From your first trimester to your last, pregnancy is something to truly be cherished.
Whether this is your first child or a new addition to your growing family, each pregnancy brings its own unique moments and memories.
To help you along the way, we’ve outlined what to expect during the three key phases of pregnancy: the first, second, and third trimesters.
Here’s your guide to embracing every stage with confidence.
The First Trimester: Getting the Good News
A period of discovery and questions, the first trimester is where it all starts.
For many women, finding out they are pregnant is a happy surprise. For others, it may be something that has been carefully planned, down to the day.
Spanning a total of 12 weeks, a huge chunk of your first trimester will be uneventful. After all, your baby is just a bundle of cells at this point. You may not even ‘feel’ pregnant, even after getting confirmation.
That is until the first symptoms come. If you have any doubt that you are pregnant at all, you will soon change your mind. From morning sickness to fatigue to mood swings, your body will start throwing out undeniable signs that you are carrying a baby.
Now is the time to truly follow your doctor’s orders as it is also a fragile and uncertain period where anything can happen.
For first-time mums, it’s all about learning new things and acclimating to the unfamiliar. For veteran mums, it’s all about enjoying the ride for a second, third (or beyond) time.
For more information on the first trimester, read our guide.
The Second Trimester: The Honeymoon Phase
There’s a reason of course why the second trimester is called the honeymoon phase. It is a stage where your pregnancy is strong and there are typically fewer symptoms.
You have acclimated to your changing body and your belly isn’t nearly big and heavy enough to impede your moments, yet. There is a renewed burst of energy as your hormones level out.
You’ll also experience something called the pregnancy glow where your skin seems to look better than it’s ever been. Your cravings may be stronger than before and you’ll likely be able to finally enjoy food instead of throwing up all the time.
It is also safer to travel long distances at this time, just in case you and your hubby are thinking of going on a ‘babymoon’.
You may catch a glimpse of that iconic baby bump that you can now show off to the world. It is during this time also that you may feel your baby’s first kick- something to truly look forward to!
To know more about how to manage your second trimester, refer to our guide.
The Third Trimester: The Countdown Begins
This is when things start to get more real. In just three months, your baby will make their appearance (but not before making their presence known in other ways).
It will feel like you have something moving around in you all the time as your baby starts moving more and more (and running out of space). You will definitely start experiencing more sleepless nights as your baby kicks you in the bladder at odd hours.
The third trimester is also a period that is most physically demanding.
Between the swollen feet, the backaches, and the Braxton Hicks contractions, your body is also ready to have this baby out of you.
Preparations are in order at this time. Mums will start getting the nesting instinct where they will start decorating the nursery and buying baby things.
As your push day gets closer you will have to start finalising your birth plan and getting your labour essentials ready in case your water breaks anytime.
The final stretch is here, mums. Read this guide to help you prepare for your third and final trimester.
Cherishing Every Step
Pregnancy is a uniquely beautiful experience, filled with its own victories and challenges.
Despite all the overwhelming changes, don’t forget to relax and enjoy the ride. Motherhood is meant to be cherished, from the morning sickness to your baby’s first kicks.
Celebrate the tender moments with your baby while they are growing inside of you because there is truly nothing like it.
To help navigate your pregnancy effortlessly, check out our fool-proof trimester-by-trimester guides to help you go embark on this journey with confidence and wisdom.
You’ve got this, mummies!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Mamahood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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