The Pregnancy Guide

The Pregnancy Guide

So you’re pregnant, now what?

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Congratulations! Welcome to this exciting new stage. It’s a big deal, (huge!) and we’re thrilled, and here for you. 

If you’re reading this shy of the 12 week mark, it’s likely you’ll be brimming with emotions that overwhelm you, awaken you, excite you and exhaust you. Your hormones will experience patches of turbulence over the next nine or so months as your body and mind focus on nurturing your baby (or babies!). Rest assured, we’re here to help you feel good, prepared and supported, every step of the way.

Now that you’re pregnant your body will start to direct a lot of your daily energy to the task of growing your baby and creating its life support - the placenta. For this reason plentiful amounts of rest, water, nutrient-rich foods and gentle (as well as safe and approved) movement is encouraged. As the baby grows, you can expect to tire more often and more quickly. Why? Because you’re carrying a little more weight now (the baby, the placenta, extra fluids and an increased blood supply), your heart is working overtime to nourish the developing placenta, your uterus is growing and taking on a new position, and your ovaries are producing added levels of progesterone. You, and it, are doing the most, hence the varying degrees of fatigue.At the start of your pregnancy, your mind may start to race ahead; “Is what I am experiencing normal? What do we need?! When do we need it by? Where do we get it?” And let’s not forget that your relationship to self and your partner if you’re in a relationship will go through periods of ‘newness’.

Other than the ‘internal’ changes concerning your emotions and energy levels, you’ll also endure a range of physical changes, from bigger boobs to slightly wider hips and a fuller belly. Your feet may go up a size, your skin could clear and glow or it may adopt a new short-term concern such as bouts of acne or melasma. Your hair could thicken into a luscious mane … even your vulva is likely to experience change. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable or confused about these changes, but… welcome to pregnancy! Below is a quick snapshot of the road ahead. Remember, every body, and every pregnancy is completely unique. Quick tip! When and if you are tempted to compare yourself and your pregnancy to others, instead of comparing, try to celebrate the contrasts instead. Trust us. 

1st trimester

Weeks 1–12

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Now that you’re pregnant your body will start to direct a lot of your daily energy to the task of growing your baby and creating its life support - the placenta. For this reason plentiful amounts of rest, water, nutrient-rich foods and gentle (as well as safe and approved) movement is encouraged. 
As the baby grows, you can expect to tire more often and more quickly. Why? Because you’re carrying a little more weight now (the baby, the placenta, extra fluids and an increased blood supply), your heart is working overtime to nourish the developing placenta, your uterus is growing and taking on a new position, and your ovaries are producing added levels of progesterone. You, and it, are doing the most, hence the varying degrees of fatigue.
At the start of your pregnancy, your mind may start to race ahead; “Is what I am experiencing normal? What do we need?! When do we need it by? Where do we get it?” And let’s not forget that your relationship to self and your partner if you’re in a relationship will go through periods of ‘newness’.

Other than the ‘internal’ changes concerning your emotions and energy levels, you’ll also endure a range of physical changes, from bigger boobs to slightly wider hips and a fuller belly. Your feet may go up a size, your skin could clear and glow or it may adopt a new short-term concern such as bouts of acne or melasma. Your hair could thicken into a luscious mane … even your vulva is likely to experience change. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable or confused about these changes, but… welcome to pregnancy! 
Below is a quick snapshot of the road ahead. Remember, every body, and every pregnancy is completely unique. Quick tip! When and if you are tempted to compare yourself and your pregnancy to others, instead of comparing, try to celebrate the contrasts instead. Trust us. 

First Trimester Essentials

Before - Pregnancy Life Women to Women

Before - Pregnancy Life Women to Women

Tori Bowman Johnson

Before - Pregnancy Life Women to Women

$35.00
$35.00
Sleepybelly - Pregnancy Pillow - Nude
EXCLUSIVE

Sleepybelly - Pregnancy Pillow - Nude

Sleepybelly

Sleepybelly - Pregnancy Pillow - Nude

102 reviews

$139.95
$139.95
Hydramama - Watermelon + Lime

Hydramama - Watermelon + Lime

Mini + Me

Hydramama - Watermelon + Lime

53 reviews

$39.99
$39.99
Ginger Tea

Ginger Tea

Love Tea

Ginger Tea

$15.00
$15.00 $0.00
Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger

Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger

Naturobest

Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger

7 reviews

$47.20
$47.20

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2nD trimester

Weeks 13–26

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Your bump is taking place now and becoming far more pronounced. Don’t be alarmed by itchy skin (belly and boobs), as this is likely due to your skin stretching to accommodate the growing baby. Hopefully you will notice any morning sickness and fatigue subside as hCG levels become more regulated. Not every woman is this fortunate however, so if nausea continues to haunt you, be kind to yourself. As your baby is on the growth train (hence an increased appetite!) you may also start to experience discomfort and aches around your lower back, hips, pelvic bone and/or sciatica.

