From the second trimester onwards, the risk of miscarriage drops. Here is why that matters.
Pregnancy is not as simple as people imagine. It can be physically draining. The first weeks are usually the hardest, as your body adjusts to being pregnant. Hormones need to settle — and that can bring morning sickness.
In early pregnancy, developmental abnormalities can occur and the body may end the pregnancy on its own. About 80% of miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks. Stress or infections can also lead to miscarriage. Many women do not realise they have miscarried, because it can feel like a normal period.
From week 13 onwards, the miscarriage risk is around 1 percent, depending on the mother’s age.
Did you keep quiet about your pregnancy out of fear that something might go wrong? Once you have passed the first 12 weeks, you can tell everyone you are expecting a baby.
From week 13, a lot changes in your body. Your belly grows, you have probably gained some weight, you tire more quickly, and shortness of breath may appear.
Finally, you can make your pregnancy official. You can tell relatives, friends, and acquaintances that you are going to be a mum. Many couples surprise their parents in a special way — with an ultrasound photo or a beautiful card in a box. If it is a second child, they sometimes put a T-shirt on the older sibling labelled “big brother” or “big sister” so everyone understands another baby is on the way.