First Signs of Pregnancy: Best Tips for the First Trimester

Key Steps When You Realise You're Pregnant:

When you spot the first signs of pregnancy, here’s what to do:

• Take a pregnancy test or visit your doctor to confirm you’re pregnant.

• Expect the changes your body will go through and know that they’re normal.

• Use our first-trimester checklist to stay organised.

• Enjoy your pregnancy!

From the first signs of pregnancy to the moment your little one enters the world, it’s normal to experience a whole heap of emotions. You’ll be excited, of course! But you might also feel scared, overwhelmed, and nervous - and that’s okay. You’re about to have a baby, so it’s normal to be a little frightened. Your pregnancy should be a wonderful time that you enjoy, so to help you settle your nerves and relax we’ve put together a checklist for everything you need to know in your first three months of pregnancy.

Learn what to expect in the first stage of pregnancy in terms of how your body will change so you’re not surprised - it’s always better to be prepared. But don’t forget the most important part: take time for yourself to relax!

Symptoms of Pregnancy in the First Month

What are the first signs of pregnancy? There are a few, and they usually appear within the first month and throughout your first trimester, so it’s good to be prepared! No one likes to be taken by surprise by morning sickness. Here’s some of what to expect in the first month of pregnancy:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headaches

• Swollen breasts

• Food cravings

• Mood swings

• Lower back pain

• Higher basal temperature

These are all perfectly normal, but if you feel like something isn’t right in your first stage of pregnancy, it’s always best to check in with a health advisor, even if it’s just to put your mind at ease.

What to do in the First Trimester

When it comes to pregnancy tips, first-trimester advice is really important. It helps you to feel more organised, calm your nerves, and can teach you a little about your first three months of pregnancy. Here’s our first-trimester checklist that you can use to help you out:

• Arrange your first doctor appointment – your first antenatal appointment will be between 8-12 weeks into your pregnancy.

• Take a folic acid supplement every day – this will help your baby’s brain and spine to develop properly, so don’t skip it!

• Cut down on caffeine – limit yourself to two cups of instant or one cup of filter coffee per day.

• Get plenty of rest – it’s normal to feel tired with all the changes your body is experiencing, so get plenty of rest!

• Keep up with exercise – this will help your body to cope with the physical changes of pregnancy.

• Start a budget – plan ahead for all the baby items you need.

• Cleaning products – switch to washing clothes with baby-safe, kind-to-skin laundry detergents and fabric conditioners, such as Sunlight washing powder and Comfort Pure.

When it comes to what to expect in the first trimester, the main thing is not to panic. If you get stressed, that won’t do you or your little one any good. Instead, take every change to your body or item on your to-do list as it comes and enjoy this moment. You can worry for the rest of your life, but you only get a few chances to experience the joys of pregnancy!