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Trimester 1 (Weeks 1-13)
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- Feels like you have a big secret, no outward signs yet
- Might feel nausea, heartburn, fatigue, tender or swollen breasts, peeing more often, mood swings
- Highest miscarriage risk during this period so normal to feel nervous
- Typical weight gain: 2-4 lbs; no need to consume extra calories
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- Carrier screening (can be done before getting pregnant) to learn if you or your partner carry genes for any disorders
- Week 6-8: First OB visit: medical history, confirm and date pregnancy; take blood, urine, dating & viability ultrasound
- Week 10+: NIPT test - blood test screens for genetic disorders and can tell you baby’s gender
- Week 11-13: Nuchal ultrasound to screen for Down’s Syndrome
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Trimester 2 (Weeks 1-13)
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- Often considered the best trimester - energy levels higher!
- May begin having constipation, congestion, dizziness, foot swelling
- Boobs start to grow and nipples darken and widen (easier target!)
- Week 16-25: Start to feel baby move! So reassuring
- Typical weight gain: 12-14 lbs (1-2 lbs per week); consume 300-350 extra daily calories
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- Monthly OB visits involve urine sample, listening to heartbeat (yours and baby’s!), measuring your weight and bump size, and answering your questions
- Week 18-22: Anatomy Scan: in-depth ultrasound that looks at each body part
- Week 24-26: Gestational Diabetes Test, involves drinking sugary drink and then measuring blood sugar; resources here if you end up having it!
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- Share news more broadly (e.g. at work)
- Begin search for birth doula
- Order major nursery furniture (crib, glider chair, dresser, bookcase)
- Consider a pregnancy pillow
- Create registry or compile gear to buy
- Pre-register at hospital
- Decide on a pediatrician
- Buy maternity clothes
- Consider a babymoon
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Trimester 3 (Weeks 1-13)
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- Excitement and anxiety growing!
- Partner able to feel baby move from outside; may feel less movement in final weeks as baby runs out of room
- Sleep challenges: peeing frequently and fewer comfortable positions
- Safe to keep exercising, but balance and energy will decline
- May feel “nesting” instinct to clean and organize house
- Typical weight gain: 8-10 lbs (starts to slow towards end), consume 500 extra daily calories
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- Weeks 28-36: OB visits every two weeks
- Weeks 36 onward: OB visits every week
- OB may start to measure your dilation and effacement to assess if labor is nearing
- Week 36: Group Strep B test: bacteria carried by 25% of women that can be harmful to baby; if positive, you’ll get antibiotics during labor
- Share with your partner your birth location’s exact address and parking situation in advance (hard to do once in
labor!)
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