Did you know there are more than the typical 3 trimesters of pregnancy? As a SW London newborn and maternity photographer, I’m spilling the beans on everything you can expect from conception to the mysterious “4th trimester. Who knew?!
I’m not only going to share with you what to expect in each, but also a lot of local resources you can use as you plan for your pregnancy, newborn, and birth in SW London.
First Trimester: The Secret Life of Pregnancy
The first trimester is like a secret club where only you and your growing baby are members. During these first 12 weeks, your body is working overtime to create a new life, and you might be feeling the effects (hello, morning sickness). It’s like you’re part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant mums can truly understand.
In my first trimester, the only thing that stopped me from being sick was chips and Marmite – I know a very strange combo!
Second Trimester: The Golden Age
For many, the second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy, where you can finally start enjoying the journey. With the nausea subsiding and the baby bump showing, it’s time to embrace the experience. I loved this part of my pregnancy – I was told I was glowing (and I certainly was with all of the compliments!)
I chose not to find out about the sex of the baby in my first pregnancy, but we did for my second. We decided to get a balloon filled with either pink or blue confetti and pop it in the garden. My husband and I were thrilled, but my daughter (who was two at the time) was not so impressed.
Third Trimester: The Home Stretch
The third trimester is when things start to feel real. As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, ensure you have everything in place for a smooth transition. This is when you might be thinking about joining a parenting group like NCT or Happy Parent Happy Baby. This is a group for parents to learn and connect with other expectant parents in their local area. or if you are in SW London, there are some fantastic free resources, such as Positive Birth Group, which are run by amazing Doulas.
Birth: The Main Event
The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here: birth! Whether you’re planning a natural birth or a C-section, this stage is exciting and emotional!
When my daughter was born, I ended up having a last-minute C Section, and so then I had a planned C-section for my second, but he didn’t want to wait and arrived 2 weeks before his due date via natural delivery!
The 4th Trimester: What No One Tells You
Surprise! Your journey doesn’t end with birth. The 4th trimester is the first three months of your baby’s life, where both of you are adjusting to the world outside the womb.
As a mum of two and a SW London Maternity and newborn photographer, I have spoken with hundreds of women who have given birth, each with their own stories to tell.
Of course, every journey is unique, and it’s okay to feel a whole range of emotions along the way. As long as you’ve got your support system and resources, you’ll be able to navigate this crazy adventure.
To find out more about capturing the special pregnancy and newborn moments at my natural light studio in Kingston upon Thames, get in touch. Shal covers the areas of Wimbledon, Surrey, Wandsworth, Epsom, Guildford, Richmond, Surbiton, Putney and SW London
If you would like some help in packing your hospital bag, click here!