### [Body Changes and Care Guide for Each Stage of Pregnancy: A Complete Guide to Early, Middle, and Late Pregnancy](https://www.mamihelp.com/en/article/2744)

**Published:** 2026-08-23T04:56:58

**Author:** 妈咪助手

**Excerpt:** A complete guide to body changes and essential care acr…

## First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): Adjustment and Protection

### Body Changes

-   Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), breast tenderness, fatigue and drowsiness
-   Frequent urination, mood swings, heightened sense of smell

### Care Essentials

-   **Continue folic acid supplementation**: 400-800 ug daily, at least until week 12 of pregnancy
-   **Relieve morning sickness**: eat small, frequent meals, avoid an empty stomach, eat soda crackers and ginger tea
-   **First prenatal visit**: have an ultrasound at weeks 6-8 to confirm fetal heartbeat and embryo
-   **Avoid harmful substances**: stay away from tobacco, alcohol, radiation, and chemical toxins
-   **Moderate exercise**: walking, prenatal yoga; avoid strenuous exercise

## Second Trimester (Weeks 13-28): Stability and Growth

### Body Changes

-   Morning sickness eases, belly becomes noticeably rounded, fetal movement is felt
-   Increased appetite, skin changes (stretch marks, pigmentation)

### Care Essentials

-   **Down syndrome screening / NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing)**: undergo Down syndrome screening at weeks 15-20
-   **4D detailed anomaly scan**: have a systematic ultrasound screening at weeks 20-24
-   **Glucose tolerance test**: screen for gestational diabetes at weeks 24-28
-   **Calcium and iron supplementation**: 1000 mg calcium and 30 mg iron daily
-   **Prevent stretch marks**: apply stretch mark oil and control the rate of weight gain

## Third Trimester (Weeks 29-40): Preparation and Waiting

### Body Changes

-   Difficulty moving around, lower back pain, swollen legs and feet
-   Braxton Hicks contractions, increased urinary frequency, poorer sleep quality

### Care Essentials

-   **Count fetal movements**: count for one hour each morning, noon, and evening; no fewer than 30 movements in 12 hours
-   **Fetal heart monitoring**: have regular fetal heart monitoring after week 32
-   **Prepare the hospital bag**: have delivery items ready before week 36
-   **Breathing exercises**: learn the Lamaze breathing method
-   **Watch for signs of labor**: bloody show, water breaking, regular contractions

## Pregnancy Nutrition Supplement Summary Table

| Stage | Key Nutrients | Food Sources |
| --- | --- | --- |
| First trimester | Folic acid, Vitamin B6 | Dark green vegetables, nuts, legumes |
| Second trimester | Calcium, iron, DHA | Milk, red meat, deep-sea fish |
| Third trimester | Protein, dietary fiber | Eggs, lean meat, whole grains |

Every stage of pregnancy has its own unique beauty. Taking good care of yourself is the best gift you can give your baby.

**📌 Key Takeaways：**Trimester-spanning guide to pregnancy body changes and essential care—folic acid, prenatal screenings, nutrition, and delivery prep.

  

### 📖 Related Reading

-   [Physical Changes and Care Tips by Pregnancy Trimester](https://admin.mamihelp.com/2588/.html)
-   [Body Changes and Care Tips During Each Stage of Pregnancy](https://admin.mamihelp.com/2719/.html)
-   [Body Changes and Care Guide for Each Stage of Pregnancy: A Complete Guide to the First, Second, and Third Trimesters](https://admin.mamihelp.com/2756/.html)

**Categories:** 孕期护理_en

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