The first time you get pregnant, you don’t have a clue. No matter how many books, posts, or magazines you’ve read about pregnancy, you’ll still have many questions about it.
· Is it normal to get some bleeding?
· Should I be feeling some kicks by now?
· Is this what contractions feel like?
In this post, we’ll go through each step of your pregnancy, explaining both how your baby is developing inside as well as what you’ll feel on the outside.
Month 1
Congratulations, you are pregnant!
However, you won’t know that for at least 2 weeks. Your embryo is so tiny that even a pregnancy test will be negative at first. (In fact, it’s not even an embryo yet, but an egg or a blastocyst).
After 5 days, your blastocyst will implant into your uterus and start growing, going from a few cells to thousands. By the end of the first month, it will be the size of a poppy seed.
When will your pregnancy test get positive? After the second week, around the time you miss your period for the first time.
Did you know you can have minor bleeding after getting pregnant? Many women think it’s their period, but it’s not; it’s called implantation bleeding. You will know because:
· It’s only a few drops,
· Lasts for 1-2 days, and
· You may get some nausea.
Once you find out you are pregnant, consider prenatal vitamins and keep a balanced diet. The most important vitamin is folic acid: it prevents defects like spina bifida.
Month 2
As you enter the second month, your baby is now officially an embryo.
In quite a short time, it will develop the first tiny features like the heart, brain, and limbs.
A thin cord is building from your embryo’s tummy to the placenta. From now on, they will feed and breathe through it.
Meanwhile, you might notice changes in yourself like:
· Morning sickness
· Fatigue
· Mood swings
Don’t panic because these are very common and they’ll get better after the first trimester.
Month 3
Your belly might start to show a tiny bump, so you may choose to tell your closest friends about your pregnancy.
By now, you no longer have an embryo but a fetus. But let’s call it a baby; I like it better.
Inside your belly, those cute little fingers and toes are taking shape.
Also, it’s time for your first prenatal visit! You’ll be able to hear the magical sound of your baby’s heartbeat through the ultrasound.
You may still be dealing with some pesky pregnancy symptoms. The most common are:
· Morning sickness: you feel like vomiting all the time
· Sense of smell TOO strong
· You feel tired all the time
Don’t worry; the first trimester is almost over!
Month 4
In the fourth month, your baby is starting to make small movements.
While you may not feel them just yet, your little one is practicing some adorable kicks and flips.
If you get your second-trimester ultrasound, you may even see your baby doing some kung fu in there.
The face is also getting more mature, and your baby may start doing some “silly faces” and sucking movements.
The bones are getting harder (they were like Jell-o so far).
As your baby grows, you might also experience some pain in your pelvis and your lower back. The nausea gets better, though.
Month 5
The second trimester is also called the “honeymoon” phase because morning sickness gets much better, and your energy levels will rise.
Also, your baby is more and more active, so you can already feel them, and everything becomes more real.
If you get an ultrasound, you should already find out your baby’s gender.
Your baby’s face is starting to look like a child’s; their lids, eyebrows, and lashes are sprouting. Their digestive system is getting ready, and their bowel is starting to move. They can start swallowing amniotic fluid just for fun.
You can start thinking about childbirth classes and exploring your birthing options.
Also, have you heard about how pregnant women look radiant? Well, it’s true. Hormones make your skin glow, so enjoy the little perks 😉
Month 6
Your baby’s senses are awakening. Those tiny ears are starting to pick up sounds from outside, so how about some soft classical music?
Their little eyes are also developing, even though there’s not much to see in there.
The lungs are not ready yet, which is why premature babies need special care if they get out this early.
The kicks are getting more common and intense (baby going for black belt in kun fu).
Meanwhile, your body is working hard to keep up, so you might notice some changes like ankle swelling and backaches.
Time to treat yourself to some extra care—you deserve it!
Month 7
In the seventh month, you might be feeling the nesting instincts kick in.
The nesting instinct is a burst of energy women often get in the last few weeks of pregnancy that inspires them to clean and organize the house in preparation for the baby’s arrival. So, yes, just do stuff.
Because your baby is already quite large, it may push against your diaphragm, so you’ll experience some shortness of breath. Take it easy and rest whenever you need it.
Also, your hormones are higher than ever, so get ready for the following:
· Getting too emotional about random things (and crying about them)
· Hot flashes
· Dizziness
· Restless legs
Month 8
Your baby is gaining weight and getting ready for life outside the womb. It’s virtually developed already; it just needs to get more weight.
You may feel like you need to pee every hour, but nothing will come out. That’s your baby pushing into your bladder, so yeah, false alarm…
Your baby will start having some periods of sleep and wakefulness: their brain knows it must get ready for life outside.
Feeling contractions? That’s okay, we call them Braxton Hicks contractions, and it’s just your body “training” for when the moment comes. They don’t mean labor has begun.
These contractions happen irregularly and don’t get closer together (true contractions do get closer as time goes by).
You’ll feel a mix of excitement and anticipation, as well as some discomfort. That’s fine; it’s all part of the final preparations before meeting your precious baby.
Month 9
Your baby is almost here!
Don’t get impatient, though. If you are a first-time mum, you’ll be giving birth more towards the 10th month, so take it easy.
You’ll be huge by now, and your feet, back, and pelvis hurt. Your whole body hurts, so naturally, you want your baby out.
But, at the same time, you are terrified of that moment. “Am I ready to be a mum!?”
Don’t overthink it; soon enough, you’ll be holding your sweet baby.
When the time comes, you’ll get the signs of labor— frequent contractions and water breaking.
Welcome to the incredible world of motherhood!
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