Pregnancy
Early signs of pregnancy
A missed period, tender breasts, nausea, tiredness and other early signs of pregnancy according to the NHS. What to do first, and when to see a doctor.
2 min read
What you need in the first trimester
The first trimester is often the most tiring, even though nothing shows on the outside. Your body is working flat out. Here is what really helps in these weeks, and what can wait.
What is happening
The first trimester lasts until week 12 of pregnancy.1 Tiredness, nausea, tender breasts and needing to wee more often are typical; you will find a list of early symptoms in the article Early signs of pregnancy.4
Supplements
The NHS recommends two supplements in pregnancy: folic acid and vitamin D. A varied diet usually provides the other vitamins and minerals.3
| Supplement | NHS recommendation |
|---|---|
| Folic acid | 400 micrograms a day, ideally from 3 months before conception or as soon as you know you are pregnant, until week 12; some women need a higher dose2 |
| Vitamin D | a supplement throughout pregnancy3 |
Discuss doses and specific products with your gynaecologist, especially if you take other medicines or have a long-term condition. Slovak recommendations may differ in the details from British ones.
Tiredness and nausea
- Eat smaller portions more often; some women find it helps to eat something small before getting up.
- Sip drinks little and often through the day.
- Rest when you can. Tiredness in the first trimester is not laziness.
- If you cannot keep fluids down, or you are passing very little or very dark urine, get in touch with your doctor.
Your first visits to the gynaecologist
In Slovakia, pregnancy is monitored at the antenatal clinic (tehotenská poradňa) run by your gynaecologist. Have ready:
- the date of the first day of your last period,
- a list of medicines and supplements,
- the questions on your mind (write them down beforehand),
- information about conditions that run in the family.
You will be given a pregnancy record card (preukaz pre tehotné, often called the tehotenská knižka). Carry it with you; you will also need it at the maternity hospital.
Clothes in the first trimester
The bump usually does not show yet, but your waistband and bra may feel tight. A soft bra without pressure and trousers with a stretchy waistband are enough. There is no need to rush into buying maternity clothes yet. More in the article When to start wearing maternity clothes.
What can wait
- the baby kit,
- stocking up on maternity clothes,
- big purchases (pram, cot).
There is time for all of that in the second trimester. The first trimester is for resting and getting used to things.
Where this comes from
The numbers in the text refer to these sources. The links go to the publishers’ own pages; we simply cite them.
- NHS (United Kingdom):Week-by-week guide to pregnancyThe first trimester runs to week 12.
- NHS (United Kingdom):Pregnancy vitamins and supplements
- NHS Start for Life:Vitamins and supplements in pregnancyFolic acid and vitamin D; a varied diet provides most of the rest.
- NHS (United Kingdom):4 weeks pregnant – early pregnancy symptoms
We last checked these sources on 13 October 2026.
Further along the path
Pregnancy
How your body changes during pregnancy
An overview of the three trimesters of pregnancy, week by week. What usually changes in your body, what to do about it in practice, and what it means for clothes and comfort.
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Clothes
When to start wearing maternity clothes
There is no right week. How to tell it is time, what your everyday wardrobe can still cope with, and in what order to buy maternity pieces.
2 min read