Signs and symptoms to speak to a health professional about

Signs/symptoms to speak to your GP about:

• high fever – more than 37.5C
• pain or burning on passing urine
• flare-ups of any pre-existing conditions
• repeated vomiting or diarrhoea with difficulty in keeping fluids down
• any pain, heat, swelling in your calf
• sudden onset of breathlessness, including when you are resting.

Contact your local early pregnancy unit or urgent care centre if you have:

• heavy bright red vaginal bleeding
• moderate/severe abdominal pain.

Your first 12 weeks

Your baby grows faster than at any other time in the first 12 weeks. The fertilised egg implants in the womb and divides rapidly into layers of cells. Morning sickness is common at this stage, and may occur at any time of day. You may also experience breast tenderness, tiredness, mood swings and changes in your reaction to certain smells and foods along with a metallic taste in your mouth. During this time you may experience some spotting or slight vaginal bleeding, which is nothing to worry about. Some women experience no obvious signs or symptoms of pregnancy – everyone is different. Symptoms can also come and go on a daily basis, and this is perfectly normal. You won’t feel your baby moving at this stage, nor will you have an obvious baby bump. The first movements are normally felt between 16 and 24 weeks. You will have your first appointment with your midwife by 10 weeks. You will also be offered some blood tests. Your midwife will explain all screening tests to you in full. Your first ultrasound scan should be offered to you between 11 and 13 weeks.