You’re embarking on an incredible journey filled with wonder, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of nervousness. Pregnancy is a unique and beautiful experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time mothers. Here is an overview of what to expect during each trimester of pregnancy, including important medical information and key milestones along the way.
First trimester: The beginning
The first trimester, spanning weeks 1 to 12, is often characterised by a whirlwind of emotions and physical changes as your body begins to adapt to pregnancy. During this time, you may experience symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue, and tender breasts as your hormone levels fluctuate. It’s important to listen to your body and prioritise self-care during this period.
Medical milestones:
Confirmation of pregnancy through a home pregnancy test or a visit to your healthcare professional.
Initial prenatal appointment to discuss your medical history, lifestyle factors, and prenatal care plan.
First ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and estimate the due date.
Key advice:
Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins like beans, pulses, eggs, fish and meat.
Eat foods high in iron, such as red meats, nuts, beans, pulses and fortified cereals.
Take the skin off poultry and remove as much fat as you can from meat.
Avoid consuming extra calories. Eating for two is a myth!
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water: around 2 litres per day is recommended.
Get plenty of rest and listen to your body’s signals.
Continue to stay active. It is safe to continue exercising to the level you are used to pre-pregnancy, but avoid any contact sports/activities.
Start taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid to support your baby’s development. Multivitamins for pregnancy are recommended every day for the entirety of your pregnancy.
Begin to perform pelvic floor exercises and continue throughout the pregnancy, postpartum period and for the rest of your life.
Second trimester: blossoming and bonding
The second trimester, spanning weeks 13 to 27, is often referred to as the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy. Many women find relief from the early symptoms of pregnancy during this time and begin to embrace the physical changes taking place. You may start to feel more energetic and experience the first flutters of your baby’s movements, known as “quickening”. This happens between weeks 16 to 24, usually in the later part of that range for a first pregnancy.
Medical milestones:
“Nuchal translucency screening” or first-trimester screening to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities at around 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Anatomy ultrasound around week 20 to evaluate the baby’s growth and development.
Glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28. This is only offered if you have existing risk factors for developing gestational diabetes.
Key advice:
Stay active with prenatal exercise classes, yoga, or walking.
Invest in maternity clothes for comfort and support.
Continue to prioritise nutritious eating habits and regular prenatal check-ups.
Consider attending childbirth education classes to prepare for labour and delivery.
Begin to become familiar with your baby’s/babies’ normal pattern of foetal movement. If you ever have any concerns regarding your baby’s movements, please contact your maternity department urgently.
Third trimester: anticipation and preparation
The third trimester, from week 28 until birth, is a time of anticipation and preparation as you count down to the arrival of your baby. Your baby’s movements may become more pronounced as they grow, and you may experience new symptoms such as heartburn, backaches, and difficulty sleeping as your body prepares for childbirth.
Medical milestones:
Regular prenatal check-ups to monitor your baby’s growth, position, and overall health.
Group B streptococcus (GBS) screening around week 36 to determine if antibiotic treatment is needed during labour. However, this test is NHS Trust dependent and does not happen routinely across the UK.
Preparing a birth plan in consultation with your healthcare team to outline your preferences for labour and delivery.
Collect a MatB1 form to give to your employer/s to help with organising your maternity leave.
Key advice:
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to manage any stress or anxiety.
Attend childbirth classes with your partner or support person to learn about pain management options and labour positions.
Pack your hospital bag with essentials for labour, delivery, and postnatal recovery.
Stay hydrated and continue to eat well-balanced meals to maintain your energy levels.
Continue to be active as this will help prepare your body for labour and birth.
Consider perineal massage from 34 weeks gestation.
Prepare your home for the arrival of your baby/babies, known as ‘nesting’.
Consider batch cooking to freeze ready for the first week or so after birth.
Consider expressing colostrum from 37 weeks. You can freeze whatever you collect.
Antenatal checks you can expect to have
What to expect if you are carrying twins or triplets
Childbirth: welcoming your baby into the world
Childbirth is a momentous occasion, marking the end of pregnancy and the beginning of parenthood. Labour can vary greatly from woman to woman, but it typically progresses through three stages: early labour, active labour, and delivery of the placenta. Whether the birth is with or without medication, a vaginal birth or a caesarean section, the most important things are your health and the safe arrival of your baby.
Medical information:
Signs of labour include regular contractions (3-4 contractions within a 10 minute period, each lasting around 30-60 seconds), the release of the mucus plug, and rupture of the amniotic sac (water breaking).
The length and intensity of labour can vary, but it’s important to communicate with your healthcare and support teams throughout the process.
After delivery, your healthcare team will monitor both you and your baby closely for any complications and provide guidance on breastfeeding, postnatal care, and newborn care.
Key advice:
Trust your body and instincts during labour, and don’t hesitate to ask for support or pain relief options if needed.
Surround yourself with a supportive birth team, which could include your partner, family members, and doula, as well as your midwife.
Be flexible and open-minded about your birth preferences, as unexpected circumstances may arise.
Remember to celebrate this incredible milestone and cherish the precious moments with your newborn baby.
