What to Expect in Each Trimester

Pregnancy is a wild ride.

One minute, you’re peeing on a stick, staring at two pink lines in shock.

The next, you’re crying because your partner brought you the wrong kind of pickles.

And somewhere in between, your body is growing an actual human.

If you’re wondering what’s ahead, here’s a trimester-by-trimester breakdown based on my book A Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide for Modern Moms​—a completely free resource to help you navigate every stage of pregnancy.

You can grab it on Amazon right now for free: Download Here.

Alright, let’s dive in!

First Trimester (Weeks 1-13): The “What Is Happening to My Body?!” Phase

This is the stage where your body is working harder than it ever has before… but no one can tell you’re pregnant yet.

Your baby starts out as a tiny poppy seed but quickly grows a heartbeat, brain, and little limb buds.

Meanwhile, your body is pumping out hormones like a teenager on a growth spurt, leading to:

• Exhaustion like you’ve never known. You will be so tired. Sleep when you can.

• Morning sickness (which can happen any time of day). Thanks, hCG! Try eating small meals and keeping ginger on hand.

• Super-smell powers. Unfortunately, this does not mean you can fight crime—just that your partner’s deodorant might suddenly make you gag.

• Sore boobs. Like, "don’t even look at them" sore.

• Mood swings. One second you’re laughing, the next you’re sobbing over a diaper commercial.

What to Do:

• Schedule your first prenatal visit. Most doctors see you around 8-10 weeks.

• Start taking a prenatal vitamin (if you haven’t already). Folic acid is essential for baby’s brain development.

• Drink water like it’s your job. Dehydration makes nausea worse.

• Give yourself grace. Your body is doing so much work, even if it doesn’t look like it yet.

The Good News?

By the end of this trimester, your baby has fully formed organs and is officially a fetus.

And for most women, the nausea and exhaustion start to fade around week 13.

You’re almost to the good part.

Second Trimester (Weeks 14-27): The “Honeymoon Phase”

Welcome to the best trimester of pregnancy.

Your energy comes back. You start to show. And for many moms, this is when pregnancy actually feels exciting.

Your baby, now the size of a peach at week 14, is growing rapidly and will soon be kicking up a storm.

What to Expect:

• More energy! (Finally.) You might actually want to leave the couch again.

• The pregnancy glow. Your skin may look better than ever… or you may get hormonal acne. It’s a toss-up.

• A growing bump. You’ll probably need maternity clothes soon.

• Weird cravings. Pickles and ice cream? Sure. But also things like dirt, chalk, or soap (this is called pica, and it can signal a nutrient deficiency—talk to your doctor!).

• Feeling your baby move! Those first flutters usually start around 18-22 weeks.

What to Do:

• Schedule your anatomy scan (usually around 18-22 weeks) to check baby’s development (and maybe find out the gender!).

• Start sleeping on your side. By the end of this trimester, sleeping on your back can restrict blood flow.

• Get comfy. Your belly is stretching, so invest in a belly band, a pregnancy pillow, and stretchy leggings.

• Prepare for the glucose test. This checks for gestational diabetes, and yes, the drink is gross but tolerable.

The Good News?

This is the trimester where many moms say they finally feel like themselves again.

Enjoy it. Do the fun baby shopping. Take bump photos. Start planning your nursery.

Because the third trimester is coming… and things are about to get real.

Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40+): The “Is This Over Yet?” Phase

You’ve made it to the home stretch.

At the start of this trimester, your baby is about the size of an eggplant. By the end, they’re a full-grown newborn, ready to make their grand entrance.

Meanwhile, you’re getting bigger, slower, and more uncomfortable by the day.

What to Expect:

• Back pain, swollen feet, and heartburn that could fuel a dragon. Sorry, mama.

• Braxton Hicks contractions. These are practice contractions—your body’s way of warming up for labor.

• Lightning crotch. Yes, it’s a thing. Baby’s head is hitting nerves, and it feels like a sharp zap in your pelvis. Fun, right?

• Baby dropping. Around 36-38 weeks, your baby will settle lower into your pelvis. You can breathe easier—but now you have to pee every five minutes.

• Nesting mode. You’ll suddenly feel the urgent need to clean, organize, and stockpile diapers. (It’s biological—just go with it.)

What to Do:

• Pack your hospital bag. Start around 35-36 weeks so you’re not scrambling later.

• Take a birth class. Even if you think you know what to expect, birth has a way of surprising you.

• Make a postpartum plan. Recovery is no joke. Stock up on pads, witch hazel, and freezer meals.

• Practice relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, hypnobirthing, and labor positions can help manage pain.

• Set up baby’s space. Whether it’s a nursery or a corner of your bedroom, make sure everything is ready to go.

The Good News?

The finish line is so close.

Yes, the last few weeks feel like a thousand years. Yes, you will question if labor will ever start.

But trust me, mama—you’re about to meet your baby.

And suddenly, every ache, pain, and weird symptom will be completely worth it.

Want More Week-by-Week Guidance?

If you want a detailed breakdown of every week of pregnancy, my book A Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide for Modern Moms is completely free on Amazon!

You can download it now and have expert-backed insights, tips, and encouragement for every stage of pregnancy.

📖 Get your free copy here.

You don’t have to figure this all out alone, mama.

Let’s go through this journey week by week, together. 💛

You got this, mama,
Naomi