Pregnancy: Navigating the Trimesters
What to Expect When You’re Expecting… Everything from Wonder to Waddling
A trimester-by-trimester guide to pregnancy—including the one no one talks about.
So, you’re pregnant. Or maybe your partner is. Either way—congratulations! You’ve just boarded a truly one-of-a-kind ride. From cravings and cravings (yes, we said that twice), to belly flutters and birth plans, pregnancy is an adventure.
Let’s break it down trimester by trimester—with a dose of honesty, some helpful tips, and a bit of dry humour to keep you sane.
First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): The “Big Reveal” and Big Feelings Phase
This is where the magic starts. The baby is still teeny-tiny, but your body is going through big changes. You might be feeling thrilled, nervous, exhausted—or all three before breakfast.
What You Might Feel:
Fatigue like you just ran a marathon in your sleep
Nausea (aka “morning sickness,” which ironically arrives whenever it wants)
A sudden superpower-level sense of smell (use this wisely… or avoid public bins)
What’s Going On:
Hormones are kicking into high gear
Your body’s building the placenta and growing a baby from scratch
You may cry at dog food commercials, and that’s okay
Pro Tip: Ginger tea, salty snacks, and naps are key. Don’t beat yourself up if your diet goes from “balanced” to “toast and plain pasta only.” This phase is about survival and snacks.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13–26): The “Coasting and Glowing” Chapter
Welcome to the sweet spot! For many, this is the part of pregnancy where you feel like a functioning human again. The bump appears, the nausea fades, and you may even enjoy the attention (and the extra seat offers).
What You Might Notice:
Baby kicks (is that gas or a tiny foot? It’s probably both.)
An uptick in energy (time to organize that closet!)
A glowing complexion—or at least slightly less zombie-like
What’s Happening:
Your baby’s growing fast and starting to respond to sound
You’ll have the 20-week anatomy scan
You might suddenly care a lot about pram specifications
Pro Tip: Make the most of this time. Go for walks, take bump photos, and enjoy being able to tie your own shoes while it lasts.
Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40+): The Final Countdown
Things are getting real now. You’re officially on the home stretch. The baby is growing bigger and heavier, and you might be moving slower and sleeping weirder (hello, 3 a.m. toast sessions).
What You Might Feel:
Tired, achy, and possibly a little done with pregnancy
Excited, nervous, and obsessed with folding tiny clothes
A strong desire to Google “what is a mucus plug” at 2 a.m.
What’s Going On:
Baby’s practicing breathing, blinking, and occasionally kung fu
Your body is prepping for birth with Braxton Hicks contractions
Everyone you meet will ask if you’re “about to pop”
Pro Tip: Pack your hospital bag early. Trust us—no one wants to be locating a phone charger mid-contraction.
The 4th Trimester (Weeks 0–12 After Birth): Welcome to the Deep End
Surprise! Just when you think you’ve crossed the finish line, you enter the “fourth trimester”—aka the newborn stage. You’re healing, adjusting, and learning to keep a tiny human alive on limited sleep and lukewarm coffee.
What You Might Experience:
Emotional highs, lows, and WTFs (hormones are wild)
Feeding around the clock (boob, bottle, both—it’s all work)
That intense love-meets-exhaustion phase of bonding
What’s Going On:
Your body is recovering from birth
Your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb
You’re getting to know each other—slowly, wonderfully, chaotically
Pro Tip: Accept help. Say yes to food deliveries, babysitting offers, and someone holding the baby while you shower. You’re not “bouncing back”—you’re moving forward into a whole new chapter.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is full of surprises—from wild cravings to unexpected calm, to the awe of feeling those first kicks. Each trimester has its own challenges and beautiful moments. And through it all, your body is doing something absolutely incredible.
You don’t have to love every second—but you can trust yourself through every stage. You’re already doing something amazing. Snack in hand, feet up, you’ve got this.