Overview

Early pregnancy is the first 12 weeks, also called the first trimester, when the baby's main organs begin to form. The most common first sign is a missed period, often followed by nausea, breast tenderness, and tiredness. Starting prenatal care early helps check the health of mother and baby, date the pregnancy accurately, and find problems that can be treated.

Every pregnancy is different. Some women notice many signs in the first weeks while others notice very few, and both are normal.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

• A missed period, or one that is much lighter than usual
• Nausea with or without vomiting, often called morning sickness, at any time of day
• Tender, swollen breasts
• Tiredness and needing more sleep
• Passing urine more often
• Light spotting or mild cramps around the time the period was due
• Food cravings, dislike of certain smells, and mood changes

Confirming Pregnancy

A home pregnancy test detects the pregnancy hormone hCG in urine and is most reliable from the first day of a missed period. A blood test for hCG can confirm pregnancy earlier and more precisely. An early ultrasound scan confirms that the pregnancy is inside the uterus, shows the baby's heartbeat, and helps set the expected due date.

First Prenatal Visit

• Questions about health history, past pregnancies, current medicines, and the date of the last period
• Blood pressure, weight, and a physical exam
• Blood tests including a complete blood count, blood group and Rh factor, and blood sugar
• Screening for infections such as hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis, and a check of immunity to rubella
• A urine test for protein, sugar, and infection
• Thyroid tests when there are symptoms or risk factors
• Discussion of optional first-trimester screening tests for chromosomal conditions

Healthy Pregnancy Habits

• Taking a daily folic acid supplement, ideally starting before pregnancy and continuing at least through the first 12 weeks
• Avoiding smoking, shisha, alcohol, and secondhand smoke
• Checking with a doctor before taking any medicine or herbal product
• Limiting caffeine from coffee, tea, and energy drinks
• Eating small, balanced meals and avoiding undercooked meat, raw eggs, and unpasteurized dairy
• Drinking plenty of water, especially in hot weather, and staying active with the doctor's approval
• Asking the doctor about fasting in Ramadan and about vaccines recommended in pregnancy

Warning Signs

• Vaginal bleeding, especially if heavy or with cramps
• Severe or one-sided lower belly pain, shoulder-tip pain, or fainting
• Severe vomiting with inability to keep food or fluids down
• Fever or burning when passing urine
• Dizziness, or very little or very dark urine
• In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department without delay

Pregnancy confirmation and prenatal care are provided by the Obstetrics & Gynecology department at AlHayat Medical Center.

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