Pregnancy is beautiful and life-changing, but it can also be complicated. Between visiting your OB-GYN, planning your nutrition, taking any necessary medications, and other activities of daily living, it can feel overwhelming keeping everything in order. Here’s what you need to know for each trimester to plan a safe and healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. 

A Guide to Pregnancy Planning During Each Trimester

First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy starts from week one and continues into week 12. While you likely won’t show any visual signs that you’re pregnant, you may experience nausea, mood swings, fatigue, and food cravings.

By the end of the first trimester, your baby will be around 3 inches long and will start to develop their appendages, eyes, internal organs, nerves, and heartbeat. If you’re planning to become pregnant, start taking folic acid before conception to prevent birth defects later on. Also, see an OB-GYN when you become pregnant and once a month during the first trimester for health monitoring and correct nutrition. Find a prenatal multivitamin with calcium, iron, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy development. 

Second Trimester

As you enter week 13, you’ll begin to show a baby bump, which will grow significantly through the second trimester. Your fatigue and nausea may disappear during this stage, but it may be replaced with aches and pains, swelling of the feet and hands, and the development of stretch marks. At the end of the second trimester, or around week 27, your developing baby should be more than a foot long. Keep taking your prenatal vitamins and incorporate more protein into your diet. You’ll also want to see your OB-GYN every two weeks to continue monitoring the baby’s health and yours as well. 

Third Trimester

From week 28 until birth, your baby will continue to grow to nearly two feet in length. You should schedule your gynecology visits to once a week or as recommended by your OB-GYN for health monitoring for you and your child. By now, you should be eating at least 300 more calories a day. Because you may experience acid reflux and constipation, you’ll want to incorporate fibrous, low-fat foods into your diet. You may also experience chest tenderness and leakage as well as need frequent bathroom trips.

Tracking your health while you’re pregnant can be stressful, especially since gestation can be exhausting. For compassionate, efficient gynecology tailored to your unique needs, visit Advanced OB-GYN Services in St. Peters and Bridgeton, MO. For more than 30 years, they’ve provided patients with prenatal care and pregnancy preparation, infertility treatments, exams, and ultrasounds. For an appointment, call (636) 928-1800 for the St. Peters location, or (314) 291-2140 for the Bridgeton office. Visit their website for more information.