Stages of Development: What’s Happening Inside my Pregnant Body?

November 18, 2022

So, you’re pregnant. You might have just gotten used to that fact or are still processing this new reality. Your brain is probably bursting with questions as your baby bump starts to show. What is going on in that pregnant body of yours?

 

How long am I pregnant?

Typically, we think of a pregnancy lasting 9 months. However, that’s not always the case. A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks. Depending on when you deliver, you could be pregnant somewhere in-between 9-10 months, which is entirely normal and healthy. These 40 weeks are broken up into 3 trimesters of pregnancy. 1

 

First Trimester: conception - 12 weeks

What’s happening with my body?

During this time, your body may be experiencing early pregnancy symptoms such as:

  • Morning sickness
  • Increased urination
  • Swollen breasts
  • Fatigue

 

What’s happening with the baby?

In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, embryo cells continue to multiply and form the body. The placenta also develops at this point, which is vital since this organ will carry nutrients, oxygen, and water to the baby.

 

Physical developments at this point include:

  • Facial features
  • Eyes
  • Ears
  • Arms & legs
  • Hair follicles
  • Mouth
  • Taste buds 2


Second Trimester: 13 - 28 weeks

What’s happening with my body?

The good news, the second trimester is typically a turning point for you! If you were sick and miserable during the first 12 weeks, you might begin to feel better at this point.

 

You may experience some of these changes in your body during this time:

  • Appetite may increase.
  • May feel baby movements for the first time around 20 weeks.
  • Your uterus has grown to the height of the belly button around 20 weeks, usually making your pregnancy visible.
  • The need to urinate may decrease as the uterus grows out of the pelvic cavity, which helps relieve pressure on the bladder. 3

 

What’s happening with the baby?

By the beginning of your second trimester, the baby is about 3 inches long and weighs around 1 ounce. The baby’s weight will multiply more than seven times over the next few months. That’s a lot of growing!

 

A few developments during this time include:

  • Baby’s body and facial movements include kicking, turning side to side, and smiling.
  • Reflexes such as swallowing and sucking develop.
  • Fingers and toes now have fingernails, and their prints have formed.
  • Eyelids begin to open.
  • Major organs, such as the liver and pancreas, become stronger.

 

Third Trimester: 29 - 40 weeks

What’s happening with my body?

During the last trimester, your body is starting to prepare for delivery. As a result, you may feel uncomfortable as you continue to gain weight and possibly have pre-labor contractions (called Braxton-Hicks).

 

You may experience some of these changes in your body during this time:

  • Swelling of the ankles, hands, and have may happen as you continue to retain fluids.
  • Backaches may start or increase as your torso pushes out with the baby’s growth.
  • Increased urination will return as pressure from the baby is placed on the bladder.
  • Stretch marks may appear on the stomach, breasts, thighs, and buttocks. 4

 

What’s happening with the baby?

The baby is also in preparation mode, ready for delivery. The baby’s position changes typically during this time to start facing itself head down. By the end of the third trimester, the baby will be around 19-21 inches long and weigh 6-10 pounds.

 

A few developments during this time include:

  • The baby can see, hear, suck on its thumb, and cry.
  • The organs fully develop; the lungs completely mature at 38-40 weeks.
  • Bones of the skull remain soft for easier passage through the birth canal.
  • A creamy protective coating called vernix caseosa covers the baby’s skin.

 


A lot happens in your body during these 40 weeks! It’s important to remember that every journey looks a little different. Some may experience challenging changes, while others seem unaffected. Pregnancy can bring out an inner strength you didn't know was possible. We believe in you and are here for you whenever you need us. 

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025
What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty.  Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025
Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025
If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.
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