What to Expect When You're Expecting

1. Pregnancy is a journey of physical and emotional changes

"Pregnancy is a radical full-body transformation that may have you feeling your most beautiful (you glow, girl!), your least attractive (those zits! those chin hairs!)—or both in the same day."

Physical changes: Pregnancy brings a myriad of physical changes, from hormonal fluctuations to bodily transformations. These include weight gain, breast enlargement, skin changes, and increased blood volume. Many women experience symptoms like morning sickness, fatigue, and frequent urination, especially in the first trimester.

Emotional rollercoaster: Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and heightened emotions. It's common for expectant mothers to feel a mix of excitement, apprehension, and even occasional sadness. These emotional shifts are normal and can be managed through self-care, support from loved ones, and open communication with healthcare providers.

2. Early pregnancy symptoms vary widely among women

"Though many women never feel any early pregnancy symptoms at all (or don't feel them until weeks into pregnancy), others get lots of hints that there's a baby in the making."

Common early signs: While some women experience multiple early pregnancy symptoms, others may have few or none. Common signs include:

• Missed period
• Tender, swollen breasts
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Increased urination
• Fatigue
• Food aversions or cravings
• Mild cramping or bloating

Individual experiences: It's important to remember that each pregnancy is unique. The presence or absence of symptoms doesn't necessarily indicate the health of the pregnancy. Some women may have intense morning sickness, while others sail through the first trimester with minimal discomfort.

3. Proper nutrition and prenatal care are crucial for a healthy pregnancy

"Eating well when you're expecting is one of the first and best gifts you can give your soon-to-arrive bundle of joy—and it's a gift that can keep on giving, handing out not just a healthier start in life but a healthier lifetime."

Balanced diet: A healthy pregnancy diet should include:

• Lean proteins
• Whole grains
• Fruits and vegetables
• Calcium-rich foods
• Healthy fats

Prenatal vitamins: Most healthcare providers recommend prenatal vitamins to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly folic acid, iron, and calcium. These supplements help support fetal development and maternal health throughout pregnancy.

Regular check-ups: Consistent prenatal care allows healthcare providers to monitor the progress of the pregnancy, address any concerns, and provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and overall health.

4. The first trimester brings significant fetal development and maternal adjustments

"During the first trimester, your baby is tiny, which means that eating for two doesn't require extra eating at all, and only a minimum of weight gain, if any."

Rapid fetal growth: The first trimester is a period of rapid fetal development. Key milestones include:

• Formation of major organs and systems
• Development of the neural tube
• Establishment of the placenta
• Beginning of heartbeat

Maternal adaptations: While the fetus is developing, the mother's body is undergoing significant changes to support the pregnancy. These include hormonal shifts, increased blood volume, and the beginning of uterine expansion. Many women experience fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness during this period.

5. The second trimester often brings relief from early symptoms and increased energy

"Finally, the beginning of the second trimester—which for most expectant moms is the most comfortable of the three."

Symptom relief: Many women find that early pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue begin to subside in the second trimester. This often leads to increased energy levels and a general feeling of wellbeing.

Visible changes: The second trimester typically brings more visible signs of pregnancy:

• Growing belly
• Possible fetal movement
• Skin changes (e.g., darkening of the areolas)

Prenatal testing: Many important prenatal tests are conducted during this period, including screenings for genetic disorders and anatomical ultrasounds.

6. Regular prenatal check-ups and tests ensure maternal and fetal health

"The top reason why: Combined with the LMP, measurement of the embryo or fetus during early pregnancy is the most accurate way to date a pregnancy."

Routine check-ups: Regular prenatal visits typically include:

• Weight and blood pressure measurements
• Urine tests for protein and glucose
• Fundal height measurement
• Listening to the fetal heartbeat

Prenatal screenings: Various tests are offered throughout pregnancy to assess fetal health and development:

• First-trimester screening (e.g., NIPT, NT scan)
• Second-trimester screening (e.g., quad screen)
• Anatomy ultrasound
• Gestational diabetes screening

Individualized care: Healthcare providers may recommend additional tests or more frequent visits based on individual risk factors or concerns.

7. Workplace accommodations and planning are important for expectant mothers

"Juggling it all—practitioner visits with client meetings, trips to the bathroom with trips to the conference room, morning sickness with business lunches, telling your best friend in accounting (who'll be excited for you) with telling your boss (who might not be)—can be a 9-to-5 challenge that keeps you working overtime."

Legal protections: Many countries have laws protecting pregnant women in the workplace, such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in the U.S. Familiarize yourself with your rights regarding maternity leave, job security, and workplace accommodations.

Planning ahead: Consider:

• When and how to disclose your pregnancy to your employer
• Arranging for prenatal appointments
• Planning for maternity leave
• Discussing potential workplace accommodations (e.g., more frequent breaks, ergonomic adjustments)

Work-life balance: As pregnancy progresses, prioritize your health and wellbeing while maintaining professional responsibilities. Don't hesitate to delegate tasks or adjust your workload as needed.

8. Dental care and managing common pregnancy discomforts require special attention

"To keep your mouth happy: Floss and brush regularly using a soft toothbrush, and use toothpaste with fluoride for cavity protection."

Dental health: Pregnancy hormones can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential. Inform your dentist about your pregnancy, as some procedures may need to be postponed.

Common discomforts: Pregnancy can bring various physical discomforts. Some strategies for management include:

• For heartburn: Eat smaller, frequent meals and avoid trigger foods
• For constipation: Increase fiber intake and stay hydrated
• For back pain: Practice good posture and consider prenatal yoga or swimming
• For swelling: Elevate feet when possible and wear comfortable shoes

9. Fetal movement becomes noticeable as pregnancy progresses

"That first flutter can be felt anytime between the 14th and 26th week, but most moms feel it closer to the average of 18 to 22 weeks."

First movements: Initially, fetal movements may feel like flutters, bubbles, or light taps. As the pregnancy progresses, these movements become stronger and more frequent.

Factors affecting perception: Several factors can influence when and how strongly a woman feels fetal movements:

• Body composition (e.g., women with less abdominal fat may feel movements earlier)
• Placenta position (an anterior placenta may muffle early movements)
• First-time vs. subsequent pregnancies (experienced mothers often recognize movements earlier)

Kick counts: Later in pregnancy, monitoring fetal movement through kick counts can be a way to track fetal wellbeing. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on when and how to perform kick counts.

10. Body image concerns are common but should be balanced with healthy weight gain

"If there's one place where thin is never in, it's in pregnancy."

Healthy perspective: It's normal to have mixed feelings about body changes during pregnancy. Remember that weight gain is necessary for fetal development and a healthy pregnancy. Focus on nourishing your body and growing a healthy baby rather than appearance.

Recommended weight gain: Guidelines for healthy weight gain during pregnancy vary based on pre-pregnancy BMI:

• Underweight: 28-40 pounds
• Normal weight: 25-35 pounds
• Overweight: 15-25 pounds
• Obese: 11-20 pounds

Postpartum considerations: Many of the physical changes of pregnancy are temporary. A balanced diet and appropriate exercise during and after pregnancy can help with returning to pre-pregnancy weight, but remember that some changes may be long-lasting.

Last updated: September 6, 2024