What to expect during the 3 stages of pregnancy.

We are all aware of the 3 pregnancy stages. Namely the 1st trimester, 2nd trimester and the 3rd trimester. Your body and your little one’s body go through different changes at every pregnancy stage. Knowing what symptoms are common during each stage can help ease the initial nerves that every woman experiences when she’s expecting!

1^st trimester (week 1- week 12): Even though your body doesn’t go through any dramatic physical changes, your 1^st trimester can be daunting! You’re experiencing all of these new sensations- some pleasant and some unpleasant. The baby transforms from a single cell into a small foetus. It is very important to get essential vitamins and minerals at this stage because the baby’s vital organs start to form. The release of all those hormones is your body beginning to accommodate for your little one, and these hormonal changes affect every organ of the body. Here’s a few symptoms you can expect during your 1^st trimester.

Food cravings

Headaches

Vomiting/ Nausea

Morning sickness

Constipation

 Frequent urination

Tender and swollen breasts

2^nd trimester (week 13- week 28): Once you enter the 2^nd trimester, you might find it easier than the 1^st one. You will swap your morning sickness and nausea for a baby bump! This is just your abdomen expanding to make room for your growing little one. Your baby will be about 4-5 inches long. It will start developing the musculoskeletal system and begin sucking motions with the mouth. Some symptoms to expect during this pregnancy stage are:

Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs and back

Numb or tingling hands

Darkening of skin around your nipples

Swelling of ankles, fingers and face

Back, abdomen, groin or thigh aches and pains

(However, if you notice extreme swelling or weight gain please contact your doctor.)

3^rd trimester (week 29- week 40): The pressure starts to increase on your bladder because your baby is growing larger and larger in the 3^rd trimester. You might feel like urinating even more frequently. You might get breathless often and this is all totally normal! The heaviness of your abdomen will start to cause fatigue. But it will all be worth it because very soon you will be able to see and hold your little one! Your baby has almost grown in size and weight. The 3^rd trimester is the last of the pregnancy stages. Here’s a few symptoms that are common in the 3^rd trimester:

Tender breasts which may leak

Contractions

Heartburn

Difficulty in sleeping

Fatigue

The baby moving lower in your abdomen

Movement from the baby itself (kicks)

Haemorrhoids

Anxiety about childbirth