Weeks 1–4: Before you know
Pregnancy is technically counted from the first day of your last period, so weeks 1–2 happen before conception. Fertilisation occurs around week 2–3, and the embryo implants in the uterine lining around week 3–4. Many people experience implantation spotting or mild cramping around this time, often mistaken for an early period. A home pregnancy test becomes reliably positive by the end of week 4.
Weeks 5–8: The hardest stretch
This is when nausea typically peaks — it's triggered by the rapid rise of hCG (pregnancy hormone) and often worse on an empty stomach. Eating small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, and keeping crackers nearby helps. Extreme fatigue is also normal as your body diverts enormous energy to fetal development. By week 8, your baby is about 1.6cm long and all major organs have begun to form.
Weeks 9–12: Settling in
Nausea begins to ease for most people around week 10–12 as hCG levels plateau. Your first appointment is typically between weeks 8–12 and includes a dating scan, blood tests (full blood count, blood group, thyroid, infections), and a discussion about prenatal screening options. The nuchal translucency scan, which screens for chromosomal conditions, is done between weeks 11–13.
What to watch for
Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or fever warrant immediate medical attention. Light spotting without pain affects around 20% of healthy pregnancies and is usually benign — but always worth mentioning to your doctor. Miscarriage risk is highest in the first trimester (about 10–20% of known pregnancies) and drops significantly after a heartbeat is confirmed at the week 8 scan.