Pregnancy: What to Expect in Each Trimester

(Tina Dawn/ VM Med) — Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting and stressful times in a person’s life. The experience of growing another human inside you can make you feel anxious, vulnerable, and suddenly preoccupied with a lot of questions that need answering.

Keeping a close eye on you during this nine-month period is one of the most elemental ways your medical team can ensure that you are being closely followed, both physically and emotionally, during this important time.

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each with its own unique experiences and a different stage of the baby’s development. The first trimester is usually calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period to about the 13th week of pregnancy. The second trimester is roughly from 14 to 27 weeks of pregnancy. The third and final trimester is from about 28 weeks of pregnancy until you give birth.

The Main Focus During Each Trimester

Knowing what each trimester entails and what to expect better prepares you psychologically and physically for the roughly 40-week life-changing journey you’re about to embark on.

Each trimester entails some routine questions and tests to assess both the health of the mother and the baby. Your healthcare specialist will check your blood pressure and weight, listen to the baby’s heartbeat, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. They will also emphasize healthy eating patterns before, during and after your pregnancy.

It’s important to remember that each pregnancy is unique, and one’s prenatal care will also depend on the mother’s health history, her age, and any specific needs she may have at that moment. Your doctor is best suited to inform you of what to pay close attention to.

The First Trimester

During the first trimester, your doctor will confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound, determine your due date and make sure everything looks good with the baby. Your doctor may also ask about any past pregnancies, including miscarriages or abortions, and family history or health problems like allergies or depression that could pose additional risks.

Your doctor will also check your blood type and screen for any infections that could pose a risk to you and your baby. Your hands and feet will also be checked by your doctor to detect any swelling. They will also ensure you’re taking prenatal vitamins.

The first trimester can be a hard one for many women, as your body is going through many changes and developing to support your growing womb and baby. Many people say they feel very tired in those first few months. Many also experience severe morning sickness and nausea throughout the day which makes it difficult to keep food down. It’s also normal to feel hormonal fluctuations during this period. All of these concerns should be addressed, and you should be encouraged to broach any questions concerning your prenatal care with your medical team.

The Second Trimester

During the second trimester, your doctor will assess the baby’s development and position with an ultrasound. A glucose tolerance test is also given at this time to screen for gestational diabetes. The doctor also measures fundal height, which means the baby’s growth can be assessed by measuring the distance of the mother’s pubic bone to the top of her uterus.

The doctor will also check your overall health, including your weight, diet, sleep patterns, and anxiety levels. They will ensure you are not experiencing persistent headaches or dizziness or excessive swelling in your hands and feet. If you’re experiencing any noticeable changes in your health, you should not hesitate to bring your concerns to your doctor.

During your second trimester, you will also be given the option of genetic testing, such as blood tests that can screen for conditions like spina bifida and Down syndrome. A fetal ultrasound will also tell you the baby’s sex if you want to know.

The Third Trimester

The third trimester is the final stretch before delivery. Your doctor will most likely request more visits as your due date approaches. The baby’s heart rate will be monitored, and your doctor will pay close attention to how it responds to movement. This is referred to as a non-stress test.

Your doctor will also check your blood pressure and weight and your baby’s heartbeat and movements. They will also ask you if you are experiencing any contractions, fluid leaks, or any abnormal bleeding.

In preparation for birth, doctors may also recommend you get the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination shots to better protect your baby.

Expect to also have your doctor administer a Group B strep Test. This is a swab to check for the presence of GBS bacteria, which is a very common germ found in the intestines and lower genital tract that can be harmful to the baby during delivery.

You will also discuss how you would like to deliver your baby. This might also depend on your baby’s position and movements. Your baby might be lying head down in the uterus or in a breech (bottom first) position. If it remains in breech, your doctor might recommend C-section delivery.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

One of the most asked questions for patients during their first obstetrical visit with their doctor, is, “How much weight will I gain?”

As a general rule, you don’t gain that much weight in the first trimester. Between morning sickness and food aversions, that can be quite normal.

If however, you’re experiencing severe nausea and weight loss, you should immediately consult your doctor as those can be symptoms of a more serious condition called Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) which requires treatment.

The majority of the pounds will make their appearance during the second and third trimesters. On average, people gain 1 to 4 pounds in the first trimester, while during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, a healthy weight gain is considered about 0.5 to 1 pound per week.

It’s important for you and your doctor to closely monitor any excessive weight gain, as it increases the risk of serious complications for both the mother and baby, including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and a larger-than-average baby, which can make delivery more difficult and could require a C-section.

Prenatal Care After the Age of 35

If you become pregnant after the age of 35 (commonly known as a geriatric pregnancy),  your doctor will be more vigilant about your prenatal care because age is a factor that can increase complications.

After the age of 35, the risk of gestational diabetes increases, which can increase the risk of premature birth, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and complications to your baby after delivery. The risk of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome is also present.

For those reasons, special attention is always paid during your prenatal visits when you’re older. Regardless of age or any previous conditions, prenatal care is fundamental to ensure a healthy mom and baby.

VM Med Gynecology Centre

VM Med Clinic’s Gynecology and Sexual Wellness Centre supports every aspect of our patients’ gynecological health throughout the course of their lives, including family planning, STI screening, and prenatal care.

Proper follow-up protects women from any health risks that may occur before, during or after childbirth, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, infections, or complications from a miscarriage.

For more information on your prenatal care for each trimester of your pregnancy, you can read our extensive archive of VM Med blogs, including Are You Pregnant –Or Not? Early Symptoms of Pregnancy or Ectopic Pregnancy – What It Is & Common Symptoms.

Still have questions? Book a consultation with our experts.