{"id":188600,"date":"2026-03-26T22:47:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T21:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/?p=188600"},"modified":"2026-03-26T22:47:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T21:47:38","slug":"schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/","title":{"rendered":"Pregnancy First Trimester: My Honest Reflection &#038; Tips from the Early Weeks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"97\" data-end=\"138\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-188642\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC06319.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1366\" height=\"2048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC06319.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC06319-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC06319-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC06319-800x1199.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><\/p>\n<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"b3491606-ffd5-44a2-83c2-9e27a5fe0e40\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-1\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"user\"><\/section>\n<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:43f318c5-9dce-49b7-9958-6b82602e8b86-6\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-2\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"0\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"a0f14489-3ab5-4338-bf43-c27a1f65ae82\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"streaming-animation markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"245\">Some changes begin very quietly. A moment that seems unremarkable at first glance \u2013 and yet changes everything. That\u2019s exactly how the beginning of my pregnancy felt. Two lines on a test, and suddenly there is this new chapter, slowly unfolding.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"247\" data-end=\"470\">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 \u2013 and yet everything is already changing.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"621\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"621\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<h1>What happens in the first trimester?<\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"671\" data-end=\"893\">The first trimester covers the first twelve weeks of pregnancy \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-188651\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Entwicklungsmeilensteine-im-1.-Trimester-1440x960.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1440\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Entwicklungsmeilensteine-im-1.-Trimester-1440x960.png 1440w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Entwicklungsmeilensteine-im-1.-Trimester-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Entwicklungsmeilensteine-im-1.-Trimester-800x533.png 800w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Entwicklungsmeilensteine-im-1.-Trimester.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Overview<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#The_pregnancy_test_%E2%80%93_the_first_step\" >The pregnancy test \u2013 the first step<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#The_first_check-ups_in_Switzerland\" >The first check-ups in Switzerland<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#What_happens_in_the_mothers_body\" >What happens in the mother\u2019s body<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Development_of_the_baby\" >Development of the baby<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#The_moment_everything_began\" >The moment everything began<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#A_birthday_with_a_whole_new_meaning\" >A birthday with a whole new meaning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Our_first_trip_%E2%80%93_already_as_three\" >Our first trip \u2013 already as three<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Between_excitement_and_exhaustion\" >Between excitement and exhaustion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#A_special_moment_telling_our_families\" >A special moment: telling our families<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Christmas_%E2%80%93_with_a_little_secret\" >Christmas \u2013 with a little secret<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#The_big_journey_%E2%80%93_and_you_always_with_me\" >The big journey \u2013 and you always with me<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#How_I_feel_looking_back\" >How I feel looking back<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Listen_to_your_body\" >Listen to your body<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Dont_expect_too_much_of_yourself\" >Don\u2019t expect too much of yourself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Small_routines_help\" >Small routines help<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Find_out_what_works_for_you\" >Find out what works for you<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Talk_about_it_%E2%80%93_if_it_feels_right\" >Talk about it \u2013 if it feels right<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#Take_the_pressure_off\" >Take the pressure off<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/schwangerschaft-1-trimester-review-tipps\/#My_personal_conclusion\" >My personal conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_pregnancy_test_%E2%80%93_the_first_step\"><\/span>The pregnancy test \u2013 the first step<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"945\" data-end=\"1567\">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\u2019t arrive. That\u2019s 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\u2019s body. Many women test very early \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1572\" data-end=\"1802\">With a positive test, the pregnancy officially begins \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_first_check-ups_in_Switzerland\"><\/span>The first check-ups in Switzerland<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1850\" data-end=\"1965\">In Switzerland, the first gynaecological examination usually takes place between the 7th and 9th week of pregnancy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1970\" data-end=\"1994\">During this appointment:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2162\">\n<li data-section-id=\"e8hz1f\" data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2026\">the pregnancy is confirmed<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"he3vgd\" data-start=\"2027\" data-end=\"2087\">an ultrasound checks whether the embryo is in the uterus<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"qsvsk0\" data-start=\"2088\" data-end=\"2121\">the heartbeat is made visible<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"8v4crd\" data-start=\"2122\" data-end=\"2162\">the estimated due date is calculated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2167\" data-end=\"2416\">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\u2019t already been taking folic acid supplements, you will be given a prescription for them.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"2616\">An important part of prenatal care is also ongoing support from a gynaecologist as well as \u2013 very typical in Switzerland \u2013 additional care from a midwife, often starting quite early in pregnancy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2621\" data-end=\"2712\">The costs of medically necessary check-ups are generally covered by basic health insurance.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_in_the_mothers_body\"><\/span>What happens in the mother\u2019s body<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3546\">At the same time, the mother\u2019s body undergoes enormous changes. The hormone hCG rises significantly \u2013 as do progesterone and oestrogen. These hormonal changes are responsible for many typical symptoms:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3548\" data-end=\"3631\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1ckb2n4\" data-start=\"3548\" data-end=\"3574\">fatigue and exhaustion<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1v1yftx\" data-start=\"3575\" data-end=\"3585\">nausea<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"13lhbup\" data-start=\"3586\" data-end=\"3615\">heightened sense of smell<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1zqyom\" data-start=\"3616\" data-end=\"3631\">mood swings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3636\" data-end=\"3773\">The body is working at full capacity, even if it\u2019s not yet visible from the outside \u2013 and often not something you want to share just yet.