Stages of Development: What’s Happening Inside my Pregnant Body?

So, you’re pregnant. You might have just gotten used to that fact or are still processing this new reality. Your brain is probably bursting with questions as your baby bump starts to show. What is going on in that pregnant body of yours?

How long am I pregnant?

Typically, we think of a pregnancy lasting 9 months. However, that’s not always the case. A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks. Depending on when you deliver, you could be pregnant somewhere in-between 9-10 months, which is entirely normal and healthy. These 40 weeks are broken up into 3 trimesters of pregnancy. 1

First Trimester: conception - 12 weeks

What’s happening with my body?

During this time, your body may be experiencing early pregnancy symptoms such as:

Morning sickness
Increased urination
Swollen breasts
Fatigue

What’s happening with the baby?

In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, embryo cells continue to multiply and form the body. The placenta also develops at this point, which is vital since this organ will carry nutrients, oxygen, and water to the baby.

Physical developments at this point include:

Facial features
Eyes
Ears
Arms & legs
Hair follicles
Mouth
Taste buds 2

Second Trimester: 13 - 28 weeks

What’s happening with my body?

The good news, the second trimester is typically a turning point for you! If you were sick and miserable during the first 12 weeks, you might begin to feel better at this point.

You may experience some of these changes in your body during this time:

Appetite may increase.
May feel baby movements for the first time around 20 weeks.
Your uterus has grown to the height of the belly button around 20 weeks, usually making your pregnancy visible.
The need to urinate may decrease as the uterus grows out of the pelvic cavity, which helps relieve pressure on the bladder. 3

What’s happening with the baby?

By the beginning of your second trimester, the baby is about 3 inches long and weighs around 1 ounce. The baby’s weight will multiply more than seven times over the next few months. That’s a lot of growing!

A few developments during this time include:

Baby’s body and facial movements include kicking, turning side to side, and smiling.
Reflexes such as swallowing and sucking develop.
Fingers and toes now have fingernails, and their prints have formed.
Eyelids begin to open.
Major organs, such as the liver and pancreas, become stronger.

Third Trimester: 29 - 40 weeks

What’s happening with my body?

During the last trimester, your body is starting to prepare for delivery. As a result, you may feel uncomfortable as you continue to gain weight and possibly have pre-labor contractions (called Braxton-Hicks).

You may experience some of these changes in your body during this time:

Swelling of the ankles, hands, and have may happen as you continue to retain fluids.
Backaches may start or increase as your torso pushes out with the baby’s growth.
Increased urination will return as pressure from the baby is placed on the bladder.
Stretch marks may appear on the stomach, breasts, thighs, and buttocks. 4

What’s happening with the baby?

The baby is also in preparation mode, ready for delivery. The baby’s position changes typically during this time to start facing itself head down. By the end of the third trimester, the baby will be around 19-21 inches long and weigh 6-10 pounds.

A few developments during this time include:

The baby can see, hear, suck on its thumb, and cry.
The organs fully develop; the lungs completely mature at 38-40 weeks.
Bones of the skull remain soft for easier passage through the birth canal.
A creamy protective coating called vernix caseosa covers the baby’s skin.

A lot happens in your body during these 40 weeks! It’s important to remember that every journey looks a little different. Some may experience challenging changes, while others seem unaffected. Pregnancy can bring out an inner strength you didn't know was possible. We believe in you and are here for you whenever you need us.

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The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.

Has Nebraska Banned Abortion Completely After the 2024 Election?

January 2, 2025

Following the 2024 election, many people have questions about Nebraska's abortion laws and whether the state has enacted a complete ban. Abortion is not entirely banned in Nebraska. A proposed measure to add abortion to the state constitution failed during the 2024 election, while a separate measure that enshrined the current 12-week ban passed. What is the Law? The state currently allows abortion up to 12 weeks but with specific exceptions for certain circumstances. These exceptions include: Cases of rape or incest. Medical emergencies where the life of the mother is at risk or where continuing the pregnancy would result in irreversible physical harm. The legislation aims to balance restrictions with considerations for the health and safety of women under exceptional circumstances. What Does This Mean for Women in Nebraska? For women facing an unexpected pregnancy, Nebraska’s current abortion laws mean you have to be aware of the status of your pregnancy, especially for those who may not meet the legal exceptions. It’s important to seek timely medical confirmation of your pregnancy to understand your options. If you are unsure about how far along you are or have concerns about your pregnancy, seeking an ultrasound and professional advice can help clarify your situation and determine your next steps. Looking for Pregnancy Support? If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy and need support, Collage is here to help. We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and information on your options in a compassionate and confidential environment. Our team is dedicated to empowering women by providing accurate information and resources tailored to your needs. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you medical-based details on this option and others. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Collage today to schedule your appointment and get the support you need during this time. * All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.