Your Big-Sister Style Guide to All the Pregnancy Stages
So, you’ve just found out you’re pregnant—or maybe you’ve had a hunch and finally confirmed it. Whether you’re feeling nervous, excited, overwhelmed, or a mix of all three, you are not alone. Pregnancy is a journey with many turns, and it’s completely normal to have questions about what lies ahead.
As your big-sister-in-blog-form, I’m here to help you understand the trimesters of pregnancy—what happens in each stage, how you might feel, and how you can take care of yourself and your baby every step of the way. Let’s talk real talk about morning sickness, changing bodies, baby flutters, and that thrilling countdown to week 40.
And remember—Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN) is always here to support you with free pregnancy testing, education, parenting classes, emotional support, and more. This journey is uniquely yours, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
Understanding the Pregnancy Timeline
Pregnancy is usually measured in weeks, beginning from the day of your last menstrual period (LMP)—even though you likely didn’t conceive until about two weeks later. From that date, a full-term pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks. These 40 weeks are divided into three trimesters, each with its own milestones, symptoms, and changes.
Let’s break them down, trimester by trimester.
First Trimester (Weeks 1–13): A Tiny Start With Big Changes
The first trimester begins before you even realize you’re pregnant. By the time you miss your period, your body is already making huge shifts to support your baby’s development.
What’s happening with your body:
You might not “look” pregnant yet, but a lot is going on under the surface. Hormones like progesterone and hCG surge, and your body starts preparing for pregnancy in earnest. This is often when morning sickness kicks in (though it can strike at any time of day—go figure). You may also experience:
- Fatigue (as in, “fall asleep standing up” tired)
- Tender breasts
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Frequent urination
- Food cravings or aversions
What’s happening with baby:
Your baby goes from a tiny cluster of cells to a fully formed fetus with organs, limbs, and even a heartbeat by the end of this trimester. Around week 6, that heartbeat may be detectable with an ultrasound.
By week 13, your baby is about the size of a lemon and already developing reflexes. Pretty incredible, right?
Big-sister tip:
Try not to worry if you don’t feel “glowy” just yet. Take it easy, drink plenty of water, and keep small snacks on hand to help ease nausea. You’re doing important work—even when you’re lying on the couch.
If you haven’t already, this is the perfect time to connect with a local FPCN center. We offer free pregnancy testing, help verifying your pregnancy, and referrals for prenatal care so you can feel confident and supported right from the start.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14–26): Finding Your Rhythm
For many women, the second trimester feels like a sweet spot. The nausea may ease up, your energy returns, and you might start to feel a bit more like yourself again. You’ll likely begin to show—and yes, strangers may start guessing whether it’s a boy or a girl before you even know!
What’s happening with your body:
- That baby bump is growing!
- Morning sickness may fade away (though not always)
- Skin changes, like the “pregnancy glow” or darkened patches
- Feeling baby move (usually around 18 to 22 weeks—it feels like butterflies or popcorn at first)
- Backaches and round ligament pain as your uterus expands
What’s happening with baby:
Your baby’s features become more defined. Their eyebrows, eyelashes, and fingerprints start forming. Around week 20, you’ll likely have an anatomy ultrasound to check on baby’s development.
By the end of the second trimester, your baby is about the size of a cauliflower and can hear your voice. Talking, singing, or reading to your bump is a sweet way to bond.
Big-sister tip:
Take advantage of the extra energy and start prepping for what’s ahead. Tour birthing centers, attend parenting or childbirth classes, and ask all your questions. FPCN offers parenting classes and one-on-one mentorship, so you can feel informed, prepared, and supported without the overwhelm.
We also provide material assistance like baby clothes, diapers, and other essentials—because getting ready for a baby shouldn’t feel financially stressful.
Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40): The Countdown Is On
You’ve made it to the home stretch—week 40 is within sight. The third trimester brings excitement, anticipation, and let’s be honest, a little discomfort too. It’s totally normal to feel both “I can’t wait to meet my baby!” and “I am so done being pregnant!” all in the same hour.
What’s happening with your body:
- Back pain, swollen feet, and difficulty sleeping
- More bathroom trips (baby’s pressing on your bladder)
- Minor shortness of breath or heartburn
- Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions that come and go)
- Stronger, more frequent baby kicks and movements
You’ll also start having more frequent check-ins with your healthcare provider to monitor your and your baby’s well-being as week 40 approaches.
What’s happening with baby:
Your baby is adding fat, maturing their lungs, and getting into the head-down position. By week 36, they may be around 6 pounds. By 40 weeks, your baby could weigh between 6 to 9 pounds, about the size of a small watermelon.
Don’t worry if you go past your due date—it’s just an estimate based on the day of your last menstrual period. Many first-time moms deliver after 40 weeks.
Big-sister tip:
This is the time to finalize your birth plan, pack your hospital bag, and make arrangements for the first few weeks after the baby arrives. Talk to someone you trust about your hopes and concerns for labor and delivery. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, FPCN can provide support and even help you create a simple birth plan that fits your preferences and values.
Life After Birth: What Happens Next?
While this post focuses on the pregnancy stages, it’s also important to think about what comes next. Postpartum recovery, emotional ups and downs, and learning how to care for a newborn can be a big adjustment. And that’s okay—you’re learning, and you don’t have to do it alone.
FPCN continues to offer support after your baby arrives, including:
- Parenting education
- Referrals for postpartum care
- Emotional support and counseling
- Material assistance like diapers, formula, and clothes
- Connections to local community resources
You’re Never Alone on This Journey
Pregnancy can feel like a lot—but with the right information and support, it can also be deeply empowering. Every kick, every craving, every countdown to your due date is part of something beautiful. Whether you’re just starting out or nearing week 40, the trimesters of pregnancy are more than medical milestones—they’re moments of strength, growth, and transformation.
And through every moment, Florida Pregnancy Care Network is here for you. We offer judgment-free support, services tailored to your needs, and a team of people who care deeply about you and your baby.
Need support today?
Find your local FPCN center here and take the first step toward trusted care and connection. You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back. The support center is open 24 hours to help you out. You can call, text, or chat.
