Understanding Early Pregnancy

Important examinations and information to know during early pregnancy

Weeks 4–6 of Pregnancy

(Calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period)

Main hormonal changes

• hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) rises rapidly

• Progesterone should be at a high level

• Estrogen (mainly E2 / estradiol) gradually increases

Clinical examinations

• Ultrasound (usually transvaginal): mainly to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy and to rule out ectopic pregnancy

Possible symptoms

• Nausea, queasiness, loss of appetite, drowsiness, fatigue

Most of these symptoms are normal and usually not a cause for concern.However, if there is vaginal bleeding after a missed period and/or lower abdominal pain, it is important to promptly undergo an ultrasound and/or blood hCG testing to rule out ectopic pregnancy or risk of miscarriage.

Weeks 6–8

Hormonal changes

• hCG usually approaches its peak level

Common clinical examinations

• Pregnancy viability ultrasound / follow-up:

  
  

  By around 8 weeks, the embryo and fetal heartbeat should be visible.

Possible symptoms

• Many people experience obvious nausea and vomiting, changes in appetite, and heightened sensitivity to smells.

  
  

  If your symptoms are mild, there is no need to worry—these symptoms are not mandatory in every pregnancy.

Weeks 8–10

Hormonal changes

• After this stage, hormonal fluctuations tend to stabilize, so many people notice that nausea begins to ease around weeks 10–12.

Clinical examinations

• Around 70 days (about 10 weeks), a follow-up ultrasound can be performed.

  
  

  At this time, a well-formed small fetus with limb movements and a strong fetal heartbeat can usually be seen.

  
  

After this stage, further examinations can be arranged according to the midwife’s schedule, such as ultrasounds at 12–13 weeks and 20 weeks, screening for Down syndrome, assessment of fetal heart development, and evaluation of the development of various fetal organs.

Throughout the entire pregnancy, depending on age and family history, attention should be paid to blood glucose and blood pressure in order to rule out gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension/preeclampsia.In late pregnancy, be alert for symptoms such as leg swelling, dizziness or blurred vision, and skin itching.