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Month 1 (from your last period through 8 weeks)

Your Body:

  • You were about two weeks pregnant when you missed your first period.
  • You may feel sick, and yes, morning sickness can last all day.
  • You might be more tired than normal.
  • Your breasts may be sore.
  • You should not be gaining any weight just yet.
  • Proper nutrition and avoiding harmful drugs is very important already.

Your Baby:

  • Your baby's features were set when the sperm met the egg.
  • Your baby's father determined your baby's gender.
  • Your baby's major organs are forming.
  • There are already tiny ear buds, spots for eyes and a tiny nose.
  • Arm and leg buds are forming.
  • Your baby is developing inside his or her very own swimming pool, your amniotic sac.
  • On day 17 your baby's heart starts beating.

Your first appointment:

  • Today you will pee in a cup so we can test your urine for HCG (a hormone made only during pregnancy), protein and glucose.
  • We will get your weight. This will be the starting point that we use to see how much weight you gain during your pregnancy.
  • We will also get your blood pressure.
  • You will be asked many questions about your overall health as well as about previous pregnancies.
  • You will be sent to the lab for blood work.
  • Your doctor will perform a pap test and may perform cultures.
  • Your doctor may do a vaginal ultrasound to take a look at your baby today. If not today your doctor will have you come back later this month for this ultrasound.

When to go to the emergency room:

  • Painful cramps with vaginal bleeding.
  • If you can't keep anything down and you think you're dehydrated.