1st Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
Weeks 1-4:
- Baby's Size: The egg is fertilized and cell division begins. The embryo is about the size of a poppy seed.
- What to Consider: Confirm pregnancy, take folic acid, avoid alcohol, avoid cigarettes.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Light physical activities like walking, a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Weeks 5-8:
- Baby's Size: The embryo grows from the size of an apple seed (5th week) to the size of a raspberry (8th week).
- What to Consider: First ultrasound, early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and fatigue may appear.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Gentle exercises like swimming, small and frequent meals to reduce nausea.
Weeks 9-12:
- Baby's Size: From the size of a grape (9th week) to the size of a lime (12th week).
- What to Consider: Blood tests and other examinations, fetal development is very active.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Continue light exercises, maintain a balanced diet, ensure intake of vitamins and minerals.
2nd Trimester (Weeks 13-27)
Weeks 13-16:
- Baby's Size: From the size of a lemon (13th week) to the size of an avocado (16th week).
- What to Consider: Risk of miscarriage decreases, first movements of the baby might be felt.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Prenatal yoga, consume plenty of protein and calcium.
Weeks 17-20:
- Baby's Size: From the size of a bell pepper (17th week) to the size of a banana (20th week).
- What to Consider: Second ultrasound (morphological), baby's gender can be determined.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Continue regular physical activity, fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation.
Weeks 21-24:
- Baby's Size: From the size of a carrot (21st week) to the size of an ear of corn (24th week).
- What to Consider: Monitor weight gain, regular prenatal visits.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, sufficient intake of iron and vitamin D.
Weeks 25-27:
- Baby's Size: From the size of an eggplant (25th week) to the size of a cauliflower (27th week).
- What to Consider: Glucose tolerance test to rule out gestational diabetes.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Gentle stretching exercises, hydration with plenty of water.
3rd Trimester (Weeks 28-40)
Weeks 28-32:
- Baby's Size: From the size of an eggplant (28th week) to the size of a butternut squash (32nd week).
- What to Consider: Increase in abdominal circumference, possible shortness of breath.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Adapt exercises to avoid straining the back, light and frequent meals.
Weeks 33-36:
- Baby's Size: From the size of a pineapple (33rd week) to the size of a honeydew melon (36th week).
- What to Consider: Birth preparation, pack the hospital bag, last ultrasound.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Breathing exercises, fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation.
Weeks 37-40:
- Baby's Size: From the size of a romaine lettuce (37th week) to the size of a watermelon (40th week).
- What to Consider: Regular check-ups, observe signs of labor onset.
- Movement and Nutrition Tips: Gentle movements, sufficient rest, energy-rich and easily digestible foods.
Additional Tips for Every Stage of Pregnancy
Movement:
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
- Ensure adequate breaks and rest periods.
- Participate in pregnancy-specific exercise or yoga classes.
Nutrition:
- Maintain a balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and minerals.
- Avoid raw meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and certain types of fish (due to mercury content).
- Drink plenty of water daily, avoid caffeine-containing beverages.