What to Expect
Tiredness, nausea and big hormonal shifts. Your body is already working hard to support early development. It's normal to feel emotional or anxious.
Baby's Development
By week 12, baby has a heartbeat, fingers and facial features forming. Major organs begin developing and placenta starts supporting your pregnancy.
Nutrition Tips
- Focus on folate-rich foods (leafy greens, beans).
- Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals.
- Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol.
Fruitful® Suggestions
- Fruitful® Pregnancy – Prenatal Support
- Fruitful® Vegan Omega-3
Common Symptoms & How to Manage Them
- Morning sickness: Try ginger tea, small frequent meals and avoid strong smells
- Fatigue: Rest when needed, maintain gentle exercise like walking
- Breast tenderness: Wear a supportive, well-fitted bra
- Food aversions: Listen to your body and find alternatives for essential nutrients
Important Appointments & Tests
- First antenatal appointment (8-10 weeks)
- Blood tests for infections, blood type and general health
- First ultrasound (usually around 12 weeks)
- Discuss family history and any medications
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Limit caffeine to 200mg per day (about 2 cups of tea or 1 cup of coffee)
- Avoid raw or undercooked foods
- Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid
What to Expect
Often called the "easier" trimester – energy returns, nausea fades. Your bump will start to show and you might feel your baby move.
Baby's Development
Baby's bones harden, fingerprints form and you'll find out the sex at the anatomy scan (if you choose). Hair, nails and taste buds develop.
Nutrition Tips
- Increase iron and calcium intake.
- Eat a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables.
- Support healthy digestion with fibre.
Fruitful® Suggestions
- Fruitful® Pregnancy – Prenatal Support
- Fruitful® Vegan Omega-3
Physical Changes & Comfort Tips
- Growing belly: Invest in maternity clothes and support belts if needed
- Increased energy: Great time for exercise, travel and nesting preparations
- Skin changes: Some women develop melasma or stretch marks
- Nasal congestion: Common due to increased blood flow
Key Appointments & Screenings
- Anatomy scan (18-22 weeks) to check baby's development
- Glucose screening test (24-28 weeks) for gestational diabetes
- Regular antenatal appointments every 4 weeks
- Discuss birth plan preferences with your midwife or consultant
Baby Preparations
- Start researching baby gear and creating a registry
- Consider baby-proofing your home
- Research childcare options if needed
- Plan and attend baby shower if desired
What to Expect
Things get heavier – literally! You may feel breathless or have backache. You're in the final stretch, so rest and prep for labour.
Baby's Development
Baby is gaining weight, lungs are maturing and brain development is accelerating. Positioning for birth happens in the final weeks.
Nutrition Tips
- Prioritise protein, healthy fats and hydration.
- Smaller meals to help with heartburn.
- Keep taking your prenatal vitamins.
Fruitful® Suggestions
- Fruitful® Pregnancy – Prenatal Support
- Fruitful® Vegan Omega-3
Preparing for Labor & Delivery
- Practice breathing techniques and relaxation methods
- Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks
- Discuss pain relief options with your midwife or doctor
- Create a birth plan but stay flexible
- Install car seat and have it checked for safety
Physical Discomforts & Relief
- Back pain: Try prenatal yoga, warm baths and proper posture
- Swelling: Elevate feet, wear compression socks, stay hydrated
- Sleep issues: Use pregnancy pillows, sleep on your side
- Braxton Hicks contractions: Practice breathing, change positions
Final Preparations
- Finish nursery setup and baby-proof your home
- Stock up on postpartum supplies and easy meals
- Arrange newborn care and feeding supplies
- Plan for postpartum support and recovery
- Discuss maternity leave and return-to-work plans
