Some changes begin very quietly. A moment that seems unremarkable at first glance – and yet changes everything. That’s exactly how the beginning of my pregnancy felt. Two lines on a test, and suddenly there is this new chapter, slowly unfolding.
The first trimester is a very special time. So much happens behind the scenes, the body adjusts, and emotionally a new journey begins. From the outside, very little is often visible – and yet everything is already changing.
In this post, I look back on my first trimester, share my experiences, and offer an insight into what is actually happening during these early weeks.
What happens in the first trimester?
The first trimester covers the first twelve weeks of pregnancy – a phase in which an incredible amount develops, even if very little is visible from the outside. My colleagues certainly had no idea, just like my followers.
The pregnancy test – the first step
Before my pregnancy, I had already been tracking my menstrual cycle for several months using an app. It shows fertile days and calculates the start of the next period. This gives you an indication that it might have worked if your period doesn’t arrive. That’s when the journey begins with a positive pregnancy test. It measures the hormone hCG, which is produced shortly after the embryo implants in the woman’s body. Many women test very early – often even before their period is due. However, it is recommended to take the test from the first day of a missed period to obtain a reliable result. I waited until that day.
With a positive test, the pregnancy officially begins – medically, however, it is calculated from the first day of the last period. This means that at the time of testing, you are often already in the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy.
The first check-ups in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the first gynaecological examination usually takes place between the 7th and 9th week of pregnancy.
During this appointment:
- the pregnancy is confirmed
- an ultrasound checks whether the embryo is in the uterus
- the heartbeat is made visible
- the estimated due date is calculated
In addition, various blood tests are carried out in the first few weeks, including determining blood group, iron levels, and ruling out infections. If you haven’t already been taking folic acid supplements, you will be given a prescription for them.
An important part of prenatal care is also ongoing support from a gynaecologist as well as – very typical in Switzerland – additional care from a midwife, often starting quite early in pregnancy.
The costs of medically necessary check-ups are generally covered by basic health insurance.
What happens in the mother’s body
At the same time, the mother’s body undergoes enormous changes. The hormone hCG rises significantly – as do progesterone and oestrogen. These hormonal changes are responsible for many typical symptoms:
- fatigue and exhaustion
- nausea
- heightened sense of smell
- mood swings
The body is working at full capacity, even if it’s not yet visible from the outside – and often not something you want to share just yet.
Development of the baby
What many people underestimate is that most development already takes place in the first trimester.
In the first weeks, a fertilised egg develops into an embryo, in which all essential organs gradually begin to form:
- heart (which starts beating very early)
- brain and nervous system
- arms and legs
- internal organs
From the 10th week onwards, it is no longer referred to as an embryo but as a foetus. By the end of the first trimester, the baby is only a few centimetres long, but all the essential structures are already in place.
My first trimester – personal experiences
Looking back on those first weeks now, it almost feels unreal how much happened during that time – and how much I experienced without even really knowing that you were already there.
The moment everything began
The day I took the pregnancy test was actually a completely normal Sunday. Of course, I had been tracking in my app that my period hadn’t arrived, and the test I had bought two weeks earlier was waiting to be used. And then suddenly: two lines. I couldn’t wait and immediately shared the result with the soon-to-be dad, without any big ceremony.
A birthday with a whole new meaning
Two weeks earlier, I had celebrated my 35th birthday – without knowing that I was already pregnant.
I toasted with non-alcoholic drinks – since I had already been drinking very little alcohol for a while, no one noticed – celebrated with friends, and made plans. It was a carefree evening, just as you would hope for. Only afterwards did I realise that this birthday had taken on a completely new meaning. That the greatest gift was already on its way at that moment.
Our first trip – already as three
Shortly afterwards, we went away for a weekend in the mountains, to Flims. Snow-covered landscapes, fresh air, and a bit of wellness – exactly what we needed at that moment. It was calm, unhurried, and simply beautiful. Fortunately, I felt well most of the time and was largely spared from nausea and similar symptoms.
