Congratulations, Mama! I bet you’re very excited and maybe a little nervous? Or perhaps it’s the other way- very nervous and a little excited.
From Bump to Baby is brought to you by The Pregnancy & Parenting Center
Don’t hate me, but I admittedly had a very easy pregnancy. It took us a while to conceive, but once we had a positive pregnancy test, I experienced no morning sickness or strange symptoms. That said, my friends have been through the wringer with some of their pregnancies– so I know how difficult it can be!
Month 1: The Early Days (Weeks 1-4)
What’s Happening to You:
You may not even know you’re pregnant yet, but hormonal changes are already affecting your body. Some women experience early symptoms like missed periods, nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination.
Tips for the Month:
- Confirm your pregnancy with a home test or visit to the doctor.
- Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid to support fetal development.
- Take note of any early pregnancy symptoms, as they can vary from woman to woman.
Month 2: Developing Foundations (Weeks 5-8)
Your baby now measures about the size of a kidney bean. Major organs like the brain, heart, and liver are developing. By the end of this month, the heart begins to beat, and small arm and leg buds appear.
What’s Happening to You:
You may experience stronger pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness (which can happen at any time of day), increased fatigue, mood swings, and breast tenderness. Your body is undergoing hormonal changes that may cause you to feel more emotionally or physically uncomfortable.
Tips for the Month:
- Schedule your first prenatal appointment if you haven’t already.
- Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals to combat nausea.
- Get plenty of rest to manage fatigue.
Month 3: Growth and Development (Weeks 9-12)
Your baby is starting to take on a more recognizable human form. Their fingers, toes, and facial features are more defined, and the baby’s nervous system is starting to function.
What’s Happening to You:
By the end of the first trimester, many find that their morning sickness starts to subside; however, fatigue and mood swings may persist. The uterus will begin to grow, and you may notice a slight baby bump. The risk of miscarriage also decreases significantly after the first trimester.
Tips for the Month:
- Screening tests like the nuchal translucency scan or blood tests should be considered to assess the risk of certain conditions.
- Continue taking prenatal vitamins and ensure you’re eating a well-balanced diet.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and excessive caffeine.
Month 4: The Second Trimester Begins (Weeks 13-16)
What’s Happening to You:
The second trimester is often referred to as the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy. Many women feel more energetic and less nauseous. However, you may begin to experience some physical changes, such as a growing belly and some back pain. This is normal- your body is adjusting to your changing shape.
Tips for the Month:
- You may start to “show,” so consider wearing comfortable clothing or maternity wear.
- Keep an eye on your posture as your growing belly puts pressure on your back.
- If you haven’t already, schedule your anatomy scan (usually done between weeks 18-22) to check the baby’s development and possibly find out the gender.
Month 5: Halfway There! (Weeks 17-20)
At 20 weeks, your baby is about the size of a banana, weighing roughly 10 ounces. The baby’s skin is translucent, and the development of fine hair continues. You’ll likely feel the baby’s first movements—called “quickening”—which can feel like fluttering or bubbles.
What’s Happening to You:
You might experience new pregnancy symptoms like leg cramps, stretch marks, and increased appetite. Your belly is growing, and the uterus is now above your belly button. Hormonal changes might also affect your skin, causing pigmentation changes or acne.
Tips for the Month:
- Stay active with gentle exercises like walking or swimming.
- Focus on your diet and ensure you’re getting enough protein, calcium, and iron.
Month 6: Baby’s Senses Develop (Weeks 21-24)
Your baby is developing more distinct features and may even start to open their eyes. By the end of this month, the baby will weigh around 1.5 pounds and be about 12 inches long. They may respond to sounds and their sense of taste is developing.
What’s Happening to You:
You may notice more pronounced physical changes, such as a bigger belly and potential swelling in your feet and ankles. Some women also experience heartburn or indigestion as the growing uterus puts pressure on their stomach.
Tips for the Month:
- Get a prenatal massage or use warm compresses to help alleviate back and hip pain.
- Monitor your weight gain and stay active to help maintain a healthy pregnancy.
- Consider taking childbirth classes to prepare for labor and delivery.
Month 7: Final Stretch (Weeks 25-28)
Your baby is becoming more active and now weighs over 2 pounds. Their lungs and digestive system are maturing, and they may start to practice breathing movements. The baby’s skin is less wrinkled, and they’re gaining fat to help regulate body temperature after birth.
What’s Happening to You:
You may start to experience more discomfort as your body prepares for labor. This can include more pronounced back pain, Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor), and trouble sleeping. You may also experience shortness of breath as your uterus pushes up against your diaphragm.
Tips for the Month:
- Keep practicing relaxation techniques to help you cope with stress and discomfort.
- Take short naps to combat fatigue.
Month 8: Getting Ready for Labor (Weeks 29-32)
Your baby is gaining more weight and accumulating body fat. Their bones are hardening, though the skull remains soft and flexible to facilitate birth. The baby’s movements may feel stronger and more frequent as space in the womb becomes more cramped.
What’s Happening to You:
You may feel more frequent contractions and experience more swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands. The baby’s head may begin to descend into your pelvis in preparation for delivery, and you may feel more pelvic pressure.
Tips for the Month:
- Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider.
- Pack your hospital bag, and make sure you have all the necessary items ready for delivery.
- Keep moving to relieve some of the discomfort, but avoid overexertion.
Month 9: Almost There (Weeks 33-36)
At the end of this month, your baby will be ready for life outside the womb. They’ll be about 18-20 inches long and weigh 5-6 pounds. Baby is likely positioned head-down in preparation for birth, though some babies remain breech until closer to labor.
What’s Happening to You:
You may experience more intense contractions as your body prepares for the final stages of labor. You might also notice more frequent trips to the bathroom, as the baby’s head applies pressure to your bladder.
Tips for the Month:
- Stay in close contact with your doctor to monitor your health and baby’s position.
- Rest when you can and focus on relaxation techniques for labor.
- Ensure your birth plan is in place, and stay ready for the big day!
Embrace the Journey, Mama
Pregnancy is a time of rapid growth and change, and every woman’s experience is unique. By understanding what’s happening to your body and your baby month by month, you can better navigate the challenges and joys of this special time. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your fifth, remember to take care of yourself, ask questions, and trust your body. Soon enough, you’ll be holding your precious baby in your arms, and all the months of anticipation will have been worth it. I’m rooting for you, Mama!
The Pregnancy & Parenting Care Center is the place for families to receive the support and resources necessary to make life affirming decisions and build stronger families. For more information, please visit https://thepregnancyandparentingcenter.com/services/.
Audrey Mattevi, Reporting