Pregnant woman sitting on a step outdoors
ARTICLEPREGNANCY

Trimester-by-Trimester Guide to Pregnancy

By Twill Care Editors
April 05, 2023

To get the pregnancy info you need when you need it, find your trimester below. You’ll see important to-dos, help for common symptoms, and answers to your biggest questions. Tap the links to see more!

First Trimester: Up to Week 13

Once you find out you’re pregnant, there’s a lot to do and new things to consider.

Read up on what foods to avoid during pregnancy and what to eat instead. Plus, get nutrition tips to keep you and your baby healthy.

Find out how much water you should be drinking. Learn what to do if you need help quitting smoking, drinking, or drugs.

Learn what else you can do to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy.

Early Doctor’s Appointments

It’s important to choose a provider to care for your health during pregnancy. If you’re deciding between an ob-gyn and a midwife, this article can help.

See the recommended schedule of doctor visits during pregnancy. Find out what happens at the first prenatal visit and what tests and screenings you can expect this trimester.

Help for Common Symptoms

Find tips and tricks for early pregnancy symptoms:

For more detailed info on the first trimester:

Second Trimester: Week 14 to Week 27

The second trimester is often full of changes!

As your belly grows, you may need to switch your sleep position.

You may also see a dark line called the linea nigra appear.

Weight gain often ramps up during the second trimester. Find answers to common questions about pregnancy weight gain.

Learn some common ways sex may change throughout your pregnancy.

Plus, see how you should change your exercise routine as your pregnancy progresses.

Tests During Midpregnancy

See what routine prenatal testing happens during the second trimester. This includes an anatomy scan ultrasound around 20 weeks.

You'll also get glucose testing to screen for gestational diabetes. For people who test positive, glucose monitoring is important.

Another pregnancy complication that can be detected in the second trimester is preeclampsia. See experts’ answers to common questions about preeclampsia.

Help for Common Symptoms

Find out how to navigate new things you may be experiencing:

Ways to Start to Prep for Birth

Before the end of this trimester, you should start looking for a childbirth class and book one. Here are some tips to find the right childbirth class for you.

Also, consider whether or not you’d like extra help during birth. Find out what a doula does and why you might consider having one.

For more detailed info on the second trimester:

Third Trimester: Week 28 to Birth

Late pregnancy can be tough physically, but it’ll be worth it when your baby arrives.

Around week 28, start doing kick counts to monitor your baby’s well‑being. Find out how to do kick counts and why they’re so important.

A good night’s sleep can be even harder to come by at this point in pregnancy! Find out how to sleep better during the third trimester.

Help for Common Symptoms

Find relief for late-pregnancy issues:

Ways to Get Ready for Birth

As your due date nears, it’s important to be ready for delivery.

To prepare, write your birth plan and go over it with your doctor. Here are answers to common questions about writing a birth plan.

Prepare a bag of essentials for your baby’s arrival. Here’s what you should pack in your hospital bag.

Read up on birth basics:

It’s also very important you know the signs of labor and when to call your doctor.

You may also need to decide whether or not your baby will be circumcised. Here are some benefits and risks of circumcision.

Ways to Get Ready to Care for a Newborn

Know the basics of newborn care, so that you feel ready for parenthood.

Check out a hospital’s guide to caring for a newborn. And see the 10 skills all new parents should master.

Learn about important how-tos for feeding and sleep:

Don’t forget, it’s also important to learn how to care for yourself when you’re postpartum.

For more detailed info on the third trimester:

After Delivery

After you deliver the baby, you’ll enter the postpartum period, which is often called the fourth trimester! For more on caring for yourself and your newborn, see our guide to the fourth trimester and explore the Postpartum & Baby topic page.

You May Also Like: