A Wonderful, Nine-month Journey
Your pregnancy is going to be an amazing experience. There are going to be many changes that your body will go through; some exciting, and some challenging. EveryOne Reach One, and many local resources, are here to help you navigate your journey from pregnancy to the birth of your child.
First Trimester
Months 1-3
The first trimester of your pregnancy starts at fertilization and lasts through week thirteen. It may seem like this trimester also goes the quickest; this is because many women do not discover they are pregnant until they are between six and eight weeks, halfway through the trimester. As soon as you suspect you may be pregnant, call your doctor to schedule an appointment. If you do not have a doctor and do not know where to start, contact friends and family with children for recommendations.
During the first trimester, you may experience morning sickness, and a lot of changes in your hormones. But there are also amazing things happening inside your body. Your baby is constantly moving, and growing quickly. Their intestines are forming, and your son or daughter’s earlobes, eyelids, mouth, and nose are taking shape.
First Trimester
Months 1-3
The first trimester of your pregnancy starts at fertilization and lasts through week thirteen. It may seem like this trimester also goes the quickest; this is because many women do not discover they are pregnant until they are between six and eight weeks, halfway through the trimester. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, visit your doctor, and start taking prenatal vitamins.
During the first trimester, you may experience morning sickness, and a lot of changes in your hormones. But there are also amazing things happening inside your body. Your baby is constantly moving, and growing quickly. Their intestines are forming, and your son or daughter’s earlobes, eyelids, mouth, and nose are taking shape.
Second Trimester
Months 4-6
The second trimester starts at week fourteen and is referred to by some as “the Golden Period.” Nestled between the morning sickness and other changes in the first trimester, it is during this time that your baby makes its presence known. You will start to feel them move (or “flutter”), as well as learning the gender if you choose. Your body will feel more energized as it becomes easier to sleep and morning sickness subsides.
During this period, your baby’s fingerprints are now in place, and their heart is pumping 25 quarts of blood a day. Their skeleton is starting to harden from cartilage to bone, and they will develop the ability to hear.
Third Trimester
Months 7-9
The last stage of your pregnancy can be the most uncomfortable for many women. Your baby has grown to the point they are starting to put more and more pressure on your organs, causing some discomfort and other changes like frequent urination and labored breathing. There is a loss of energy from difficulty sleeping and the random aches and pains the growth of the baby is causing.
There are other preparations that the body is making, including the possibility of false contractions.The baby is close to fully developed by this point! They will spend their final weeks putting on weight.
Third Trimester
Months 7-9
The last stage of your pregnancy can be the most uncomfortable for many women. Your baby has grown to the point they are starting to put more and more pressure on your organs, causing some discomfort and other changes like frequent urination and labored breathing. There is a loss of energy from difficulty sleeping and the random aches and pains the growth of the baby is causing.
There are other preparations that the body is making, including the possibility of false contractions. The baby is close to fully developed by this point! They will spend their final weeks putting on weight.
Progesterone Therapy – Preventing Preterm Labor
Progesterone balance during pregnancy is essential. A consistent supply of the hormone progesterone to the uterine lining continues helps nurture the developing fetus throughout the pregnancy. Following a successful conception, progesterone also helps maintain a supportive environment for the developing fetus. Some pregnant women need more progesterone than their bodies can produce. If you, a newly pregnant woman, are not producing enough of the hormone, doctors can give you extra progesterone, helping you carry your baby to full term (40 weeks), preventing preterm birth, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications.
Discover if you are at risk for preterm labor and find answers for common questions about progesterone therapy. Visit The Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative for more information.
Are you or someone you know pregnant?
Do you live in Montgomery County? Could you use assistance accessing resources like help with utilities, rent, diapers, a crib, legal services, mental health resources, doula services, transportation to your prenatal appointments?