When it comes to antenatal care, we believe in a personalised approach and maintaining a close relationship with our patients throughout the entire pregnancy. We will guide you and your partner through all stages of the pregnancy, with a tailored approach that ensures all your physical and emotional needs are met.
The 40-odd weeks of your pregnancy are grouped into three trimesters. These ‘stages’ mark different phases of growth and development for you and your baby, and, accordingly, the care you will both need.
The First Trimester (1-12 Weeks)
The first trimester is a phase of major development for your baby. You will undergo many changes, as hormonal changes affect your entire body from the first week of pregnancy. Of course, you may not realise you are pregnant right away. However, we will usually arrange your first appointment for 8th-10th weeks into the first trimester. If you have any health concerns or urgent issues with the pregnancy, you can always book in earlier.
During this time, it is very common to feel tired and experience morning sickness. The need to urinate more frequently, tender or swollen breasts, constipation, headaches, heartburn and moodiness are all common symptoms too. Don’t stress! These will recede as you enter your second trimester.
In your first trimester, folic acid and iodine are very important for your baby’s growth and development. You will need to take 0.8mg of folic acid a day for the first three months, and 0.15mg of iodine a day for your entire pregnancy. Read more about nutrition during pregnancy here.
The Second Trimester (13-28 Weeks)
The second trimester is widely considered the most enjoyable stage of pregnancy. You will likely start to see a bump 12-14 weeks after your last period, and many of the taxing symptoms experienced during your first trimester will have disappeared.
You will begin to undergo more apparent changes as your baby continues to grow. By 14-16 weeks your bump will be quite noticeable and by your 20th week it is likely you will be able to feel your baby move.
As your body adjusts to your fast-growing child, you will experience some more noticeable symptoms, including body aches, stretch marks, darkening of the nipples, and patches of darker skin over the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper lip.
During your second trimester we will schedule appointments roughly every four weeks, however, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your peace of mind during this time is what we strive for.
The Third Trimester (29-40 Weeks)
During your third trimester, you will have appointments scheduled every two weeks, then once a week for the last month before your due date. Throughout your final trimester we will discuss your birth plan, preparing for labour and the physical changes you will experience as your due date approaches.
This is the last stretch, and as your baby continues to grow it is common to experience some discomforts in the third trimester. Many of the symptoms from the first and second trimesters will continue, including headaches, heartburn, swelling, and tender breasts. Many women find breathing can become difficult and will need to go to the bathroom more frequently – this is all very normal.
In the final weeks of your pregnancy, you may be quite uncomfortable and find it difficult to sleep at night. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns, or if you experience any abdominal pain or bleeding.
The last few weeks are very exciting but can also be quite exhausting. We aim to make sure you are as comfortable and confident as can be for your due date.
