If you just found out you are pregnant, you might want to begin by reading the previous pages.

Miscarriage is most probably on your mind at this stage of pregnancy. Once you are into the second trimester, the peak risk period for miscarriage will be behind you and you will be find it easier to relax. But for now you may be obsessively checking for any signs of spotting; it is pretty much the standard behavior for most pregnant women whether they are willing to admit it or not.

What is going on with your Baby?

Your baby is now a little more than an inch long roughly the size of a large grape. Your baby's arms and legs are longer. The head is more erect, and the neck more developed. The eyelids almost cover the eyes. External ears are evident and well formed. Your baby now makes some movements and this can be captured via an ultrasound exam. The baby looks more recognizable as a human being, although it is still extremely tiny. It is not possible to make a distinction between a male and a female baby at this point.

What is going on with You?

Your expanding uterus is causing your waistline to thicken a bit. A pelvic exam will detect a uterus a little bigger than a grapefruit. Your breasts may be noticeably larger and have bluish blood vessels appear beneath the skin. This is due to increased blood supply to your breasts.

What is going on with your Head?

You may find yourself experiencing an obsessive urge to learn everything you can about pregnancy, birth and babies. There is nothing wrong with this; besides the more you know about pregnancy the more prepared you will be for the changes that are going to unfold and affect your life. Knowledge will also put your mind at ease over many issues that are unknown and new to you, and pregnancy is one such time when you are at your most unfamiliar.

Must-ask Questions this Week

What should I expect from this month's prenatal checkup?
This months' check up wont be as detailed as your initial prenatal checkup but your doctor will still want to cover some ground. The purpose of this visit, like all subsequent visits, is to monitor your well being and that of your baby and to ensure your pregnancy is going smoothly. You can expect your doctor to check
The size of your uterus (your doctor will palpate your uterus to verify that your uterus is roughly the size it should be at this stage of pregnancy)
The fundal height (your doctor will measure the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus - the fundus after week 12)
Your weight to see if you gaining appropriately
Your blood pressure to spot any signs of chronic hypertension (this becomes especially important as your pregnancy progresses)
Your urine to ensure your sugar and protein levels are within the normal range
The fetal heartbeat (your doctor will use a Doppler or hand-held ultrasound unit to try to pick up a fetal heartbeat after week 12 when baby is a little bit bigger)

How accurate is ultrasound in dating a pregnancy?
Ultrasound is extremely accurate when used during the first trimester. Measuring the baby's crown to rump length at this stage can pinpoint a baby's gestational age within 3-5 days while similar measurements taken during the other two trimesters take relatively longer. Therefore the first trimester is the preferred time to date a pregnancy.

What are the other reasons for performing a first trimester ultrasound?
Your doctor may order a first trimester ultrasound to
Pinpoint the location of the gestational sac (the developing fetus is contained within this sac), something that can be useful in diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy.
Look for evidence of an embryo
Check for a fetal heartbeat
Find out if you are carrying more than one baby
Examine the uterus for structural abnormalities or other problems that could pose problems during your pregnancy

How safe is ultrasound?
Ultrasound has been used for more than 30 years and is not known to cause any harm to pregnant women or her baby. That said, ultrasound should not be routinely used unless your doctor has a specific medical reason for doing so.

Is it possible to miscarry without knowing that you have miscarried?
While most women who experience miscarriage experience bleeding or other symptoms, it is possible to experience 'missed miscarriage or missed abortion' where neither the placenta nor the baby is expelled from the uterus. In this case the first sign of detection is an absent fetal heartbeat during a late first trimester checkup.

Some Basic Pointers

Increased Blood Volume
Your blood system changes dramatically during pregnancy. Your blood volume increases to about 50% more than before you became pregnant. However this amount varies from woman to woman. This is important as it is designed to meet the demands of your growing uterus. This increase does not include the blood in the embryo whose circulation is separate. More blood in your system protects you and your baby from harm when you lie down or stand up. The increase is also a safeguard when you lose blood during labor and delivery. The blood volume increase begins during the first trimester and the largest increase happens during the middle trimester and the increase tends to slow down in the final trimester. Red blood cells and plasma (composition of blood) both increase during pregnancy; plasma increases more. The increase in red blood cells increases your body's demand for iron. The increase in plasma can cause anemia. If you are anemic, especially during pregnancy, you may feel tired, fatigue easily or experience a general feeling of ill health.

Microwave ovens
Some women wonder about the safety of microwave ovens. It is not confirmed if it causes harm to pregnant women; more research is needed. Initial research indicates tissues developing in the body, including the human fetus, may be particularly sensitive to the effects of microwaves. A microwave oven heats tissues from the inside. Don't stand next or directly in front of it while it is in use.

Your Nutrition

Fruits and vegetables are important during pregnancy. You can add variety to your diet because they are seasonal. They are excellent source of vitamins,minerals and fiber. You get your supply of iron, folic acid, calcium and vitamin C.

Tasty low-cal sources of Vitamin C

Strawberries 1 cup contains 94mg of vitamin C

Orange juice 1 cup contains 82mg of vitamin C

Kiwi fruit 1 medium contains 74mg of vitamin C

Broccoli - ½cup cooked contains 58mg of vitamin C

Red peppers - ¼ of a medium contains 57mg of vitamin C

Vitamin C can be very important during pregnancy. It is important for fetal tissue development and iron absorption. Some studies indicate that vitamin C helps prevent preeclamsia. Deficiencies have been linked to premature births. It helps build the amniotic sac. The recommended daily dose is 85mg. Besides your prenatal vitamin, you can depend on fruits and vegetables for your daily dose. Every day try to eat one or two servings of fruit high in vitamin C and at least one dark green or deep yellow vegetable for extra iron, fiber and folic acid. Fruits and vegetables you may choose and their servings outlined below:

Grapes - ¼cup

Banana, orange, apple - 1 medium

Dried fruit - ¼cup

Broccoli, carrots and other veggies - ½cup

Potato – 1 medium

Leafy green vegetable - 1 cup

Vegetable juice - ¾cup