I am pregnant now what do i do

5 things to do when you find out you’re pregnant

1. Calculate your due date

Working out your due date can be a little complicated, but our simple due date calculator just takes seconds!

This calculator gives you a good estimate of when your baby may arrive. But you will get a more accurate idea at your first midwife appointment and after having your first scan at 12 weeks. This is called the dating scan.

Pregnancy due date calculator

2. Contact your local midwife or GP

You may be able to self-refer to your local maternity unit directly for your antenatal care. Visit your local hospital’s website to find out more.

Speak to your GP if you can’t self-refer or if you think your pregnancy may be high-risk. For example, if you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes, or you are over 40 years old. They will tell the midwifery team you are pregnant.

It is very important to tell your GP, midwife or specialist about any medication you take. They can make sure you’re on the safest medication for you and baby. Do not stop taking any medication without talking to your GP or specialist first.

You will be given a date for your first appointment with a midwife, which is called the booking appointment. This should happen before you are 10 weeks pregnant.

3. Give yourself a quick health check with our tools and calculators

There may be some lifestyle changes that you can make to improve your health and the health of your growing baby. For example, it is important to limit caffeine as much as possible during pregnancy. Use our caffeine calculator to find out your daily caffeine intake.

Your BMI is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is in a healthy range. Your BMI calculation will be based on your weight before pregnancy.

If you have a high BMI, there may be some extra things you can do to help support your health during pregnancy. Find out your BMI using our calculator.

4. Make a healthy pregnancy plan

There are some things you can do during your pregnancy to help make sure that you and your baby stay happy and healthy. There are also some things to avoid. Making a healthy pregnancy plan will include things like:

Let us help you! We can give you a personalised plan with everything you need to know for your pregnancy. Try our Healthy Pregnancy tool.

5. Be aware of pregnancy symptoms and how to manage them

Pregnancy can be tough. Tiredness, sore breasts and morning (pregnancy) sickness are all common in the first few weeks of pregnancy. But there are things you can do to manage these symptoms.

There are some symptoms that could be a sign of something more serious. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these using our symptom checker so you know when to ask to help.

Your first trimester pregnancy checklist

A lot happens in the first trimester – the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Most importantly, you find out that you’re pregnant! You’ll be choosing a doctor or midwife to care for you during pregnancy and going to your first prenatal appointments. For many expecting moms, the first trimester is when pregnancy symptoms like fatigue, nausea, insomnia, and headaches are at their worst. Get help from your provider and use this first-trimester pregnancy checklist to stay organized, healthy, and informed.

What is the first trimester?

The first trimester is the first of three phases (or trimesters) of pregnancy. It’s a critical stage in your pregnancy journey and your baby’s development. While your baby bump may or may not be showing, a lot is happening for both you and your baby.

Your baby is growing rapidly – developing a brain and heart, forming facial features, and even growing tiny little feet, hands, fingernails, and toenails. In the first trimester, all of your baby’s major organs and systems form. Because of this, your baby is the most vulnerable now to harm from alcohol, drugs, tobacco, some medications, and toxic substances. For more on your baby’s development, see our images of fetal development by week.

At the same time, your body is changing and flooding with the pregnancy hormones hCG, estrogen, and progesterone. Hormonal changes may bring on unpleasant symptoms that are common during the first trimester, like nausea, vomiting, headaches, and extreme tiredness. Home remedies may help a bit, but if your symptoms are unbearable, let your provider know.

You’ll choose a doctor or midwife to care for you and your baby, and you’ll make several trips to see your provider. Each prenatal visit during the first trimester involves a similar routine: your provider will check your weight and blood pressure; answer your questions; order tests; take a urine sample; and either listen to your baby’s heartbeat or see it on an ultrasound.

How long is the first trimester?

The first trimester begins at conception and lasts for 13 weeks, or three months. Month one spans from week one to week four of pregnancy; month two begins at week five and lasts until week eight; and the third and final month of the first trimester spans week nine through 13.

A funny thing about the first trimester is that you’ll be a third of the way in before you even know you’re pregnant. Because of the way pregnancy weeks are counted, conception happens when you’re 2 weeks pregnant. By the time you take a home pregnancy test, you may be 4 or 5 weeks pregnant.

If you’re not sure, visit our Pregnancy Due Date Calculator to check how many weeks pregnant you are.

First trimester symptoms

While some women have no pregnancy symptoms or mild symptoms during the first trimester, most experience some or all of the symptoms below.

Spotting and bleeding during the first trimester

You may notice spots of blood or light bleeding during the first few days or weeks of pregnancy. This is common, but it’s a good idea to tell your provider so they can check that everything’s okay.

Diarrhea in the first trimester

Loose or watery stools may arise during early pregnancy. They’re usually not concerning, but persistent diarrhea can leave you dehydrated.

Headache in the first trimester

Hormonal changes may be responsible for first-trimester pregnancy headaches. They can also be brought on by stress, congestion, allergies, lack of sleep, or dehydration.

Cramping during the first trimester

You may not have expected cramping during pregnancy – just when you thought cramps were over! The usual culprit in early pregnancy is implantation, when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. Also, your uterus is expanding and adjusting to being pregnant, which can cause cramping early in pregnancy.

Back pain in the first trimester

Back pain tends to show up more in the second and third trimesters, but it’s not uncommon to feel it during the first trimester.

