The Basics: Pregnancy Trimesters
Each trimester is filled with different, exciting milestones as baby grows. Below is an overview of some of the changes you can expect, information about baby’s development, and important to-dos to add to your checklist.
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
The first trimester is filled with emotional and physical changes. Your body goes through major hormonal changes, which often can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, food aversions or cravings, dizziness, mood swings, and breast tenderness. Every pregnancy is different, so you might experience none of these symptoms, or even other symptoms. This trimester is the most important for baby’s development. During these months, the baby’s body structure and organ systems develop (such as brain, heart, and lungs). By the end of the trimester, their fingernails, eyelids, and genitals will also begin to form, although you won’t know the baby’s sex until next trimester. During weeks 1-12, your doctor will likely perform a few ultrasounds to check the baby’s ongoing development and any signs of genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.
To-dos
To-dos
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. These substances can harm the baby’s development and even lead to miscarriage.
- Learn about foods and activities you need to limit or avoid. This includes caffeine and contact sports that could lead to injury.
- Make an appointment with an OBGYN doctor. During your first appointment, your doctor might calculate your estimated due date and run some tests. This, and all other doctor appointments, will be important to helping you have a healthy pregnancy.
- Check what your health insurance plan covers or get a plan if you don’t have one. Your baby will also need to be covered under health insurance, so it’s best to already have a plan in place.
- Think about a baby budget. Between doctor appointments and must-haves (such as diapers and clothes), baby expenses will soon pile up. Avoid unwelcome surprises by incorporating these items into your monthly or yearly budget.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-28)
Week 13 marks the beginning of the second trimester, a time when women commonly choose to share news of their pregnancy with family and friends. This trimester is often called the “golden period” since some symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, start to disappear (although this is not always the case). If so, you might feel more energized to resume certain activities, such as exercise, and to prepare for the next few months of pregnancy. During this trimester, the baby will start hearing, sucking, and blinking. You can also find out the baby’s sex around week 20. Between weeks 16 and 22, you might notice baby’s first kicks or movement, which will become stronger and more regular as they continue to grow. In fact, your belly might begin to “show” this trimester, which means you’ll soon need a different wardrobe. Baby’s growth also means you’ll need to start sleeping on your left side (to help the baby get as much oxygen as possible) and getting used to aches and pains that will continue, and likely get worse, in the third trimester. Don’t worry, these pains are normal and your body’s way of accommodating your growing uterus. Other changes you might notice this trimester are swelling (ankles, fingers, and face), stretch marks, and a dark line down your belly (called linea nigra). Towards the end of the second trimester, your doctor will likely perform a glucose screening, which can determine if you have gestational diabetes. If you do, you might need to take medication the rest of your pregnancy to help make sure baby grows at a healthy pace.
To-dos
To-dos
- Share news of your pregnancy with your employer and start planning parental leave. Taking care of your baby will be a full-time job which might require you and/or your partner to put your jobs or other commitments on hold. Take advantage of any maternity or paternity leave that your jobs might offer, and check to see the leave benefits in your state.
- Think about childcare options. It’s never too early to think about childcare, whether it will be through family, friends, or daycare. Make sure to start daycare research and applications early since space can be limited, and only some facilities care for children younger than 1-2 years old.
- Look for maternity or nursing clothes. If you’ll be breastfeeding, consider purchasing maternity clothing designed for nursing.
Third Trimester (Weeks 29-40)
This trimester, the baby will gain weight more quickly, about half a pound to one pound per week. They might weigh 4 to 4.5 pounds by week 32, and 6 to 9 pounds by week 39. This growth means you will likely experience additional symptoms, which can include heartburn, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. You might also feel “practice” contractions, called Braxton Hicks. These contractions will become stronger and more frequent closer to your due date, but they are not true labor contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and infrequent, and they stop when you hydrate or change positions. If you have any questions or concerns about contractions you’re feeling, call your doctor or the hospital right away. Babies are considered “full term” at 40 weeks, which is when their organs are fully developed. Those born before 37 weeks are considered “pre-term.” In the United States, 10% of infants born in 2018 were pre-term, which means they are at higher risk of being born low-weight or having developmental delays. Many different factors can lead to pre-term labor and birth, which cannot always be prevented. Talk to your doctor about your risk of pre-term birth and what you can do, if anything, to lower your risk. Around week 30, your doctor might ask to see you every two weeks, and then every week starting at week 36. Towards the end of the trimester, your doctor might test you for Group B Strep, bacteria that is generally harmless to adults but can be life-threatening for babies. If you test positive, you will be given antibiotics during childbirth.
To-dos
To-dos
- Track the baby’s movements every day. Pick a time in the day when your baby is active and count the number of kicks, punches, or moves. To do this, sit somewhere calm and place your hands on your belly. If you notice that the baby is moving less than usual or moved fewer than 10 times in 2 hours, contact your doctor right away.
- Keep an eye on your health. Pregnancy complications in the third trimester, such as pre-term labor and preeclampsia, can pose threats to your and your baby’s health. To reduce these risks, make your health a priority and try to keep your blood pressure in check. Talk with your doctor about your risk for complications and what you can do.
- Find a doctor for your baby (pediatrician). They will need to see a pediatrician for a check-up only a few days after birth. It might be helpful to have a pediatrician picked out and to make the appointment the day or two after your baby is born.
- Get the vaccines you need in order to protect your baby. For instance, you’ll want to get the flu and Tdap vaccines (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) before your baby arrives since these illnesses can be life-threatening to babies. Ask your doctor about these vaccines and where you can get them.
- Gather the items you’ll need for the baby. Some basics include diapers, clothing, crib, stroller, and car seat. Some mothers have a baby shower so that others can help make sure they have what they need.
- Sign up for childcare and birthing classes. These classes are commonly offered at hospitals and can help you feel better prepared for childbirth and taking care of your baby. If you are not able to attend a class, look for trustworthy information online or through books.
- Prepare for breastfeeding and postpartum care. Gather the items you’ll need for a smoother recovery (such as maxi pads and pain medications) and for breastfeeding (such as nursing bras and nipple cream).
- Pack your hospital bag. Do this well in advance in case the baby decides to come early. If you plan to leave the hospital in a car, don’t forget the infant car seat! By law, a baby needs this seat in order to ride in the car.
- Write a birth plan. This document will help hospital doctors and nurses become aware of your preferences on delivery day, including medications you want (such as an epidural).
The information in this article is intended to be used for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional when making decisions about your health.
