Congratulations – you’re about to be a mom, welcome to the extraordinary journey of motherhood. Becoming a mom is exciting and rewarding, but it can also be an overwhelming and nerve-wracking experience and most expectant mothers like you have lots of questions. That’s expected and I hope my experience and those of the women around me serve as a guide and compassionate companion to you through these transformative months. Here’s what to expect when you’re expecting.
The first thing you need to know about pregnancy is that no two pregnancies are the same, even if both pregnancies are yours. Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks plus or minus 2 weeks and has three trimesters. The first trimester is calculated from the first day of your last period to 13 weeks after that. The second trimester lasts from 14 weeks to 27 weeks gestation and the third trimester of pregnancy lasts from 28 weeks to 40 weeks. Babies born from 37 weeks are considered full-term.
The First Trimester: The Dawn of A New Beginning
The first trimester of pregnancy is a time when life, in its most primal form, begins to take shape. It’s expected to be a time of profound changes, not just for your baby but within your own body as well. Your body embarks on the miraculous process of creating new life. Here, every expecting mother’s story is different, some may feel waves of nausea and fatigue, while others might find themselves energised.
The earliest sign of pregnancy is a missed period for women like myself, who have regular periods. Sometimes, implantation bleeding can occur, this bleeding is very similar to spotting or a very light period. I experienced this in my first pregnancy but not the second, highlighting the distinct nature of each pregnancy experience.
A handful of symptoms may surface during these initial weeks. Such as breast tenderness, nausea or vomiting (often referred to as morning sickness but can sometimes be more like all day sickness). Frequent urination, weight gain or loss, fatigue, headaches, cravings for certain foods, new dislike of certain foods and constipation may also occur.
This period is crucial for establishing care with a healthcare provider, ideally within the first 12 weeks. It is vital to consult them if you experience severe bleeding, persistent vomiting, painful urination, smelly vaginal discharge, high fever or vaginal bleeding.
Expectant Mother’s Second Trimester Guide: Growing and Glowing
Often considered the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy. Many expecting mothers find that they feel better during the second trimester as compared to the first. This period often brings visible transformation. You may notice the first flutters of baby movement and a small baby bump. Though these might be more prominent in subsequent pregnancies.
Symptoms during this trimester can be diverse. You might notice darker patches on your skin, especially on your face and neck. A dark line may appear on your skin, running from your belly button to your pubic hairline. These usually resolve post-delivery. Other changes include darkening of the areola, lower back and pelvic pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness, tingling or weakness in your hands) may occur. I experienced this in my right hand in both my pregnancies. You might also see an emergence of stretch marks along your breast, stomach, buttocks, hips and thighs. Thankfully I didn’t get new stretch marks but the ones from my teen years became more prominent.
Regular check-ups, ideally every 4 weeks, are crucial this period. Consult with your healthcare provider for appointment frequency recommendations in your specific situation. Be vigilant for symptoms such as severe persistent headaches, vomiting blood, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, blurry vision, or sudden or extreme swelling. Consult your healthcare provider if they occur.
The Third Trimester: The Final Stretch
As you enter the third trimester, expectation, anticipation and excitement grow along with a sense of readiness to meet your baby. This period can be physically demanding. You may feel more tired and uncomfortable. As your baby grows larger, you might find yourself experiencing difficulty in breathing. You might also experience more frequent bathroom visits. This is due to your baby putting pressure on your organs.
Common discomforts expecting mothers feel include heartburn, shortness of breath, breast tenderness, difficulty sleeping, haemorrhoids and swelling in the fingers, face and ankles.
It’s important to continue regular check-ups as recommended by your healthcare provider and finalise your birth plan. Pay close attention to your body and baby’s movements. Decreased foetal movements, heavy bleeding, persistent headaches and your water breaking without contractions are all reasons to contact your healthcare provider.
Expectant Mother’s Guide In Conclusion
As you navigate each trimester, remember that while pregnancy is a universal experience, each journey is unique. Embrace this time with patience, care and an open heart. Seek support from your loved ones and healthcare provider and trust your body’s innate wisdom to guide you through this remarkable journey of motherhood.
Recommended Reading
- “The Informed Parent: A Science-Based Resource for Your Child’s First Four Years” by Tara Haelle and Emily Willingham Ph.D
- “Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide” by Penny Simkin PT, Janet Whalley BSN, IBCLC, et.al.
- “Real Food for Pregnancy: Science and Wisdom for Optimal Prenatal Nutrition” by Lily Nichols RDN, CDE
- “Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering” by Sarah J. Buckley MD
- “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5” by American Academy of Pediatrics
- “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Harvey Karp MD
