0-5 weeks
You are pregnant! You are no longer menstruating and your pregnancy test was positive. Sometimes you can hardly believe it and you want a few more positive tests to be absolutely certain. But usually 1 positive test is enough to make up your mind. There is now an embryo the size of a pine nut growing inside your uterus. It is unlikely you will feel any physical changes during this stage, which is normal.
Book an appointment
Once you know you are pregnant, you can either register with us online or phone our assistant to make an appointment. The first appointment will be around 10 weeks. If you can’t wait that long, we offer an early ultrasound around 8 weeks where we check if the baby has a heartbeat. Please ring us if you have any concerns (e.g. blood loss) or questions, even if you have not been for your first appointment yet!
Folic acid and Vitamin D
Once you have decided you want to conceive, it is important to start taking folic acid. Folic acid reduces the risk of a child with an open back or skull. Keep taking folic acid until you’ve had your first ultrasound, so you know when you have passed the vulnerable stage. We also recommended taking Vit D supplements when you are pregnant.
Nutrition and lifestyle
During the first few weeks of your pregnancy you often don’t even realise you are pregnant. To ensure your baby develops well, a healthy pregnancy is important. This means: stop drinking alcohol, stop smoking and start taking folic acid and vitamin D supplements. Certain products should be avoided. Have a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. You don't have to eat for two. Do you have more questions about nutrition? You can find all current information on voedingscentrum. The free app ZwangerHapp shows you beneficial life style changes for a healthy pregnancy. Something you can’t eat? The app can show you suitable alternatives.
Blood loss and miscarriage
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During the first three months of pregnancy, one in five women experiences blood loss. In the early stages blood loss can be caused by the embryo nestling or high blood content in the cervix. But in about 50% of cases, the blood loss means miscarriage. About 10% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. A miscarriage is usually caused by the embryo not attaching properly and is prevented from growing any further. Miscarriages are rarely a hereditary problem. Even when a miscarriage happens during the very early stages of pregnancy, it can still be a very traumatic experience for many women. If you suspect that you have had a miscarriage, please contact us immediately.
During a miscarriage, the body rejects the embryo, which feels like a heavy menstruation. It is a natural process, but an emotional event for many women. So, please contact us when you are experiencing blood loss. By performing an ultrasound we can check what is causing the blood loss and if the pregnancy is still intact. If you have suffered a miscarriage, we offer support because a miscarriage is a big deal. We will explain under which circumstances you should always ring us and will give you some information to take home.
If you are experiencing blood loss after 12 weeks, then always contact us.