Pregnancy
Traditionally, pregnancy is divided into trimesters. Each trimester brings its own unique experiences and challenges.
First Trimester: The Quiet Start (Weeks 1-16)
During these weeks, your body is quietly working on a miracle: laying the foundation for your baby's organs. It's hard work, and it can leave you feeling exhausted and nauseous. Many moms keep this period a secret, but we encourage you to seek support. You don't have to go through this intense time all by yourself.
Second Trimester: Your Clear-Headed Period (Weeks 17-28)
The nausea fades and your energy returns. It's like the sun is finally breaking through. Many moms call this their favorite trimester—and we totally get why!
Around week 16, you'll feel something magical: your baby moving. It's your own secret conversation, an intimate moment that will fill your day with joy. The 20-week ultrasound is the next milestone. Seeing your little one on the screen... it's a moment that will fill your heart with love and wonder.
Now that your energy is back, it's the perfect time for a 'babymoon'. Whether it's a weekend away or just some quality time at home, enjoy it. It's also a great time to think about your birth wishes. We're ready to discuss your thoughts and questions.
Third Trimester: Slowing Down (Weeks 29-42)
Your pace is slowing down now, and that's exactly how it should be. You're carrying extra weight—a sign of your dedicated care. Every step takes more effort, but think of it as practice in mindfulness. You're learning to slow down and listen to your body.
After week 34, you will understand why we encourage taking leave early. Your world gets smaller, and that is a good thing. It helps you turn inward, rest, and focus on meeting your baby.
Fourth Trimester: The Gentle Landing (Days 1-12 weeks postpartum)
The fourth trimester is your gentle landing into motherhood. These weeks are all about bonding, recovery, and reflection. You process your birth experience, whether it went as planned or not. And you get to know your baby - every smile, every sigh.
Your Body During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, almost every organ in your body is affected. This is nothing to worry about; rather, it's a sign that your body is working hard to provide you and your baby with oxygen and nutrients. It's a time full of changes.
1. Hormones in Action: Your hormones, like progesterone and estrogen, are more active than usual. This can cause symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and skin changes. These effects are normal and help your body prepare for motherhood.
2. Healthy Growth: You gain weight during pregnancy. This is no surprise—it's healthy and necessary for your baby's development. At our practice, we help you find the right balance so you don't gain too much or too little.
3. Improved Circulation: Your body produces more blood to give your baby what they need. This can lead to changes like varicose veins or a different blood pressure. It's a sign that your body is adapting to its new job.
4. Skin Changes: Your skin may show pigment changes and stretch marks. This is common during pregnancy and experienced by many moms. They are normal signs of your body expanding.
5. Managing Energy: Your energy levels can vary. Sometimes you feel tired and have less energy for work or exercise. This is your body saying, "I need rest." Your nutritional needs may also change to provide you both with the right nutrients.
Our meetings during your pregnancy
Congratulations, you're pregnant! Get in touch with us to schedule your first appointment and ultrasound. Got questions before your first visit? Our midwives are more than happy to answer them for you beforehand.
Have you started taking folic acid and vitamin D yet? If not, start now.
If you're curious about what's going on in your belly and can't wait for the dating scan, you can come in for an ultrasound at 8 weeks.
Your first visit with the midwife! The midwife will tell you all about our practice, how to reach us, and how we work.
During this ultrasound, the baby is measured from crown to rump. This measurement helps us figure out your exact due date!
Want to know more about the tests available to check on your baby during pregnancy? We're happy to explain everything in detail.
This medical ultrasound checks whether your baby's development is right on track.
During this check-up, you'll get to hear your baby's heartbeat!
Curious to know if you're having a boy or a girl? From 16 weeks onwards, we can take a peek during an ultrasound!
The 20-week ultrasound is scheduled around week 19. This is a medical ultrasound meant to spot any potential abnormalities in the baby, so it can be quite an exciting moment!
After the 20-week ultrasound, you'll have an appointment with your midwife to go over the results together.
Everyone prepares for childbirth and the arrival of the baby in their own way. Attending a session about labor or breastfeeding can really help.
Most women feel their baby move for the first time between weeks 20 and 24. Some days you'll feel them really clearly, and other days a bit less. By week 27, your baby is big and strong enough to let you know they're there every single day!
You'll be visiting the midwife more often now. This is important so we can keep a close eye on your blood pressure and the baby's growth.
