Pregnancy Stage

Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, with new experiences at each pregnancy stage. Keeping in mind that every pregnancy is different, here are some things that most women can expect.

First Trimester

During the first twelve weeks, your baby is just beginning to develop and your body is getting used to being pregnant.

Public Views

In the earliest pregnancy stage, people might not guess that you have a baby on the way. Your breasts might look a little fuller. If you're excited about the baby, you might look more cheerful than usual. But, don't be disappointed if no one picks up on it. Your body will be changing soon enough!

Private Matters

• You may have mood swings. You may find that you're crying over small things, feeling frightened or irritable, or losing your temper more than usual. As long as these symptoms are mild, you can chalk them up to hormone changes and, perhaps, nervousness about becoming a mother.
• You will probably have some vaginal discharge. A small amount of thin, whitish fluid is normal throughout your pregnancy. If you have a lot of discharge, if it smells bad, or if it's not whitish or clear, see your doctor. These can be signs of infection.

Uncomfortable Moments

There are some discomforts that go with this pregnancy stage.

• Morning sickness. Nausea and vomiting don't only happen in the morning. Certain foods, tastes, or smells may make you feel sick to your stomach.
• Tiredness. Your body is working hard to prepare for a developing baby. This can leave you feeling more tired than usual.
• Breast tenderness. This is related to the surge of hormones that accompanies pregnancy.
• Dizziness. Changes in blood pressure and in how your blood vessels react can make you feel a bit lightheaded if you stand up quickly or remain standing very long.

Second Trimester

The second trimester brings more obvious changes.

Public Views

• Your belly will really begin to show.
• Your breasts will look rounder and fuller. They're getting ready to make milk for the baby. Your milk glands are growing in preparation, and your breasts may get larger, too. It's not unusual to gain one or two whole cup sizes! Don't be disappointed if you were hoping for a boost and don't see a big change, though. Every woman is different.
• Your body may look plumper or rounder. You'll begin to gain noticeable weight during this time. Your doctor will help guide you, but for most women it's normal to gain about four pounds per month between now and the baby's birth. This doesn't mean you need to get fat, just that you have to gain enough to keep you and the baby healthy.
• You'll probably start to glow! You may look rosy-cheeked from increased circulation, you'll probably be over your morning sickness, and you might just feel happy and sparkly as you think about meeting your new baby.

Private Matters

• Your nipples may become darker. You may see a dark line down the middle of your belly, too.
• Your baby will start to move! Most women feel the first movements around the 20th week. At first, it may feel like a little flutter. Soon enough, you'll be feeling real kicks.

Uncomfortable Moments

• Leg cramps. As the baby grows and gains weight, he/she may begin to press down on the nerves at the tops of your legs, causing discomfort and cramps.
• Heartburn. Pregnancy slows down digestion and makes food travel more slowly through your system, which can contribute to heartburn. Your doctor can tell you what heartburn medicines are safe in pregnancy.

Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy is when things really get interesting!

Public Views

You're really pregnant now! You'll definitely need maternity clothes to accommodate your belly.

Private Matters

• Your ankles will swell. The baby's weight pushes on the veins that drain from your legs, causing fluid to build up. The same effect can cause varicose veins.
• You may sweat more than usual. The heat from your baby's body is added to yours. You might feel a little warm when everyone else is comfortable.
• Your nipples may start leaking fluid. This usually happens near the very end of pregnancy. The yellowish fluid, called colostrum, is a precursor to milk.
• You may have occasional contractions. These Braxton-Hicks contractions are normal. Contact your doctor if contractions are frequent, very painful, or occurring in a regular fashion. This could signal problems or be the start of labor.

Uncomfortable Moments

• Trouble catching your breath. By the third trimester, the baby is taking up so much room in your belly that he/she may be pressing upward on your diaphragm.
• Back pain. The baby's weight can also give you a backache, especially if you have to stand for very long.
• Hemorrhoids. It's common to develop hemorrhoids during this later pregnancy stage.
• Increased heartburn. Not only is food moving more slowly in your digestive system, but the baby may now be pressing against your stomach.

The Final Pregnancy Stage

Giving birth can be considered the final pregnancy stage. You can learn more at the LoveToKnow section on Labor and Delivery, including articles about labor, childbirth, vaginal birth, and C-sections.