Congratulations on the pregnancy. Although every pregnancy is different, there are three common stages, called trimesters, that pregnant persons go through during their nine months of pregnancy.
The best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby is to attend regular prenatal visits with a health care provider throughout the entire pregnancy. These visits will include screenings and general health check-ups to monitor your pregnancy and baby, and will prepare you for the birth of the baby. To find a pregnancy health care provider that delivers at The Mother Baby Center near you, check out our Find a Provider tool.
Keep in mind that The Mother Baby Center does not provide prenatal care. The Mother Baby Center is where you will deliver your baby. If you have questions about your pregnancy and health care during this time, please talk directly with the pregnancy care provider and clinic.
FIRST TRIMESTER: 0 TO 3 MONTHS
While you may not yet “look” pregnant, your body is growing a placenta, adding breast tissue, producing amniotic fluid, and increasing blood volume all to create and nurture your baby. Many pregnant people experience physical symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, morning sickness, breast tenderness, frequent urination, and lightheadedness.
- Learn more about the first trimester using Allina Health’s to-do list and week-by-week guide to your baby’s development.
- Get more information with our first trimester checklist.
When is the baby due? Calculate your due date.
Preparing for your first prenatal visit? Find out about what to expect and questions to ask at your first prenatal visit.
Learn more about home health care during pregnancy (antepartum). Some families need extra medical care during pregnancy in addition to their clinic visits. Depending on the situation and needs, many patients benefit from having an Allina Health Home Health – Mother and Newborn nurse provide care in their homes.
SECOND TRIMESTER: 4 TO 6 MONTHS
By the fourth month, you will likely feel less nauseated and energy levels will return. It is during this time that the pregnancy will likely become more visible to others and may find that your regular clothes begin to feel uncomfortable. During the second trimester, it’s not uncommon to have heartburn, indigestion, and constipation. Other discomforts may include varicose veins, hemorrhoids, breathlessness, and leg cramps.
- Learn more about the second trimester using Allina Health’s to-do list and a week-by-week guide to your baby’s development.
- Get more information with our second trimester checklist: nurturing your pregnancy.
THIRD TRIMESTER: 7 TO 9 MONTHS
The last three months of pregnancy may bring some discomfort as the baby continues to grow and develop, stretching and moving more to find room in the increasingly cramped uterus. When the third trimester begins, the pregnant person will likely see their health care provider every other week until 36 weeks, when they will likely be seen on a weekly basis.
- Learn more about the third trimester using Allina Health’s to-do list and a week-by-week guide to your baby’s development.
- Get more information on our blog with our third trimester checklist: preparing to welcome your baby.
FOURTH TRIMESTER: 12 WEEKS AFTER BIRTH
The first twelve weeks after the baby is born are referred to as the “fourth trimester”. Your body and mind are still experiencing an immense amount of changes related to birth and the delivery experience. This can be a vulnerable time for new parents. You may feel emotional changes or experience postpartum depression, in addition to the exhaustion and stress associated with caring for a newborn. Be sure to lean into your support system in these early weeks as your family finds their new routine. To learn more about emotions after delivery, please click here.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, or harm, please call 9-1-1.
