in or around Farnborough, your care will likely be through Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust or the The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, supported by local community midwives.


Lifestyle Basics: Evidence Over Perfection


You don’t need to overhaul your entire life. The research-backed basics are simple:


Folic Acid & Vitamin D

The NHS recommends:

  • Folic acid 400mcg daily until 12 weeks

  • Vitamin D 10mcg throughout pregnancy

Two small steps with big benefits.


Food Safety

Certain foods are best avoided for now — unpasteurised soft cheeses, undercooked meats, some fish varieties. It’s not glamorous, but it’s solid evidence-based guidance for reducing risk.


Movement

Gentle exercise such as walking or swimming is encouraged unless your midwife advises otherwise. This isn’t the time to try a new extreme sport, no matter how compelling the videos look.


Worries: The Human Side of Pregnancy


The first trimester is full of uncertainty, and it’s completely normal to feel cautious.

A few widely supported truths:

  • Spotting can happen and isn’t always a sign of a problem, but should always be checked by your midwife or GP.

  • Symptoms can fluctuate, and that doesn’t predict outcomes.

  • Not showing yet? Totally normal. Most women don’t see a visible bump until the second trimester.

You’re not overthinking — you’re just human.


Your Emotional Health Matters Too


The first trimester often happens quietly, before many people share their news. That can feel isolating. If you’re feeling anxious, flat or overwhelmed (or all three on rotation), you’re far from alone. Speaking to your midwife about emotional wellbeing is encouraged, welcomed and completely normal.


In Short


The first trimester is confusing, emotional, miraculous and exhausting in equal measure. You’re navigating something huge — often while trying to keep it under wraps — and you’re doing better than you realise. Information, reassurance and a bit of humour won’t solve everything, but they can make the journey feel a little lighter.



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