Weeks 1 to 4

You

Your pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, although conception usually takes place about two weeks after that, around the  time that you ovulate (release an egg).

In the first 4 weeks of  pregnancy, you probably won't notice any symptoms. The first thing most women notice is that their period doesn't arrive.

Baby

The cells of your fertilised egg are multiplying quickly, and the bundle of cells implants in your womb lining around five to seven days after the egg is fertilised by a sperm.

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Tip

Routine dental work is free during your pregnancy and for the first year of your baby’s life. Your gums may become more sensitive when you're pregnant, so it's especially important to visit the dentist at this time.

Weeks 5 to 8

You

By week 8 you'll probably have missed your 2nd period, although a little bleeding occasionally occurs around weeks 6 to 8. Always mention any bleeding to your midwife or GP, particularly if it continues and you get stomach pain.

Your womb has grown to the size of an apple, and pregnancy hormones are filling your body. You're probably feeling exhausted. Your breasts might feel sore and enlarged, and you’re peeing more often.

You might have morning sickness (which can happen at any time of the day). Most women feel better by week 14, but here are a few tips to help you until then:

• Have a drink and a plain biscuit before you get up. Ginger often helps, so try ginger biscuits or tea.
• Take sips of cold, fizzy water.
• Some women find it helpful to wear acupressure travel bands on their wrists. You can get these from a pharmacy. They don’t contain any medication. They work by putting pressure on a certain point on your wrist.
• If the sickness is really bad and you can’t keep any food down, talk to your midwife or doctor.

Your baby’s organs are forming now, so if your work involves contact with chemicals, such as in a dry cleaning shop, tell your employer that you're pregnant so that they can give you alternative jobs to do.

Baby

The baby grows to the size of a grape during weeks 5 to 8, and the spine begins to form.

Small buds appear, which will develop into limbs, and the tiny heart is beating.

From week 8, your baby is no longer called an embryo but a foetus, which means 'little one'.

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Tip

Chronic tiredness is common in the early months, but it will go. Don’t fight it. Take a rest for 15 minutes whenever you get the chance.

Weeks 9 to 12

You

During this time, your breasts will have grown, and you'll need a bigger bra. You may also find that your emotions vary greatly: you feel happy one moment, then sad. Don’t worry, these emotions will calm down when your hormones settle.

If you haven’t seen your midwife yet, contact her for your booking-in appointment. This should take place at around 8 to 12 weeks.

You might be offered your first ultrasound scan between week 10 and week 14.

Baby

Even if you can’t see a bump yet, your baby is fully formed. He or she is about 7cm (two-and-three-quarter inches) long.

Fingernails and toenails are starting to appear and, if the baby is a boy, he’s already producing the male hormone, testosterone.

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Tip

Eat and drink little and often. Small amounts will probably be easier to keep down.

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Tip

If you’re feeling dizzy and shaky, it could be because your pregnancy hormones are interfering with the insulin that controls blood-sugar levels, and being sick makes it worse.

Keep up your blood sugar by eating small, healthy snacks, such as a piece of  wholemeal toast or a banana, every few hours.

If miscarriage happens

Most miscarriages happen in the early days and weeks, and 1-in-6 pregnancies miscarry before 12 weeks.

It’s devastating to lose a baby, and you'll need time to grieve, just as you would after the loss of anyone close to you.

Remember that most people who have a miscarriage go on to have a normal, healthy pregnancy. Try to talk about your feelings with your partner and your family and friends.

The Miscarriage Association can give you information, and can put you in touch with other women who've had miscarriages.

Call the national Miscarriage Association helpline on 01924 200799 (Mon-Fri 9 am - 4 pm).