Stages of PregnancyAnd all the Normal Changes to Expect

Goals: Understanding Each Trimester•Tests•Timeline•Self-care•Normal Bodily Changes

Pregnancy is divided into 3 different stages:•First Trimester• Weeks 1-13

•Second Trimester • Weeks 14-26

•Third Trimester• Weeks 27-40

1st Trimester weeks 1-13

Normal Changesa) “Morning

Sickness”b) Sense of

smellc) Urinationd) Tirede) Cravingsf) Dizziness

Why??a) Hormones imbalanced,

stomach empties slower.

b) Hormone changes.c) Extra pressure on

bladder from uterusd) You guessed it,

hormones!e) Yup, hormonesf) Drop in blood pressure,

which causes the blood to go south away from your head.

What to do about ita) Eat small frequent

meals throughout the day

b) Avoid stinky things (duh)

c) Cut back on caffeine

d) Pace yourself e) Eat up!f) Pull over, lay down,

be safe!

Get Checked!a) First doctor appointment 6-8 weeksb) Every 4 weeks after that until 32 weeks.

a) Ex: (12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32)

Make sure that the little punk, or brat, is healthy and that you are prepared!

2nd Trimester weeks 14-26

Normal Changesa) Larger

Breastsb) Bigger

bellyc) Skin colord) Stretch

markse) Braxton

Hicks contractions

Why??a) Hormones are preparing

breasts for what they were made for

b) You’ve got a baby in there!

c) Darker stripe on the belly, darker nipples so baby can see ‘em!

d) Pink or purple itchy stripes on the belly… making room for Junior.

e) Uterus is getting ready by doing some warm ups

What to do about ita) Get a more supportive

bra, and make sure your new boobs fit in it.

b) Stretchy pants… it’s all about the stretchy pants

c) They’ll fade after delivery

d) If they itch use a moisturizer

e) Ride it out, contact your doctor if they’re irregular or they hurt

Get Checked!a) Ultrasound to see the sex of the fetus after 15 weeks.

b) Still every 4 weeks until week 32!

Now you’ll know what color of clothes to get!

3rd Trimester weeks 27-40ish

Normal Changesa) Even

Larger Breasts

b) Continued weight gain

c) Hemorrhoids, varicose veins

d) Back aches

Why??a) Breasts are ready to feed!b) You’ve got a baby in

there, and there is a lot of amniotic fluid too! (amniotic fluid surrounds and cushions the baby)

c) Blood sometimes pools in the veins around the body

d) Relaxin, a hormone that causes joints to loosen up, is plentiful in your pregnant body. It puts more strain on joints like your back.

What to do about ita) Breast feed, there really

is no better substitute for you or your baby.

b) Stretchy pants… it’s all about the stretchy pants

c) Talk to your doctor about medications for hemis! Eat lots of fiber to avoid constipation and straining.

d) Take a load off, let him do the dishes, sweep the floor, and take care of all the heavy lifting!