posted 19th October 2023
How is the pregnancy calculated?
The pregnancy calculator starts on the 1st date of the last menstrual period. This equates to 2 weeks before conception has occurred. The reason for this is that most women will remember the 1st day of the last menstrual period (LMP) rather than exact conception date.
From the LMP, the rough calculation is that ovulation (egg is released) and conception (egg and sperm fertilising) happened somewhere in the middle of this cycle.
Pregnancy is often divided into 3 trimesters.
• The 1st trimester is from week one to the end of the 12th week.
• The 2nd trimester is from week 13 to the end of week 26.
• The 3rd trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy.
Common Symptoms in 1st Trimester
Sickness / nausea often occurs from week 4 of your pregnancy. It can happen at anytime of day and sometimes there are triggers (e.g., empty stomachs, smells, etc…). This can vary in severity but is all normal.
Other symptoms and how to cope:
- Tiredness - sleeping often and resting when you can will be a great start.
- Feeling more emotional - sharing how you feel and off-loading will be essential (have a look at Daisyscan's The Mixed Emotions of Pregnancy blog
- Sore breast - relaxing in a bath or cool compresses can help.
- Passing Urine more frequently - this may happen because of the elevated hCG levels during pregnancy and the extra pressure pushing on the bladder. Drinking plenty won’t make you go more often but it will help with hydration.
- Changes in taste and smell - this is likely caused by the estrogen hormone. Changing your diet or habits may help; this generally only lasts for the 1st trimester.
For any help or advice please have a look at the Daisyscan website or give us a call at the clinic on 01223 207 158.