First-trimester bloating

Burping and passing gas a lot more than usual? Gas and bloating is common during pregnancy because progesterone relaxes muscles throughout your body, including your digestive tract. This hormone slows the progress of food through your gut, giving healthy gut bacteria more time to produce gas from any given meal.

First-trimester insomnia

Some women have trouble falling asleep or wake frequently at night. Insomnia can start in early pregnancy and last until delivery, but a few adjustments can help you get better sleep.

First-trimester fatigue

You may be more exhausted than you ever imagined you could be. In early pregnancy, extreme fatigue is likely due to a dramatic rise in progesterone. Find out more about pregnancy fatigue, and learn the basics of good sleep during pregnancy.

Morning sickness

Unfortunately, «morning sickness» can last all day – and it strikes about three-quarters of pregnant women during the first trimester. If you have a mild case, some relatively simple measures can help. But if you’re still suffering, talk with your provider about safe medications for morning sickness.

Discharge in the first trimester

You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge during the first trimester due to an increase in estrogen. It’s usually harmless, but talk to your provider if you have pain, itching, or discharge that smells bad or looks unusual.

Sore breasts in the first trimester

Breast changes, including tender breasts and sore nipples, are usually one of the first signs of pregnancy. Thankfully, your breast will likely feel less sore by the end of the first trimester.

Constipation in the first trimester

Because progesterone slows movement in the digestive tract, things can get a little backed up. This can lead to constipation – try these tips to prevent and ease it.

Shortness of breath in the first trimester

During pregnancy, you need more oxygen – and this can lead to feeling out of breath. In the first trimester, shortness of breath may appear as a heightened awareness of the need to breathe.

So many aches, pains, and strange feelings arise during pregnancy that it can be hard to decide what’s normal and what’s not. To complicate matters further, some symptoms may be more or less problematic depending on your particular situation or health history and on how far along you are in your pregnancy. But if you have any of these pregnancy symptoms, call your doctor or midwife immediately.

Weight gain in the first trimester

Gaining weight is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. Experts say it’s normal to gain between one and five pounds in the first three months of pregnancy – though some women may gain more or less, or even lose weight during the first trimester due to morning sickness or other reasons.

Your provider will monitor your pregnancy weight to make sure you’re in a healthy range and gaining at an appropriate pace. You can also use our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator to stay on track.

Don’t worry if you can’t eat a well-rounded diet in your first trimester – nausea and food aversions can make this feel impossible. Just do the best you can. Many women feel better eating small, frequent, carbohydrate-heavy snacks.

When you’re able, make your pantry, fridge, and freezer pregnancy-friendly by filling them with healthy eats like nuts, fresh and dried fruit, multigrain pasta, and yogurt. Get a shopping list of healthy pregnancy foods.

During pregnancy it’s especially important to avoid foods that could contain bacteria, parasites, or toxins – including undercooked meat, unpasteurized soft cheeses, anything that contains raw eggs, sushi made with raw fish, raw oysters, and fish that’s high in mercury. Find out more about foods to avoid during pregnancy.

Sex during the first trimester

First trimester pregnancy checklist

Use this list to keep track of all your first-trimester tasks, from making your first prenatal appointment to taking belly photos.

Take a prenatal vitamin

If you haven’t started taking a prenatal vitamin yet, now’s the time to start. It’s particularly critical to get enough folic acid while trying to conceive and during your first trimester. Folic acid greatly reduces your baby’s risk of developing neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.

Investigate health insurance

Make sure you know what your health insurance plan covers as far as your prenatal care and delivery costs, as well as care for your new baby. Get answers to these questions by calling your health insurance company or talking to your company’s benefits department. Or, find out what to do if you’re pregnant and don’t have health insurance.

Choose a doctor or midwife

If you already have a doctor or midwife you love, you’re set. If not, you’ve got some homework to do. Talk to friends and relatives, ask one of your other providers to recommend someone, check out the preferred providers under your health insurance plan, or search online. Find out more about what to consider when choosing a doctor or midwife.

Make a prenatal appointment

To prepare for your first prenatal visit, jot down the first day of your last period and start making a list of any questions that arise. Talk to relatives on both sides about your families’ medical histories. Your provider will want to know whether any chronic conditions or genetic abnormalities run in either of your families.

Get ready to see or hear your baby

At a prenatal visit around 9 to 12 weeks, you may get to hear your baby’s heartbeat with the help of a Doppler fetal monitor. Many women say it sounds like galloping horses.

Some women have an ultrasound in the first trimester (though you may have to wait until between 16 and 20 weeks). If you do get to see your baby in the first trimester, don’t be surprised if they look like a gummy bear or lima bean with a tiny, flickering heart.

Check your medications

Many medicines aren’t safe during pregnancy – even some over-the-counter ones. If you take any medications, don’t stop cold turkey. But do call your provider to find out if your medications are pregnancy-safe. Mention everything, even vitamins, supplements, and herbs.

Quit unsafe habits

Smoking during pregnancy, drinking alcohol, and using drugs like opioids and marijuana isn’t safe for you or your baby during pregnancy. Talk to your provider and ask for help quitting if you need it. Also, some activities, jobs, and hobbies can be hazardous to you and your developing baby. Talk to your provider about what your daily routine involves, so you can come up with ways to avoid or eliminate hazards in your home and workplace.

