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Pregnancy is a remarkable andtransformative time in a woman's life. From the early days of conception to the moment of birth, each stage presents unique challenges and joys. In this blog post, we willbe covering some tips for each stage of the pregnancy journey and what you should expect along the way!
Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1-12):
The first three months of pregnancy is the perfect time for you to educate yourself about the changes happening in your body. And take the time & effort to start supporting yourself in the best way possible.
It’s totally normal to experience some (not so fun) physical side effects of being pregnant. Including but not limited to fatigue, nausea/vomiting, mood swings, weight gain, headaches, and cravings or revulsions to certain types of food. Nevertheless, this is just your body reacting to all the internal changes going on. Make sure to schedule your first prenatal appointment, start taking prenatal vitamins, maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, get sufficient rest, and don’t be shy to ask for help! This is the best time to tell your friends, family, and employer the special news. Looking into where you want to give birth is another important factor to consider as well as any implications that could affect your pregnancy journey – health wise or financially. The most you can do at this point in time is take care of yourself, alleviate your stress or worries and make sure you’ve planned everything in advance to have a smooth sailing pregnancy.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27):
The second trimester of your pregnancy are for months 4, 5 and 6. By now you may start to see your baby bump and feel your baby move for the first time. Towards the end of the second trimester, you’ll be able to learn the sex of your baby or if you’re having twins!
For many, the worst of the nausea and morning sickness has passed at this point. Your body is still going through many changes though and as the fetus starts to develop & look more like a child, you may experience a few new symptoms including:
It’s important to continue with regular prenatal care visits, practice regular exercise, wear comfortable maternity clothes, consider prenatal classes, monitor fetal movements, and be prepared for possible weight gain and skin changes. And of course, if at any point you have severe cramping, or breathing symptoms; or noticeable changes in how your baby is moving do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for a health check-up. At the end of the day, you know your body best and if something doesn’t feel right.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40+):
The final trimester of your pregnancy begins at 28 weeks gestation and extends until delivery. By the end of week 37, the baby is considered full term and it’s only a matter of time before the baby will be born. A woman may experience more aches, pain and swelling as she carries around her baby, other side effects include occasional random tightening of the uterus (Braxton-Hicks contractions), going to the bathroom often, heartburn, hemorrhoids, difficulty sleeping and tender breasts that may leak watery milk.
Be sure to attend prenatal check-ups more frequently, practice relaxation techniques, maintain a healthy diet, practice proper posture, plan for the birth process, pack your emergency hospital bag, and be aware of common discomforts such as back pain and swelling.
Newborn Preparation and Postpartum Care and Recovery:
Preparing for labor and delivery can seem stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many resources and options out there to make your journey a bit easier. You can attend childbirth education classes, create a birth plan, practice breathing and relaxation exercises, explore pain management options, and discuss your birth preferences with your healthcare provider. This is also the best time to seek help if you are struggling emotionally or mentally. Communicating your feelings and concerns to your partner, support system and health practitioners is beneficial to your well-being is vital in practicing a stress-free mindet. Take care of yourself!
Prior to your due date, setting up the nursery in advance will save you a lot of stress when you do come home from labor. As well as purchasing all youressential baby items. Brushing up on your research on breastfeeding or bottle-feeding techniques will also aid you in getting accustomed to newborn baby care basics.
With postpartum recovery it’s common to have many symptoms, such as:
Despite having to take care of a baby now, rest will be your number one best friend. Catching up on sleep where you can, managing postpartum emotions, seeking assistance with household tasks, and consulting your healthcare provider about contraception options or mental support are a great way to manage your postpartum experience. The pregnancy journey is an incredible and transformative event, following these tips and educating yourself on what to expect at each stage will help you navigate the pregnancy journey with confidence and prepare for a swift arrival of your little one.
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Medical Disclaimer: Our blogs are intended for general information and discussions about health & other related subjects. While we make every effort to make sure the information in this website is accurate and educational, the information does not take the place of professional advice or patient treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment.
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