Pregnancy by trimester: what happens in the first, second and third trimester?

Being pregnant is a special journey full of surprises and new experiences. From the first positive test to the day you finally hold your baby in your arms, you're in for an unforgettable time. Over the next nine months, you'll discover how your body changes, what you can and can't eat, and which sports are safe.

And then there are all the practical matters: do you opt for check-ups with a midwife or do you have to go to the hospital for medical reasons? What things do you really need for the baby? And how do you and your partner mentally prepare for the arrival of your baby?

In this blog I share useful tips and advice, especially for each trimester of your pregnancy. This way you can fully enjoy this unique period!

What are the tree trimester of pregnancy?

Assuming you are 9 months pregnant and that each trimester is 3 months, each trimester is classified as follows:

• Trimester 1: is from week 1 to week 12 The baby is growing rapidly, while you may suffer from morning sickness and extreme fatigue.
• Trimester 2: From week 13 to week 27. Often the 'golden glow period' of pregnancy, in which many complaints decrease and you can feel your little one's first kicks (around 18 weeks).
• Trimester 3: From week 28 through birth (weeks 40-42). Your baby is getting ready for the outside world, and you are preparing mentally and physically for the birth.

Each trimester has its own unique developments and complaints for mom, both physically and emotionally. This is also an exciting time for your partner. The support of a listening ear, patience and a helping hand makes this pregnancy a lot more pleasant.

First trimester pregnancy

The first phase, the first trimester of pregnancy, is often full of new sensations. At the beginning of your pregnancy, your body goes through major changes. From breast tenderness to the infamous morning sickness, and from extreme fatigue to mood swings, you'll soon experience the first pregnancy symptoms that many expectant mothers recognize.

Common symptoms:

• Morning sickness: unfortunately, a lot of women suffer from this. This is due to hormonal changes, particularly an increase in the hormones HCG and estrogen, and the fetal hormone GDF15. My advice; Eat small portions throughout the day and make sure your stomach is never completely empty. Foods rich in zinc (such as whole grain products and nuts) and vitamin B6 (such as bananas and fish) can provide relief.
• Sensitive breasts: from about 4 weeks you may notice that your breasts and nipples feel more sensitive because your body retains more fluid.
• Fatigue: Around week 10, many women feel extremely tired. Your baby is growing quickly and your hormone balance is changing, so you are exhausted faster. Listen carefully to your body, get plenty of rest and go to bed on time or take a few days off. A pregnancy massage by a specialized masseur can also help to relax and reduce nausea.

Around 7-8 weeks you can make a vitality ultrasound, this is the first trimester ultrasound. This checks whether the heart is beating, the fetus is in the uterus and how many embryos there are. The size is also measured and you get the due date.

Many women find the first trimester the most mentally demanding because of the combination of physical symptoms (nausea, fatigue) and the stress about the risk of miscarriage. The risk of a miscarriage is greatest until week 12. Keep in mind that miscarriage is often a natural phenomenon, caused by a mistake in the formation of the fetus. Something can go wrong during the first divisions of the fertilized egg. A good embryo is then not created and this prevents the fetus from growing properly.

Role of the partner in the first trimester

In the first trimester, your pregnant partner may suffer from fatigue and mood swings. Hormonal fluctuations play a major role here. By supporting her with daily tasks and being patient, you can help her tremendously. After the first three months, her energy often returns.

Second trimester pregnancy

You have survived the first trimester, your baby is growing and you will probably have more energy and urge to do more fun things. For many women, the second trimester is therefore the best period.

Common complaints in the second trimester are itching and extra weight; As your baby grows, your skin expands. This can cause itching on your stomach, but also on your breasts. Your breasts will be bigger and your nipples will be darker. You can moisturize your skin with a nice lotion to prevent stretch marks and relieve itching.

Women gain an average of 12 kilos during pregnancy. Your baby only takes 3500 grams of these extra kilos with him. But what are those other kilos?

