There can be plenty of surprises when it comes to pregnancy. Pregnancy affects many aspects of your life including your body, energy, mood, sleep, mindset and appetite just to name a few!
From the changes to your body and symptoms to your prenatal appointments in this blog we are going to take you on the journey of pregnancy and what you can expect.
First Trimester Weeks 1-13
Your body can experience changes from the very beginning of your pregnancy. Early signs of pregnancy such as light spotting and abdominal pain can be mistaken for your period. Many women start to feel nauseous and may experience tender breasts.
Symptoms You May Experience:
- A heightened sense of smell and taste
- Fatigue
- Growing breasts
- Fatigue
- Skin breakouts
- Food aversions
- Mood swings
These symptoms can also continue throughout your pregnancy. Towards the end of your first trimester the pregnancy cravings tend to kick in. It is important to maintain a well balanced diet during pregnancy. You only need an extra 300 calories per day even though you are eating for two.
It is unlikely that you will start to show in your first trimester especially with your first but you may feel bloated and gain a few kilograms. It is also not uncommon to lose weight from morning sickness. If you are concerned about this contact us here.
Prenatal Visits
During your first trimester you should be visiting your obstetrician every four weeks. At your first prenatal appointment, between 6 and 10 weeks we will:
- Evaluate your current health
- Record family medical history
- Discuss risk factors
- Physical exam
- Urine and blood sample
- Ultrasound
- Determine how far along you are
Coming prepared to your appointment with the information about your last period and medical history will speed up the process. Feel free to ask any questions at this point.
Follow up appointments will entail being weighed, having your blood pressure taken, urine sample, check over, having your belly measured and listening to your baby’s heartbeat. All the tests and appointments may be overwhelming but remember they are to ensure the health of you and your baby.
Second Trimester Weeks 14-27
Symptoms can start to settle down in this trimester with your appetite and energy returning. You may still experience morning sickness throughout this trimester.
This is when people tend to start showing a baby bump and gain around a pound a week. Aches and pains are common to feel at this time. Back pain may increase as well as ligament pains. Feeling lightheaded or unbalanced can be due to your blood pressure dropping slightly.
Some women can experience a darkening of the skin including around their eyes, belly button, thighs and even armpits.
Between the 16th and 20th week you should start to feel your baby move, which can feel like a little flutter. From then on your baby will start to be a lot more active.
Prenatal Visits
You’ll have prenatal appointments every four weeks where your weight will be measured, blood pressure taken, a urine sample, belly measured and you’ll be able to listen to your baby’s heartbeat.
At this point you will take the glucose screening test and you’ll have another ultrasound. This is where you will be able to find out the gender of your baby if you wish.
Third Trimester Weeks 28-40
The last trimester! This can also feel like the longest trimester. Your growing belly and changes to your body can make this a physically hard trimester.
Symptoms
- Stretch marks
- Lower back and hip pain
- Braxton hicks
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
Two to four weeks before you give birth your baby will drop in preparation for the birth. Around this time your milk glands may fill with colostrum.
Prenatal Visits
From 28 weeks onwards you should start having prenatal appointments every two weeks then after 36 weeks your appointments will be weekly. You will be weighed, have your blood pressure taken, belly measured and urine taken. Your baby’s heart beat will also be checked.
This is a great opportunity to ask any questions about labour or bring up any concerns you may be having.
Enjoy your pregnancy and relax knowing that you are in good hands!