pregnant pause - coles baby club

First trimester

Weeks 0 to 13

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor will do routine prenatal tests – these include your weight, height, blood pressure and heart rate, and you will need to supply a urine sample at every visit throughout your pregnancy. You'll also need to have a monthly check-up until week 28.

Nausea, or morning sickness, and fatigue are common symptoms in the first trimester.

You also need to choose the hospital where you would like to give birth and make sure they are able to accommodate you. It is best to make enquiries early in your pregnancy to maximise your chances of getting the hospital of your choice. Discuss your birthing options with your GP – either a public or private hospital, a birthing centre or a home birth.

By now, you should have decided on the kind of health carer you would like; either a midwife or an obstetrician.

Second trimester

Weeks 14 to 26

The second trimester is often considered the most comfortable, with less morning sickness. However, due to hormones reducing the bowel's effectiveness, you may experience constipation.

Around week 16, you may start to feel some movement from your baby. Between week 17 and 20 you should have a routine ultrasound scan.

From week 24 you may begin to develop stretch marks on your abdomen, hips, thighs and breasts.

Third trimester

Weeks 27 to 40

From week 28 until week 36 you should see your doctor fortnightly, and then weekly from week 36 until the baby is born.

You will notice a pattern in the way your baby is kicking. It's important to monitor these movements in case they change or slow down radically.

You may be experiencing oedema (water retention in the feet and ankles). This is not a major concern, and keeping well hydrated and elevating your feet can reduce swelling.

By now, you should have finalised a birth plan and have an idea of how you want to manage your birth. This includes the type of pain relief, if any, you prefer, what procedures you condone and who you want present at the birth.

At around week 36 your baby may engage, meaning the head moves down into your pelvis, ready for birth.