5 Stages of Pregnancy You Never Knew Existed | Dublin Maternity Photographer
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 had no idea there was a “4th trimester” until after I’d had 2 babies! I’m so glad I know now!
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 Ireland.
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). It's like you're part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant moms can truly understand.
I remember when I was in this stage, I would sneak off to the bathroom at work to deal with morning sickness, all while trying to keep my pregnancy a secret from my coworkers. I could never actually get sick, just a car sick feeling all day. I used to wish I’d get sick for it to go away! From week 6 to week 16 on BOTH my pregnancies! It felt like I was living a double life as a superhero – minus the cool cape! I found travel sickness bands did relieve it a bit, but didn’t eliminate for me all the same :(
Here are some helpful resources for the 1st trimester.
On my second pregnancy I found acupuncture brilliant, it really helped with anxiety and tiredness.
The Acupuncture Council of Ireland have a directory to help you find your local practitioner - https://acupuncturecouncilofireland.com/
Here is a link also to travel sickness bands, like the ones I used.
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.
I definitely found I had more energy during the second trimester to look into the things that made me feel more prepared for baby’s arrival. Its also when you start going out of all your clothes !!
I found H&M great for maternity clothes, it didn’t break the bank and alot of it will double as feeding clothes too.
https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/ladies/shop-by-product/maternity-wear.html
During your second trimester is also a great time to book your pregnancy photoshoot. Ahem, I know a great maternity photographer in Dublin, https://www.lindaclarkephotography.ie/linda-clarke-maternity-photographer-dublin
Not to toot my own horn or anything but, I’ve won loads of awards ;) for my maternity photoshoots!
The best time to do your maternity photos is between the 28 week and 32 week mark. You have a lovely round bump at that stage, but still have the energy for the shoot, it can be a little bit of a work out !
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.
The Nursery
Don’t actually stress yourself out too much about having your nursery finished for baby’s arrival. Chances are they will be in your room for a good few months to come anyway ! It can be one less thing to worry yourself about!
Dublin / Kildare Birth Class or Doula
Have you considered a Doula? We so need to be taken care of after we give birth. Us Irish Mama’s have a misconception in our heads that we need to do it all ourselves!! Not so! How can you look after your new baby if you are on the back foot yourself? A Doula is a great way to give you the best chance of feeling good in yourself too.
Check out Aisling from https://beyondbirth.ie/, she has fab info on Doula’s on her website as she is one herself!
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 loads of plans for my birth experience. Needless to say my first did not go to plan. A 33 week emergency section and a 4lb baby were not on my list of birth preferences I can tell you ;)
BUT
One thing that did help me both time was Gentlebirthing. For both my births which both ended up being sections it kept me cool, calm and collected when it mattered. Mine were on cd’s, I am that old, but they have a lovely fancy app now!
If you want more details on birth, make sure to check out this blog post all about 10 Things Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You About Giving Birth
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.
My goodness is it a shock to the system! You think how much is this little person really going to change my life and then WHOOSH, you’ve been hit by the new mom train !
It is a wonderful time but it is also the hardest time of your life. So don’t be like me, don’t give yourself a hard time, it is normal to feel like you’ve lost your mind and it won’t last for ever, every hard bit is just a phase and it will change soon!
If you are struggling with breastfeeding, check out my Blog When to seek Breastfeeding Support
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 crazy adventure.
Thanks for reading!
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P.S. I hope reading my 5 Stages of Pregnancy You Never Knew Existed blog has given you some solid ideas!
If you happen also to be looking for a Dublin Newborn Photographer, click here to see lots of fab squishy babies !!