The first trimester is an incredible time of rapid development for your baby. While you might not look pregnant yet, amazing things are happening inside!
Week-by-Week Development
Week 7: Head and Brain Formation
Seven weeks into pregnancy, your baby's head, face, and brain start developing. This is a crucial time when the neural tube closes and the brain begins to form its major regions.
Week 8: Features Begin to Form
From week eight onwards, your baby's development accelerates. You'll see the beginnings of:
- Ears starting to take shape
- Nose forming
- Lips developing
- Fingers becoming distinct
Week 12: Fingernails Appear!
By week twelve, your baby will start growing fingernails! At this stage, your little one measures approximately 2½ inches (about 6cm) from crown to rump.
Why the First Trimester Matters
The first trimester is when most of your baby's structures form. After these crucial 12 weeks, the remainder of pregnancy focuses primarily on:
- Growth and maturation
- Organ refinement
- Weight gain
- Practice breathing and movement
What You Can Expect
During this time, you may experience:
- Morning sickness
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Food aversions or cravings
These symptoms, while uncomfortable, are often signs that your pregnancy hormones are working exactly as they should.
Caring for Yourself in the First Trimester
To support your baby's development:
- Take folic acid - 400mcg daily to support neural tube development
- Stay hydrated - especially if experiencing morning sickness
- Rest when needed - your body is working hard
- Avoid harmful substances - no alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs
- Eat well - focus on nutrient-rich foods when you can
When to Schedule Your First Scan
An early pregnancy scan can confirm your pregnancy and check that everything is developing as expected. Most scans are performed from 6-12 weeks.
Have questions about your first trimester? Book an early pregnancy scan at Ultrasound Ireland by calling 01 210 0232.