1. Amniotic fluid 800 grams
2. Placenta (an organ that did not exist yet!) 650 grams
3. Increased Blood volume of mom 1250 grams
4. Breast tissue 400 grams
5. Uterine tissue 1000 grams
6. Extra energy supplies 2100 grams
7. Increased body water 2000 grams
8. Your Joy, (that's your Baby!) 3500 grams makes a total of approximately 12 kilos

It's a myth that you have to eat for two. If you eat and drink a varied and healthy diet, you and your baby will get enough nutrients. Make sure you get the following nutrients and supplements in the second trimester:

1. Calcium for the growth of the baby's bones (e.g. milk and cheese),
2. Iron for the extra blood volume (e.g. meat, wholemeal bread, wholegrain rice and macaroni, muesli, vegetables and fruits),
3. Protein for the growth of your placenta, breasts and baby growth (e.g. milk, fish, meat, chicken, nuts and eggs),
4. Vitamin C increases resistance and promotes iron absorption (e.g. fruit and vegetables),
5. Fiber prevents constipation (e.g., whole grain products, vegetables (cooked and raw), and fresh and dried fruits (low fat),
6. Margarine for extra vitamins A and D.

I wrote also a Blog about the important of Omega-3 in your diet: read Blog

Your kidneys have to work extra hard during your pregnancy. To help them do their job, you can drink more than usual. Drink water, (herbal) tea (without sugar) or juices without added sugar.

Role of the partner in the second trimester

Be sure to take pictures of the growing belly of your baby's amazing mom. Every month you can see how your baby is growing with a new photo. Gift idea: Give her a pregnancy massage as a gift, she does this heavy work for you and should be rewarded! Gift Vouchers

Third trimester pregnancy

Your baby is viable! If you were to give birth to your baby now, it would be viable, although your preemie will have to go to the NICU. However, the best place for your baby to grow is in your belly until he is fully grown and labor starts on its own.

Growing a baby can put extra strain on your body and can cause pain in the pelvic area. In the third trimester, lower back and pelvic pain are the most common pregnancy complaints. Sleeping is also found more difficult due to the large belly and having to go to the toilet often for small pees. Below I give you some tips that you can do to minimize the pain.

• Safe exercise during pregnancy to strengthen your back and belly, such as walking, swimming, pregnancy yoga, and Pilates.
• Improve your posture; Adopt the correct posture when working, sitting, sleeping. Good posture is crucial for optimal body function and leads to better well-being.
• Hot water bottle and/or cold ice pack
• Pregnancy Massage; Take care of your body with a regular pregnancy massage. This can be done safely from the first trimester until your due date. Research shows that regular massages during pregnancy shorten the duration of labor and reduce pain in the lower back and pelvis. Book your massage
• Listen carefully to your body and only do what feels good for your body. If you're in pain, take a moment to rest or even do a small exercise, such as lying on the floor with your glutes against a chair and your legs in tabletop position on top of the chair seat. Your lower back now has rest and there is good blood circulation to your pelvic area. You can do it several times a day for 5 minutes.

In preparation for childbirth, you can do a labour preparation course with your partner or learn about the actual process of childbirth. If this is your first pregnancy, 20 hours is considered normal as birth time for a new mother. For a second baby, it will be shorter. If you participate in a childbirth class, you will also learn how to manage the contractions and what your partner can do to relieve the pain and support you during the process. By delving into it, you will go into labour together with more confidence.

The last trimester is a good time to think about giving breast milk or bottled milk. Researchers and the World Health Organization recommend that women breastfeed and seek help and support from healthcare providers such as midwives, lactation experts, baby health nurses when the going gets tough. Know that your breast milk is a complete food that contains all of the baby's nutritional needs for the first six months of life and that it is by far the best choice you can make for your baby.

Role of the partner in the third trimester

Read all the books you can get about pregnancy and childbirth. Your partner will appreciate that you are interested and that you want to be 100% prepared for the task ahead.

You also can't thank her enough for carrying your precious baby. In the end, no one else could have done this better for you!