Key Milestone Weeks in Pregnancy: First Trimester (3-13 Weeks)

It is best to book your first antenatal appointment between 6 - 8 weeks of pregnancy, and ideally before 10 weeks. This early visit helps confirm your pregnancy, estimate your due date, and begin important health checks for both you and your baby. At this appointment, your GP or midwife will probably:

• Review your medical and family history.
• Organise blood and urine tests.
• Discuss lifestyle, nutrition, and supplements (like folic acid)
• Talk through your care options and where you’d like to give birth.

To get started, you can book with your GP, who can refer you to a maternity service or midwife. 

Yes, early ultrasounds between 6–9 weeks can confirm pregnancy location, assess heartbeat, and rule out complications. However, detailed anatomy scans are usually scheduled around 12 weeks.

For most people with a healthy pregnancy, sex between 6 and 9 weeks is completely safe. Unless your doctor or midwife has advised otherwise, having sex during early pregnancy will not harm your baby. Your baby is well protected by the amniotic sac, the uterus, and a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix. It is worth remembering your body is going through big changes, and it is normal for your desire, comfort, or preferences to shift. Some people feel more sensitive or tired, while others experience an increase in libido thanks to hormonal changes and increased blood flow

Feeling utterly wiped out between 6 - 9 weeks pregnant is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms. This is because your body is undergoing major changes that demand a lot of energy. Things like hormonal surges can make you feel drowsy and emotionally drained.

Your body is building the placenta and with increased blood volume and a faster heart rate you are working hard to support your growing baby. You might also be dealing with nausea, disrupted sleep, frequent urination, or emotional ups and downs, all of which can leave you feeling exhausted. The good news is many people notice a boost in energy around the start of the second trimester. In the meantime, try to rest when you can, eat nourishing foods, stay hydrated, and be gentle with yourself. 

Tips for managing early pregnancy fatigue

• Nap when possible
• Eat iron-rich and protein-rich foods
• Stay hydrated
• Light movement like walking can increase energy levels

Hormonal fluctuations, especially rising estrogen and progesterone, affect brain chemistry and emotions. Feeling teary, anxious, or overwhelmed is normal, but reach out for support if symptoms persist or worsen.

You can generally travel or fly safely between 6 - 9 weeks pregnant, as long as your pregnancy is uncomplicated and your healthcare provider gives the green light. Early pregnancy is usually a safe time to travel, but symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or frequent urination may make it less comfortable. Flying is not harmful to your baby, and most airlines allow travel without restrictions up to 28 weeks for a single pregnancy. Short domestic flights (under 4 hours) are typically fine. For longer flights, reduce the risk of blood clots (DVT) by: 

• Wearing compression stockings
• Staying hydrated
• Walking or stretching regularly during the flight

You should consult your doctor before flying if you:

• Have a history of miscarriage or preterm labour.
• Are experiencing bleeding or cramping.
• Have a high-risk pregnancy or medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Consider your destination’s healthcare access and travel insurance cover, especially if you're travelling to remote areas or overseas.

The latest guidelines and care principles for early pregnancy include: 

• Early antenatal visits: These are encouraged to confirm the pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and begin discussions about lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health.

• Folic acid supplementation: Strongly recommended to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which are forming around week 5 of pregnancy.
• Screening for risk factors: This includes assessing for miscarriage risk, preeclampsia, and mental health concerns like anxiety or depression.
• Lifestyle guidance: Advice on avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications is emphasised early on, along with support for healthy eating and physical activity.
• Cultural and individualised care: The guidelines stress the importance of woman-centred care, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, migrants, and those with complex needs.