Hold on tight and enjoy the ride. Like a rollercoaster ride, the first trimester of pregnancy can be filled with ups and downs.

Okay, so you made a visit to the doctor and she confirmed what you had already guessed: You are pregnant. Now, what can you expect as you work your way through the stages of pregnancy? For starters let us examine what is likely to occur in this stage of pregnancy.

A pregnancy is broken into three periods of time. These periods or stages are called trimesters – first, second and third. We are going to examine the first of the three stages. Measuring of this trimester of pregnancy begins from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual cycle. All three trimesters account for a total of forty weeks. The earliest trimester of pregnancy encompasses about three months or the period of weeks one through twelve.

It is during the primary trimester that the egg is fertilized by the sperm and subsequently grows and implants on the wall of the uterus. (In some abnormal pregnancies, the egg fails to implant in the uterus causing serious complications.) The implanting of the egg triggers a series of hormonal changes and physical changes in the body.

Growth during weeks three through eight of the initial trimester of pregnancy sees the embryo develop most of the major body organs. It is also during this stage that the embryo grows and becomes the fetus. The most important thing to remember now is to eat healthy meals from each food group. Now is also the time to start taking prenatal vitamins, incorporate regular exercise and drink plenty of water.

The first trimester of pregnancy brings about many changes and exciting moments. Remember to enjoy each and every day as a miracle is happening inside you.