Pregnancy Symptoms, Month by Month!

It's good to know what to expect during pregnancy, so here is a lot of possible symptoms you may experience on a month to month basis-just remember, pregnancy only lasts 9 months, but the joy of having a child lasts forever!


Month 1: Some mothers don't experience any symptoms in the first month, which is why so many mothers don't know they're pregnant until the second month. This is because many of the symptoms may be similar to PMS, such as increased fatigue and breast soreness or tenderness. You can even still have some spotting, which may make you think that your period has just had an irregular month. However, there are plenty of mothers who do experience increased symptoms during the first month and will start to suspect that they're pregnant. Nausea and vomiting, as well as faintness and increased urinary frequency are all common symptoms in the first month as well.


Month 2: For most women, morning sickness doesn't come into full swing until the second month. For some women, this only happens once a day but for some it can be a more constant nauseous feeling. Your caloric need will increase, oftentimes especially the need for protein. You may also notice that your vaginal area is more sensitive or slightly swollen. Increased vaginal discharge is common because it keeps the vaginal wall clean and free of infection. Of course, you will experience more fatigue, and you can expect mood swings to come more often as well.


Month 3: Very similar to the first two months, though you may start to feel you have some energy back. Also, you will start to notice some weight gain. Your baby is growing!


Month 4: This is where heartburn can start, and your nausea can still be going at this point, though hopefully it will have calmed down. You may also notice changes in your skin; some areas may start to look blotchy, and the veins may be more noticeable. Also, this is the month you could start to feel your baby move.


Month 5: While your nausea will probably have disappeared by now, you may feel increased indigestion and heartburn, as well as constipation. Since your pelvis is started to stretch slightly, you may start to notice stretch marks. Also, you may begin to lead fluids from your breasts. However, you will feel your baby start to move even more!


Month 6: There is less pressure on your bladder during this approach to the last trimester, so you should probably not have to pee as often. You will feel the baby move very often; they are almost fully developed at this stage. You may start experiencing leg cramps, hemorrhoids, and bladder infections, but for some women, the last trimester is relatively symptom-free.


Month 7: Since you are now gaining weight at a steady pace, you may begin to feel backaches, and difficulty sleeping at night is a very big problem, just because it's so much harder to get comfortable. This leads to increased fatigue during the day.


Month 8: You're getting close now! Just two more months to go, and a couple more symptoms to appear, such as pelvic pressure and Braxton Hicks. Braxton Hicks are almost "practice" contractions-they are getting your uterus muscle stronger in preparation for labor. They are perfectly normal, but not every woman has them. Again, difficulty sleeping may actually be your most frustrating symptom in your last trimester.


Month 9: Your breast swelling will increase and your pelvis will feel more pressure, and you are almost there. You may experience decreased libido (understandable, in your uncomfortable state!) but keep in mind that intercourse can often promote labor, as can taking walks and staying generally active (without overdoing it, of course!)


While pregnant women have "that glow" about them, there is no denying that pregnancy can be a very uncomfortable experience in general. Discuss with your doctor safe ways to alleviate some of these symptoms. Stay relatively active, and try to get as much sleep as you can. Especially during the last trimester, you should look into pregnancy pillows, which are full body pillows especially designed for pregnant women, to help you get the sleep you need. And when your baby arrives, you'll know that all the discomfort in the world was worth what you're holding in your arms.



































While pregnant women have "that glow" about them, there is no denying that pregnancy can be a very uncomfortable experience in general. Discuss with your doctor safe ways to alleviate some of these symptoms. Stay relatively active, and try to get as much sleep as you can. Especially during the last trimester, you should look into pregnancy pillows, which are full body pillows especially designed for pregnant women, to help you get the sleep you need. And when your baby arrives, you'll know that all the discomfort in the world was worth what you're holding in your arms.