Your Pregnancy Week by Week

These pages are a foundation for you to build on as you research pregnancy and birth. Relax - you get to go through pregnancy week by week - take your time and read (or let me know if you have a question)

Check out these pages for a week by week account of what's going on with baby and with your body:

• Signs of Pregnancy
• Due Date Calculator
• First Trimester: Weeks 1-14
• Second Trimester: Weeks 15-28
• Third Trimester: Weeks 29-40
• Show Off Your Baby Belly and see other Baby Belly Pics!
• Check out the Pregnancy FAQ

How to Have a Healthy Baby

The importance of your pregnancy diet cannot be underestimated - it's one of the first things you should look into when you fall pregnant.

Plan for balanced prenatal nutrition - I've provided this guide to great food chocies. I've also provided advice and precautions for a vegetarian pregnancy diet and a vegan pregnancy diet. All deserve your careful planning and attention.

You don't need to stuff yourself but you do need to eat enough to grow a baby, nourish yourself, and replace cells, fluids, and blood for yourself and your child daily. Be sure you're getting the best nutritional bang for your buck! It's possible even if you're suffering from morning sickness.

Try and relax your concerns about pregnancy weight gain so that you can give your baby the best start. Prenatal vitamins through your pregnancy week by week give you extra insurance, but it is vital that you focus on the best prenatal nutrition possible.

Childbirth classes are an important way to prepare for your birth. Learn more about childbirth education...

...and Click Here to Find Out Which Childbirth Classes Made the All-Star List

Your Prenatal Care

Who will see you throughout your pregnancy week by week? Remember this person will probably influence where you give birth and how your birth goes so research carefully!

Discover how to have a faster, easier birth, naturally. The Pink Kit gives you the skills you need (no matter where you're giving birth.) Click to find out more.

An Obstetrician or Family Doctor

• Questions to ask a prospective doctor
• What to expect at appointments

A Midwife

• Using a midwife
• Questions to ask your prospective midwife
• What to expect at prenatal appointments

Unassisted Pregnancy and Unassisted Childbirth (UP / UC)

Some women choose to take complete responsibility for their own prenatal care and guide themselves through pregnancy week by week. They also take responsibility for their own birth - this is called unassisted prenatal care (UP) and unassisted childbirth (UC).

"Routine" Testing

You'll be offered many prenatal tests throughout your pregnancy week by week. I strongly recommend that you research all tests and procedures offered - including Amniocentesis - and examine your feelings about each one - make the choices right for you and your baby.

More Pregnancy Articles

• What does Your Rh Status Mean? You should definitely read this if you are Rh-!
• Find Out Baby's Rh Status Before Birth Non-invasive blood test! This is a blessing for Rh Negative mothers!
• Prenatal Yoga and Other Pregnancy Exercise
• Common Pregnancy Complaints

An emergency or natural disaster can happen any time. Make sure you've planned for emergencies during pregnancy.

• Sex During Pregnancy
• Depression in Pregnancy
• Baby Positions in the Womb (remember positions can change throughout pregnancy week by week, but this article will give you a good overview of the possible positions)
• Turning Your Breech Baby
• Maternity Wear
• Bleeding During Pregnancy
• Baby Gear list
• Choosing Your Baby's Name
• Planning a Blessingway
• Natural Childbirth Basics
• Preparing for a Natural Birth
• Read birth stories as you prepare for the natural birth of your baby.

  Some women like to read a new birth story each week as they read what's happening with their pregnancy week by week. Others like to wait until they get close to the end of their pregnancy. But reading good natural birth stories can be heartwarming and empowering!

• Take the Birth Survey -- help me improve this page!