Maybe I’m pregnant — what to do next

Suspecting you might be pregnant can feel overwhelming — whether the pregnancy was planned or a surprise. There are a few simple, time-sensitive actions you can take right away to confirm pregnancy early and begin protecting your baby’s development from the first crucial weeks.

Start with an early pregnancy test if you suspect conception. The Presto early-pregnancy test can detect pregnancy already from the seventh day after intercourse, because it measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. Presto kits contain two test strips: one designed to be used before a missed period and a second strip that serves as a confirmation control.

What happens in the first trimester

The first 12 weeks after conception see the fastest and most delicate stages of development. Key milestones include:

• Weeks 1–3 (fertilization and implantation): Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last menstrual period. After fertilization the embryo travels to the uterus and implants in the lining.
• Week 4: The embryo is about the size of a poppy seed; three primary cell layers form that will give rise to organs, tissues and the nervous system.
• Weeks 5–6: The tiny heart (about the size of a sesame seed) begins to beat and the neural tube starts to close, setting the foundations for brain and spinal cord.
• Weeks 7–8: Facial features appear and limb buds form; early bone formation begins.
• Weeks 9–10: Fingers and toes separate; major organs such as intestines, liver and kidneys begin to function partially.
• Weeks 11–12: The fetus is roughly the size of a lime, moves actively (even if you cannot feel it yet) and has formed nails and reflexes.

To support this rapid development, certain supplements are especially important: folic acid (to reduce neural tube defects such as spina bifida), vitamin D3 (for immune support and calcium absorption), omega-3 fatty acids (for brain and retinal development), and iron and iodine as recommended by your physician based on blood tests.

Initial medical checks typically include an ultrasound at about 6–8 weeks to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy and detect cardiac activity, blood tests such as a complete blood count, blood group and Rh factor and fasting glucose, and infection screening (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus as part of a TORCH panel, hepatitis B and C, and HIV). A combined biochemical and ultrasound screening around 11–13 weeks assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities (for example, Down syndrome).

Practical precautions for the first trimester: avoid raw or undercooked meat, sushi and runny eggs; do not eat soft cheeses or unpasteurized milk; stay well hydrated and limit coffee to one cup per day; avoid alcohol completely. Steer clear of cosmetics with retinoids or high concentrations of salicylic acid, and minimize exposure to strong household chemicals (bleach, ammonia, oven cleaners). If you have a cat, ask someone else to clean the litter box to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis. If you experience any worrying symptoms, contact your doctor rather than self-medicating.

Photo: press material from the event