Cut down on caffeine

It’s a good idea to cut back on caffeine during pregnancy as much as you can, because it could affect your baby. Experts advise expectant moms to limit their caffeine during pregnancy to less than 200 mg per day (that’s about one 11-ounce cup of coffee).

Consider your options for prenatal testing

During your first trimester, your provider will offer you various prenatal tests to check on the well-being of you and your growing baby. Some are routine and recommended for everyone, while others are left to your discretion. Genetic screening tests can give you information about your baby’s risk for Down syndrome as well as other chromosomal problems and birth defects. NIPT (noninvasive prenatal testing) is available beginning at 10 weeks of pregnancy, and the nuchal translucency test (NT scan) can be done between 11 and 14 weeks.

Think about when and how you’ll announce your pregnancy

Some expecting parents spill the beans to friends, family, and co-workers right away. Others wait to announce pregnancy until they’re in their second trimester, when their pregnancy is well established and the risk of miscarriage has declined significantly.

Start taking belly photos

Have someone take a picture of you every week, or take your own picture using your reflection in a mirror. It’s a great way to see your progress, and you’ll love having the keepsake. Tips for a great shot: Consider wearing the same outfit, standing in the same spot, and striking the same pose (profiles work best) for each photo. For inspiration, check out our pregnant bellies photo gallery.

Follow your baby’s development

Sign up for BabyCenter’s free email newsletters and each week you’ll learn exactly what’s going on with both your pregnancy and your baby.

Join your Birth Club

Nobody understands what you’re going through as well as other expecting moms in the same stage of pregnancy. Connect with women due the same month as you in your BabyCenter Birth Club.

Learn more:

Sources

BabyCenter’s editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

I’m Pregnant… Now What? 13 Things to Do Immediately

Whoop – there it is! The positive pregnancy test! What should you do now? Tell your partner? Celebrate? Get a pregnancy book? Here are 13 things to do ASAP!

There it is. The positive pregnancy test you’ve been waiting what feels like an eternity (i.e. 5 minutes) for. You’re pregnant!

What should you do first? Go tell your husband. Wait, no. Maybe your doctor? Find a midwife? Order a pregnancy book? Your head is swirling and twirling with thoughts and to-do’s.

If the first thing you did was Google “I’m pregnant… now what. ” we have some answers for you right here.

Without further ado, here’s a helpful “to do” list for you:

1. Revel in it

Go ahead. Jump up and down and run around the house screaming at the top of your lungs, “I’m PREGNANT. ” Do your happy dance.

Whether it happened quickly, or you’ve been trying for years, it is truly a blissful moment when you realize you’ve got a little miracle growing inside of you.

In the near future, you’ll settle into the fact you’re with child. For now, it’s time to just feel joy.

2. Find a fun way to tell your husband or partner

Sure, you could go the old-fashioned way, and tell them the moment you find out. Or you could get Pinterest-y and surprise the heck out of them. Here are a few ideas to get your mind going, but the more personal, the better.

Pregnant? Get my FREE week-by-week updates! – Week by Week Promo [In-article]

Track your baby’s growth, find safe and natural remedies, and have fun along the way!

3. Change your diet

If there was ever a time to take your health seriously, it’s when you’re growing a baby inside of you. No matter your starting point (daily McDonald’s trips and soda to leafy greens and bone broth), making sound nutrition decisions during pregnancy isn’t easy.

You have the cards stacked up against you—your heightened sense of smell, your aversion to greens and meat, your morning sickness that lasts way beyond the morning.

If you’re ready and willing to change your diet though, try not to get too caught up in the details. There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there. What’s most important is that you eat a wide variety of nutrient-dense, real foods to make sure you’re giving your baby everything it needs. Try to incorporate as many colors of the rainbow into your plate as possible so you and baby benefit from all Nature offers.

I’m also a proponent of getting ample protein per the Brewer’s Diet. For me, it made all the difference in my feet swelling from my first pregnancy when compared with my second and third.

4. Start a prenatal

Even if you’ve been following a nutrient-rich, fertility diet full of avocado, liver, grass-fed meat, and cod liver oil, you should still take a prenatal supplement to make sure all your bases are covered.

Unfortunately, our depleted soils and industrialized food system keep us from getting everything we need from food alone.

Of course, many of your typical drugstore prenatals have also been industrialized. They may contain all of the nutrients, but these nutrients are created in a laboratory with vitamin isolates separated from the natural co-factors that help your body properly absorb the vitamin.

Thank goodness, then, for natural vitamins, which have actually been shown to be superior to synthetic ones. Here is an in-depth breakdown of natural prenatal vitamin options.

5. Swap out your products

When we think processed, unnatural, and toxic, food usually comes to mind. But the products you use on and around yourself can affect you (and your baby) just as much. (Read more about this here and here)

Start in your medicine cabinet with your toothpaste, soap, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant. Here are a handful of suggestions for natural alternatives, and what to look for in your products going forward.

Then make your way to the cleaning and laundry products. There are a few good products out there, but sometimes the best solution is whole foods like salt, lemons, vinegar, and baking soda.