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Development_of_the_baby\"><\/span>Development of the baby<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2749\" data-end=\"2848\">What many people underestimate is that most development already takes place in the first trimester.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"2966\">In the first weeks, a fertilised egg develops into an embryo, in which all essential organs gradually begin to form:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2968\" data-end=\"3078\">\n<li data-section-id=\"k9zah0\" data-start=\"2968\" data-end=\"3011\">heart (which starts beating very early)<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1vn1w2e\" data-start=\"3012\" data-end=\"3040\">brain and nervous system<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"e1wjeb\" data-start=\"3041\" data-end=\"3058\">arms and legs<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1idlze1\" data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3078\">internal organs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3299\">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.<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1>My first trimester \u2013 personal experiences<\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3828\" data-end=\"4010\">Looking back on those first weeks now, it almost feels unreal how much happened during that time \u2013 and how much I experienced without even really knowing that you were already there.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_moment_everything_began\"><\/span>The moment everything began<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-188647\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-2-1-1440x963.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1440\" height=\"963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-2-1-1440x963.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-2-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-2-1-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-2-1-800x535.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-2-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4054\" data-end=\"4399\">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\u2019t arrived, and the test I had bought two weeks earlier was waiting to be used. And then suddenly: two lines. I couldn\u2019t wait and immediately shared the result with the soon-to-be dad, without any big ceremony.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_birthday_with_a_whole_new_meaning\"><\/span>A birthday with a whole new meaning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-188643\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1366\" height=\"2048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-5.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-5-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-5-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-5-800x1199.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4450\" data-end=\"4549\">Two weeks earlier, I had celebrated my 35th birthday \u2013 without knowing that I was already pregnant.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4551\" data-end=\"4918\">I toasted with non-alcoholic drinks \u2013 since I had already been drinking very little alcohol for a while, no one noticed \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_first_trip_%E2%80%93_already_as_three\"><\/span>Our first trip \u2013 already as three<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-188248\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00797-1440x960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1440\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00797-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00797-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00797-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00797-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00797.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4967\" data-end=\"5285\">Shortly afterwards, we went away for a weekend in the mountains, to Flims. Snow-covered landscapes, fresh air, and a bit of wellness \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Between_excitement_and_exhaustion\"><\/span>Between excitement and exhaustion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-188644\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1366\" height=\"2048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-4.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-4-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-4-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1.-Trimester-4-800x1199.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5335\" data-end=\"5690\">As special as this time was, it was also challenging. I was incredibly tired \u2013 a kind of exhaustion I hadn\u2019t experienced before. My body made it very clear when enough was enough. Many things I had planned \u2013 especially around the Christmas period \u2013 I had to let go. That wasn\u2019t always easy, but I quickly realised I had no choice but to listen to my body.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5692\" data-end=\"5887\">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 \u2013 something I hardly ever do.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5889\" data-end=\"5937\">And yet, overall, I truly had a good experience.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_special_moment_telling_our_families\"><\/span>A special moment: telling our families<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-188650\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_5682-1440x2560.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1440\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_5682-scaled.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_5682-300x533.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_5682-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_5682-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_5682-800x1422.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5991\" data-end=\"6175\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6177\" data-end=\"6244\">The reactions were priceless. Surprise, joy, emotion \u2013 all at once.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6246\" data-end=\"6294\">That moment made everything feel even more real.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christmas_%E2%80%93_with_a_little_secret\"><\/span>Christmas \u2013 with a little secret<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-188652\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC01707-1440x2159.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1440\" height=\"2159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC01707-1440x2159.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC01707-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC01707-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC01707-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC01707-800x1199.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC01707-scaled.jpg 1708w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6342\" data-end=\"6625\">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 \u2013 and somehow that made the time even more special. As if we were protecting something incredibly precious.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_big_journey_%E2%80%93_and_you_always_with_me\"><\/span>The big journey \u2013 and you always with me<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-188600 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-large'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/kambodscha-travel-guide-tempel\/kambodscha-44\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-44-1440x1920.