Pregnancy is a long 40 weeks journey, counting from the first day of your last period. Pregnancy has 3 distinct stages: the first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. Feeling a new life developing inside your body is an amazing experience even though you may not feel at your best through out these three stages.

First Trimester.

It is the beginning of your pregnancy journey and takes from 0 to 13 weeks. It is important that you understand the changes your body experiences during this amazing time.

• Feeling tired.

At this stage the baby grows rapidly and it can be tiring for your body. To improve your levels of energy: get enough sleep, ask for help, drink a lot of water and also exercise regularly.

• Morning sickness.

Morning sickness involves feeling nausea and vomiting. 80% of pregnant women are affected by morning sickness. It starts between 4-7 weeks and ends at 16-20 weeks.

• Urinating frequently.

During pregnancy women frequently need to pee. It’s important to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.

• Breast changes.

Breasts become more sensitive, tender and the skin around the nipple darkens.

• Emotional changes.

Women tend to become easily irritated and moody. Mood swings are experienced due to increased fatigue and hormonal changes.

• Discharge.

Early in pregnancy, it is normal to see leukorrhea, a thin milky discharge. If the discharge smells really bad see a doctor.

Second Trimester.

During your second trimester, the uterus continues to stretch as the fetus continues to grow and change. It lasts from week 14 to week 27. You’ll start gaining weight and may also develop some new symptoms of pregnancy such as;

• Stretch marks on breasts, thighs, abdomen or buttocks.
• Increased appetite.
• Swelling ankles, feet, hands and face.
• Achy body such as abdomen, back, groin, or thigh pain .

By the end of the second trimester, there is lots of movements and activity. The baby gives your tummy regular kicks and stretches.

Third Trimester.

It is the final trimester that lasts from week 28 and could end at week 40. A baby is considered to be born full term if born between week 37 and week 42. A baby born before that is considered premature.

During this stage you are more likely to experience heartburns and breathlessness. It becomes difficult to sleep and you easily get tired. You also become more worried or anxious about labour and the birth of your baby.

However, this is the perfect time to have a baby shower and spend good time with friends and family, unwrap gifts, pack the hospital bag and also prepare the baby’s nursery. It is important that you have enough rest everyday and do not push yourself.