Understanding the Stages of Pregancy

Are you experiencing pregnancy? Whether it is your first pregnancy, your second, or your third, every pregnancy is different, and it’s always fun to look forward to what’s to come. Pregnancy is generally broken down into three stages, known as trimesters. Keep reading to learn more about the stages of pregnancy and what to expect along your journey!

First Trimester

Week 1 to Week 12

During the first trimester, your body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body. These changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy. Your period stopping is a clear sign that you are pregnant.

Common first-trimester symptoms

Other changes may include:

• Extreme tiredness
• Tender, swollen breasts. Your nipples might also stick out.
• Upset stomach with or without throwing up (morning sickness)
• Cravings or distaste for certain foods
• Mood swings
• Constipation (trouble having bowel movements)
• Need to pass urine more often
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Weight gain or loss

(source: Women's Health )

Second Trimester

Week 13 to Week 28

Starting to feel a little better? You’re likely in the second trimester of pregnancy! The second trimester is when (generally) most of your first trimester symptoms subside, leaving you with more energy and the feeling of those first kicks.

Common second-trimester symptoms typically include:

• Body aches, such as back, abdomen, groin, or thigh pain
• Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
• Darkening of the skin around your nipples
• A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline
• Patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Patches often match on both sides of the face. This is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy.
• Numb or tingling hands, called carpal tunnel syndrome

Third Trimester

Week 29 to Week 40

The high energy of the second trimester will start to fade as you enter the third trimester, leaving you more out of breath and tired than usual!

Your baby is getting bigger and bigger by the day, truly starting to take over your insides—and you can feel it. The heartburn, the shortness of breath, the frequent urination and much more are in overdrive as your baby puts his or her weight on all your organs.

Other symptoms of the third trimester include:

• Shortness of breath
• Heartburn
• Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
• Hemorrhoids
• Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum (kuh-LOSS-struhm)
• Your belly button may stick out
• Trouble sleeping
• The baby "dropping", or moving lower in your abdomen
• Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor

The Researching Everything For Your Registry Trimester

Nesting is a very real symptom that can come up at any point in pregnancy! The natural urge to want to get everything clean and ready for your baby is not just in your head—most women experience it. While you’re cleaning every nook and cranny, decorating the nursery, and putting together your registry, we made a list of super useful, yet often overlooked, items that you will love.

Plus, if there’s a new (or soon-to-be-new) mama in your life, use this as a great holiday gift guide!

EZ Grip Star Teether / Oral Sensory Developmental Toy

Not all teethers are created equal, and this one will help jumpstart your baby’s oral development right from birth!

Innobaby’s star teethers aren’t just great for teething pain, they’re considered “training teethers,” which means they’re great for:

• Stimulating the muscles of the lips, tongue, and cheeks to improve oral motor skills
• Aids in nursing, eating solid foods, drinking from cups, and speech development
• Light and easy-to-grip handle also improves hand-eye coordination.
• Giving two to baby will allow for bilateral movement and stimulation of both sides of the brain

 

Innobaby holds its teethers to the very highest standards (Conforms to Toy Safety Standard ASTM F963 and EN71) and uses the highest quality TPE available, because Innobaby wants the best for your baby, just like you! Other teethers may be too small, or break apart easily, but you can trust ours!

Innobaby Silicone Mini Fish Scrub / Cradle Cap Brush

Gently massage away stubborn cradle cap and dry skin with the all-new Innobaby Bathin' Smart Silicone Mini Fish Scrub!

Our Mini Fish Scrub features over 3,000 tiny micro-bristles that gently massage and break up dry skin on baby's scalp beneath their hair. Gentle and safe enough to use on newborns and young infants, our Mini Fish Scrub is made out of 100% silicone that is mold and mildew-resistant. Bonus: The silicone Mini Scrub is dishwasher safe or can be sterilized in boiling water for a deep clean.

Carry it on after the baby years to use when your toddler starts learning how to wash their hands, get the dirt from under their nails, and scrub the markers, temporary tattoos, and face paint off!

ECLEVE Ultimate Comfort Hip Seat Carrier

The Ecleve Pulse Ultimate Comfort Hip Seat Carrier, thanks to its innovative hip wedge support seat, allows you to comfortably carry your child close to you from infancy to toddlerhood.

Unlike other outward-facing and back carriers, Ecleve Pulse features a detachable hip seat that distributes the baby’s weight evenly, easing the parent's back and shoulder pressure.

With nine different ways to wear, this versatile baby carrier is ergonomically designed to grow with your child, making it the only carrier you’ll ever need. Comfortable in any season, the Ecleve Pulse Carrier features a wrap-away panel with breathable 3D air mesh lining for added comfort, great for the warmer summer months.

For more great parenting tips, baby must-haves, and more, visit Innobaby.com!