When to seek help – First trimester
Common early pregnancy symptoms
Some symptoms are common and usually not a cause for concern, including:
Your health and wellbeing in the first trimester
Looking after your health in early pregnancy supports both you and your baby.
Eating well and food safety
A balanced diet supports your body during pregnancy and helps your baby grow and develop. Some nutrients, such as folate, iodine and iron, are especially important in the first trimester.
Tests and checks in your first trimester
During early pregnancy, your maternity care provider may recommend tests and scans to check your health and support safe care for you and your baby.
You always have the right to ask questions, understand your options, and decide what feels right for you.
Your maternity care provider should explain:
Early pregnancy – What to expect and key decisions
Your decisions matter
You do not have to make every decision at once. Your maternity care providers should support you to make informed decisions that suit your values, circumstances and needs.
For more information, please read the Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care Framework | Safer Care Victoria
You can always ask:
Posted on 13 Mar 2026
Updated Communicating Safe Eating and Drinking Guidance now available
We have updated our Communicating Safe Eating and Drinking guidance. This guidance supports clinicians and health service staff to clearly communicate the risks and care needs of patients who have difficulty eating, drinking or swallowing.
Posted on 16 Mar 2026
Co-designing a trusted resource for Victorian women and families
We are progressing the development of the My maternity journey resource, one of the recommendations of the Victorian Maternity Taskforce.
Posted on 13 Mar 2026
Victoria’s first statewide medicines formulary
The Victorian Medicines Formulary (the Formulary) webpage is now live.
