Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you’ve not been here before – or maybe even if you have – it’s helpful to know what’s coming. Here’s a look at what you can expect to experience for the next 14 weeks or so to come:

• Week 3 and 4. At this point, you’re probably going to discover that you’re pregnant. High-sensitivity pregnancy tests like the ones at BabyHopes.com may be able to give you a positive result in as little as a week or 10 days after conception.

   

• Week 4 through 6. This time period will include the official “first day you missed a period” milestone. If you haven’t taken a pregnancy test yet, chances are you will be peeing on a stick by week 6. Once you have symptoms such as morning sickness or a positive pregnancy test, it’s time to call the doctor.

   

• Week 6 through 14. This long stretch is the most consistent part of the first trimester. Morning sickness will probably be a struggle, and you’ll experience other pregnancy signs and symptoms.
  
  Most doctors won’t see you to test for pregnancy until week 6, so this is the point at which you’re getting an official medical opinion on whether or not you’re pregnant.

During the first trimester, especially from week six forward, you’re going to face plenty of troubling symptoms. Some of the most common include:

• Fatigue. Make sure to get the rest you need, and keep up on your regimen of prenatal vitamins. Exercise can help you feel less fatigued, too. If you’re working outside the home, you might consider bringing your lunch and catching a few winks during your lunch hour.

   

• Morning sickness. Other than a missed period, this is the most common symptom of early pregnancy. To combat morning sickness, you can try herbal remedies like ginger, or consider using anti-nausea bands. Watch out for anti-nausea medications, even over-the-counter, and talk to your doctor before using them.

   

• Mood swings. If you haven’t experienced them yet, you probably will. Your hormones are changing rapidly, and your mood will change along with it.

The first trimester of pregnancy can be full of wonder for the new mom. Know what to expect, and you’ll have an easier time getting through it.