If you are reading this article, it is likely that you or someone you know is pregnant. Congratulations to the mum-to-be! This is a thrilling time, but there is also so much information to absorb that you may find it hard to know where to start. In this article, we’ll cover the basics and hopefully help you feel a bit more informed and prepared for the road ahead.

First things first, what is pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a word derived from the Latin phrase for “before birth” and used to describe the period in which a foetus develops inside a woman's womb or uterus. Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, or just over nine months, as measured from the last menstrual period to the baby’s delivery. Your doctor will divide your pregnancy’s time period into three segments called trimesters.

How long will my first trimester last?

If you know you’re pregnant, you may be aware that the first trimester began on the first day of your last period. It will last until the end of week twelve, and your body will have changed a lot by then. Symptoms to expect include nausea, fatigue, breast sensitivity, and lots of trips to the bathroom. Don’t worry, these won’t last forever. In the interim, it is extremely important to be careful about what you eat, stay well hydrated, and get lots of rest. You’ve hopefully booked your first antenatal appointment and begun taking prenatal vitamins already.

What can I expect in the second trimester?

Your second trimester starts at week twelve and ends at week 27. During this period, you’ll be pleased to know that a lot of unpleasant first-trimester symptoms start to subside. Your tummy will grow and ‘pop’ and you will start to feel the baby moving. Keep taking care of yourself and the baby by eating a sound and balanced diet, staying active, and attending all scheduled antenatal appointments. Your healthcare provider will likely perform an ultrasound during the second trimester to check on the baby's growth and development.

How will I feel during my third trimester?

The third trimester begins at week 28 and ends with the moment you’ve been waiting for—childbirth! During this time, your baby will continue to grow and prepare for delivery. You may experience more discomfort as your tummy gets larger and find your sleep disrupted.

You should be especially mindful of any physical changes in the third trimester and tell your doctor if you’re worried. You'll also want to start preparing for childbirth by taking classes and packing your hospital bag.

Childbirth

Your baby and the placenta will be delivered during childbirth. This can happen naturally, through vaginal delivery, with the assistance of forceps or ventouses, or through surgery via a caesarean section. The type of delivery can depend on how long the labour takes, your health, and how your baby is doing.

Antenatal classes can help prepare you for childbirth. You should also try to have a birth plan in place that outlines your personal preferences. Birth plans can change depending on your circumstances; childbirth is unpredictable in many ways, but being prepared for one will make you feel more in control of an anxiety-inducing situation. You'll also want to pack a hospital bag with useful things like comfortable clothing, snacks, toiletries, and a camera to capture those first moments with your baby.

Postpartum

The postpartum period is both uncomfortable and joyful as you adjust to becoming a mother while recovering from childbirth. You may experience sore breasts, vaginal bleeding, and mood changes during these months.

It is especially important to be kind to your body postpartum (it’s sometimes referred to as “the fourth trimester”) by getting plenty of rest when you can, eating a healthy diet, and leaning on your family and friends. It can feel as though everything about this change falls on your shoulders. Speak out about your feelings, as you are vulnerable to depression at this time. Make sure to attend your postpartum checkup to ensure your body is healing correctly. This is usually scheduled from week six onward.

The Fundamentals of Pregnancy

Beginning Unii’s pregnancy journey, we explore the basics of the three trimesters.