Woman's Life | Blog | Pregnancy – an exciting time

Pregnancy – an exciting time

If you're pregnant, you have an exciting time ahead of you. From conception to birth, it takes over nine months for your baby to develop. You will feel many different emotions, from joy to hope and anxiety. Below you will find an overview of what to look out for and the various stages of pregnancy.

The first three months of pregnancy

Your body prepares itself for pregnancy each time you have your cycle. If the egg is not fertilised, your body expels the tissue that you don't need. You have your period. However, if the ovum has made its way to the fallopian tube in the middle of your cycle and is fertilised, this can result in pregnancy. For this to happen, the fertilised ovum is transported through the fallopian tube into the uterus and is implanted there. By this time, the ovum has already divided several times and developed into a cluster of cells called a blastocyst. The entire supply system develops on its outer layer, such as the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid for the embryo inside the cell (cf. BARMER, 2022).

"Every woman is different. You are unique."

Ausgeglichenheit ab dem 6. Schwangerschaftsmonat

The first few months of your pregnancy can be a very turbulent time – after all, you are becoming a mother and your child is growing inside you. The roller-coaster of emotions, the physical symptoms and the check-ups can be a challenge to deal with. From the sixth month onwards, you'll notice how active your unborn baby is. It can even get the hiccups, measures an impressive 29 cm and weighs around 550 grammes (cf. Pampers, 2022).

Your body's hormones have completely changed and your belly grows. Simply put, you feel a sense of balance during this time. Of course, your baby also senses your energy and responds by actively moving in your abdomen. Take the opportunity to talk to your child. Stroke and caress your baby in your belly and sing to it – this will help to foster a close bond. Your baby will show you what it likes and dislikes. For example, if you are sitting in a noisy environment, you may feel kicks and bumps from your abdomen.

You have your first check-ups from the 5th week of pregnancy. When you reach the 6th month, you will already be experienced with preventive check-ups (cf. Apotheken Umschau, 2020):

4 to 5: Pregnancy test

5 onwards: Initial physical check-up with blood sampling, possibly cancer screening and creation of booklet to note down pregnancy information

9 to 12: Preventive check-up and first ultrasound

11 to 13: DNA blood test (NIPT blood test), possibly first trimester screening and chorionic villus sampling

13 to 16: Preventive check-up

16 to 17: If necessary: amniocentesis

17 to 20: Preventive check-up, ultrasound and possibly anomaly scan

21  24: Preventive check-up

24 to 27: Antibody screening, oral glucose tolerance test

25 to 28: Preventive check-up

29 to 32: Preventive check-up, ultrasound

32 onwards: Blood test for hepatitis B, preventive check-up, possibly cardiotocogram (CTG) to measure heart sounds

33 to 34: Preventive check-up

35 to 36: Preventive check-up, possibly smear for group B strep

37 to 38: Preventive check-up, possibly CTG

40 onwards: Preventive check-up every two days with CTG and analysis of amniotic fluid volume

Your baby also gets ready for birth

In the last trimester of pregnancy there is still a lot going on in your body. Your baby is growing, and so does your belly. You now find it more difficult to cope with everyday life as usual. You need more rest and no longer have as much energy. That comes as no surprise, as your unborn baby is now slowly preparing for birth. About four weeks in advance, it changes position and turns with its head facing down. This period is the final sprint for both mother and child. It is one of the biggest challenges to overcome during the pregnancy as your well-being is compromised. The urge to urinate, back pain, shortness of breath, heartburn and tiredness can be very strenuous in the last few weeks before birth. Nevertheless, you feel a growing sense of anticipation about meeting your baby. To make this time as pleasant and comfortable as possible, focus on your needs and always listen to what your body is telling you:

• If you feel like resting, do so.
• Avoid strong spices and fatty dishes and eat light foods.
• A small amount of physical activity and movement (no sports) is good for the body and mind.
• Movement in water stimulates the circulation and supports your digestion.
• Autogenic training or meditation can help you in this challenging time.
• Enjoy the last trimester of your pregnancy and your bond as mother and unborn child.
• Get ready for the birth and draw up your own personal birth plan with your needs and wishes.
• Practise your antenatal exercises in your head.
• Pack your hospital bag.

It may seem like you have to wait a long time until you give birth, and it may also be a bit boring. Fill this time by sorting out the formalities, such as applying for parental and child benefits and maternity allowances. You can also think about the types of things you may need to do after the birth. This includes searching for a daycare place, registering for postnatal classes and registering with the relevant office in charge of issuing the birth certificate (cf. the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, no date), as required.

You can also spend this time looking at your personal pregnancy diary. Naturally, your child is sure to be delighted later on if you continue describing your feelings in the last few weeks or days leading up to the birth. A pregnancy diary is a great reminder of your pregnancy. It is unique to you and filled with all your emotions. Annotate it as you wish, add pictures or stickers and make it your personal treat for your little wonder.