Pregnancy stages and changes
Pregnancy stages and changes
About pregnancy stages and changes
If you are
pregnant
, your body is experiencing major change. From symptoms that you might expect, to ones that are completely unexpected, every woman will have a different pregnancy experience.
It’s helpful to have an idea of how your body may react to the different stages of pregnancy. It also helps to know how pregnancy may affect your emotions and feelings.
Changes to your body that may indicate pregnancy
You may first realise that you’re pregnant when you miss your period. That’s a good time to take a
pregnancy test
or speak with your doctor.
In early pregnancy, you may experience some (or all, or even none) of the following symptoms:
aches and pains (possibly in your lower abdomen and in your joints)
morning sickness
, which may be nausea or actual vomiting, and does not just happen in the morning
constipation
food cravings and aversions
heartburn and
indigestion
a need to urinate (pee) more often
back pain
tiredness
vaginal thrush
skin changes and itching, and possibly skin tags
haemorrhoids
(also known as piles)
leg cramps
restless legs
(leg twitching at night)
varicose vein
swelling in your ankles, feet and hands
dizziness or fainting
fatigue
, or lack of energy
nasal problems, or shortness of breath
larger, tender breasts.
Better Health Channel has more information about these
pregnancy symptoms
.
If any of the symptoms become difficult to manage, talk to your doctor about what to do. In particular, if any morning sickness, aches and pains, dizziness or breathing difficulties make it hard to get through your normal day, ask for advice.
Morning sickness
The first thing to know about
morning sickness
is that it can hit you at any time of day. Probably a result of your changing hormones, it usually starts about week 6 and settles by week 14. The good news is that you may feel better if you:
drink small amounts of fluid, often. Try flat lemonade, sports drinks, diluted fruit juice, weak tea, clear soup or a hot drink make of stock
suck on ice or ice-blocks (if you can’t keep down other fluids)
try ginger tablets, dry ginger ale or ginger tea
eat small amounts of food more often, so you don’t have an empty stomach
eat a dry biscuit when you wake up in the morning, to avoid feeling sick when you get out of bed
try salty foods such as potato crisps or salty biscuits
suck on barley sugar or boiled lollies
avoid fatty, rich or spicy foods
avoid the smell of hot food
avoid cooking dishes with strong smells
rest as much as you can.
A small percentage of women have prolonged and excessive vomiting (called hyperemesis), which can lead to dehydration if it is not treated. See your doctor if you have severe morning sickness.
In some extreme cases, women need to be rehydrated in hospital, using intravenous fluids.
Pregnancy stages
We talk about 3 stages of pregnancy – first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. Some physical and emotional experiences are more common in each of these trimesters.
First trimester
In the first trimester:
You feel tired and possibly nauseous (like vomiting).
You gain 1 or 2 kilograms, or maybe less if you have morning sickness. Most of this weight is in the placenta (which feeds your baby), your breasts, your uterus (womb) and the extra blood that you are making.
Your heartbeat and breathing rate are faster.
Your breasts become tender, larger and heavier.
Your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, so you feel like you need to urinate (pee) a lot.
You may feel swinging moods.
You know exactly how you feel about having a baby, or you have no idea how to feel!
Second trimester
In the second trimester:
You start to feel better, with less tiredness, morning sickness and moodiness.
You may feel your mind is wandering and not focused at work or at home.
You gain about 6 kilograms.
You may feel anxious about tests (including an
ultrasound
) done at this stage. But, if they find any health issues, these tests will ensure you and your baby receive the right care.
Your hair may become thicker and your fingernails may become stronger. Or, your nails may be softer and break more easily.
You may crave some foods, such as sweet, spicy or fatty foods.
You may not like the taste or smell of some foods.
Third trimester
In the third trimester:
Forgetfulness may continue.
You feel tired and probably uncomfortable.
You may be annoyed by the discomfort.
You may start to worry about labour as it nears.
You probably gain about 5 kilograms. Much of this weight is your baby, but also amniotic fluid, the placenta, your breasts, your blood and your uterus.
You may have back pain.
You may find it hard to sleep because you are uncomfortable.
The baby may be placing pressure on your lungs, making it harder to breathe.
You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions (tightening of the muscles of the uterus). They do not mean labour is starting.
