Though people commonly think that pregnancy lasts nine months, it is actually more along the lines of 40 weeks. During this time, your body will undergo many changes. Some of them will be amazing, while others might be less pleasant. Our Gwinnett doctors want to guide you through what you can expect in each of the trimesters of your pregnancy.

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)

During your first trimester, hormonal changes can cause nearly every organ system in your body to undergo changes. Your period will stop, and you may experience other symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy. You may feel extremely tired, have an upset stomach (morning sickness), crave or dislike certain foods, have mood swings, suffer from constipation, need to urinate more frequently, get headaches or heartburn and have weight fluctuations.

Our Lawrenceville doctors have found that the first trimester is often the most uncomfortable for women as their bodies are undergoing major changes to prepare for the development of their baby. Symptoms vary from woman to woman, however, so not all women will experience all, or even any, of these changes.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-28)

During your second trimester, your body will typically adjust to the changes that occurred during the first trimester, and many unpleasant symptoms will often lessen or disappear completely. You will experience more noticeable physical changes to your body, especially in your abdomen, which will expand as the baby grows. You may also experience stretch marks forming, body aches, patches of darker skin, itching on your abdomen or swelling.

Your Lawrenceville, Ga., doctor notes that your baby will begin really moving during this trimester, and you will feel your baby kicking and moving around before the trimester is over.

Third Trimester (Weeks 29-40)

Some of the discomforts you experienced in your second trimester may continue into your third. Many women notice that they have difficulty breathing or need to go to the bathroom more often because baby’s size is starting to put pressure on your organs. Our Gwinnett family medicine practitioners note you may also experience heartburn, swelling, hemorrhoids, tender breasts, trouble sleeping and even contractions, which can be a sign of either real or false labor.

Throughout your pregnancy, you should make sure that you are regularly visiting your obstetrician and Gwinnett physicians to discuss the changes that are happening in your body and to ensure that your pregnancy is progressing normally. We can give you tips on how to lessen any discomfort you may be experiencing and how to stay healthy as your baby grows. Call us today to schedule an appointment online.