It can be difficult to navigate all the changes your body will go through during your pregnancy.It can help if you have an idea of what to expect.Being informed will help you feel more prepared as you go through each stage of your pregnancy, and it can be very helpful to know that many other women have gone through the same thing.
Step 1: The conception date should be 2 weeks after your last period.
It can be difficult to know when your baby was born.Most doctors will date your conception about 2 weeks after your last period.Two weeks after your period, an egg will be fertilized.After 3 days in your fallopian tubes, it will travel to your uterus.After your last period, you may have noticed some light spotting.implantation bleeding is when the embryo implants itself in the lining of your uterus.It's easy to estimate conception when women realize they're pregnant when they miss their period.Your doctor will be able to estimate when you conceived if you're not sure.
Step 2: If you have a positive home pregnancy test, see your doctor.
It's important to get proper medical care as soon as possible when you discover you're pregnant.If you need to schedule an in-office pregnancy test, you should call your primary healthcare provider.They will tell you about the next steps you need to take once you're there.A home pregnancy test will be able to detect a baby within a week after a missed period.Your doctor will give you advice on what to eat and what not to do while you're pregnant, as well as how to keep your baby safe.
Step 3: PreNatal vitamins can help your baby's brain development.
When you see your doctor, they'll likely recommend that you start taking a prenatal vitamins with folic acid as soon as possible.400mcg of folic acid is needed each day to help your baby's brain and spine develop.It's a good idea to start taking folic acid before you have a baby if you're not pregnant yet.It will be present in your body when you have a baby.
Step 4: Prepare to be tired and sore during this time of the year.
When you're pregnant, feeling fatigued is one of the first symptoms.Your body is going through a lot of changes and this is normal.Don't try to push through it, even if it's only for a short time.headaches, body ache and pains, leg pain, and swelling in your hands, legs and feet are some of the symptoms you might experience.It's normal to have breasts that are tender or sore during your pregnancy.There are hormonal changes in your body.You might even faint if you notice that you feel dizzy.
Step 5: Morning sickness can happen at any time of the day.
Morning sickness is a common symptom during the first trimester and not everyone will experience it.You could have an upset stomach, or you could be nauseated.You might get a wave of nausea throughout the day, even if it's just the morning time.Eating small, frequent meals and drinking small amounts of fluids throughout the day may help alleviate your morning sickness symptoms.If you're able to, try to avoid spicy, fat, and rich foods.If your morning sickness is severe, you need to talk to your doctor.You might also find that you have to urinate more often because you're constipated or have indigestion.
Step 6: Don't expect your taste for certain foods to change.
During the first trimester, when you're already more prone to morning sickness, food cravings and aversions are very common.You might find yourself desperately wanting a food you've never cared for, for instance, or you may suddenly find that you can't smell a dish you normally love.It's possible that you can't get enough milk or you hate garlic.If you're following a mostly healthy diet, you can indulge in your cravings once in a while.If you want to eat junk food, don't go crazy.
Step 7: Be patient with your moods.
Hormonal fluctuations can make you feel everything from anxious to ecstatic, and sometimes you might swing from one extreme to the other in very short order.If you find yourself reacting in a way that is out of the ordinary, don't beat yourself up, it's not very fun, but it is normal.It's normal to have doubts about the birth of a child.When you're having these feelings, it can be helpful to lean on your support system.You might be worried about your body.The most important thing is that you and your baby stay healthy.It's important to know that being pregnant can uncover hidden feelings about your own past and future, and that is really common.You should talk to your doctor if you feel sad for a long time.
Step 8: You can learn about the changes your baby is going through.
Your baby's major organs will start to develop during the first few months of their life.Their arms, legs, fingers, toes, and sex organs will be developed.The baby will weigh about 1 oz at the end of the first trimester.You can use a weekly calendar to learn more about your baby's development.
Step 9: It will be easier during the second trimester.
The second trimester of pregnancy isn't as hard as the first.It may persist through the second trimester for some women, but you might have less fatigue and morning sickness.As your hormones calm, you may find that you have fewer mood swings.Women who are pregnant find that their hair and nails are strong and healthy.
Step 10: You should be prepared for changes in your body and skin.
Your baby will grow a lot during the second trimester and so will your body.During this time, your breasts will likely be larger and your baby's belly will be more visible.There are stretch marks on your stomach, breasts, legs, or bottom.You may see darker skin on your body.This happens on your face or around your nipples.There is a line that runs from your belly button to your pelvic bone.
Step 11: As your baby grows, expect some irritation.
