All it takes is two little lines on a pregnancy test to evoke a wave of different emotions. Excitement and nervousness, joy and fear, are all normal feelings to have as you consider this new phase in your life. A lot of changes will happen to your body in the next nine months, some with each trimester, others some occur daily. However, with a little preparation, you can ease your mind and ready yourself for the transition into motherhood.

Below, we’ll give an overview of the changes you can expect during each trimester of your pregnancy and how to make it a smooth progression.

First Trimester

For most women, the first trimester starts without their knowledge. You probably won’t notice a missed period until week 4 when the first month of pregnancy is almost over. Some choose to wait until the end of the first trimester (or month 3) to tell friends and family they’re expecting since miscarriages are most common during these first three months.

Symptoms

The first noticeable pregnancy symptoms are very similar to premenstrual symptoms. Fatigue, headaches, and breast tenderness are common and might be confused for PMS until your period doesn’t show up. Morning sickness is most common in the first trimester although the name is deceiving. Nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy can occur at any time of the day and sometimes all day long. But don’t let that scare you! Typically, morning sickness dissipates after week 12, although some women experience it all 9 months.

Changes in Your Body

You likely won’t be able to see a difference in the mirror in the first trimester. Your baby and your uterus are slowly growing but the changes won’t be noticeable quite yet. You may see an uptick in your trips to the bathroom. Even though you don’t have little legs kicking your bladder yet, your growing uterus provides a similar pressure. Also, your frequent bathroom visits may be a result of your increased water intake.

Your Baby’s Growth

Your baby is developing its organs during this time so proper nutrition is crucial. This may be difficult if you’re dealing with morning sickness, but do your best to make sure you’re getting plenty of folic acid and taking your prenatal vitamins. During these first three months, your little one will also develop arms, legs, and facial features. Although they won’t be recognizable in an ultrasound yet, reproductive organs develop during this time as well.

Second Trimester

During your second trimester, the excitement really starts to ramp up. One of your doctor appointments includes an anatomy scan to learn the sex of your baby. That is unless you want it to be a surprise. This is also when your doctor will want to perform screening tests for potential health issues, like gestational diabetes.

Symptoms

For many women, morning sickness and fatigue start to fade away in the second trimester, which will leave you with increased energy and appetite. Though you may start to crave comfort foods, make sure you consult with your doctor on an appropriate diet to ensure you’re getting the necessary nutrients for your growing baby. Other common symptoms during your second trimester are heartburn and leg cramps.

Body Changes

As your baby continues to grow in the second trimester, you’ll want to invest in some maternity clothes. Keep in mind that the clothes you buy now might not last throughout your whole pregnancy. You’ll probably reach a point that you need to size up, yet again. This is perfectly natural. Somewhere around week 18 or 19, you will feel your baby move for the first time. It might feel like little flutters or bubbles, but it’s your sweet little one moving around in there!

Baby’s Growth

This is an increasingly exciting time. Your baby is growing and developing more and more each day. During the second trimester, they develop their hair and eyebrows. Since most of your baby’s vital parts have formed, they will start adding layers of fat to their little bodies. Their lungs will also start to practice breathing.

Third Trimester

Your third trimester begins at month 7. At this point, you’ve passed the halfway mark and you’re in the home stretch! You’ll begin going to the doctor more frequently, every two weeks until the last month when you will see your doctor weekly.

Now is a great time to enroll in childbirth classes and make sure your hospital bag is packed. Make sure not to schedule any trips or vacations during this time. Travel restrictions take effect that will prevent you from going on a cruise or a plane.

Symptoms

By now you’re very familiar with pregnancy symptoms and probably ready for them to be over. As your belly grows, it becomes harder to get comfortable enough to sleep. You might have a hard time sitting up without help. If you haven’t already bought one, consider purchasing a pregnancy pillow. They’re great for helping support your body in all the right places for a restful sleep. Many women experience shortness of breath, swelling, backaches, swelling. But, if you have rapid or extreme swelling, be sure to contact your doctor right away.

Body Changes

At this point in your pregnancy, it seems like your belly is expanding by the minute. Now is the time to get some new maternity clothes to help you stay as comfortable as possible. Stretchy materials are your best friend. You might notice your breasts leaking colostrum. This is completely normal as your body is getting ready to nourish your baby from the outside.

Baby’s Growth

Your bundle of joy is moving around a lot and your doctor might ask you to pay attention to kick frequency.  You might consider a ‘Kick Counter’ app to keep track. During these last three months, your baby’s bones are hardening. This is the time that they will get in position for birth hopefully head down and face down.

2Me Healthcare

As you navigate these changes in your body, you need a dedicated provider to assist you in your journey and provide physical and emotional support along the way. At 2Me Healthcare, we can give you just that. Our concierge midwifery care allows you the option to have your prenatal appointments in the comfort of your home without needing to spend time traveling to an office or sitting in a waiting room.

We also offer in-office concierge where our expectant families have the continuity of the SAME provider for every prenatal appointment and for delivery, they never wait in the waiting room, AND they have extended time for each appointment to ensure plenty of time for education, birth planning, and questions! Every high-touch service necessary to make your pregnancy a stress-free experience is a must for us!If you’re looking for dedicated, passionate, and attentive prenatal care contact us at 2Me Healthcare or (833) 692-6342.