Pregnancy is a journey like no other—a time of joy, anticipation, and sometimes, a few surprises along the way. As a mom of four, I know firsthand how each stage of pregnancy brings its own unique emotions and challenges. From the excitement or complete overwhelm of that first positive test to those final weeks of waiting, every phase has its beautiful moments, along with some that may leave you feeling overwhelmed.
That’s why I wanted to share what I’ve learned from my own experiences—both the joys and the not-so-easy parts. Whether you’re in your first trimester or nearing the end, taking care of yourself and understanding what your body and baby need at each stage can make a world of difference.
Here’s a breakdown of the key stages of pregnancy, along with some tips to help you feel empowered and supported as you navigate this incredible journey. This is the advice I wish I was given on my first pregnancy and maybe what I wished someone had reminded me in my fourth as well.
First Trimester: Adjusting to the Changes
The first trimester can be a whirlwind of emotions. You might feel excited, anxious, tired, or a mix of all three. You may also be coming to terms with an unanticipated pregnancy which a whole different basket of feelings. The physical changes, like morning sickness, fatigue, and food aversions, can catch you off guard, but know that these feelings are completely normal. That is a theme you will find in pregnancy, its all bananas weird and so much of that weird is “normal”. More on this later.
Rest and Nutrition: Your body is working hard to grow that tiny baby, so it’s important to rest when you can and nourish yourself with small, frequent meals that are gentle on your stomach. Think bland, comforting foods like crackers, plain toast, or smoothies packed with leafy greens. Any food you are getting down is a win especially if you are extremely nauseous or vomiting. This isn’t a time to micromanage your diet or get hung up on your intake.
Give Yourself Grace: If you’re not feeling your best, don’t be too hard on yourself. The first trimester can be tough, and it’s okay if you’re not as productive or active as usual. Listen to your body and take it easy when you need to. And it won’t last forever, deep in the belly of all-day sickness with my fourth child I cried daily wondering how the human race has survived.
Second Trimester: The “Sweet Spot”
For many moms, the second trimester feels like a breath of fresh air. Nausea typically fades, your energy levels rise, and you might even start to feel that first flutter of movement from your baby. This is often the most enjoyable stage of pregnancy, so savor it! Finish up projects around the house, prepare your baby registry, tackle some more “before baby” bucket list items.
But if it isn’t, big hugs and dig into the advice of the first trimester and hold fast to rest and giving yourself grace. Not everyone gets a magical rebound semester, and that is a bummer.
Stay Active: With your energy back, it’s a great time to get moving. Gentle activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can help boost your mood and prepare your body for the months ahead. Just be sure to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard. And always check-in with your medical team about what types of movement are safe for your specific situation.
Connect with Your Baby: As your belly grows, so does your connection with your little one. Take moments to pause, feel those kicks, and bond with your baby. It’s a magical time when the reality of motherhood starts to feel even more real. You can also start to sing and read to your baby, they can hear you as silly as that sounds.
Third Trimester: Preparing for Baby
By the time you reach the third trimester, you’re likely counting down the days until you meet your baby. But this stage can also come with its own set of challenges, from aches and pains to sleepless nights. While aches and discomfort are normal, more intense pain is certainly not. I had two pregnancies with debilitating SPD (pelvic separation that causes intense pain) and with a new provider in my fourth pregnancy she immediately sent me to a pelvic floor PT who worked wonders on my hips and core strength. I was able to backpack and even hike with a nearly 3-year-old in a carrier which would have been unthinkable in my prior two pregnancies. I cannot promise you will remove all pain, but hiking is my self-care and being able to make that happen was incredible for the mental health.
Prioritize Comfort: Your body is going through a lot of changes, so make sure you’re comfortable. Invest in a good pregnancy pillow, wear loose, stretchy clothing, and don’t be afraid to take naps whenever you can. Sleep can be tricky at best and more likely near impossible in these final weeks, so any rest you can get is valuable! Especially if you are experiencing heartburn and upright seating situation will be a game changer!
Get Organized: As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, now is a good time to set up the nursery, pack your hospital bag, and make sure everything is ready for those first days at home. You will hit a hardcore nesting phase at some point, but deep cleaning isn’t best left for the final days and weeks of pregnancy. Your brain however will become fixated that it needs done, so quick advice, get a head start on it. And please please know it’s okay to ask for help during this stage—you don’t have to do it all on your own. This is going to be your first and earliest reminder that the whole “it takes a village” saying is more than a fun statement, you cannot do it alone.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey, But its also okay to hate it
Pregnancy can be unpredictable, and no two journeys are exactly alike. Through the ups and downs, remember to be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, it’s a time filled with love, anticipation, and the amazing gift of bringing new life into the world. It can also be a time when you loathe the process and cannot wait for the result. People are often shocked to hear I really thoroughly didn’t enjoy pregnancy. Not even a little bit. I adore my kids, I am endlessly thankful to be able to do it four times over, but pregnancy overall can kick rocks.
As moms, we’re all in this together, and no matter where you are in your pregnancy, no matter how you are feeling, please know that you’re doing an incredible job. You’ve got this Mama!
