From the moment you saw those two lines on your pregnancy test, everything changed.

Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation - physically, emotionally, and mentally. Some days may feel magical, while others feel completely overwhelming. Both are part of the journey.

Every pregnancy is unique. But understanding the stages of pregnancy and the changes they bring can help you feel more prepared, supported, and confident as your body does this extraordinary work.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

In early pregnancy, your body begins making rapid adjustments to support your growing baby. Even if you don’t “look” pregnant yet, a lot is happening behind the scenes.

Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms:

• 🌙 Morning sickness (which can strike at any time of day)
• 😴 Fatigue and tiredness
• 💥 Tender, swollen breasts
• 🍟 Food cravings or aversions
• 🔥 Heartburn or constipation
• 🚽 Frequent urination
• 🎢 Mood swings
• 😵 Dizziness or fainting
• 💢 Aches, pains, or backache

You don’t need to experience all of these symptoms to be having a healthy pregnancy - and many women experience only a few. If any symptoms feel severe or start interfering with daily life, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.

The 3 Trimesters of Pregnancy: What to Expect

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. Here’s a gentle overview of what many women experience during each stage.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–13)

Even if your bump isn’t showing yet, your body is working incredibly hard.

Common changes:

• Extreme tiredness and nausea
• Tender, growing breasts
• Faster heart rate and breathing
• Mood swings and heightened emotions
• Frequent urination (as your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder)
• Small weight gain (about 1–2 kg)

How you might feel emotionally:
Excited, anxious, overwhelmed - sometimes all at once. Hormones are shifting quickly, and it’s normal to feel emotionally tender during this stage.

💛 Gentle reminder: Small self-care habits and nourishing your body can make a meaningful difference, even on days when energy is low or cooking feels like too much.

Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27)

Often called the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy, the second trimester usually brings some relief and renewed energy.

What to expect:

• Morning sickness usually fades
• Energy levels increase
• Hair may thicken and nails grow faster
• You may gain around 6 kg
• Baby’s kicks may become noticeable
• More emotional balance (for many, but not all)

Emotional shifts:
This can be a time of joy, excitement, and nesting. But you might also feel anxious about prenatal tests or the future.

Support your changing body by staying active, eating nourishing foods, and taking time to rest. Many mums find that having a go-to nutritious snack like the Pregnancy Superfood Health Shake helps keep energy levels stable, especially on busy days.

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–Birth)

The final stage of pregnancy can feel both exciting and physically demanding as your body prepares for birth.

Common changes include:

• Feeling heavier and less comfortable

• Difficulty sleeping

• Continued weight gain that supports baby, placenta, fluids, and blood volume

• Back pain, breathlessness, and Braxton Hicks contractions

• More frequent medical appointments

• Stronger emotional ups and downs

Emotionally:
You may feel eager to meet your baby while also feeling nervous about labour, birth, or becoming a parent. Mixed emotions are completely normal.

Emotional Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy affects more than just your body. Hormones, identity shifts, lifestyle changes, and anticipation all influence how you feel emotionally.

You may experience:
❤️ Deep love and connection
😊 Joy and gratitude
😰 Anxiety about birth or the future
😠 Mood swings or irritability
😟 Fear or uncertainty
😢 Sadness or grief, especially if there’s been past loss

All of these feelings can exist within a healthy pregnancy. If emotions begin to feel overwhelming or persistent, support is available - and you deserve it.

Depression During Pregnancy

About 15% of women experience depression during pregnancy. It’s more common than many people realise - and nothing to be ashamed of.

Signs of prenatal depression:

• Ongoing sadness or irritability
• Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Feeling hopeless, guilty, or like a failure
• Trouble bonding with baby
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Important:
You’re not alone- and you are not to blame. Many women don’t seek help because they feel guilty about not feeling happy. But depression isn’t something you can just "snap out of." It’s a health condition that deserves care, not judgment.

Left untreated, prenatal depression can affect both you and your baby. But there are effective treatments - therapy, support groups, and medication if needed. Talk to your doctor, midwife, or a perinatal mental health specialist.

Anxiety in Pregnancy

Pregnancy can also heighten anxiety - especially if you’ve experienced it before.

Signs of anxiety include:

• Persistent worry or racing thoughts
• Panic attacks
• Trouble relaxing or staying still
• Difficulty sleeping
• Muscle tension

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, don’t wait. The earlier you seek help, the better for both you and your baby.

Where to Get Help

Support is just a conversation away. If you’re struggling - physically or emotionally - reach out to:

• Your GP or obstetrician
• A midwife
• A psychologist or mental health professional
• Perinatal mental health organisations or helplines

Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Seeking professional support is a sign of strength and will benefit both you and your baby.

You deserve care and compassion at every step of your journey.

Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself

Pregnancy is a powerful journey of change. Some days will feel calm and connected. Others may feel messy, uncertain, or exhausting.

💗 You are growing a human - that is extraordinary.

Rest when you can. Nourish your body. Care for your emotional wellbeing. And ask for help when you need it.

If eating well consistently feels challenging (which is very common during pregnancy), having a quick, nourishing option on hand can help support your body on busy or low-energy days. That’s exactly why we created the In Shape Mummy Pregnancy Superfood Health Shake - to make nourishing yourself during pregnancy feel easier, not harder.

You’re not alone - there’s a whole community of mums cheering you on. 💛