As your body changes, it's common to have some pains as you go through your second trimester.If you've never experienced carpal tunnel syndrome, it's possible to get it even if you have pain in the back, groin, and abdomen.It's normal to have itching on your body.If this is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, call your doctor.It's normal to have swelling in your ankle, fingers, and face.If the swelling is sudden or extreme, call your doctor.
Step 12: Food cravings and aversions will continue.
Don't be surprised if you still have food cravings, or if there are some foods that you can not stand.You might experience these reactions throughout your entire pregnancy, even if they are strongest during the first trimester.You should follow your doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
Step 13: At around 18 to 20 weeks, you should be able to feel your baby moving.
You might be excited about the first kick, but you won't feel any movement until you're halfway through the second trimester.As your baby gets bigger, the earliest movements will become much more obvious.Your baby's movements will feel like they're in your belly at first.This is called quickening.If you've been pregnant before, you may be able to pick up movements a little earlier.If you're having a healthy pregnancy, some doctors will not advise you to count your baby's movements during this time.
Step 14: If you have complicated emotions during this time, don't be surprised.
As your belly starts to show and you start feeling your baby move, you might feel the reality of your pregnancy setting in.It's normal to be anxious about the testing you have done during this time.It's okay to be afraid or anxious about a new baby even if you're happy about it.You might be suffering from depression if you find that you're not happy most days.
Step 15: Expect your baby to keep growing.
Your baby will form muscles, bones, skin, eyebrows, eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails during the second trimester.They will have fingerprints and footprints.Your baby will be able to hear and swallow, which will allow them to get on a regular sleeping schedule.If you're interested in learning the sex of your baby, your doctor will probably be able to determine it during this time.The baby will be about 30 cm long and weigh 1.5 lbs by the end of the second trimester.
Step 16: You had the same symptoms during the second trimester.
As your body grows, you may feel more tired and achy.During this time, your doctor will begin working with you to finalize your birth plan, and you will find yourself preparing your home for a new baby.As your baby grows throughout the third trimester, it is common for you to experience indigestion.Stick to bland foods and avoid spicy foods.If it continues, talk to your doctor.There will be swelling in your feet, fingers, and face.If the swelling appears suddenly, call your doctor to rule out preeclampsia.Hemorrhoids, trouble sleeping, and your belly button are some of the symptoms.The blood flow in your legs is slower.
Step 17: Your baby will put pressure on your organs.
As your baby grows, there's less room inside for you.If you notice that it's harder to breathe as your baby presses on your lungs, try not to overexert yourself, especially in the final weeks of pregnancy.As your baby presses on your bladder, you may have to urinate more often.Your baby may move lower in your abdomen late in the third trimester to prepare for birth.Since there won't be as much pressure on your lungs, it's easier to breathe.
Step 18: If your breasts start leaking, you should wear breast pads.
The third trimester brings with it a new development: leaking breasts.Colostrum is a watery fluid that your breasts will start developing before your baby is born.As your due date gets closer, this may leak out.It's perfectly normal for a little leaking to be inconvenient.You can keep the colustrum from leaking through to your outer layers by placing absorbent pads inside your bra.
Step 19: There will be some contractions before labor starts.
Women experience contractions during their pregnancies.If you rest, these are usually irregular.On the other hand, real contractions do not go away when you're resting, and they get closer together over time.Call your healthcare provider if you have any questions about labor.
Step 20: As your due date nears, continue to cope with changing emotions.
As you get closer to having your baby, you will probably have a lot of anticipation, excitement, and even nervousness.Let your doctor know if you're feeling anxious about labor by talking to your family and friends.It's normal to be a little upset when your body is tired.If you can help it, try not to take it out on your loved ones.
Step 21: Go to your doctor's appointments for checks.
Your doctor will keep an eye on you as you near the end of your pregnancies to make sure everything is progressing normally.In the last few weeks before your due date, there will be regular cervical checks.If you're not used to having vaginal exams, it might seem strange, but it's an important part of determining when your baby will be born.The cervix will become thinner and softer before you give birth.Your doctor will know when your body is ready to give birth if they see this.
Step 22: You can learn more about your baby's development.
Your baby's bones will finish forming during the third trimester.As your due date gets closer and your baby runs out of space, you will start to feel more stretching, wiggling movements.Just before your due date, your baby will turn into a head-down position.
Step 23: Prepare to deliver a baby.
You can have an unmedicated vaginal birth, get an analgesia, or have a cesarean section.Just focus on coming home with a happy baby and not worry about the birthing process.You might notice that you have frequent or loose bowel movements, you might feel restless, and you'll likely have strong, regular contractions before you give birth.You could also see a break in your water.If you think you're in labor, call your doctor.