Between excitement and exhaustion
As special as this time was, it was also challenging. I was incredibly tired – a kind of exhaustion I hadn’t experienced before. My body made it very clear when enough was enough. Many things I had planned – especially around the Christmas period – I had to let go. That wasn’t always easy, but I quickly realised I had no choice but to listen to my body.
There were also days when I felt quite nauseous. Not constantly, but at times intense enough that I had to adjust my daily routine. Twice, I even had to call in sick – something I hardly ever do.
And yet, overall, I truly had a good experience.
A special moment: telling our families
One of the most emotional days was St. Nicholas Day. Between mandarins, nuts, and that very special atmosphere, we told our families that they would soon be welcoming a little miracle.
The reactions were priceless. Surprise, joy, emotion – all at once.
That moment made everything feel even more real.
Christmas – with a little secret
This year, the festive season felt different. Between lights, preparations, and shared moments, there was always this little secret we carried within us. Not everyone knew yet – and somehow that made the time even more special. As if we were protecting something incredibly precious.
The big journey – and you always with me
Before Christmas, we set off on our big trip – with a stopover in London and then on to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. A journey we had been looking forward to for a long time. Temples, nature, river cruises, sunrises – each day was a new experience. And at the same time, there was always this awareness that I wasn’t travelling alone. Even though no one could see it yet – you were always there. In hindsight, that’s exactly what makes this trip so special.
How I feel looking back
If I had to describe those first weeks, it would probably be like this: intense, sometimes exhausting – but above all incredibly special. I learned to listen to my body more. To let things go. And to accept that not everything always goes according to plan. Of course, there were worries in the back of my mind – the “what ifs” – but I always tried not to dwell on them and instead stay present in the moment.
Tips: how to get through the first trimester
The first trimester can be beautiful – but also challenging. Every pregnancy is different, but a few things personally helped me navigate these early weeks better.
Listen to your body
As simple as it sounds: your body sets the pace. If you’re tired, rest. If something feels too much, it’s completely okay to slow down. Especially in the first trimester, your body is working at full capacity – even if it’s not visible from the outside. I had to learn to let go of plans and be more spontaneous about what felt manageable.
Don’t expect too much of yourself
This was one of the most important points for me. You’re used to functioning, being productive, and having everything “under control”. In the first trimester, that often no longer works the same way – and that’s okay. It’s completely normal not to manage everything you had planned, especially during a phase in which your body is doing so much.
Small routines help
On days when energy is low, small routines can provide a sense of stability. A short walk, fresh air, or a calm start to the day can make a big difference. It’s not about achieving big things – but about doing something good for yourself.
Find out what works for you
Nausea, fatigue, sensitivity to smells – every body reacts differently in the first trimester. It helped me to simply try things out:
What feels good? What doesn’t? Whether it’s certain foods, rest periods, or small adjustments in daily life – often it’s the little things that make a big difference. For example, I couldn’t eat anything fried and didn’t feel like drinking coffee. Vitamin B6 lozenges helped me, and fortunately I didn’t need any medication.
Talk about it – if it feels right
Even though many women keep their pregnancy to themselves in the first trimester, it can help to confide in a few trusted people. Especially on days when you’re not feeling great, it’s comforting not to carry everything alone. As soon as I held my positive test in my hands, I told not only my partner and future dad, but also my childhood friend. A few weeks later, I found out that she was expecting too – and now we can share this journey together.
Take the pressure off
Perhaps the most important point of all: you don’t have to experience this time “perfectly”. It’s okay if not every moment feels magical. It’s okay if you feel tired, overwhelmed, or simply not like yourself. The first trimester is a period of adjustment – physically and emotionally. And that alone is already enough.
My personal conclusion
Looking back, the main thing I would tell myself is this: be patient with yourself. These first weeks are intense, sometimes exhausting, and at the same time incredibly special. You slowly grow into this new role – step by step.
And even though so much is still invisible, so much is already happening. I’ll be happy to share another update after the second trimester.
