Skip to main content
Dr. Lida Anwari
Pregnancy30 April 20267 min read

The First Trimester: What to Expect Week by Week

From your first positive test to the end of week 12 — symptoms, scans and how to feel your best.

Early pregnancy ultrasound image on a screen

The first twelve weeks are a time of enormous change, even before there is a visible bump. Understanding what is normal can turn anxiety into confidence.

Common early symptoms

  • Nausea and food aversions, often worse in the morning
  • Tiredness as your body works hard behind the scenes
  • Tender breasts and frequent urination
  • Mood changes driven by shifting hormones

Your first scans and tests

An early ultrasound confirms the pregnancy is in the right place and measures its size to date it accurately. Between 11 and 13 weeks, a detailed scan and screening assess your baby’s early development.

Spotting can be normal in early pregnancy, but any bleeding with pain should be checked promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Rising progesterone and the huge metabolic work of early pregnancy are exhausting. Rest when you can — energy usually improves in the second trimester.

Found this helpful?

Book a consultation to discuss your own situation with Dr. Lida.