Pregnancy Stages

Early signs and symptoms

During early pregnancy, you may experience symptoms including:

• Changes in your bathroom habits, such as constipation or needing to go more often
• Exhaustion
• Food cravings or aversions
• Headaches
• Heartburn, nausea or vomiting
• Mood swings
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Weight changes (either losing or gaining weight)

No single sign means you are pregnant. However, if you experience several symptoms together or have missed a period, you may want to take a pregnancy test or come to your OBGYN’s office for testing. If a home pregnancy test confirms pregnancy, make an appointment with your OBGYN right away to get your pregnancy off to a healthy start.

Body changes and development

During the first trimester, you may not look different in the mirror, but your body is going through changes internally. You produce more of the hormone estrogen, which encourages your uterus to begin expanding. Many of the physical symptoms of early pregnancy have to do with these hormonal changes.

Meanwhile, your baby is changing quickly. By the end of the first trimester, your baby has arms, legs and facial features. They are developing internal organs, and their nerves and muscles are developing.

Healthcare and nutrition

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you don’t need to “eat for two.” You won’t need to increase your food intake until later in your pregnancy. It’s more important to eat a nourishing diet that includes all food groups:

• Dairy, including fortified soy products
• Fruits and vegetables
• Healthy oils
• Lean sources of protein, such as poultry, fish and beans
• Whole grains

Also, take prenatal vitamins that contain choline, folic acid, iodine and iron.

During the first trimester, you’ll begin regular visits with your OBGYN. The first visit will probably include a longer conversation about your health, previous pregnancies and goals for this pregnancy. Your provider may ask about your home life, social support community, work environment and other factors that could influence your pregnancy.

If you have a new provider, take this time to get to know them and make sure you feel comfortable with them.

Your provider will order tests, including:

• Blood type and Rh factor
• Complete blood count
• Pregnancy test if your pregnancy is not yet confirmed
• Tests for infectious diseases, including rubella, hepatitis B and C, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
• Urinalysis with urine culture and toxicology

Emotional well-being

During your first trimester, you may experience a variety of emotions. Your provider can suggest coping strategies, such as exercise and meditation. If you used medication such as antidepressants before pregnancy, talk with your provider about safe options to support your continued emotional well-being.

Growth and development

You and your baby are both growing during the second trimester. Your baby’s skeleton and organs continue to develop. They have sleep and wake cycles. At around week 22, many people can feel their baby moving.

Your body will also continue to change. Your belly expands as your uterus grows to accommodate your baby. Your blood volume increases, as does the amount of blood your heart pumps, known as your cardiac output. In other words, your body is working hard.

Health and nutrition

You should start eating more to accommodate your body’s needs and your baby’s growth. Choose foods high in iron and calcium, and drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to stay hydrated.

You’ll continue having regular checkups with your OBGYN. Your provider will tell you how often they need to see you based on your health and any risk factors you may have. During the second trimester, you’ll receive a glucose test for gestational diabetes, as well as screening for group B streptococcus, an infection that could pass to your baby during birth and make them sick.

Comfort and well-being

At this stage of your pregnancy, you can look forward to possible relief from the nausea and vomiting that you may have experienced during the first trimester. However, it's normal to experience aches in your back, belly or thighs and swelling in your hands, face or feet.

Although you may not feel like moving as much as you did before pregnancy, it's important to stay active throughout your pregnancy. Talk with your provider about modifying your current exercise routine to stay comfortable and keep yourself and your baby healthy.

Preparing for baby

During the second trimester, some expectant parents may begin to think about baby names, decorate the baby’s nursery or sleeping area, and purchase diapers and other items for the baby.

You may also want to think through your childbirth experience. What will labor be like? Who do you want with you? People giving birth for the first time—and those who want a refresher—may consider prenatal classes to prepare for childbirth. We also have online educational resources that may be helpful for you and your partner.

Final development stages

During the third trimester, your baby prepares for birth. Their lungs and other organs finish developing, and their bones continue to harden. They may turn their head down in preparation for childbirth.

Your body also changes as you gain more weight and experience the baby settling lower into your pelvis or “dropping.” You may begin to feel heaviness in your breasts and even leak a few drops of colostrum, a watery, milk-like substance.

Health and safety

In the third trimester, you may need to increase your food intake again. Be sure to focus on nutritious foods and drink plenty of water. You should be drinking eight to 12 cups of water every day.

During the final weeks of your pregnancy, you may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “false labor,” as your uterus occasionally contracts. You can tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor because false labor contractions are irregular and will eventually taper off or go away if you change activities. True labor pains come regularly and become more frequent as time goes on.

Always call your provider if you are unsure what kind of contractions you are experiencing.

Birth preparation

If you haven’t already, your third trimester is time to create a birth plan, including choosing a birthing location and discussing pain management options with your OBGYN.

Babies can arrive unexpectedly. Pack your hospital bag, including essentials such as a hygiene kit, a book to read and any medications you take. Remember that your pregnancy clothes will fit you better than your pre-pregnancy clothes for a while after you give birth. For your baby, pack plenty of diapers and comfortable, layered clothes.

If you plan to take your baby home by car, ensure you have a National Child Passenger Safety Board-approved car seat ready in your vehicle, embracing your new journey with confidence and safety.

Emotional and mental health

You may feel anxious and excited about your upcoming labor and delivery. If this is your first baby, you may feel nervous about parenting skills. Concerns about work, finances and other health issues can add to the natural anticipation surrounding childbirth.

Remember that you’re stronger with a community around you. Think about family and friends who may help form a supportive network. You may also want to ask your OBGYN about additional support resources.

Healthcare after delivery

Your baby will have their first visit with a pediatrician during their first week of life. You should also keep in touch with your OBGYN to discuss concerns about your health and attend postpartum checkups as scheduled to help ensure a good recovery.

You may experience pain from tearing during a vaginal birth or from a cesarean section. Some women develop hemorrhoids after delivery, as well. Call your OBGYN if your pain does not go away in a few weeks.

Also, watch for symptoms of high blood pressure or postpartum preeclampsia, which could include:

• Bad headaches
• Blurry vision, sensitivity to light, temporary vision loss or other vision changes
• Pain under your ribs, usually on the right side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Urinating less than you normally do

Emotional and mental health

You may feel sad or overwhelmed as you adjust to life with your new baby. Many women experience the “baby blues” for one to two weeks after delivery. But, if your sadness or anxiety continues for longer than that, you may have postpartum depression.

Do not feel ashamed if you are feeling depressed. Many women experience this, and help for postpartum depression is available. Your OBGYN can connect you to treatments and support services that can support you.

Adjusting to breastfeeding

Breastfeeding doesn’t always come as easily as people think it should. Before you leave the hospital with your baby, you may meet with a lactation consultant who can give you tips and advice, but you can find continued support through a Baylor Scott & White breastfeeding support group.

Eating a healthy diet and drinking lots of water will also help your body produce breast milk.