Legacy Women's Health

What to Expect Each Trimester of Pregnancy

Here’s what to expect each trimester when you’re pregnant

Each trimester of pregnancy brings unique experiences and changes to your body. Some are fun and joyful, while others are not as pleasant. But, they each represent important stages as your baby grows and develops. Our San Antonio OBGYNs detail some of the changes and pregnancy symptoms, so you know what to expect each trimester.

First trimester

Every pregnancy is different. One woman may have many of these symptoms, while others may not notice many changes. Regardless, knowing what to expect each trimester can provide peace of mind. During the first trimester, women may experience several common pregnancy symptoms.

  • Increased tiredness
  • Larger, tender breasts
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • More frequent need to urinate
  • Heartburn
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Food cravings or loss of appetite

Try to get additional sleep during the first trimester to help with tiredness. Our San Antonio OBGYNs recommend small, frequent meals to help with nausea and heartburn.

Second trimester

Women often breathe a sigh of relief when they get to the second trimester because many of the discomforts of the first trimester begin to ease. But with each phase of pregnancy come more changes, so it’s important to know what to expect each trimester. Two big changes you’ll experience this trimester are your expanding abdomen “beginning to show” and feeling your baby move. You also may notice these changes.

  • Increased appetite
  • The skin on your abdomen feels tight or itchy
  • Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs or buttocks
  • Patches of darker skin, often called the “mask of pregnancy,” on your face
  • A dark line running from your belly button to the pubic hairline
  • Swelling in your face, fingers or ankles
  • Darkening of your areolas, the skin around your nipples
  • Discomfort in your back, abdomen or groin area

Gentle stretching, pregnancy massage, warm baths and elevating feet may ease some of the discomforts of the second trimester.

Third trimester

The third trimester is an exciting time, as you near the end of your pregnancy and prepare for the baby’s arrival. As your baby grows, you will likely experience additional discomfort. Our San Antonio OBGYNS say to expect some of these pregnancy symptoms.

  • Need to urinate more often
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heartburn
  • Difficulty sleeping or getting comfortable at night
  • Your belly button sticking out
  • Colostrum, a watery pre-milk, leaking from your breasts
  • Contractions, either real or false
  • The cervix becoming thinner and softer

This list of what to expect each trimester of pregnancy may seem intimidating, but remember, with each pregnancy symptom come important developments for your baby. As you progress in your pregnancy, you will see your OBGYN more frequently and can ask questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs are available to answer any questions you have about each stage of pregnancy and what to expect each trimester. Contact Legacy Women’s Health with any questions or for an appointment.