Early Pregnancy
Expected Physical Changes:
| Breast | Enlarge, vascular, pigment darkens |
| Uterus | 20x normal size, 2 tsp. - 2 gallons! Rises from pelvis 1st trimester |
| Cervix | Mucous plug |
| Ovaries | Periods cease, increased hormones protect pregnancy |
| Vagina | Leukorrhea (a thick, whitish vaginal discharge. It results from inflammation or congestion of the vaginal mucosa.) |
| Sexuality | OK until labor unless doctor advises against May increase or decrease |
| Heart | Workload increases 40 -50% Increased venous pressure=edema, varicosities, hemorrhoids |
| Lungs | Increased oxygen need and deeper breathing |
| Bladder | Pressure of uterus = frequency |
| Digestive | Gums may bleed, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids |
| Body | Joints more mobile, altered posture, diastasis recti (a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, which covers the front surface of the belly area.) |
| Skin | Pigment changes, acne, itchiness |
| Body Chemistry | Hormones+ insulin increase, fat deposits, sodium and water retention |
Expected Emotional Changes:
| Mom | Cravings, dreams, fatigue, altered sexuality Mood Swings – ambivalence, irritability, sensitivity, vulnerability, fears Tasks – accepts, feels unique, focuses inward, seeks female support, awareness of baby, focusing on child |
| Dad | Couvade – Having physical symptoms, nurturing, alienation, masculinity, neutrality Tasks – ambivalence, acceptance of changing body and baby, fears of harming baby during sex, confused with moms focus, dreams of older child |
Baby Milestones:
| 3rd Week | Heartbeat |
| 6th Week | 1/2 inch long |
| 9th Week | Every organ system and structure is formed |
| 12th Week | Spontaneous movements, has urine, 3 inches, 6 oz, can hear heartbeat ultrasound |
| 17 - 20 Weeks | Mom feels movement! 8 inches, 1.5 oz. |
| 21 - 24 Weeks | Brain mature, lungs begin to mature, 11 inches |
| 25 - 29 Weeks | Lungs begin to work, nervous system maturing, 14 inches, 2 lbs. 10 oz. |
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Contemporary Women’s Care website should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.
