First trimester (0-13 weeks) tips

The first trimester lasts from week 1 through to the end of week 13 of your pregnancy. You may not look pregnant yet, but you’re probably feeling it. It’s an exciting time as there is a lot going on. Your baby is beginning to develop, and your body is changing too.

We’ve got some great tips to see you through this first stage and help you feel prepared for everything that’s ahead – from dealing with all those unfamiliar hormones, to bonding with your growing baby bump! If you’d like to see what stage of development your baby may be at each week, Ready Steady Baby has a really interesting timeline.

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Top tips from parents-to-be

Tip #1: Feeling unwell

If you're not feeling like yourself at the start of your pregnancy, don't worry – many women don’t feel 100%. As every pregnancy is different, you may feel great. Or even have ups and downs. In these first few weeks, your hormones are pretty busy – and this can affect how you feel.

Tip #2: Talk about it

If you’re feeling worried about your pregnancy, it’s important to talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. Make sure you chat to your midwife about any concerns, as she’ll be able to talk through any of your worries and reassure you.

Tip #3: Bump selfies

It can be fun to take a picture of your bump once a week to keep a record of your growing baby. You might not see a lot of change during the first trimester, but as your bump grows, the bigger the changes in the photographs!

Tip #4: Talk to bump

Take some time to form a bond with your growing baby. It's never too early for you and your partner to start talking to your bump and letting them hear music.

Tip #5: Make sure you get your immunisations

The best way to protect yourself and your baby from serious disease and illness is to get the recommended vaccines at the right time. NHS Scotland recommends that pregnant women should have the COVID-19, flu and whooping cough vaccines. You can get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines now, but you’ll need to wait until week 16 for your whooping cough vaccine. Ask you midwife for more information on how to get your vaccines.

You can find out more about the immunisations offered during pregnancy and why they’re so important on the NHS Inform website.

Tip #6: Cooking smells

You might find that cooking smells make morning sickness worse – so if your partner is handy around the kitchen, this could be a good time to let them take charge at mealtimes.

Tip #7: Off your food?

There may be some foods you used to like but can't face right now. If they're strong smelling you could ask your family to avoid eating them when you're around. Hang on in there – the second trimester usually brings some welcome relief.

Tip #8: Sign up for antenatal classes

Antenatal classes are a great way for you and your partner to prepare to become parents.

Your midwife will tell you about free antenatal classes in your area. If you’re expecting twins, triplets or more (‘multiples’), it’s a good idea to attend antenatal classes specially tailored for multiple births, like the classes run by the Twins Trust. Ask your midwife for more information.

Most antenatal classes start at around 8-10 weeks before your due date, but it’s a good idea to sign up as soon as you know you’re pregnant, to make sure you get a place. If you’re expecting twins or more, it’s a good idea to start the course earlier, as multiples are more likely to come early. Your midwife can advise you on this.

Whether you're a mum, dad, co-parent or caregiver, the Baby Buddy app from Best Beginnings can help you feel more confident. It's packed with advice and information to support you throughout pregnancy and the first year of your baby’s life. You can download the Baby Buddy app here.