5 (Yes, FIVE) Stages of Pregnancy
| From a Northern Virginia Maternity, Birth, and Newborn Photographer |
Did you know there are more than the typical 3 trimesters of pregnancy? Today I’m spilling the tea on everything you can expect from conception to the mysterious "4th trimester."
I’m a mom of three and I didn’t grasp the idea of a “4th Trimester” until I was recovering from my third pregnancy! I’m here to briefly explain the stages so you’re not surprised like I was!
First Trimester: The Secret Life of Pregnancy
The first trimester is like a secret club where only you and your growing baby are members. During these first 12 weeks, your body is working overtime to create a new life, and you might be feeling the effects (hello, morning sickness). It's like you're part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant moms can truly understand.
While with my first pregnancy I didn’t show early in pregnancy (unlike my following pregnancies, where I practically showed from the moment I peed on a stick) I DID have terrible morning sickness, so I told people soon after finding out about our “secret”.
I liked to suck on any kind of mint during my morning sickness phase, but Wintergreen Altoid Mints. The minty freshness really soothed my tummy.
Another recommendation would be Earth Mama Ginger Nausea Tea. Many of my pregnancy and postpartum recommendations are from Earth Mama Organics, if you ever receive a gift basket for booking a birth photography bundle from me, chances are you’ll find a few of their items in there.
Second Trimester: The Golden Age
For many, the second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy, where you can finally start enjoying the journey. With the nausea subsiding and the baby bump showing, it's time to embrace the experience.
If you want to strive for a natural/physiological birth, now would be the time to start taking classes!
My personal favorite online recourse is Sister Birth - Holistic, Spirit-Filled Support.
A few local doula agencies offer birth classes (as well as doula services - obviously):
Third Trimester: The Home Stretch
The third trimester is when things start to get real. You are most likely uncomfortable, are experiencing a new host of symptoms like charley horses, acid reflux, and a new wave of nausea. These things are hard, but nothing like the eclipsing feeling of expectation of holding your new little one in your arms!
As you prepare for your baby's arrival, you'll want to make sure you have everything in place for a smooth transition. It may be because I am a stay at home mom, but my favorite thing to prepare is my home/the baby’s nursery! For a helpful list of ways to prepare for your new little one check out this blog post:
https://www.lightfilledlifephotography.com/blog/6-unique-ways-to-get-your-home-ready-for-a-new-baby/
Birth: The Main Event
The moment you've been waiting for is finally here: birth! Whether you're planning a natural birth or a C-section, this stage is exciting and emotional!
The excitement and anticipation has been the same for every single one of my three babies. With a little mix of nerves…the joy of a baby always rushing those feelings away.
Of course, these are moments you’ll always want to remember (even if things don’t go perfectly according to plan). Hiring a birth photographer is something I’ve never heard anyone say they regret!
The 4th Trimester: What No One Tells You
Surprise! Your journey doesn't end with birth. The 4th trimester is the first three months of your baby's life, where both of you are adjusting to the world outside the womb
After I had my first baby I was so surprised to find myself overcome with not only the incredibly happy feelings of bringing home a little one, but also the unexpected loneliness, anxiety, and sadness. I want to say to you right now, wether you’ve just had your baby, or are expecting…if you’re feeling these feelings, seek help. I didn’t and wish I would have, there is NO shame in speaking to your provider and taking their advice.
Of course it is not all doom and gloom! Not every mother faces postpartum depression and anxiety. This phase is hard but joyful, and it's okay to feel a whole range of emotions along the way. As long as you've got your support system and resources, you'll be able to navigate this crazy adventure.
I hope reading 5 (Yes, FIVE) Stages of Pregnancy From a Northern Virginia Maternity, Birth, and Newborn Photographer has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of images.
