PREGNANCY
Month Three (9 to 12 weeks)
Embark on the remarkable journey of pregnancy, where the first trimester, spanning from week 1 to week 12, lays the foundation for your baby's incredible development. This period is marked by the formation of your baby's body structure and vital organ systems, setting the stage for growth and vitality. However, it's also a time of vulnerability, with the highest risk of miscarriages and birth defects. As your body undergoes profound transformations, the first trimester may present unique challenges, yet it's a testament to the awe-inspiring process of bringing new life into the world.
How is your baby developing?
At this stage, your baby is about 3 inches long and has developed all the basic features present in a newborn. The brain is rapidly expanding, generating an astonishing 250,000 new brain cells every minute, while essential glands and organs like the pancreas and kidneys are beginning to function. The heart, now beating at a rate of 140-180 beats per minute, can be detected using an ultrasound device. Your little one's hands and feet are emerging, complete with tiny nails, and beneath the gums, small tooth buds are beginning to form.
Additionally, the umbilical cord, now fully formed, plays a crucial role as a lifeline, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to your baby and efficiently removing waste products. Acting like a conveyor belt, it ensures that your baby receives everything needed for healthy growth and development.
What are the changes happening to you?
Emotional
During the third month of pregnancy, expectant mothers may experience a range of emotional changes as their bodies adapt to the evolving pregnancy. Some common emotional changes during this time include increased emotional sensitivity due to hormonal changes. Expectant mothers may find themselves feeling more emotional or tearful than usual, even in response to small or mundane events. Hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to mood swings during pregnancy, with expectant mothers experiencing rapid shifts in mood ranging from happiness and excitement to irritability or sadness.
Physical
By the end of the third month, you may start to notice a visible baby bump as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus. While the bump may still be relatively small, it can become more prominent as the pregnancy progresses. Hormonal fluctuations continue to contribute to changing breast size and tenderness and fatigue.
Hormonal
During the third month of pregnancy, significant hormonal changes continue to occur as the body adjusts to support the growing fetus. One of the key hormones involved in pregnancy is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta and plays a crucial role in maintaining the pregnancy. In the third month, hCG levels typically peak before gradually declining as the placenta takes over hormone production. Additionally, progesterone levels continue to rise, helping to maintain the uterine lining and support fetal development. Estrogen levels also increase, contributing to various changes in the body, including breast enlargement and increased blood flow to the uterus.
What do you need to do?
If you are experiencing positive changes, enjoy the reduction in fatigue and morning sickness. If not, hang in there- relief is hopefully on the horizon! Embrace your changing body and wonder at the miracle of life.
Continue to prioritize stress reduction, rest, nourishing foods, and adequate hydration.
This month, you might have an appointment with your healthcare provider, during which they may conduct various assessments to ensure your well-being and that of your growing baby. These assessments may include blood tests to check hemoglobin levels, a urinalysis to screen for infections, sugar, and protein, as well as a discussion about potential upcoming tests such as ultrasound scans. This appointment also provides an opportunity for you to openly discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your pregnancy journey and overall health.
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- Ensure that you are eating a high-quality diet with balanced meals (protein, carbohydrate and fat). You may need to eat more often to curb nausea as many women find that feeling hungry increases symptoms. We recommend eating something first thing in the morning also.
- Increase vitamin B6 rich foods or consider taking an additional B6 supplement of 10-25 mg every 8 hours.
- Ginger and peppermint both assist with nausea. Consume as tea, in smoothies, or in natural chews or candies.
- Homeopathic remedies Pulsatilla, Nux vomica and Ipecac can all be helpful when experiencing nausea.
Month Three Pregnancy FAQs
Mothers2B Nutritional and Supplement Support
For a comprehensive list of supplements we recommend during this time and to order, see our Mothers2B Pregnancy protocol in our shop.
PREGNANCY
Your highlight nutrients for this month are:
Folate
Choline
Vitamin C
Zinc
Calcium
Vitamin A
Magnesium
To download Understanding Nutrients, purchase our ebook by clicking here.
PREGNANCY
Mothers2B FREE recipe of the month
Sautéed spinach and kale wilt in the heat as red pepper flakes flare up for a kick in this breakfast bowl. Cauliflower rice fills you up without the carbs, while eggs bring the protein, choline and zinc for our nutrients of the month.
“Grains” and Greens Breakfast Bowl
