Early Pregnancy: What You Need To Know

Early pregnancy are exciting, but they can also be a little overwhelming. You’re probably wondering what you need to know now, and what you can expect in the future. Here we’ll explain all the different changes that take place in your body during each trimester of pregnancy and why it’s important to know them.

What is a Trimester?

During pregnancy, your baby develops rapidly. He or she is growing rapidly inside your uterus and needs a lot of nutrients and oxygen to thrive. Each trimester of pregnancy corresponds to a different stage of development in your baby’s body and is marked by different symptoms, activities, and quirks in your body. The first trimester is marked by rapid cell division and growth, while the third trimester is marked by the preparation for birth. During the first trimester, you’ll notice a rapid increase in appetite as your growing appetite for nutrients is reflected in your increased weight. You may begin to experience fatigue as your body shifts to prepare for the additional nutrients and balance of hormones needed for pregnancy.

First Trimester: Days 13 to 28

During the first trimester, your baby is developing rapidly and may start moving around in the womb. Around 12 weeks, your baby is believed to start moving around in the womb, while breathing and swallowing are still not fully developed. This is known as the embryonic period, or embryonic stage. Your baby gains weight during this time, as your growing appetite is reflected in your increased weight. The placenta, which provides nutrients, oxygen, and immunity between you and your baby, starts to grow and is ready to be delivered by your body. During this time, you may notice increased fatigue due to your body preparing itself for the additional nutrients and hormones needed for pregnancy. You may also experience a change in mood, with some women experiencing a more intense or irritable mood than usual.

Second Trimester: Days 29 to 56

During the second trimester, your baby is a little over one month old. Your baby is now a full-term baby and has grown considerably in size from just a few months ago. They’re also fully developed and more active. You’ll likely notice that your appetite decreases during this time, as the extra nutrients you were getting in the first trimester are no longer needed. Your placenta supplies oxygen and antibodies to protect your baby from infections. You may also experience frequent urination, as the extra fluids and minerals your body needs are passed through your urine. Your breasts may begin to feel fuller, and you may experience a slight change in your menstrual cycle, with some women experiencing longer or shorter cycles than usual.

Third Trimester: Days 57 to 78

In the third trimester, your baby is nearly three months old. Your baby is now a full-term baby and has grown considerably in size from just a few months ago. You’ll likely notice that your appetite decreases during this time, as the extra nutrients you were getting in the first trimester are no longer needed. Your baby is now fully developed and more active. You may also experience frequent urination, as the extra fluids and minerals your body needs are passed through your urine. Your breasts may begin to feel fuller, and you may experience a slight change in your menstrual cycle, with some women experiencing longer or shorter cycles than usual. Your baby’s heart begins to beat and his or her lungs continue to develop. Your baby’s bones are now strong enough to support the movement, although your baby is not yet able to walk or stand.

The Late Third Trimester and Beyond

During the last two months of pregnancy, your body prepares itself for birth. This is called the physiological stage and marks the final stage of development in your baby. Your uterus, where your baby will be born, continues to change, preparing itself to expel your baby and contract to prevent him or her from coming back in. You may experience frequent urination, as the extra fluids and minerals your body needs are passed through your urine. Your breasts may begin to feel fuller and may ache a little. Your menstrual cycle may also change once again, with some women experiencing longer or shorter cycles than usual. Keep in mind that all of these changes are normal and expected. Knowing what to expect will make this time go by a little more smoothly and help you feel more prepared.