Care During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Journey Explained: What to Expect in Each Trimester

Pregnancy is one of the most unique and special phases in a woman’s life. To all the expecting mothers reading this—congratulations! This beautiful journey spans about 40 weeks and is divided into three trimesters: the first, second, and third. Each trimester brings its own changes, experiences, and milestones.

First Trimester (0–14 Weeks): Adjusting to Pregnancy

The first trimester is a time of major hormonal changes, and many women experience noticeable symptoms.

Common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, which are very common due to pregnancy hormones. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding an empty stomach can help. Ginger in the form of ginger bites or candies may reduce nausea. In some cases, pregnancy-safe medications are prescribed, and rarely, hospitalization may be required if vomiting is excessive.

Heartburn and gastritis are also common and can be managed with dietary changes and medications if needed.

Breast tenderness is a normal sign of early pregnancy.

Constipation may occur during this time. A high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables along with adequate fluid intake is encouraged. Regular use of laxatives is avoided unless advised by a doctor.

Vaginal discharge is common in pregnancy and usually normal unless it is foul-smelling or associated with itching.

Vaginal bleeding should always be evaluated by a doctor. An ultrasound is done to confirm the fetal heartbeat and assess the pregnancy.

The first hospital visit, called the booking visit, should ideally happen as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. During this visit, a detailed history is taken, high-risk factors are identified, blood tests are done to check hemoglobin, thyroid function, blood sugars, and blood group. An ultrasound helps confirm the gestational age, expected delivery date, and fetal heartbeat. A nuchal translucency scan done between 12 and 14 weeks is important to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.

Second Trimester (14–28 Weeks): The Honeymoon Phase

The second trimester is often referred to as the honeymoon phase of pregnancy because most early symptoms gradually settle.

Women usually experience improved appetite and energy levels during this phase. The baby bump becomes visible, and many women feel happier and more confident.

Quickening, which is the perception of fetal movements, usually occurs between 18 and 20 weeks in first-time mothers. Women who have been pregnant before may feel movements earlier, around 16 to 18 weeks.

This period is generally safe for short trips, provided travel is comfortable and approved by the doctor.

Hospital visits are usually once every four weeks. An important investigation during this trimester is the anomaly scan done between 18 and 20 weeks. This detailed scan checks the baby from head to toe for any structural abnormalities and should not be missed.

Screening for gestational diabetes is done during this phase using a sugar test. Blood pressure monitoring is important as pregnancy-related hypertension can begin during this time. Iron and vitamin supplements are continued, and two doses of tetanus vaccination are administered.

Third Trimester (28–40 Weeks): Preparing for Birth

The third trimester is the most crucial phase of pregnancy, as maximum growth and maturity of the baby occur during this period.

Extra attention should be given to diet, as the body requires additional calories and nutrients. Including plenty of fruits and vegetables and consuming one to two glasses of milk daily is important.

Monitoring fetal movements is essential. The baby should move at least ten times in a day, or five times within one hour. Checking movements for one hour after meals is highly recommended.

Iron and calcium supplements should be taken regularly as advised.

Hospital visits become more frequent during this trimester, usually every two weeks until 36 weeks and weekly thereafter.

Signs That Labor Is Near

Certain signs indicate that it is time to go to the hospital. These include painful uterine contractions that increase in frequency and intensity, pain radiating from the back to the front, and contractions that do not subside with rest.

Breakage of waters, noticed as a thin watery fluid leaking from the vagina, is another important sign requiring immediate medical attention.

Any vaginal bleeding during this phase should be taken seriously and evaluated by a doctor without delay.

Final Words

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with physical, emotional, and joyful changes. Being informed about what to expect during each trimester helps women feel confident, prepared, and reassured throughout this special time.

Wishing all expecting mothers a happy, healthy, and safe pregnancy.