Finally, ditch the scented candles, perfume, “fresh scent” fabric softener and Glade Plug Ins. These are toxic and not good for you or baby. (Source)

6. Download a pregnancy app or sign up for Mama Natural week-by-week

There’s nothing more exciting than following the growth of your baby every single week.

There’s no need to wait for your checkups to get this information, because, of course, there’s an app for that. In fact, there’s quite a few pregnancy apps.

That said, there aren’t any apps out there for the crunchy mamas-to-be, so I created my own. It’s called the Natural Pregnancy Week By Week and you can sign up for it here.

7. Set up an appointment with a midwife or a doctor

If you’re most comfortable with a doctor, there are some natural-minded obstetrician gynecologists out there.

However, if you want a more natural childbirth, then working with a midwife is your best bet.

Studies show that midwife labors tend to have fewer interventions (source), plus moms who give birth with midwives are more likely to successfully breastfeed. (source)

If you do choose to go the midwife route, here are great interview questions to find the right midwife for you.

8. Find a doula

There’s another birthing professional besides your doctor or midwife? Yes, and they are more necessary than you could ever imagine. A doula is a trained professional who gives continuous physical (non-medical) and emotional support to expecting mothers. I like to call them birthing angels. Some doulas even provide postpartum support.

One study found that expectant mothers matched with doulas were:

The best way to find a doula is to ask around. Your friends, family or midwife can give you referrals. Interview them yourself, and make sure they’re the best fit for you. If you can’t find a good referral, try this site or this site to find one in your area.

9. Build a registry

Oh, the baby registry! Even more exciting than a wedding registry, but also more confusing. If this is your first kid, chances are you have no idea where to start. Should I go cloth diaper or disposable? How many bottles do I need? What’s a swaddle, and how do I do it?

First things first: Remember that baby “stuff” is helpful, but babies (especially newborns) don’t actually require that many things. If you start with the basics—something to wear, some place to poop and some place to sleep, you’re covered 🙂

You’ll realize that, even though your friend “can’t live without her Moby wrap,” your little one might not take to it. Also, though you may have many well-intentioned friends and family who have their registry recommendations, you might be looking for a more natural or minimal route. I’ve got you covered there.

Here’s everything you need to know about creating a baby registry.

10. Up your mental game

Educating yourself is vital to prepare you (and your partner!) for childbirth mentally, physically, and spiritually. Through childbirth education classes (like the Mama Natural birth course!), you will learn everything you need to know about each stage of labor, get helpful tools to navigate the intensity of childbirth, and connect with a support network of other pregnant moms.

Many moms find that practicing positive birth affirmations and visualizations can also help. Studies show that our brains can create new, positive neuro pathways through our thoughts. As a result, birth affirmations can help you connect with baby and reduce fear and anxiety around labor.

11. Do strategic exercise

Exercise boosts baby’s brain power. It doesn’t have to be crossfit, either. In fact, gentle exercise is much more appropriate for pregnancy—just some light stretching or 30 minutes of walking a few times per week will do.

You can also do pelvic exercises to keep your baby in optimal position for birth.

12. Get out while you can

Once morning sickness passes (or maybe you’ll get lucky and skip that phase altogether!) and you’re in the second trimester (also called the “magic middle”) get out and party!

OK, maybe party isn’t the right word. But there are plenty of things you and your partner can do to treat and nurture yourselves.

13. Nest

Suddenly feeling the urge to clean out the junk drawer? Rearrange the furniture? Organize that giant box of pictures into photo albums? After you’ve partied like it’s 1999, get down to business. Nesting is the intuitive desire to get your home ready for your bundle of joy.

A 2013 study found that nesting is more than “irrational” behavior; it’s actually key to preparing for childbirth. And it doesn’t just stop at cleaning the garage and painting the bathrooms, it can also include intense thought as to where the birth will take place and who will be present.

When it comes to nesting, there is no reason to hold back. By getting “your ducks in a row”, you will feel more productive, less stressed and ready for your big labor day. Get your nursery set up, wash those baby clothes, get your hospital bag packed, do whatever it takes to feel good heading into birth. Unless, of course, it involves lifting heavy objects, climbing a ladder, or sacrificing precious sleep.

How About You?

What did you do when you found out you were pregnant? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read This Next…

About the Author

Genevieve Howland is a childbirth educator and breastfeeding advocate. She is the bestselling author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth and creator of the Mama Natural Birth Course. A mother of three, graduate of the University of Colorado, and YouTuber with over 85,000,000 views, she helps mothers and moms-to-be lead healthier and more natural lives.

2 Comments

Ck Apr 28 at 7:06 pm

There’s a bug with your calculator. I am unable to select the month of conception

Taylor Shenberger Nov 30 at 5:49 pm

We just found out yesterday! I waited until I was 5 days late to take a test but I knew IMMEDIATELY. The morning sickness and tender breasts hit me less than one week after conception. Eating every 2 to 3 hours keeps me sane. =) I share everything with my man, even though I was traveling for those first couple of weeks, so I woke him up yesterday morning and confirmed what we already knew. Since we met not that long ago, we knew we were going to be parents together.

I am SO happy to have found this website through Wellness Mama. I am a healer myself and yearning to have a holistic pregnancy focusing on the important stuff (like love and community). And speaking of stuff, I do not like having a lot, so I’m excited to check out your minimalist registry list. Thanks!!

