Think of each pregnancy trimester as a key milestone in your journey towards becoming a parent. As you transition from the first to the second trimester, your pregnancy generally becomes more stable; moving from the second to the third brings you closer to the momentous occasion of childbirth. Each stage is an opportunity to celebrate progress and prepare for the new changes your body and your baby are experiencing.

Pregnancy Trimester One

During the first trimester, it's normal to experience a whirlwind of emotions as you adjust to the reality of impending parenthood—whether it's your first child or your fifth. This is also a time of rapid development for your baby. What starts as a single-celled zygote quickly transforms into a fetus by the end of this trimester, reaching the size of a peach. By about the 8th week, you'll be thrilled to know that your baby is already moving her tiny limbs. The beginning of structures like hair, nails, vocal cords, and muscles all occur during these first critical weeks.

Pregnancy Trimester Two

The second trimester is often where you'll find your stride in your pregnancy journey. Often, morning sickness subsides, and the well-known "pregnancy glow" starts to shine through. This trimester witnesses significant developmental milestones for your baby. Hair continues to grow, the eyes start to migrate to their final positions, and ears find their permanent home as well. Your baby is now capable of simple movements such as hiccupping and yawning, while sensory development progresses so your little one can soon begin to taste, smell, hear, and see.

Pregnancy Trimester Three

The third trimester is filled with anticipation and excitement. For many, the early months of this period are enjoyable and invigorating, with the baby bump proudly on display. It’s an active time as you make preparations for your baby’s arrival: planning baby showers, finalizing birth plans, and setting up the nursery. During this period, your baby makes significant strides in growth, undergoing essential weight gain and fine-tuning crucial skills. The lungs are getting ready for that first breath, and you might feel Braxton Hicks contractions as your body practices for labor. The changes from your baby’s early ultrasound are dramatic, marking how far you’ve come in this remarkable journey.