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When you get pregnant, your whole world changes. Pregnancy can be difficult, but knowing what to expect can help ease some anxiety during this stressful time. Here are some things about pregnancy that every new parent should know.

Note: The timeline below is an estimate and doesn’t include everything that happens during your pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before getting pregnant. 

The First Trimester of Pregnancy

The first trimester is a critical part in your pregnancy in terms of your health. The first three months are when you’ll grow a baby’s cells to form organs, muscle, bones, and other body parts. Planning for the first trimester will help make this time more beneficial for you, your partner, and your baby. Most importantly, it will give you peace of mind knowing everything is going well with your pregnancy. Keep in mind that no two pregnancies are perfectly alike, and some of your symptoms may be different from your friends or relatives. If you have any concerns, don’t be afraid to ask your obstetrician or any other professionals involved in your pregnancy journey. 

The Second Trimester of Pregnancy

The second trimester lasts about 8 weeks. It is during this point in the pregnancy where there are many physical and emotional changes for both parent and child. This is when your baby starts to take up more space in your body and your uterus begins to change shape. Many people report having difficulty sleeping during this trimester. It’s also a time when you’ll start to feel the first twinges of labor pains or possible Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are common in the third trimester, but can occur in the second as well. 

The Third Trimester of Pregnancy

The third trimester of pregnancy is the final three months of your pregnancy. During this time, the fetus’s brain continues to develop, and the head is positioned downward in preparation for birth. By 38 weeks, the lungs are fully developed. At this point, you should prepare for labor, delivery, and a healthy postpartum period. Consider where you would prefer to give birth, if you would rather do a natural birth or c-section, who you want present, and plans to get to your desired birthing location from multiple routes. 

Postpartum Period

The postpartum period is the time after you give birth. It can be scary but also exciting and beautiful. Typically, the first few nights after the delivery are the hardest. But, with some patience and a little bit of help, you should get through them without any problems. It’s important that you take it easy in the days following the delivery. It’s also important to make sure your doctor gives you specific instructions about what to do and when to do it. Your doctor will want to watch for signs of infections like sepsis, hemorrhaging or anemia in order to prevent further complications. They’ll also want to watch out for potential complications such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. After the doctors clear you, you can head home and plan for the future.