Did you know there are more than the typical 3 trimesters of pregnancy?
Today I’m spilling the tea on everything you can expect from conception to the mysterious "4th trimester." I had no idea there was a “4th trimester” until after I’d had 2 babies! I’m so glad I know now!
I’m not only going to share with you what to expect in each, but also a lot of local resources you can use as you plan for your pregnancy, newborn and birth in Cape Girardeau.
First Trimester: The Secret Life of Pregnancy
The first trimester is like a secret club where only you and your growing baby are members. During these first 12 weeks, your body is working overtime to create a new life, and you might be feeling the effects (hello, morning sickness). It's like you're part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant moms can truly understand.
The biggest thing that surprised me about the 1st trimester was how TIRED I was. 1st trimester tiredness is a different kind of tired than I had ever experienced. I was also super surprised at the smells and foods that triggered my nausea. Things I had loved before I was pregnant, I suddenly couldn’t STAND! Like, coffee. Which was a problem given how tired I was. I found that walking on the treadmill or outside helped with my energy levels!
My favorite local gym that I went to when I was pregnant is Fitness Plus at SFMC. There is a new women’s gym that recently opened that I am excited to try called Recreate Her Fitness Studio!
Second Trimester: The Golden Age
For many, the second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy, where you can finally start enjoying the journey. With the nausea subsiding (hopefully) and the baby bump showing, it's time to embrace the experience.
I noticed my nausea subsiding with both my pregnancies around 16 weeks (PRAISE). I only had a couple cravings, but they were really random. With my first (boy), I craved soft pretzels with cheese. I sent my husband on a wild goose chase around town to find them one evening for me! With my second (girl), I craved orange juice! I couldn’t get enough. It’s the only thing I wanted to drink, which is so funny because I had never been much of an orange juice drinker before.
I also loved the beet punch (hey, don’t knock it til you try it) from Fresh Healthy Cafe in Cape Girardeau.
Third Trimester: The Home Stretch
The third trimester is when things start to get real. As you prepare for your baby's arrival, you'll want to make sure you have everything in place for a smooth transition.
When it came to my nursery, I had both nurseries done really far in advance. I’m your typical type A, ha! I have some clients that had their nurseries done immediately, and some that wait until their baby is a few months old to complete it!
Make sure you leave space in your nursery to display your newborn photos from Photography by Rori :)
Birth: The Main Event
The moment you've been waiting for is finally here: birth! Whether you're planning a natural birth or a C-section, this stage is exciting and emotional!
My first labor experience was pretty textbook! I was very fortunate to have a really wonderful experience. My second was, well, different than the first. (Another story for another blog post)
If your interested in a local doula, look into Small Moments Doula Services.
The 4th Trimester: What No One Tells You
Surprise! Your journey doesn't end with birth. The 4th trimester is the first three months of your baby's life, where both of you are adjusting to the world outside the womb.
Post Partum Depression hit me like an unexpected ton of bricks! I didn’t even realize that’s what was happening until I was out of it, but PHEW that was ROUGH. It’s really important to have a support system in place, and a therapist to help you through the PPD + PPA journey. My favorite PPD therapist is Erin at Sunrise Therapy Services.
Of course, every journey is unique, and it's okay to feel a whole range of emotions along the way. As long as you've got your support system and resources, you'll be able to navigate this crazy adventure.
You got this!
-Rori
