OMG! You just found out you’re pregnant! You probably have no idea what to expect, aside from what your mom or the TV tell you. For the most part, pregnancy is a mix of emotional and physical change that opens you up to new things. Your motherhood starts now, and you should be prepared. Here’s a general guide on what to expect at each stage of pregnancy:

First Trimester

• Month 1 – The first month of pregnancy is called the gestational stage. This is the month after your last period, when fertilization occurs but you don’t “know for sure” that you’re pregnant. Usually women find out after their first missed period that they’re pregnant, which is why this month often goes overlooked. Most don’t experience any symptoms.
• Month 2 – The second month is when you finally start to “feel” pregnant. You may have “pregnancy brain,” or a general feeling of fogginess/forgetfulness. You also might have morning sickness, increased appetite, soreness, fatigue, or frequent urination. But your baby is growing! Definitely something to be excited about.
• Month 3 – You’ll likely have same symptoms as month two, but they may worsen over time. Also, your breasts may be up to another cup size larger, so start shopping for some more comfortable bras.

Second Trimester

• Month 4 – While nausea usually fades by month four, your blood pressure may change, causing lightheadedness or increased heart rate. You may develop a small baby bump, but isn’t very noticeable (like you’re bloated).
• Month 5 – This is usually the first month you can feel your baby move! He or she won’t be kicking yet, but you may be able to feel him turn. As far as symptoms, your breasts may be up to two cup sizes larger, and the tenderness may be more noticeable.
• Month 6 – At six months you’ll definitely notice the pregnancy symptoms. Milk may start to come from your breasts, and you could experience a Braxton-Hicks contraction. These are not a sign of preterm labor, however, so don’t worry.

Third Trimester

• Month 7 – By now your baby bump is a little more than a bump. You might have some back pain or muscle fatigue since you’ve been walking for two for seven months now. Your baby’s eyes may be opening by now.
• Month 8 – Many women experience fatigue and pressure on the bladder as the baby grows more and more. You might also have varicose veins, which are just veins that are larger and more noticeable on your legs. Good news though, your hair will never look better! Pregnant women tend to have much healthier and fuller hair than normal.
• Month 9 – The earlier symptoms intensify, but you have the pregnancy glow and only one more month to go! You should be resting a lot at this point, and getting ready for your last month of pregnancy.
• Final Days – This is the time that your baby will drop down to the lower part of the uterus, and it usually provides some relief to the soreness and pressure on your bladder.

Congratulations! In a few months your baby will be welcomed into the world.