Pregnancy may seem like a major milestone in itself, but the truth is that there are many simple milestones that occur throughout the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Here are some of the obvious and not-so-obvious pregnancy milestones:
Milestones you should have when you are pregnant
positive pregnancy test
A positive pregnancy test may seem like a no-brainer, but even when you're trying to conceive and fully expecting your test to be positive, the sight of a positive pregnancy test in your hand is enough to send a shock through your system. Don't be surprised by how much you feel. You may even experience a whole range of emotions you didn't expect with the big positive clues, from joy to fear and everything in between. Having a baby is a big deal!
First time you have morning sickness
Okay, so you might be reading this and thinking I've lost my mind, but I honestly remember feeling so happy when I felt sick early in my pregnancy. It was a strange confirmation of something I'd only really seen on a pregnancy test and didn't have much else to back it up. The sick feeling in my stomach was proof I was pregnant. Welcome to morning sickness.
Confirmation by a specialist
As reliable as home pregnancy tests are, there's nothing like confirming your pregnancy from an outside source. Hearing your midwife or doctor say, "You're pregnant," can be nerve-wracking. Not to mention all the tingling and prodding that goes along with your first prenatal appointment.
telling someone you're pregnant
Deciding when and with whom to tell people about your pregnancy is a personal matter, but no matter when you decide to share your pregnancy announcement, you can be sure it's a significant milestone. It's both an exciting and a bit scary feeling all rolled into one. Will the person respond positively? Are you planning to surprise them? Or will your announcement be received with a great reception? These are all common concerns as you embark on this milestone.
End of the first semester
Having your first trimester behind you speaks volumes. One big thing is that the risk of miscarriage for most people is significantly reduced. This means you can enjoy your pregnancy and be less anxious. There's also the "fun" part of pregnancy yet to come. Gone are the days of morning sickness without the benefit of showing your belly.
Buying the baby's first thing
Some families have beliefs about when it's appropriate to buy something for a new baby. This means they won't buy anything until the baby is born, while other families start shopping immediately. But buying new clothes for the baby or even a piece of furniture for the nursery can be a significant milestone.
Hearing the baby's heartbeat
This is one of my favorite milestones. Hearing the baby's heartbeat is so delicate. It feels so different from what one might expect, but it's so beautiful. I don't think it's outdated. It's a sign that the baby is healthy and that your pregnancy is on track. Make sure you take someone with you to experience this joy together.
wearing maternity clothes
Don't laugh, but wearing maternity clothes is a big milestone. In fact, many first-time mothers try to rush it. They can't wait for external evidence that they're pregnant.
A stranger noticed your pregnancy.
Note that I didn't say having a stranger touch your belly; while that can happen, it's not a big deal. But having a random person acknowledge your bump or ask when you're due can be a lot of fun. (Assuming you're actually pregnant!)
Feeling the baby move
The first few fluttering sensations are amazing. You may spend a few days trying to figure out whether this is what you're feeling or not. Whether you describe it as gas or bubbling, you'll love these kicks and squirms.
Hanin first pregnancy
Don't laugh, but realizing how bad the desire for passion and the crazy things you might need is, it's a great joy to realize that Aries' passion is real. Within reason, enjoy this craving and indulge as appropriate.
Find out if you're having a girl or a boy
Whether you find out early in pregnancy or at birth, hearing the words, "It's..." will change your life forever. There are so many ways to find out and so many ways to celebrate.
Another person feels the baby move.
So there's a distinct difference between feeling your baby move and someone else moving it to you. There's usually a month or more between the two events. Being able to share your baby in this way is a wonderfully intimate moment.
Take a birth class
A childbirth class is a lot of fun, but it's also a sign that things are moving forward. Your class likely won't start until at least halfway through your pregnancy, and it usually ends at the beginning of the third trimester. Both the beginning and end of the class signal that your baby's birthday is approaching, and now you're ready!
Beginning of the third semester
While nine months may seem like a long time at week four when the test is positive, the truth is that time can fly by. Many mothers find the start of their third trimester a real shock when they realize that two-thirds of their pregnancy is already over.
Finishing the baby's room
Whether you have a nursery or a baby has a corner of your room, declaring your home ready is a big step. All the planning and decisions that go into what you'll need and how you'll arrange things are far more complex than most parents can imagine.
Switch to weekly appointments
Prenatal care is kind of a slog. You show up, ask your questions, get answers, and schedule another appointment a few weeks later. Suddenly, they tell you to check your calendar next week. Wait? That's right, after about 36 weeks of pregnancy, you'll be seeing your doctor or midwife almost every week. (My advice is to book a few appointments in advance to get the best locations.)
Finalize your birth plan
As your pregnancy nears its end, you'll need to finalize your birth plan and send it to everyone involved. Once you've done this, you may actually feel like this baby might show up after all. (Be sure to keep copies for yourself!)
100% authentic
Welcome to your due date! Hopefully, you've planned a celebration worthy of the 40-week wait. While you may still have a few more weeks to wait, the truth is your baby could be born any day. He or she is simply fine-tuning their brain and lung development and will soon be in your arms. Celebrate this important milestone with a dinner out or something else fun.
