Navigating the First, Second, and Third Trimesters Like a Pro

First trimester

Symptoms:

  • Missed periods
  • Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)
  • Breast tenderness and swelling
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Frequent urination
  • Mood swings
  • Food cravings or aversions
  • Constipation

Fetal Development:

  • Week 4: Embryo is about the size of a poppy seed
  • Week 8: Now called a fetus, about the size of a kidney bean
  • Week 12: All major organs and systems formed, about 2.5 inches long

Nutrition:

  • Focus on folic acid intake
  • Increase protein and calcium consumption
  • Avoid raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy, and high-mercury fish

Milestones:

  • First ultrasound
  • Hearing the baby’s heartbeat (around week 10-12)

Second trimester

Symptoms:

  • Decreased nausea
  • Increased energy
  • Visible baby bump
  • Skin changes (darkening of areolas, linea nigra)
  • Braxton Hicks contractions

Fetal Development:

  • Week 16: Baby can make sucking motions
  • Week 20: Can hear sounds from outside the womb
  • Week 24: Lungs are forming, eyelashes and eyebrows present

Nutrition:

  • Increase iron intake
  • Continue focus on protein and calcium
  • Stay hydrated

Milestones:

  • Anatomy scan ultrasound (around week 20)
  • Feeling baby’s first movements (quickening)
  • Potential to learn baby’s sex

 

Third trimester

Symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in feet and ankles
  • Back pain
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Increased urination

Fetal Development:

  • Week 32: Baby practices breathing movements
  • Week 36: Most babies turn head-down in preparation for birth
  • Week 40: Full-term, average length 19-21 inches

Nutrition:

  • Continue balanced diet with emphasis on protein, iron, and calcium
  • Small, frequent meals may help with digestion

Milestones:

  • Baby shower
  • Preparing nursery
  • Childbirth classes
  • Regular fetal movement counts

 

Effective Remedies for Morning Sickness: Tried and True Tips with a French Twist

Morning sickness, or “nausées matinales,” can be a challenging start to any pregnancy journey, but certain lifestyle and dietary adjustments can make a big difference. Here are some remedies, including a few ideas inspired by the French approach to keeping things natural and simple.

1. Adjust Your Diet

Instead of large meals, opt for small, frequent meals throughout the day. Bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) are gentle on your stomach. For a little protein boost, go for chicken, peanut butter, or even beans — all packed with nutrients without being heavy. Don’t forget fruits with high water content like watermelon or cucumber; these will keep you hydrated while being light on digestion.

2. The Power of Ginger

A true classic remedy, ginger (gingembre) is a go-to for morning sickness relief. Sip on ginger tea, or try nibbling on ginger snaps or even ginger ale (make sure it’s real ginger!). You’ll find that ginger’s natural properties help reduce nausea, which is why it’s recommended around the world.

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Staying hydrated is essentiel! Try clear, cool, carbonated drinks like sparkling/feezy water, or soothing herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile, especially if plain water isn’t appealing.

4. Peppermint’s Soothing Touch

Peppermint (menthe poivrée) is known for its calming effects. A cup of peppermint tea, peppermint candies, or even chewing peppermint gum can be a handy on-the-go solution to ease queasiness.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments

Simple lifestyle changes can also help. Avoid strong odors (and even cooking certain foods that can be overwhelming), get plenty of rest, and keep crackers beside your bed to nibble on before you get up. Consider an acupressure wristband—common in France and elsewhere for travel sickness—which many find helpful for morning sickness too.

6. Other Natural Remedies

If you prefer fresh citrus scents, try lemon (citron) — either smelling a slice or adding it to cold water. Cold foods, like yogurt or chilled fruits, can also be refreshing, and some women find relief with acupuncture, a holistic approach. Just make sure to consult your healthcare provider if you go this route.

Morning sickness may be common, but with a bit of preparation and these remedies, you’ll find it easier to get through this period feeling as bien as possible. Always consult with your doctor before trying new treatments, especially during pregnancy.

Books we recommend

  1. “Yoga and Fertility: A Journey to Health and Healing” by Jill Mahrlig Petigara and Lynn Jensen
  2. “Taking Charge of Your Fertility” by Toni Weschler
  3. “It Starts with the Egg” by Rebecca Fett
  4. “The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant” by Jean Twenge
  5. “Expecting Better” by Emily Oster
  6. “Real Food for Pregnancy” by Lily Nichols
  7. “The Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth” by Genevieve Howland
  8. “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin
  9. “The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin
  10. “Cribsheet” by Emily Oster
  11. “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” by La Leche League International
  12. “Brain Health from Birth” by Rebecca Fett
  13. “The Fourth Trimester”
  14. “Nurture” by Erica Chidi Cohen
  15. “The Pregnancy Encyclopedia” by DK
  16. “Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy”
  17. “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff
  18. “The Expectant Father” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash
  19. “Birthing from Within” by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
  20. “Hypnobirthing” by Marie Mongan
  21. “The Positive Birth Book” by Milli Hill
  22. “Permission to Feel” by Marc Brackett, Ph.D.
  23. “The Whole-brain Child” by Daniel J Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson
  24. “The Montessori Baby” by Simone Davies
  25. “The Montessori Toddler” by Simone Davies

How to Announce to Your Partner

Ah, the joy of discovering that your family is about to grow—there’s nothing quite like it. It’s one of those rare moments that changes the entire fabric of your life, and sharing that news with your partner should be just as memorable. Here are a few ways to announce that beautiful little secret, with ideas that range from heartfelt and intimate to playful and creative.

Simple, Intimate Moment

Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. Find a quiet, cozy moment together, maybe over a glass of sparkling water (or his favorite French wine, which you’ll skip, of course!). Look him in the eyes and simply say, “Mon amour, I’m pregnant.” Direct, powerful, and guaranteed to hit him straight in the heart. After all, you’re starting a whole new chapter—what better way than with honesty and love?

A Morning Surprise

Imagine this: you bring him breakfast in bed, just like those slow, sunlit mornings in Provence. Only this time, you’ve written “I’m pregnant!” on his napkin or plate. You could add a little croissant or even a pastry that’s baby-sized as a clue. Watch his face as the words sink in—this simple, tender gesture might just become one of your sweetest shared memories.

Surprise Family Dinner

For those who adore family and togetherness, a dinner announcement is perfection. Plan an intimate dinner at home or at a cozy French-inspired bistro, and reveal the news in front of those who mean the most to you both. Picture a toast with sparkling cider as you announce your bébé is on the way. Your partner gets to experience the joy and support of everyone at once—what a beautiful shared moment!

A Gift with a Little Hint

Sometimes, it’s all in the presentation. Wrap a pair of baby booties or a darling onesie, and hand it to him as if it’s a small, thoughtful gift. Watching him unwrap it and slowly connect the dots is priceless, especially as realization dawns on him. This classic surprise never fails to warm the heart.

Create a Scavenger Hunt

If you’re up for some fun, turn your home into a treasure map of clues! Leave hints that lead him to a final “prize” like a baby bib or the positive pregnancy test. The anticipation builds, and by the time he reaches the end, he’ll be both excited and touched by the effort you put into this unforgettable surprise.