I Am Pregnant, Now What Happens To My Body?

This information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby’s development and of the signs and symptoms during pregnancy. You may not experience many of the symptoms or signs and every baby is an individual that develops a little differently.

Are There Any Very Early Signs Of Pregnancy Before Missed Period?

During weeks 1, 2 and 3 you will most likely not experience any signs or symptoms of pregnancy. I know it sounds weird, but in the first 2 weeks of the calculated period of pregnancy, you are not actually pregnant!
This is because your due date is calculated from the first day of your last period and ovulation (when the mature egg is released ready for fertilization) occurs about midway between menstrual cycles. Therefore conception can only occur approximately 2 weeks after your menstruation (if you have a regular 28 day cycle, ovulation will occur somewhere between day 10 and day 18).

Is A Discharge A Sign In Early Pregnancy?

On its own, it cannot be used as a predictor of pregnancy, but if it occurs with other symptoms, the possibility of pregnancy is good.

It’s implantation time! This is when the rapidly dividing ball of cells has found its way to the uterus and is looking for a suitable place to settle in. Implantation usually happens at around the time you would be expecting your period so you may experience a very slight bleed or spotting within the week before your period.
Your baby-to-be is now officially an embryo.

How Long Does Implantation Take?

The “implantation window” lasts about 4 days. This is the time when the inner lining of the uterus (womb) is best for implantation to occur.
On average, implantation occurs 6 to 10 days after ovulation or between day 20 to 24 of a menstrual cycle.
The process of implantation takes between 7 to 9 days (process of fertilization and attaching to the uterine (womb) wall).

How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?
Only about a third of women experience scant implantation bleeding or spotting.
If you do, it will be a short, brief spotting episode.

Signs And Symptoms In Week 4 Of Pregnancy
This is the time you may be anxiously waiting to see if you have missed your period. This will be the first real indication of a possible pregnancy.
Feeling tired? Your body is going through a lot of hormonal changes during this period and fatigue is often the first symptom at this stage of your pregnancy.
Other symptoms:

It could even feel like your usual premenstrual symptoms.
These symptoms are all due to hormone changes that are occurring.

I never experienced implantation bleeding with any of my pregnancies. I simply missed a period and then realized I could be pregnant. I did not experience any symptoms until about 6 weeks.

5 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms And Signs
A home pregnancy test will now confirm what you are hoping for.
Although still extremely small (about the size of an apple seed), your baby is growing at a rapid pace.
Fatigue, sore breasts and nausea are still the main symptoms at this stage.

6 Weeks Pregnant
This is when the realization of pregnancy kicks in! Your hormones are on a mission and as a result mood swings, morning sickness, fatigue and frequent urination are what you can expect.
This can be a difficult time emotionally for many women in early pregnancy, so if you do feel like you’re on an emotional roller coast right now, it’s OK.
The most noticeable body change at this stage is your breasts. They may be larger and the skin around your nipples (areola) may darken and increase in size.
At 6 weeks your baby is in the process of developing eyes and limb buds. It is best described as looking like a tadpole.
The exciting part is that now you will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat on ultrasound.

8 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms And Signs
For you, this may not be a pleasant time due to your heightened sense of smell and nausea that will make your stomach turn.
If you are experiencing weird dreams, don’t worry, you are not going nuts, it is normal.
Heavy sensitive breasts, fatigue, constipation, bloating, heartburn and cramps are also on the list of symptoms.
By now, your baby will have webbed fingers and toes, all his or her organs and start developing eyelids, an upper lip, nose and ears. Your baby’s face is beginning to form.

When Does The Embryo Become A Fetus?
At the end of week 8 after conception (week 10 gestational age) until birth, your unborn baby is called a fetus.

What Is Gestational Age (vs Conceptional Age)?
Gestational age is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period and expressed in days or weeks.

Conceptional age is calculated from the date conception (fertilization) takes place, which happens after ovulation, therefore the conceptional age will always be approximately 2 weeks less than the gestational age.

It is the true fetal age as it is based on the date of conception.

Gestational age is determined by the date of your last menstrual period, clinical examination and ultrasound. Of these, ultrasound is the most accurate in early pregnancy and can be used to calculate the gestational age as early as 5 to 6 weeks after the last menstrual period.

The gestational age is used as it is very difficult to determine the date of conception accurately (have to know exactly when you are ovulating and when fertilization took place).

When Does The First Trimester End?
The first trimester is from week 1 to the end of week 12 of pregnancy.

When Will My Bump Show?
At 12 weeks your uterus is just starting to lift out of your pelvis and a very small bump may be visible in your lower tummy. Usually your baby bump will appear between weeks 14 to 16.

When Does The Second Trimester Start?
The duration of the second trimester is from week 13 to the end of week 27 of pregnancy.

At 14 weeks of pregnancy, your baby will be very active but due to his or her small size, you will not feel it yet. He or she will be able to pucker his or her lips and hiccup! Your baby is now about 3½ inches long and weighs about 1½ to 2 ounces. The placenta is now well developed and fully functional.
Constipation may an issue due to the uterus pressing on your bowel and hormone related relaxed bowel muscles becoming lazy. Keep an eye on your fiber intake.
As you will have noticed,your body is also preparing for breast feeding. Your breasts will be getting fuller and will need good support.

