ypical symptoms of pregnancy, trimester development, calculating your due date ... So much will be & may be going through your mind when you think of being pregnant. Their is so much to learn but it is an amazing experience - & we want you to embrace your pregnancy!

The common symptoms associated with pregnancy vary from woman to woman, & pregnancy to pregnancy. Some are considered a sure sign of expecting whilst oters may be less obvious.

Fatigue - Tiredness & fatigue is a very common symptom, which may be easy to dismiss. It occurs because your body is using all of its energy in creating the placenta, which is where your baby will be linked to via the umbilical cord in order to receive oxygen & nutrients to thrive.

Bleeding & cramping - Another symptom easy to dismiss is bleeding & cramping, especially if it is close to the time of your period, when it could actually be the embryo implanting itself into the uterine wall.

Bloating - Again with a common occurence around your menstrual time, is bloating. This usually occurs because the digestion is slowed down by the hormone progesterone, in order to give nutrients from food more time to enter the bloodstream & ultimately reach your baby.

Nausea & increased sense of smell - Nausea which can occur at anytime of the day, not just the morning, is a symptom from increased levels of the hormone progesterone. & your increased sense of smell contributes to further nausea & vomitting even smells which were previously appealing to you.

Food dislikes & cravings - The pregnancy hormones are blamed again for any food aversions or cravings you begin to have. Some consider cravings to be a sign from your body telling you what nutrients you are lacking, whilst sudden dislikes to your once favourite ingredient can sometimes continue after pregnancy.

First trimester: to 12 weeks - During the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy you may have already experienced various emotions - joy of finding out your pregnant, nervousness if this is your first pregnancy, & confusion as you try to understand what is happening to you, your body changes, & your baby's development.

Try to stay calm & positive - this is a wonderful time.

Second trimester: 13 to 28 weeks - In your next trimester your pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness & tiredness begin to ease away, & you may have increased energy levels. You may also begin to show a baby bump - & it may be time for maternity clothes shopping.

Importantly, your baby's development includes forming internal organs, hair growth, teeth buds in gums, & more activity, plus you may find out your baby's gender after 20-weeks.

Third trimester: 29 to 28 weeks - During your last trimester, your baby's lungs mature, & his/her breathing ability will develop. While you may feel more tired, experience braxton hicks contractions, & feel alot more pelvic pressure especially if your baby has turned.

Try to relax & practice your pelvic floor exercises.

As you now ponder over the 9 months before you, the amazing time in your life where you will have so many questions, take the time to give your baby a hug... Sounds weird, I'm sure ... But you are both on an amazing journey together, he or she will certainly not remember it, but you certainly will ... Embrace your pregnancy to be prepared for the first embrace with your baby, xo.