For most women, the first symptom of pregnancy that they notice is a missed period. Usually, this will prompt them to take a home test or call their doctor. Many women don’t know, however, that just 1 week after your missed period, the baby’s heart begins to BEAT! When I was training to become a client advocate at our center, and I learned that the baby’s heart begins beating at just 5 weeks gestation (approximately 1 week after a woman’s missed period) I was shocked. I had always assumed that it took a long time for the heart to develop let alone begin beating.
Another big milestone, that comes during the next month of pregnancy, is at 10 weeks gestation. At this time, the baby’s brain can make him or her move intentionally in the womb. While the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy) are often filled with some difficult symptoms for mom such as nausea and fatigue, it makes me smile to think that inside her the baby is beginning to “dance”. OK..ok.. so not really dance but move nonetheless.
It is also important when you first find out you are pregnant that you contact your physician to begin receiving prenatal care. Your Doctor or Nurse Midwife will ensure that you are doing all you can to keep you and your baby healthy. If you do not have insurance, we offer referrals to the health department along with a verification of pregnancy so that you can check your eligibility for Medicaid. If you missed your period or need a referral for prenatal care, please call us or make an appointment online today.