Pregnancy Education

Pregnancy by Trimester

A closer look at what's happening with your baby and your body during each stage of pregnancy.

1st Trimester

Weeks 1 - 12

Baby's Development

  • A heartbeat can be detected as early as 6 weeks
  • All major organs begin to form
  • Fingers and toes start developing
  • Facial features begin to take shape
  • By week 12, your baby is about 2 inches long

Mom's Body

  • Morning sickness and nausea are common
  • Extreme fatigue due to rising progesterone
  • Breast tenderness and swelling
  • Frequent urination
  • Mood swings and emotional changes

Tips for This Stage

  • Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs
  • Schedule your first prenatal visit
  • Eat small, frequent meals to manage nausea
  • Get plenty of rest
2nd Trimester

Weeks 13 - 26

Baby's Development

  • Can hear sounds, including your voice
  • Movement becomes strong enough to feel
  • Gender may be visible on ultrasound
  • Fingerprints develop
  • Hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes begin to grow

Mom's Body

  • Energy often returns -- the "golden trimester"
  • Baby bump becomes visible
  • Possible back pain as your center of gravity shifts
  • Skin changes such as the "pregnancy glow"
  • Round ligament pain as the uterus expands

Tips for This Stage

  • Schedule your anatomy scan ultrasound (around 20 weeks)
  • Stay active with gentle exercise like walking or swimming
  • Start planning for baby -- nursery, supplies, childcare
  • Consider childbirth education classes
  • Continue regular prenatal checkups
3rd Trimester

Weeks 27 - 40

Baby's Development

  • Lungs are maturing and preparing for breathing
  • Gaining weight rapidly -- about half a pound per week
  • Moving into a head-down birth position
  • Eyes can open and respond to light
  • Brain development accelerates significantly

Mom's Body

  • Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
  • Swelling in feet, ankles, and hands
  • Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
  • Shortness of breath as baby presses on diaphragm
  • More frequent urination as baby drops lower

Tips for This Stage

  • Pack your hospital bag by week 36
  • Create a birth plan and discuss with your provider
  • Know the signs of labor: regular contractions, water breaking, bloody show
  • Rest when you can and ask for help
  • Finalize your support system for postpartum

Questions About Your Pregnancy?

Schedule a free appointment to talk with our caring staff. We offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and support at every stage.

Schedule Appointment Call 770-535-1245