16 Weeks Pregnant Belly
Your baby bump is now visible for all to admire as the top of your uterus (womb) is now halfway between your bellybutton and pubic bone. Your baby now weighs 3 to 5 ounces and measures 4 to 5 inches and is about the size of your fist.
Hormonal changes also affect the lining of mucus membranes which become swollen and can lead to nasal congestion, nosebleeds and bleeding gums. This is also the time to chat to your healthcare provider about weight gain and get a better understanding of what is healthy weight gain.

When Can You Feel Baby Move?
Feeling your baby move for the first time is a magical moment. What begins as a barely perceptible flutter at around 18 to 20 weeks for 1st time moms, gradually turns into a full-on kick as your little one starts to make his or her presence felt.

At 18 weeks, it is possible to distinguish the baby’s genitals on ultrasound and tell if it is a boy or girl. Now it is also possible to see if there are any heart defects on ultrasound. His or her ears are well developed and can pick up sounds.
The size of the uterus may now press upon large blood vessels causing dizziness, so make sure you get up slowly from lying down or sitting. You may also experience swollen feet or hands and backache.

At 20 weeks, you have reached the halfway mark and you should have a lovely baby bump to prove it!
Your baby’s taste buds are developing and he or she is swallowing a lot of amniotic fluid. Not to worry, he or she will poo the stored waste as meconium soon after birth.
Heartburn, swollen feet or hands and leg cramps are possible symptoms.
The temporary increased production of melanin causes an increase in pigmentation on your face, area around your nipples and a dark line down your belly.
You may also become aware of Braxton Hicks contractions. These are normal during pregnancy and often described as false labor contractions.

What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?
These weak contractions feel like a tightening of your uterus and are painless. They also only last for a short period of time, usually only for ½ minute to 1 minute and occur irregularly and infrequently. You could consider them as practice for the real ones later.

22nd Week Of Pregnancy
Now your previously skinny baby is starting to gain fat layers. He or she will still have a button nose as the bridge of the nose has not completely developed yet. Baby still has lots of room to move about in the uterus (which means you will feel the activity).
You may also notice stretch marks developing, although they are more common in the third trimester.

Why do you get stretch marks during pregnancy? Blame the hormones! As your body expands the skin needs to stretch to accommodate this expansion. During pregnancy, the elastic tissue under the skin is changed by hormones to enable this expansion and stretching of the skin. Sometimes the skin over stretches and tears, causing stretch marks.
The stretching of your skin may also cause itchiness. Using an unscented body lotion may help alleviate the itching.
You may by now be experiencing some indigestion, heartburn, snoring, constipation or swollen feet.
Best to exclude spicy foods and include fiber in your diet. Wear comfortable shoes.

Week 24 Of Pregnancy
Baby now weighs just over a pound and is almost a foot long. His or her lungs are starting to develop.
If you are feeling emotional and find yourself crying at the slightest thing, don’t worry, it is normal at this stage.
You may also notice small bumps that look like pimples developing around your nipple area. These are oil producing glands that help to lubricate and protect the breast area for breast-feeding. They have the unusual name of Montgomery’s tubercles!

When Does The 3rd Trimester Start?
The third trimester starts with week 28 and continues until birth. You are on the home stretch!

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, your uterus is now well above your bellybutton. Finding a Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow » target=»_blank»>good sleeping position may be difficult and Gabrialla Elastic Maternity Support Belt (Medium Support), Standard Elastic, White » target=»_blank»>back pain and cramps may cause you discomfort.
Don’t panic if you find you have slight urinary incontinence when you laugh, sneeze or cough! This is due to baby pressing on your bladder and will stop once baby is born.
Your baby now weighs about 2½ pounds and is approximately 14¼ to 14½ inches long. His or her brain is now developing into a more complex organ. At this stage your baby may be able to open and close his or her eyes.

30 Weeks Pregnant: Fetal development continues at a fast rate with your baby’s lungs and digestive system almost fully developed and he or she now has eyebrows and eyelashes.
He or she now weighs about 3 pounds and is approximately 15½ inches long.
Developing hemorrhoids (piles) due to swollen blood vessels during pregnancy is fairly common. Do speak to your health care provider to prevent any serious discomfort.

What To Expect At 32 Weeks Of Pregnancy (8th Month)
With the growth spurt of your baby, your uterus is now near your diaphragm and may cause you some breathlessness or heartburn.
You should be gaining weight steadily over the next few weeks.

In Week 34 Of Pregnancy, your baby is almost ready to be born. He or she has soft pink skin (no more wrinkles and the waxy white coating called vernix has almost gone. Only his or her lungs are still not 100% developed. He or she now weighs about 5 to 5½ pounds and measures around 17½ inches. A large weight to be carrying around!

At 36 Weeks Pregnant, expect your baby to arrive at any time from now on, so you should be well prepared and ready. You may still be experiencing heartburn, Leachco Back ‘N Belly Contoured Body Pillow, Ivory » target=»_blank»>difficulty sleeping, pressure on your bladder causing frequent visits to the bathroom, swelling and constipation. If you feel like you are waddling like a duck when walking, just watch other pregnant ladies at this stage of pregnancy, the waddle is normal. If it makes your mobility easier and more comfortable, forget what other people may think or say!

Week 37 Of Pregnancy could be labelled “preparation” starting week. The amniotic fluid will now start to decrease and you will notice an increase in the frequency of Braxton Hicks contractions. Baby should by now be in the head position ready for birth. Breech presentations (bum down, head up) do occur in a small percentage of pregnancies at term. Leakage from your breasts may occur in preparation for breast feeding. Feeling exhausted and full of aches and pains? Hang in there, it is not for much longer.

What Is “Passing A Mucus Plug” In Pregnancy?

As your cervix starts dilating in preparation for birth, the thick mucus “plug” that was occluding your cervix will come out, either as a mucus plug or as a vaginal discharge. Sometimes there may even be a small amount of blood present. This is a sign that the cervix is no longer closed but beginning to open in preparation for delivery of your baby.

What Does “Baby Dropping” During Pregnancy Mean?
A few weeks before birth, during your first pregnancy, your baby’s head moves down into your pelvis, getting ready for delivery. This relieves the pressure on your diaphragm but increases the pressure in your pelvis. As your baby has moved down, it is perceived to have “dropped”. In subsequent pregnancies it may happen much later, that is closer to birth.

How Many Weeks In A Full Term Pregnancy?

Babies born after 37 weeks were regarded as being ‘on time’ or ‘term’. In other words, if baby is born between the 37 week and the 42 week, it was considered a term birth.

You may be wondering exactly how many weeks in a normal full term pregnancy?
On average, full term refers to the pregnancy having lasted 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of your last menstrual period (which works out to around 9 months) and 38 weeks (266 days) from conception.
This is how your due date is calculated, but only a small percentage of pregnant women actually deliver on the exact calculated due date.

Babies born before 37 completed weeks gestation ( 293 days) were considered post-term.

Each woman, pregnancy and baby are unique, therefore the timing of the actual birth is impossible to predict accurately. But based on averages, 39 to 40 weeks can be considered normal.

Update: Full Term Pregnancy Gets a NEW Definition (October 2013)

• Early term: Between 37 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks, six days

• Full term: Between 39 weeks and 40 weeks, six days

• Late term: Between 41 weeks and 41 weeks, six days

• Post term: 42 weeks and beyond.

A pregnancy is now “full term” only in the narrower two-week window that starts at 39 weeks, under new definitions published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology and endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

Pregnancy Diary and Photos

First time pregnancy is a very special time to be enjoyed and remembered.

“What does adoption mean to a child?”

If the path you had laid out for your life now seems uncertain because of an unplanned pregnancy, there are 5 steps you can take to figure what to do next:

Step 1. Confirm your pregnancy.

Step 2. Sort through your feelings.

Step 3. Explore your options.

Step 4. Build a support system.

Step 5. Get professional support by calling 1-800-ADOPTION today.

Fortunately, you have a wide variety of resources to help you answer these questions, move forward and determine which of your unplanned pregnancy options is right for you. What to do if you’re pregnant will ultimately always be up to you; you are the only person who can decide how to handle an unexpected pregnancy and decide which of your options is best for you and your baby.

But, this is a big decision, and you don’t have to face it alone.

If you’re wondering who to talk to or where to go when you find out you’re pregnant, you can always start by contacting American Adoptions now at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Our counselors will never tell you how to handle your unplanned pregnancy or which decision to make; instead, we are here to give guidance, support and resources for any woman who is pregnant and not sure what to do next.

You can trust our guidance because we’ve been in your shoes. With a staff that includes birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees, we know what it’s like to choose adoption. You can find peace and confidence in your situation with our help.

How to handle an unplanned pregnancy may be different for each individual woman based on her unique circumstances, so it’s important to talk to a professional to get guidance in your specific situation. In the meantime, we’ve outlined some of the general steps to take when pregnant for you here. As you navigate this time in your life, these are some of the things you may need to consider to move forward with your unplanned pregnancy.

The First Steps When Finding out You’re Pregnant

So, the results are in — and now you’re thinking, “I’m pregnant; now what?” You likely have countless thoughts running through your head at once:

I’m pregnant and don’t know what to do.

What are my options?

How will I ever decide what to do with an unplanned pregnancy?

What are the first steps to take after finding out you’re pregnant?

What happens now?

​An unplanned pregnancy can affect women in many different ways, so some of your first steps after finding out you’re pregnant should be to work through your own feelings and come to terms with this unexpected situation. In general, here are some of the first steps to take when pregnant unexpectedly:

Step 1: Confirm your pregnancy with a doctor.

The first step of pregnancy, whether planned or unplanned, is usually to consult with a doctor. Your doctor can:

Confirm your pregnancy

Determine how far along you are, which could impact the options that are available to you

Help you make a plan for prenatal care until you decide which pregnancy option is right for you

If you need help finding a doctor or clinic or getting access to prenatal care, American Adoptions can help. Call us at 1-800-ADOPTION to learn more.

Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you might have about pregnancy, childbirth or abortion and refer you to additional resources as needed. From there, you can determine what your pregnancy next steps are.

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Step 2: Sort through your feelings.

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, what to do will depend largely on how you feel about the pregnancy. For example, what to do with an unplanned pregnancy you feel excited and hopeful about will obviously be different from what to do if you don’t want to be pregnant. But determining exactly how you feel about your unplanned pregnancy isn’t always that simple. These tips might help:

Know that feelings of shock, anger, denial and depression are common; an unexpected pregnancy can bring on a wide range of emotions, all of which are normal at this stage.

