Congratulations.  You're pregnant!  The first trimester (weeks 0-13), is a time for many thoughts and emotions, it's just one big roller coaster.  Plus your hormones are beginning to take control, so the moods can shift quite often.  Your body is beginning to undergo a lot of changes as the baby grows inside you. 

There are many rumors and wives tales you'll start hearing.  Keep in mind that most of them have no real bearing on the facts.  Here are just a few of the things you may be hearing.

MYTH:  If you have bad morning sickness, it’s a girl; mild or none means it’s a boy. 

FACT:  Short of amniocentesis, gender determination in the first trimester is generally nothing more than a guess.  While some studies have shown a link between morning sickness and the baby's gender, there is nothing definitive. 

MYTH:  You are eating for two. 

FACT:  Many women feel an increase or decrease in appetite at this point.  Keep in mind that your actual NEED has only barely increased in the first trimester, so don't feel guilty if you don't want to eat at all.  Eating sensibly is your best bet.  Take your prenatal vitamins as prescribed and keep an eye out for odd cravings.  Inform your doctor if you are unable to eat, or feel the need to eat any non-food items.

MYTH:  You can’t take any medications at all. 

FACT:  There are many medications—over-the-counter and prescriptions—known to be safe in pregnancy; as with any medication issues, when in doubt, ask your clinician or pharmacist. 

MYTH:  Miscarriages are caused by _________________. 

FACT:  This is a fill-in-the-blank myth.  Old wives tales abound about miscarriages being caused by everything from stress, to sex, to excessive exercise, to bad karma, and even misalignment of the astrological signs.  The fact is that first trimester miscarriages are very common:  some estimates are as high as one out of every 9 pregnancies ending in miscarriage.  In most of these situations, the cause is unknown (most likely a genetic abnormality) and there is nothing that could be done to prevent it or to stop it once the process is set in motion.  This is very different than with second trimester miscarriages or with third trimester preterm labor or fetal death.  Many women who have had first trimester miscarriages suffer from extended guilt that there may have been something they did to bring on the miscarriage or that they didn’t do something proactively enough to prevent it.

All these changes....

Mother:

Baby:

And these tests....

A basic blood draw to test for your blood type, Rh factor as well as immunities to several diseases including Rubella and Hepatitis B.  They also test for STDs and HIV which can affect your medical care.

Urinalysis- Many doctors will test your urine every visit.  They are checking for bacteria, sugar or protein - as any one can indicate something wrong with your pregnancy.  The presence of bacteria in your urine could signal a urinary tract infection.  Sugar spilling into your urine is an indication of possible gestational diabetes, and protein could be an indicator of pregnancy induced hypertension. 

You may have an ultrasound done during the first few weeks in order to rule out multiples or check for the right due date. 

At your first visit, the doctor will also often do a pap smear to check for cervical abnormalities which they will need to keep an eye on during your pregnancy and delivery.

If you are in a high-risk group, you may undergo some genetic counseling and have additional testing done.  Your doctor will discuss any tests he recommends in detail.

Some great links....

First Trimester Ultrasound Pictures

First Trimester Photographs

Your baby's development - week by week