First trimester pregnancy

Alternative names:

early pregnancy; first 3 months of pregnancy; pregnant

Symptoms:

• Missed menstrual period(s).
• Fatigue.
• Breast enlargement or breast discomfort (tenderness).
• Abdominal distention.
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Light-headedness or actual fainting (syncope).
• Skin areas appearing abnormally dark or light.

Signs and tests:

A pelvic examination may reveal an enlarged uterus, a bluish or purple coloration of the vaginal walls and cervix , and softening of the cervix. Weight changes are also noted (usually increased; decreased if nausea and vomiting are significant). The abdominal girth increases, and the fundus (top of the enlarged uterus) may be felt by touch (palpated).

Tests include:

• A positive urine and/or serum HCG (pregnancy test).
• A pregnancy ultrasound to confirm or check accurate dates for pregnancy.

Pregnancy may also alter the results of the following tests:

• vitamin B-12
• TIBC
• RT3U
• serum progesterone
• serum iron
• estriol - urine
• estriol - serum
• ESR
• ceruloplasmin
• beta-carotene
• alpha fetoprotein