Your Pregnancy Journey
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each with its own milestones, changes, and things to know. Understanding what's happening — and what to expect — can help you feel more confident and prepared as your baby grows.
First Trimester (Weeks 1–13)
Your body is working hard behind the scenes. The baby's organs are forming, and you may be feeling the effects of major hormonal changes.
- What's happening: The heart starts beating, the brain and spine develop, and the baby grows from a cluster of cells to about the size of a peach
- Common symptoms: Nausea (morning sickness), fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination, heightened smell
- Key appointments: First prenatal visit (usually 8–12 weeks), dating ultrasound
- What helps: Rest, small frequent meals, staying hydrated, and giving yourself grace
GOOD TO KNOW
Morning sickness can happen at any time of day. If you can't keep food or fluids down, call your provider.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27)
For many, this is the most comfortable trimester. Energy returns, the bump shows, and you'll likely feel those first exciting movements.
- What's happening: The baby grows rapidly, can hear sounds, and develops hair and fingerprints
- Common symptoms: Round ligament pain, backaches, skin changes, heartburn
- Key appointments: Anatomy scan (around 20 weeks), glucose screening (24–28 weeks)
- What helps: Gentle stretching, sleeping on your side, and starting to think about your birth plan
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)
The home stretch. Your baby is growing and gaining weight, and your body is preparing for birth.
- What's happening: The baby practices breathing, gains fat, and settles into position for birth
- Common symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, swelling, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath
- Key appointments: Visits become more frequent (every 2 weeks, then weekly), GBS test around 36 weeks
- What helps: Packing your hospital bag, finalizing your birth plan, and resting as much as possible
What You Can Do
- Keep all your prenatal appointments — they're scheduled to catch any concerns early
- Start kick counts around 28 weeks
- Take a childbirth education class in your third trimester
- Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks
