Early Pregnancy: Symptoms, Tips, and What to Know

Early Pregnancy: The most important points summarized

• The term "early pregnancy" refers to the first trimester.

• The embryo develops into a fetus, and from the 6th week of pregnancy, the heartbeat can already be seen on the ultrasound.

• Typical symptoms of early pregnancy are often physical changes.

• There are three main tests for pregnant women.

• In early pregnancy, there are several things to consider: No medication, no alcohol, no cigarettes.

• Avoid certain foods and pay attention to a healthy diet.

What is an early pregnancy?

Early pregnancy refers to the beginning of a pregnancy, more precisely the first 12 weeks. This time is also called the 1st trimester. During this time, a lot changes: The fertilized egg grows into an embryo.

A pregnancy usually lasts 40 weeks and includes different stages:

• 1st trimester: Weeks 1 to 12

• 2nd trimester: Weeks 13 to 27

• 3rd trimester: Weeks 28 to 40

Medically, a pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, as it begins on the first day of the last period. However, one is not really pregnant at that point, as fertilization occurs one to two weeks later.

How does your baby develop in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy?

The first weeks of pregnancy bring about some changes: from week 1 after successful fertilization, an embryo begins to grow. During the first weeks of pregnancy, the body already produces the pregnancy hormone hCG. This is the signal for the ovaries and the pituitary gland: Wait a minute, someone is pregnant here!

In the first trimester of pregnancy, all organs of the baby as well as ears, eyes, and eyelids begin to develop. In the 5th week of pregnancy, the heart starts beating, and by the 6th week, the heartbeat can already be seen on ultrasound. By the end of the first trimester, the fetus is about 6 cm long and weighs 15 g. Towards the end of early pregnancy, the hands and arms of the fetus are largely developed, and it starts to react to its environment.

Recognizing Early Pregnancy: Typical Symptoms

Many women often recognize early pregnancy by the symptoms, which they suddenly (or maybe even for a while) have. One thing is for sure: something is different than usual. Often these symptoms are of a physical nature. The body needs some time to adjust to the pregnancy.

The strongest hormonal changes occur in early pregnancy. Especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, because progesterone and estrogen levels rise significantly here. Progesterone thickens the uterine lining, allowing the egg to implant easily. It also has a relaxing effect and causes the muscles to relax. Estrogen, for example, promotes better blood flow to the placenta.

Third in line: the so-called pregnancy hormone hCG. hCG is responsible for the development of the placenta and the maintenance of pregnancy. Hormonal signs Many symptoms and discomforts can occur, especially at the beginning of a pregnancy, also known as pregnancy symptoms. These signs are usually not a cause for concern. However, if you notice anything unusual, you should have it clarified by your gynecologist as soon as possible.

The first signs of pregnancy can include:

• Changes in taste and smell

• Increased discharge

• Constipation/Abdominal pain

• Heartburn

• Bigger breasts and feelings of tension

• Nausea and vomiting

• Craving

• Severe fatigue

• Mood swings

• Dizziness

When should one go to the doctor and which examinations are important?

Once a pregnancy is confirmed, you should definitely visit a doctor's office. The first Preventive examination usually takes place between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy. Instead, it can also be done in the 6th, 7th, or 8th week of pregnancy. If this examination is done so early, it is used to have another comprehensive ultrasound at the end of early pregnancy. An ultrasound scan will be performed to determine the position and size of the baby. Although the gender of your baby cannot be determined yet, prenatal diagnostics can be used to monitor the baby's health.

In general, prenatal diagnosis refers to the prenatal examination of the unborn baby. a distinction is made between invasive and non-invasive prenatal diagnostics. A non-invasive examination, for example, is ultrasound. The examinations as part of prenatal diagnostics are voluntary and are recommended, for example, when the mother has reached a certain age (often from 35 years onwards) or if something is known in the family.

Apart from these specific examinations, there are numerous other tests during pregnancy. The so-called preliminary investigations take place approximately every four weeks from the 7th month of pregnancy every 2 weeks, and if you go past the estimated due date, usually every 2 days. All examinations are carried out in the so-called maternity record, which every expectant mother receives at the first prenatal check-up.

What to consider? - 5 tips for early pregnancy

The first weeks of pregnancy unsettle many expectant mothers. Especially in early pregnancy, many wonder. "What should one consider in early pregnancy?". We have summarized the most important questions and answers with these 5 tips.

1. Caution with medications

In the first weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is very sensitive and can react (negatively) to many things. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid any medication such as painkillers. Always consult a doctor before taking certain medications regularly. Instead of taking a headache pill, nasal spray, and the like, feel free to try various home remedies such as nasal irrigation, calf wraps, or foot baths.

2. Pay attention to a healthy diet rich in micronutrients

Often you hear the saying "During pregnancy, a woman should eat for two." But is that true? No, says nutritionist Dunja Rieber. During pregnancy, a a normal increase of 3 to 4 kilograms per trimester is completely normal. This weight gain is mainly due to the growing uterus, amniotic fluid, water retention, and the baby itself.

Especially during pregnancy, a healthy and balanced diet is crucial so that the mother and the child receive all the important micronutrients (vitamins and trace elements). So how can one specifically support early pregnancy? Quite simply: with micronutrients.

Folic acid and iron are two micronutrients that play a significant role, especially at the beginning of pregnancy. The need for folic acid increases by 83% during pregnancy, the need for iron even increases by 100%. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends women in early pregnancy to take 400 µg of folic acid per day in addition to a healthy diet through supplements.¹

However, there are some foods that pregnant women should avoid due to the risk of Listeria or Toxoplasmosis pathogens. These are mainly raw animal products.

Which foods should you not eat?

• Products made from raw milk (e.g. cheese)

• raw/ undercooked meat

• Raw sausage (e.g. Teewurst)

• Raw fish / Fish products

• Pickled fish

• Sushi

• Raw eggs and products / dishes made from them.

A whole list of forbidden foods during pregnancy you will find here.

3. Supporting early pregnancy: With light exercise and sports

When it comes to sports, it's like so often during pregnancy: Listen to your body. If you enjoy exercising, you don't have to stop it in early pregnancy and later on. Light endurance sports such as swimming, walking or cycling are optimal. To move a little and relax at the same time, relaxation exercises and yoga are two good options. If you feel uncomfortable, it's better to stop, and if symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weakness, headaches, etc. persist, please contact your gynecologist's office.

4. Get enough sleep and listen to your internal clock

During pregnancy, the body performs at its peak. Especially in the beginning, many women struggle with fatigue during pregnancy. Fatigue and exhaustion are also early signs of pregnancy. This is because the body produces more progesterone, which can make you tired. At the same time, the body uses more energy.

5. Avoid stress and give yourself some rest

To avoid endangering oneself and the baby in the womb, it is advisable to avoid too much stress and to allow oneself enough rest. But don't worry: Some stress usually does not harm the unborn baby.

What endangers a pregnancy in the first weeks?

One major concern of expectant mothers is that they might endanger their unborn baby. So, what should one avoid in early pregnancy? Right at the forefront are: Alcohol, nicotine, and medication. A high coffee consumption should be limited to a smaller amount (approximately two cups per day). In small amounts, caffeine does not harm when one is pregnant.