The additional weight your body is carrying may place pressure on your joints and muscles causing a series of ailments. Now is a great time to find an experienced GP or Women’s Health Physician to guide you through the pregnancy. As for the baby! Their eyes and ears are starting to function, they’ll develop fingerprints, they can hiccup and yawn and they’re able to move side-to-side! Their movements may invite a feeling of fluttering sensations or kicks, so cherish these beautiful moments as you bub makes contact. Pending the position of your placenta & other variables,  the level of sensation is different for all pregnant women. 

Second Trimester Essentials

Pure Mama Belly Oil 150ml

Pure Mama Belly Oil 150ml

Pure Mama

Pure Mama Belly Oil 150ml

67 reviews

$69.00
$69.00
Stretch Mark Cream 100ml

Stretch Mark Cream 100ml

Mere Botanicals

Stretch Mark Cream 100ml

8 reviews

$32.95
$32.95
Pregnancy Vitality 225g

Pregnancy Vitality 225g

HQ | Intelligent Health

Pregnancy Vitality 225g

1 review

$62.95
$62.95
Soft-Cup Nursing Bra - Black
EXCLUSIVE

Soft-Cup Nursing Bra - Black

Embrace

Soft-Cup Nursing Bra - Black

5 reviews

$68.20
$68.20 $0.00
Brillo - The Spray
EXCLUSIVE

Brillo - The Spray

Brillo Beauty

Brillo - The Spray

5 reviews

$29.00
$29.00

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What to know for where you, and your baby, are at. Every week.

Expecting? Sign up for our (relatable and fun, promise) updates for every week of your pregnancy. The Memo Baby Tracker is the newsletter you actually want to read about what’s happening with your body, and your baby, each week.

3Rd trimester

Weeks 29-40

Okay, ooft, you’re a little heavier now. You may notice some shortness in breath and perhaps a slight waddle as your pelvis widens to accommodate your bump. You are doing so well! The baby is really taking shape now and becoming more active with new tricks such as kicking, stretching, sleeping in more regular cycles and detecting light! Size wise, between weeks 29 and 40 your baby may double or more, so if you are feeling uncomfortable and troubled in the sleep department, this is well and truly justified. 

Let’s talk dates! Even though week 40 is usually when your given due date falls, a baby is actually considered ‘full term’ (i.e. nicely baked!) by week 37. For this reason, having your hospital bag packed and at the door by now is wise in the chance your baby comes early.

In Australia, a baby is considered full term between weeks 37 and 42. If your baby is born at 36 weeks or earlier, they’ll be referred to as premature. As you etch towards the 40 week mark, your  baby may start to initiate a lower and more ‘engaged’ position, explaining why people may comment, ‘Oh you have dropped!” This simply means they are getting ready to meet you. It’s all happening, so don’t be alarmed if you feel overwhelmed. Trimester 3 can invite clusters of emotions as you prepare to become a mother. If you notice yourself cleaning, sorting, tidying, arranging and re-arranging - this is referred to as ‘the nesting phase’ and it’s likely due to - you got it! - hormones! Stay calm andride the wave. You’re on the home stretch.

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Get prepared. Have your hospital bag by the door.

Your hospital bag list

Third Trimester Essentials

Maternity and Breastfeeding Tencel Pillow - Sage
EXCLUSIVE

Maternity and Breastfeeding Tencel Pillow - Sage

Butterfly Maternity

Maternity and Breastfeeding Tencel Pillow - Sage

126 reviews

$147.00
$147.00
SRC Pregnancy Leggings - Over The Bump - Black

SRC Pregnancy Leggings - Over The Bump - Black

SRC Health

SRC Pregnancy Leggings - Over The Bump - Black

11 reviews

$199.00
$199.00
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Probiotic

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Probiotic

Qiara

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Probiotic

69 reviews

$69.00
$69.00 $0.00
Magnesium Body Rub

Magnesium Body Rub

Pure Mama

Magnesium Body Rub

6 reviews

$55.00
$55.00
The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

Jodi Wilson and Sophie Walker

The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

2 reviews

$34.99
$34.99

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4th trimester

Weeks to birth & beyond

Refers to the first 12 weeks of your postpartum experience i.e. immediate life after your baby is born.

When you fell pregnant, remember those hormonal surges? Well now your baby is here, it is completely normal (not to mention, expected), to experience a whirlwind of emotions, including an infamous batch of ‘the baby blues’  around day 3-5. Your estrogen and progesterone levels will drop away very quickly and as your milk comes in, you’ll experience an escalation in oxytocin and prolactin. Pair this hormonal shift with (1) the physical recovery from birth, (2) that you have a brand new baby to care for and (3) the fact you now have limited time to sleep, rest and recalibrate … your body and mind will pine for copious amounts of support, empathy, kindness and acknowledgement. Look after your baby. Look after yourself. 

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Fourth Trimester Essentials

Silverette Nursing Cups