Pregnancy

First trimester (0-12 weeks)

As your body adjusts to your growing baby during the first 12 weeks, it will undergo many changes. You'll feel some discomfort but this should lessen as your pregnancy progresses.

Many women suffer nausea and morning sickness. The symptoms are usually worse in the morning, however you could feel nauseous at any time of the day. Eating plain biscuits or even a piece of chocolate the moment you wake up will raise your blood sugar level and may help prevent you feeling queasy.

For most women, morning sickness ends by the fourth month of pregnancy, when hormone levels begin to slightly decrease. If nausea and vomiting persist or prevent you from eating or drinking altogether, tell your doctor or midwife.

A pregnant woman may experience mood swings similar to premenstrual syndrome, caused by a surge in hormones.

Many women also find they're exhausted in the first trimester. This is normal, and is just your body's way of telling you you need more rest. Rest when you are tired, and try to get eight hours of sleep every night. Fatigue may be aggravated by an iron or protein deficiency, so eat plenty of healthy foods. Enjoy some gentle exercise, let others help you with chores and housework, and try not to subject yourself to poor quality air, poor lighting or noise.

Second trimester (13-28 weeks)

Pregnancy is often more enjoyable for many women during the second trimester (13-28 Weeks) as morning sickness, nausea and the initial discomfort tend to decrease.

Sleeping positions can take a bit of getting used to as your baby grows so you should cease sleeping on your back at this stage. Try sleeping on your left side, as this will relieve pressure on major blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the foetus.

You may be able to feel the movement of the foetus for the first time - typically by the end of the fifth month. Variation in timing, however, is normal, with women who have had a baby before likely to sense movement earlier. By the end of the seventh month, fluttering movements will normally give way to kicking and stronger movement.

Third trimester (29-36 weeks)

As your baby continues to grow, you should start thinking about and getting ready for the birth. Childbirth and breastfeeding classes are a great way to prepare. During this time, you may feel increasingly uncomfortable as you gain weight and false labour contractions begin.

A growing foetus radiates heat, so you will probably begin to feel hotter in the later stages of pregnancy. Your basal metabolic rate can increase to more than 20 percent above normal, so you may also perspire more than usual, especially at night.