As you cope with this sudden life change, give yourself time to process all of your thoughts and feelings.

Reach out to an unplanned pregnancy counselor to get help determining how you feel about this pregnancy and, therefore, how to handle the pregnancy going forward.

Step 3: Explore your options.

Women wondering what to do if pregnant generally have three options:

Raise the child

End the pregnancy

It’s important to learn as much as you can about all of these options so you can make an informed decision you feel good about; you can read more about each of them below.

What to do if you accidentally get pregnant is a choice only you can make; this is your decision, and no one knows you, your baby or your situation like you do. However, if you need help deciding how to handle an unwanted pregnancy or unplanned pregnancy, there are many options counselors available to provide guidance and support. You can always contact an adoption specialist or reach out to an options counselor for more information about your choices.

Step 4: Build a support system.

When you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, what to do and who to tell will always be up to you. Telling loved ones about your unexpected pregnancy can be intimidating, and it’s understandable why you may want to decide what to do with an unwanted pregnancy before you share your news.

But, while keeping your unwanted pregnancy a secret is an option, it is usually recommended that you share the information with those close to you when you feel comfortable. By hiding your pregnancy, you may deprive yourself of much-needed support from family or close friends. Having even one close friend or family member to walk with you through your first steps after getting pregnant can be incredibly helpful.

Step 5: Get professional support. We’re here to help.

Finally, know that you don’t have to go through any of pregnancy’s first steps alone. There are many places to go for support — you can find a variety of support groups and professionals to help you decide what to do if you have an unwanted pregnancy, including those at American Adoptions. You can contact our adoption specialists any time at 1-800-ADOPTION for free, unbiased counseling and support.

In the meantime, read on for some things to know about each of your options for unplanned or unwanted pregnancy and what to do to move forward.

Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options:

Adoption

Women choose adoption out of love for their babies – Some women worry that choosing to place a baby for adoption is selfish or irresponsible, but that’s just not the case. Rather than “giving up” their babies, these women make a difficult, loving decision in the best interest of their children.

“Although I felt devastated when I learned I was pregnant, I eventually fell so in love with the life I created and wanted everything for him. I knew I couldn’t provide that but fully believe Ray and Donna can. We’ve kept in touch and have even gotten together since his birth,” said Nicole, a heroic birth mother.

You are in charge of your baby’s adoption – Adoption is your decision, and you will be in control of the process from beginning to end.

You get to choose and meet the baby’s family – American Adoptions has hundreds of adoptive family profiles to help you find the perfect family for your baby. Over the course of your pregnancy, you will be able to get to know them and ask them questions.

Adoption does not cost any money for birth mothers – In fact, you may be eligible for financial support to cover your pregnancy-related expenses, like rent or mortgage payments, groceries, maternity clothes and more.

Feelings of grief after an adoption are normal – Even in a perfect adoption experience, it is impossible not to wonder what life raising your baby would have been like. These feelings are not a sign that you have made the wrong decision — only that you love your baby.

You can have a lifelong relationship with your baby and the family – Because of open adoption, you can see your child grow up, know how he or she is doing, and even talk to him or her about adoption.

Abortion

Abortion must be completed very early on in the pregnancy – Both medical and surgical abortion must be done early in a pregnancy, so if you are further along, abortion may no longer be available to you.

In most states, minors need parental permission for abortion – You may have to take specific measures to obtain an abortion, especially if you are under 18 years of age. Visit Planned Parenthood for more information.

The cost of abortion can vary – Abortion costs will depend on where you live, the facility you go to, the type of abortion you have and more. Abortion can cost up to several hundred dollars.

While generally safe, there are some medical risks – There are some common, mild side effects of abortion, as well as rare, more severe ones.

There are also emotional risks of abortion – Some women may feel grief and loss after an abortion. There are many things you can do to prepare for this beforehand and recover afterward.

Not all information you will find is reliable – There are “crisis pregnancy centers” all around the country that are actually run by anti-abortion advocates. These places provide biased, misleading, and sometimes plain false information to vulnerable women.

Parenting

Education or career goals may be put on hold – When you decide to parent, raising your child becomes your first priority. The emotional and financial responsibilities of parenting might mean that school or certain jobs need to wait.

The outlook on single parenting is changing – The stigma surrounding unplanned pregnancy and single parenting has decreased immensely in recent years. Today, single parents are raising families more successfully than ever.

You have resources available to help you – Visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway and Parents Without Partners for information, education, and more.

If you don’t want to be a parent or don’t feel ready, that’s OK – Now may simply not be the right time for you to become a parent, or you may not see yourself ever having children. Whatever your feelings toward parenthood, it’s OK. Parenting is not for everyone.

Wondering what to do if you’re pregnant is not only normal, but it also demonstrates extreme selflessness and maturity by putting your child’s needs first. To get more information about what to do if you accidentally get pregnant, contact an adoption specialist today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. America Adoptions, Inc. provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father’s keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family’s love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child’s vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

Lindsey was already the mother to one baby with special needs when she found herself pregnant again. A single mom in the midst of a divorce, she knew adoption was the way to give both her daughters what they deserved.

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