Your feelings and emotions during pregnancy
During pregnancy you will probably feel many ups and downs. You may experience some or all of these emotions (and they may change quickly):
Surprise – if your pregnancy is unexpected. You may then feel joy (if you welcome the pregnancy) or fear (if you are unsure about the change to your life) or both.
Happiness – particularly if you have been
trying to have a baby
and you feel well.
Anger – which can result from your body’s hormonal changes, from a sense of being vulnerable, or from pregnancy symptoms that are uncomfortable or painful.
Fear for the baby’s health – if you have concerns about your baby having an illness or disability. If you are worried about a particular risk, talk to your midwife or doctor.
Fear of birth – which is a recognised psychological disorder. Counselling and talking with your midwife or doctor can help you overcome this fear.
Love – for your baby, your partner and your family.
Sadness or disappointment – if you have illness or complications during your pregnancy, or you can’t have the birth plan that you would prefer.
General sadness about the world – whereby you find it hard to watch the news or hear sad stories about children or families.
Grief – if you suffer a
miscarriage
, a loss at a later stage of pregnancy, or a stillbirth.
Prolonged sadness from perinatal depression – in this case, you will need the help of mental health specialists.
Mood swings during pregnancy
The hormones changing in your body mean you will probably have heightened emotions, both positive and negative. And you will probably swing between these emotions.
While you may be overjoyed about having a baby, you may also be stressed and overwhelmed. You may feel worried about whether:
your baby will affect your relationship with your partner
you will cope financially
you will be able to juggle work and parenting
you will be a good mother
the baby will be healthy
your other children will accept and love the new baby.
You may also feel unimpressed with your changing body. You may be worried about putting on too much weight, or not enough. Or not being able to do the physical activity that you usually do. Or not looking attractive to your partner.
Add the hormone-induced fatigue, forgetfulness and moodiness, and you may feel completely out of control. This is all common.
Depression during pregnancy
About 15 per cent of women will have
depression
or
anxiety
during pregnancy. And even more will suffer from these conditions after giving birth.
Many women don’t seek help because they feel embarrassed or guilty about feeling so awful when are they are supposed to be happy. But depression is not something that you can control in this way.
Because an untreated mental health condition can have long term effects on your health and wellbeing, and on your baby too, getting the right treatment is vital. Talk to your doctor if you are:
depressed or miserable for most of the day and on most days
annoyed, angry or anxious a lot of the time
crying a lot (and not always for a reason)
losing interest in activities that you usually like
struggling to sleep (even when your baby is sleeping), or sleeping more than usual
under- or over-eating
feeling tired most of the time
not able to concentrate
preoccupied or anxious about things going wrong with your pregnancy, you, your baby or your partner
feeling that you have not bonded with your baby, or that you have no maternal feelings
feeling guilty, or feeling that you are failing as a mother
thinking about harming yourself
thinking it would be better if you or your baby were dead
thinking about
suicide
.
Remember, tell someone if you feel depressed, because early treatment is the best treatment.
Plenty of safe and effective treatments are available for depression during pregnancy and while
breastfeeding
. But herbal and complementary treatments such as St John’s wort may not be safe in pregnancy.
Anxiety during pregnancy
You may be feeling quite anxious about your pregnancy and about being a parent. Many pregnant women feel some anxiety, but a few develop an
anxiety disorder
that needs treatment.
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:
constant worry, stress or nervousness
muscle tension and teeth clenching
not ever feeling calm
not being able to sleep well or for long
panic attacks
.
Other serious issues during pregnancy
Some pregnant women develop mental health conditions that are a significant risk to both them and their child. Other women may already have a mental health condition that is more difficult to manage during pregnancy.
Specialist health care is needed for pregnant women with:
bipolar disorder
(of which pregnancy may trigger the first episode), with manic highs and depression lows
schizophrenia
eating disorders
, including
anorexia nervosa
and
bulimia nervosa
. The risks include a loss of nutrition for your baby, an increased risk of
miscarriage
, and
anaemia
.
Where to get help
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
Your
GP (doctor)
Midwife
Obstetrician
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression
Australia)
External Link
Tel.
1300 726 306
Lifeline
External Link
Tel.
13 11 14
for crisis support and suicide prevention
beyondblue
External Link
Tel.
1300 22 4636