On a journey !

Let's talk about the 3 trimesters of pregnancy ,and some of the very common things experienced by women.

Remember, Just as each woman is different, so is each pregnancy.

Remember also that 4 weeks make a month , so do not be confused when counting. Pregnancy is measured in weeks.

First Trimester (Week 1 -12)(Early pregnancy )

During the first trimester your body will undergo many changes.

Hormonal changes will affect almost every organ and system in your body. These changes trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy. If you have a regular menstrual cycle,missing your period is usually the first sign that you are pregnant. Other changes may include:

• Extreme tiredness
• Tender, swollen breasts. Your nipples might also stick out.
• Upset stomach with or without throwing up(morning sickness)
• Cravings or distaste for certain foods
• Mood swings
• Constipation (trouble having bowel movements)
• Need to pass urine more often
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Weight gain or loss

As your body changes, you may need to make changes to your daily routine, such as going to bed earlier or eating frequent, small meals. Fortunately, most of these discomforts go away as your pregnancy progresses. As a matter of fact I woke up one morning and I felt so different ,I actually went to check if I was still pregnant. I did another home pregnancy test just to confirm hahahaha....

Some women might not feel any discomfort at all! Very lucky I say.

If you have been pregnant before, you might also feel differently this time around.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-28) (Mid pregnancy)

A lot of women, like me found this stage much easier than the first .The nausea disappears as well as the tiredness.

But other new, more noticeable changes to your body are now happening. Most visible being that your abdomen will start expanding as the baby continues to grow. Before this trimester is over, you will feel your baby beginning to move!

The first stirrings of the baby is called quickening and is a very powerful moment .

Finally you now know that yes , this is real !

So, as your body makes changes for the growing baby , you may feel the following :

• Body aches, such as back, abdomen, groin, or thigh pain.

• Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
• Darkening of the skin around your nipples
• A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline
• Patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Patches often match on both sides of the face.
• Itching on the abdomen, palms, and soles of the feet.
• Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (Please If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, it is advisable to see your doctor right away. (This could be a sign of preeclampsia that is high blood pressure in pregnancy)

Third Trimester (Weeks 29-40) (Late pregnancy)

Hey ! This is the last lap of the journey !

Some of the things you experienced in the second trimester will continue .

Plus, many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and is putting more pressure on your bladder. There is no cause for alarm.

You will also experience new things such as :

• Shortness of breath
• Heartburn
• Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
• Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum Your belly button may stick out.
• Trouble sleeping
• The baby "dropping," or moving lower in your abdomen
• Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor 

You should also have your hospital bag prepared at this stage and ready. 

Get a list of required items for both you and  baby from your hospital to guide you. 

Let everyone in your household know where the bag is please ! You never know.

Get excited ! this is the final countdown !


Tell me how you felt in this last trimester please ….