A first pregnancy typically culminates in 40 weeks, split into three trimesters, each with different symptoms, check-ups and milestones. Expectant mothers should take care of their health — Newborns should schedule regular prenatal care as soon as possible, eat balanced nutrition, take vitamins and maintain healthy physical activity within health limits, and know what the signs are that require medical service immediately. For this guide, I have based the following steps on my personal experience of what you can expect at each stage based on how my care team navigated me through it.
I can still see myself staring down at a positive pregnancy test on the bathroom counter, excited and just lost. There isn’t a control for pregnant women, in the way that when they discover they’re pregnant for the first time, nobody gives them a manual. Instead, you are Googling symptoms at 2 a.m. and consulting your friends about what is “normal.”
This post was the guide that I wish existed when I started. Think of this as my lowdown — from what I learned (mostly from my doctor and books, but a little bit from my nine months of trial and error) so that you can walk into your first pregnancy one baby step more prepared and with way less anxiety!
What are the early signs of pregnancy?
It began with exhaustion that felt painfully deep in my bones, followed by nausea not confined to mornings — and this would rain down on me at virtually any hour of the day. Some additional frequently encountered symptoms in early pregnancy are:
- A missed period
- Sore, swollen breasts
- Frequent urination
- Food aversions or sudden cravings
- Mood swings
Not every woman has the same experiences with pregnancy, so don’t put yourself into a panic if you do not find yourself exhibiting any of these symptoms, or if you are experiencing an entirely new set.
What happens at your first prenatal appointment?
Usually you have your first prenatal visit at 8 weeks, but depending on your case, your doctor’s office might schedule it sooner or later. Mine included a comprehensive medical history, physical exam, blood tests, urine test and my first opportunity to hear a due date estimate.
Come prepared with questions. I maintained a list in my phone because every time I entered the exam room, half of them disappeared.
What are the symptoms in the first trimester?
Trimester one (weeks 1 to 12) is when the organs of your baby begin development and where symptoms can be most severe. All I ever battled with was fatigue, nausea and breast tenderness. It’s an up-and-down stage, emotionally — you are nervous and excited (I mean how people will respond if no one knows yet).
What to expect in the second trimester?
A large swath of women dub the second trimester (weeks 13-27) the “honeymoon phase,” and within a few days, I saw why. Energy levels returned, nausea was all but past (with the occasional bout of car sickness), and then at about the 18-week mark I began to feel flutters — weird little movements. This is also when many people plan their anatomy scan, a test that checks the baby for potential problems and can usually show whether it’s a boy or girl.
What can you expect during the third trimester?
Last but not least, the third trimester (weeks 28-40) is the final stretch of your pregnancy timeline, but it comes with some challenges — back pain and swelling, shortness of breath and trouble sleeping. With time, appointments become more frequent as you are further along, at which point your provider will monitor the labour process.
Do you need prenatal vitamins and supplements?
Prenatal vitamins do fill in the nutrients your diet often fails to provide; at least, yes. It is vital for fetal growth, particularly folic acid, iron, calcium and DHA. Discuss with your doctor what prenatal vitamin you want to take; mine told me to start before I even completed my first trimester.
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
In the case of moderate exercise, it is effective and safe for most healthy pregnancies. Walking (as much as I still could), swimming, and prenatal yoga. Recent activity, since October, through exercise has supported my sleep and energy level as well as mood. That being said, always get the green light from your physician first — and even more so with a high-risk pregnancy.
Is sex safe during pregnancy?
During healthy, low-risk pregnancies, it is thought that sex through all three trimesters generally poses no risk to the baby. An amniotic sac and the muscles around it keep the baby protected inside of your uterus. But as your pregnancy goes on, so will the feelings in your body and comfort level, and how much you want to have sex or what positions feel good are allowed to change too.
There are several factors, including hormonal variations, tiredness that sometimes worsens through the 1st trimester (morning sickness as an example), and widening of your tender breasts region along with bodily inconveniences, which will impact sexual drive because they appear over time. Which is why, by the time your baby bump starts to grow and you begin discussing what works for — or challenges with making love during pregnancy, it’s a good idea to go easy on positions. Your healthcare provider might also recommend you abstain from sex if you have complications in your pregnancy (such as unexplained vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, leaking amniotic fluid or preterm labour risk). If unsure about whether sex is safe in your individual pregnancy, check with a healthcare provider — doctor or midwife before having any sexual activity.
Call your doctor immediately if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain or leakage of fluid with strong contractions after sex.
How should you prepare for labour and delivery?
During the latter half of my third trimester, I really started to give further consideration to my birth plan: pain management choices, who would be in the room with me — and what things I had ready for my hospital bag. The best part was that most hospitals offer classes on labour, which opened my eyes and showed what it would really feel like to give birth and what role my partner would actually have (spoiler: getting me ice chips).
What pregnancy warning signs should you never ignore?
Some of these symptoms in pregnancy are harmless; other signs should never be21 sneak previously recognized: They symbolise a serious complication! Make sure, if you notice any of the following, you contact your physician as soon as possible
- Vaginal bleeding: Light spotting is common, but heavy vaginal bleeding needs to be evaluated rapidly, especially with pain or cramps.
- Abdominal stomach cramps: Sudden, severe or persistent abdominal pain has many causes and needs to be checked out by a doctor.
- Swelling in the face or hands suddenly: Sudden swelling of any degree, especially when accompanied by headache or visual changes while pregnant, may indicate high blood pressure-related complications.
- Severe headaches or vision changes: Tell your healthcare provider if you have a severe headache that does not go away, blurred vision, flashing lights, and other sudden vision changes (scotomas).
- Less movement of the baby: During later pregnancy, a significant reduction or alteration seen in the non-mainstream customary routine must be confirmed without a halt.
- Preterm contractions: Labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm and can range from regular contractions, pelvic pressure or lower back pain to signs of labour. Preterm delivery may need immediate medical intervention.
If something doesn’t feel right, or feels concerning, please do get in touch with your doctor/maternity care team regardless of whether you think it will come back to normal. Rather than ignore a symptom unattended, well best to have your concern examined.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Pregnancy
How long does a first pregnancy take?
A term pregnancy is approximately 40 weeks and measured from the first day of your last menstrual cycle, but delivery may occur anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks and still be considered normal.
When should I tell people I’m pregnant?
Most women wait until after the first trimester when comparatively little risk of miscarriage occurs (the 12-13th week). It’s a personal decision, though — some are letting the news out sooner.
How much weight should I expect to gain?
Recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy also differ based on your starting (pre-pregnancy) weight. Your doctor will be able to provide you with a feasible figure, depending on your own health history.
Can I travel while pregnant?
The second trimester is generally when you can travel the safest if your pregnancy has no risks. This is one more reason why you should always verify with your provider prior to reserving, especially for a long-haul flight or travelling internationally.
What’s the biggest difference between a first and later pregnancy?
New mothers, after all, experience fetal movement later and tend to have longer births, as the physique is unprepared for what it has never encountered before. But every pregnancy is different, even in the same woman.
If you’re just starting your pregnancy journey, learn more about what happens during the first week in our guide to [1 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development & What to Expect].
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