Trimester by Trimester: A Detailed Look at the 4 Pregnancy Stages with Cheltenham & Cirencester Resources
A Detailed Look at the 4 Pregnancy Stages with Cheltenham & Cirencester Resources - from a mother of 2, and a Maternity & Newborn Photographer!
Hey, hello! So you're pregnant with your first baby (or your second/third and have forgotten all the wonders of pregnancy!) - congratulations! I remember the excitement, and nervousness well. Hours of researching every stage of pregnancy, from signs and symptoms to cravings and when I might start to feel those first few kicks. As a maternity and newborn photographer in Cirencester and Cheltenham, over the last 5 years of my career I have met so many expectant mums and my knowledge of pregnancy has vastly grown since I was pregnant with my first son. And I want to share that with you!
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’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 Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Chloe, Moreton-in-Marsh
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 and extreme fatigue!) It's like you're part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant moms can truly understand.
When I was pregnant with my first son it was easy to keep a secret, I was lucky and didn’t suffer much morning sickness, but with my second man oh man did I make up for that. I had all-day long nausea that didn’t disappear until I was well into my second trimester. I tried everything from ginger tea and biscuits, to pregnancy sweets from Amazon (I do highly recommend these!) and thanks to that, work very quickly figured out that I was pregnant!
Other things that helped me was snacking on salty snacks every couple of hours - salt and vinegar Pringles with a full fat coke was my go to!
Cadi, Stroud
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 and the baby bump showing, it's time to embrace the experience.
This is the time most will announce their pregnancy with a cute photo or video! I have pinned some of my favourites here - go and have a look! Some of these are super easy for you to recreate yourself at home and others are if you decide to invest in a photoshoot - have a look my my services here, maybe I can help you with that.
If you're looking to keep up your fitness levels during your pregnancy, or even just keep a little bit of movement (this is so helpful during your birth!) I would recommend pregnancy yoga. If you are in Cirencester and the surrounding areas I would suggest having a look at Berry Farm’s classes.
When you start to feel uncomfortable as your belly grows, maybe you have a little Pelvic Girdle Pain kicking in, Dyer Street Clinic in Cirencester offer specialized physiotherapy for pregnancy and postnatal women. And Organic Family Chiropractic in Cheltenham offer services for the whole family from pregnancy to post-birth and even newborn and child chiropractic services!
Vicky & Family, Cheltenham
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. There are a lot of things you need to prepare, I have put together the top three things I think you could focus on in those last few months and weeks.
The Nursery - getting the nursery space ready is such an important thing for a new mother to do. I feel like selecting the furniture pieces, the theme, colour palette, the little details that make it yours is almost a bonding moment for you. You haven’t met your baby yet, but he or she is already so loved. You pour your time, care and love into this little space, just for them. My best recommendation? Invest in a great nursing chair! One that is comfortable, that rocks, and preferably has some sort of foot stool - you will be spending a lot of hours those first few months up feeding and cuddling your baby, so make sure you have somewhere comfortable to do it! I used this one, and I loved it!
Birth Class or Doula - The Bump to Baby Chapter in Cheltenham offer a wide range of pre and post pregnancy classes. The NCT also run Antenatal classes which are not only informative but you meet a group of other parents-to-be who can be an invaluable support in those first few months, and you may make friends that last a lifetime!
Getting your Hospital Bag Ready - Put together the bag you will be taking with you to the hospital in the weeks ahead of the birth a keep in somewhere easily accessible. Things to put in the bag:
Comfortable clothing
Slippers and Socks
Dressing gown
Toiletries
Snacks and drinks
Phone charger
Music player or headphones
Lip Balm
Nightdress/Feeding tops/Comfortable post-birth pj’s
Nursing bras, breastpads and nipple cream
Maternity pads (or my best tip, incontinence underwear! so much more comfortable than pads and super absorbent)
Going home outfit for you and baby
Nappies and wet wipes
Muslins
Vests and Sleepsuits
Blanket
Car Seat
Baby Leo, Bath
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!
I had two very different births. One induction, with an epidural and one water birth. Both were completely different experiences, the first not what I had envisioned but my baby arrived earth-side safely and that’s all that matters. The second was such an empowering and beautiful experience and I am so glad that I was lucky enough to have such a wonderful birth the second time round.
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. This is the time where you and your baby are figuring out your new roles, you as a mother, and them trying to understand why the world is so bright and cold. For those first few months your baby does not know that you and they are separate beings, which is why they want to be held and snuggled almost constantly. This time is wonderful, and tiring and beautiful and overwhelming all at the same time.
Your body is recovering, healing and nourishing a baby. If your trying to breastfeed, your going to be in pain and probably struggling to figure out latch and supply and all the things that come along with being a human milk machine! If you are struggling sometimes a Lactation Consultant or some kind of breastfeeding support can help - here are a few places I would recommend within Cirencester and Cheltenham:
Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Support
BEST Breastfeeding Encouragement & Support Team
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And if you're feeling like those ‘baby blues’ are something more, then please speak to someone, your GP or a family member.
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 adventure called motherhood.
As you’ve made it all the way down here – are you looking for a Cheltenham or Cirencester Photographer?
Click here to see more of my maternity & newborn portfolio.
Baby Elena, Oxfordshire
