Each pregnancy varies, but common signs include missed periods, morning sickness and breast tenderness. Other symptoms could include constipation or bloating due to elevated levels of progesterone.
If you find yourself experiencing nausea, try eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding spicy or greasy foods as well as wearing an acupressure armband. Frequent urination due to rising hormones is another common sign.
1. The First Trimester
Beginning at conception, pregnancy’s initial trimester sees rapid development of an embryo into what’s now referred to as a fetus. By the end of this period its soft skeleton will have become fully formed as all major organs begin forming within this little one.
Morning sickness (nausea is typically worse in the morning, hence its name) and food cravings and aversions are other symptoms associated with pregnancy that many women will experience during this time. Frequent urination, as your body produces more fluids to fill your bladder, may last throughout your first trimester of gestation.
2. The Second Trimester
In general, the second trimester tends to be easier and your bump should increase somewhat. You may begin experiencing backache and frequent urination as your baby takes up more space in your body.
As your pregnancy hormones continue to change, nausea may still occur, with more episodes likely happening during the day than previously. If morning sickness persists, speak to your physician about effective methods for managing it. In addition, your sense of smell may become sharper and food cravings more intense – both are completely normal! Finally, be on the lookout for any signs of bleeding (which should usually not be serious); immediately contact your physician if any occur!
3. The Third Trimester
As your pregnancy advances, you may begin experiencing backaches and being forgetful more frequently (blame those pregnancy hormones!). Additionally, you may start feeling what are known as Braxton Hicks movements as well.
At this stage, the fertilized egg transforms from a hollow neural tube into a brain and spinal cord; major organs begin forming, such as your breasts and stomach swell, as well as possible mood swings; should these persist, it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider as it could indicate serious problems.
4. The Fourth Trimester
Pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks and is divided into three trimesters. Your doctor will regularly perform blood pressure and urine tests as well as perform a pelvic exam (including Pap smear testing) throughout your gestation.
At this point in their pregnancy, many women experience morning sickness, breast tenderness, fatigue and mood shifts. You may also have frequent urination as your growing baby presses on your bladder – if this persists beyond 24 hours contact your healthcare provider immediately as these could be signs of preeclampsia.
5. The Fifth Trimester
As your baby transforms from embryo to fetus during this trimester, your hormones may cause backaches due to carrying more weight than is typical. You might also experience shortness of breath or feel kicks from within!
Morning sickness, coupled with an increased sense of smell and food cravings, are common during this stage. Frequent urination often follows as your growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder. Blood screening tests will also take place at this point in time.
6. The Sixth Trimester
At this stage, your baby continues to develop rapidly. Some pregnant women report feeling stronger kicks while backaches and forgetfulness may set in (commonly referred to as pregnancy brain).
Fatigue during pregnancy is an inevitable side effect. If you find yourself becoming particularly exhausted, please speak with your physician.
Some pregnant women experience early morning sickness in this trimester. To stay hydrated during this time, drink lots of fluids throughout the day.
7. The Seventh Trimester
Your body is getting ready for an extended journey.
This week: You may notice you’ve stopped having periods, which is one of the first indicators of pregnancy (although this could happen later). Additionally, nausea may begin due to changing hormones.
Frequent urination is another common symptom, caused by your growing uterus compressing the bladder. While some women experience this symptom only at night, other may notice daytime or night-time urinary leakage as well. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day if this becomes an issue for you. You might also experience backaches; these are all normal; be sure to protect your back with a pillow!
8. The Eighth Trimester
At this stage of your pregnancy, the baby begins to rapidly expand. At this stage, more symptoms may emerge such as needing to pee frequently or experiencing heartburn; you may even feel some labor contractions (often false alarms; it’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider).
Your baby has now progressed from an embryo to a fetus and they now possess distinct facial features. At this stage of gestation, many women start experiencing less morning sickness; also during this month, blood tests for group B strep are typically administered.
9. The Ninth Trimester
As your baby continues to develop, the nesting instinct may take over – motivating you to clean cabinets and walls alike. Additionally, it’s vital that all immunisationss are up-to-date, such as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), which may pass from mother to baby during labour.
Pregnancy is an incredible journey that every woman experiences differently. Use our illustrated pregnancy calendar as a resource to understand your body’s changes during gestation, including week-by-week descriptions of baby development as well as physical & emotional symptoms that you might encounter during gestation.
10. The Tenth Trimester
Pregnancy can be an extraordinary journey. Much like Princess Leia from Star Wars movies, you will experience both wonder and adventure as your body undergoes remarkable changes; along with uncertainty and discomfort.
Backaches and forgetfulness during gestation may occur, known as pregnancy brain. If any bleeding is suspected, contact your physician immediately.