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-44-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-44-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-44-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-44-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-44.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/kambodscha-travel-guide-tempel\/kambodscha-34\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-34-1440x1080.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-34-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-34-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-34-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-34-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kambodscha-34.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/laos-travel-guide-luang-prabang\/laos-13\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1372\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Laos-13.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Laos-13.jpg 1372w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Laos-13-300x448.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Laos-13-1029x1536.jpg 1029w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Laos-13-800x1194.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1372px) 100vw, 1372px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/vietnam-travelguide-hanoi-danang-halongbay\/vietnam-21\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1366\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Vietnam-21.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Vietnam-21.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Vietnam-21-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Vietnam-21-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Vietnam-21-800x1199.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6681\" data-end=\"7138\">Before Christmas, we set off on our big trip \u2013 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 \u2013 each day was a new experience. And at the same time, there was always this awareness that I wasn\u2019t travelling alone. Even though no one could see it yet \u2013 you were always there. In hindsight, that\u2019s exactly what makes this trip so special.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_I_feel_looking_back\"><\/span>How I feel looking back<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7174\" data-end=\"7583\">If I had to describe those first weeks, it would probably be like this: intense, sometimes exhausting \u2013 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 \u2013 the \u201cwhat ifs\u201d \u2013 but I always tried not to dwell on them and instead stay present in the moment.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1>Tips: how to get through the first trimester<\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7641\" data-end=\"7804\">The first trimester can be beautiful \u2013 but also challenging. Every pregnancy is different, but a few things personally helped me navigate these early weeks better.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Listen_to_your_body\"><\/span>Listen to your body<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7837\" data-end=\"8176\">As simple as it sounds: your body sets the pace. If you\u2019re tired, rest. If something feels too much, it\u2019s completely okay to slow down. Especially in the first trimester, your body is working at full capacity \u2013 even if it\u2019s not visible from the outside. I had to learn to let go of plans and be more spontaneous about what felt manageable.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_expect_too_much_of_yourself\"><\/span>Don\u2019t expect too much of yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8222\" data-end=\"8567\">This was one of the most important points for me. You\u2019re used to functioning, being productive, and having everything \u201cunder control\u201d. In the first trimester, that often no longer works the same way \u2013 and that\u2019s okay. It\u2019s completely normal not to manage everything you had planned, especially during a phase in which your body is doing so much.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Small_routines_help\"><\/span>Small routines help<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8599\" data-end=\"8837\">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\u2019s not about achieving big things \u2013 but about doing something good for yourself.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_out_what_works_for_you\"><\/span>Find out what works for you<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Nausea, fatigue, sensitivity to smells \u2013 every body reacts differently in the first trimester. It helped me to simply try things out:<br \/>\nWhat feels good? What doesn\u2019t? Whether it\u2019s certain foods, rest periods, or small adjustments in daily life \u2013 often it\u2019s the little things that make a big difference. For example, I couldn\u2019t eat anything fried and didn\u2019t feel like drinking coffee. Vitamin B6 lozenges helped me, and fortunately I didn\u2019t need any medication.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Talk_about_it_%E2%80%93_if_it_feels_right\"><\/span>Talk about it \u2013 if it feels right<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019re not feeling great, it\u2019s 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 \u2013 and now we can share this journey together.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_the_pressure_off\"><\/span>Take the pressure off<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9869\" data-end=\"10187\">Perhaps the most important point of all: you don\u2019t have to experience this time \u201cperfectly\u201d. It\u2019s okay if not every moment feels magical. It\u2019s okay if you feel tired, overwhelmed, or simply not like yourself. The first trimester is a period of adjustment \u2013 physically and emotionally. And that alone is already enough.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_personal_conclusion\"><\/span>My personal conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10222\" data-end=\"10450\">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 \u2013 step by step.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10452\" data-end=\"10591\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">And even though so much is still invisible, so much is already happening. I\u2019ll be happy to share another update after the second trimester.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some changes begin very quietly. A moment that seems unremarkable at first glance \u2013 and yet changes everything. That\u2019s exactly how the beginning of my&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":188642,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"no","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"twitter_3399290067_3399290067":"","facebook_10221460107666098_471073329746331":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[{"account":"twitter_3399290067_3399290067","service":"twitter","timestamp":1774561671,"status":"error"},{"account":"facebook_10221460107666098_471073329746331","service":"facebook","timestamp":1774561671,"status":"error"}],"rop_publish_now_status":"done","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[11346,11347,11345],"class_list":["post-188600","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mom-home","tag-1-trimester","tag-mamablog","tag-schwangerschaft"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188600","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=188600"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188600\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":188655,"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188600\/revisions\/188655"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/188642"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=188600"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=188600"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thechicadvocate.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=188600"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}