Not everyone gets a growth ultrasound during pregnancy. There are a few specific reasons when this growth ultrasound is allowed; the main reason is if the midwife has doubts about the baby's growth.
The big day is getting closer! Maybe you still have a few weeks of work left before your maternity leave starts. Some women already have a birth plan ready, while others are still figuring out what they want.
By week 35, most babies are lying head down. We'll do a quick ultrasound to check and be completely sure.
From week 37, your little one is ready to be born. However, most babies like to take their time.
Many moms find their belly is starting to feel quite heavy around now. The countdown has officially begun!
The closer you get to 40 weeks, the more likely it is that labor will start.
Only about 4% of babies are born right on their due date. The rest arrive a bit earlier or later. Still, it's a day you look forward to so much!
85% of women have given birth by week 41. That means plenty of babies are still cozy in the womb at this stage.
Give your midwife a call once your contractions have started and you're ready for her support. We are here for you both and will keep a close eye on how mom and baby are doing.
The first few days at home with your little one! It takes some getting used to. You'll likely have questions, worries, and thoughts about your physical recovery. Your midwife will drop by your home to talk everything through.
In the first few days after birth, your baby will lose a bit of weight, but by the end of the first week, most babies start growing again. Within 2 weeks of birth, little ones are usually back above their birth weight.
The baby is a week old. The midwife is coming by for the last time.
Frequently Asked Questions About " ultrasound" and "Pretecho"
How much does a fun ultrasound cost at ZWANGER & Zo?
How do I make an appointment for a " ultrasound"?
At what week can you tell the baby's gender?
What is the difference between a 2D, 3D, and 4Dultrasound?
When is the best time to have a 3D/4Dultrasound?
Can I get a fun ultrasound if I'm not a patient at your clinic?
Is a fun ultrasound covered by health insurance?
Ultrasounds during your pregnancy
Sometimes you might experience a little or a lot of vaginal bleeding early in the pregnancy. Sometimes this is harmless, but other times it can be a sign that things aren't going well with the pregnancy.
If you're registered with us, you'll receive the " ultrasound " as a free gift at 8 weeks.
Wondering if your baby is growing nicely? That's what our heartbeat consultation hours are for.
Between weeks 10 and 11, we'll do your dating ultrasound. By then, the baby is bigger than 3 cm.
This ultrasound is part of prenatal screening. You get this ultrasound if you choose to have it, after having an informational chat about it. The baby is about 7 cm long, and this is the last time the baby is measured from head to bottom.
Curious to know if you're having a boy or a girl? We can usually tell at 16 weeks.
The 20-week ultrasound is also part of prenatal screening. The baby weighs about 250 to 300 grams. The ultrasound is done between weeks 19 and 20.
Want to admire your baby in even more detail? Between 27 and 30 weeks you can visit us for a gorgeous 3D/4D-ultrasound! This lets you see live as your baby moves and plays in your belly.
During the second half of your pregnancy, your midwife may order a growth ultrasound if she has any concerns about the baby's growth. Sometimes a growth ultrasound is done just to be safe, usually around 30 weeks.
This ultrasound is only done if a low-lying placenta was seen during the 20-week ultrasound. Was that not the case? Then this ultrasound won't be done.
Not everyone needs a growth ultrasound after the 20-week check. To make sure the baby's head is pointing down, we do a quick ultrasound to check this.
Haven't given birth yet? Then we'll measure the baby's growth one more time during this ultrasound and check if there's enough amniotic fluid around the baby.
Listening to Your Body
We encourage you to listen closely to your body. Feeling tired? Take extra rest—your body is doing amazing work! Choose healthy, nutritious meals that support you and your baby. And keep moving in a way that feels comfortable, whether that's a walk or pregnancy yoga.
At our practice, we see pregnancy as more than just a physical experience. It's a time when your body, mind, and emotions work together. We offer not just medical care, but emotional and psychological support too. Whether you have questions about your changing body or just need someone to listen, we're here for you.
Your body adapts in wondrous ways to support new life. It's important to accept these changes, listen to them, and take care of yourself. With our personal guidance, we aim to make your pregnancy not just healthy, but a truly positive experience.
We're here to support you through every change, every question, and every milestone. Together, we'll make sure you experience this special time with confidence and joy. You're doing great, mama!
