search
search
toggle search inbox
  1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Women's Health
  4. Pregnancy Newborn
  5. Pregnancy Journey
A woman in a yellow dress holding her pregnant belly.

Pregnancy Journey Guide

Families come in all shapes and sizes. And new additions
to a family can be an exciting but unsure time. 

(412) DOCTORS
(412) 362-8677

AHN Women supports your family

We help moms, babies and their support systems with information on staying healthy and happy. Caring for you in every trimester, including the fourth, is #LivingProof.

Know what happens to you and your baby

  • Illustration of a small 1 month old embryo

    Month 1

    Mom: Mood changes; may feel anxious or worried.

    Baby: Nerve cells are forming through the embryo.

    Tip: Eliminate or minimize caffeine consumption. Experts say between 150 to 300 mg should be the daily maximum.

  • Illustration of a small 2 month old fetus with visible head and legs

    Month 2

    Mom: Increased blood volume.

    Baby: Heart beats with regular rhythm.

    Tip: 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity each day is sufficient. Break it up into smaller increments, if necessary (e.g., 10 minutes, three times a day).

  • Illustration of a 3 month old fetus with slightly larger head

    Month 3

    Mom: Hair and nails should grow nicely.

    Baby: Fetus may start growing hair.

    Tip: Avoid nail polish and hair dyes that may contain harmful chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, and quaternium-15.

  • Illustration of a fetus with larger head and visible hands and feet

    Month 4

    Mom: Nausea is resolving and appetite will increase.

    Baby: Placenta is fully formed.

    Tip: Know what foods to eat and which ones to avoid.

  • Illustation of a fetus turned on its side

    Month 5

    Mom: Heart beats faster.

    Baby: Active and turns.

    Tip: Try prenatal yoga that can include asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath work), meditation, and relaxation. Or, try meditation and relaxation on your own. Always check with your doctor before doing a new activity.

  • Illustration of fetus with visible facial features

    Month 6

    Mom: May feel anxious and excited at the same time.

    Baby: Eyes will soon open and fingerprints are forming.

    Tip: Get your family ready and prepared for your new addition.

  • Illustration of 7 month old fetus

    Month 7

    Mom: May have trouble sleeping due to baby’s movements.

    Baby: Kicks, stretches, and responds to sound, baby may begin to recognize mom and partner’s voices.

    Tip: Consider planning for “ Rooming In ”.

  • Illustration of 8 month old fetus

    Month 8

    Mom: Immunity transfers to baby to protect them at birth.

    Baby: Skull remains soft and flexible for the birth.

    Tip: Make your house safe and sanitary for when the baby comes home.

  • Illustration of 9 month old fetus upside down

    Month 9

    Mom: Cervix starts to open and dilate, preparing for birth.

    Baby: Vernix, a greasy, white material, coats the baby’s skin to prepare for delivery.

    Tip: Pack for mom and baby’s hospital stay.

  • Illustration of 1 month old infant with blue diaper on back hold feet with hands

    Month 10

    Mom: Breasts feel enlarged as milk comes in.

    Baby: Infant hunger cues include: awakening, soft sounds, mouthing (clicks, sticking out tongue), hand-to-mouth activity, and increased crying.

    Tip: Snack when your baby snacks. Include nutrients especially important to this trimester: protein, calcium, and iron.

  • Illustration of 2 month old infant in blue diaper sitting upright with arms outstretched and mouth open

    Month 11

    Mom: This is the time for your OB/GYN check in to: evaluate you for postpartum, give a physical, discuss contraceptive options, and talk about breastfeeding.

    Baby: Even small changes in eating, sleeping and/or crying can be signs of issues in newborns.

    Tip: Know the symptoms of illness or complications with your newborn.

  • Illustration of 3 month old baby in blue diaper with hands and feet on ground

    Month 12

    Mom: Sleep may be sparse, but it’s important.

    Baby: Pacifiers can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Symptom (SIDS).

    Tip: Sleep when your baby sleeps and know about the importance of sleep.

Know what happens to you and your baby

1st Trimester

2nd Trimester

3rd Trimester

4th Trimester

Illustration of a small 1 month old embryo

Month 1

Mom: Mood changes; may feel anxious or worried.

Baby: Nerve cells are forming through the embryo.

Tip: Eliminate or minimize caffeine consumption. Experts say between 150 to 300 mg should be the daily maximum.

Illustration of a small 2 month old fetus with visible head and legs

Month 2

Mom: Increased blood volume.

Baby: Heart beats with regular rhythm.

Tip: 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity each day is sufficient. Break it up into smaller increments, if necessary (e.g., 10 minutes, three times a day).

Illustration of a 3 month old fetus with slightly larger head

Month 3

Mom: Hair and nails should grow nicely.

Baby: Fetus may start growing hair.

Tip: Avoid nail polish and hair dyes that may contain harmful chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, and quaternium-15.

Illustration of a fetus with larger head and visible hands and feet

Month 4

Mom: Nausea is resolving and appetite will increase.

Baby: Placenta is fully formed.

Tip: Know what foods to eat and which ones to avoid.

Illustation of a fetus turned on its side

Month 5

Mom: Heart beats faster.

Baby: Active and turns.

Tip: Try prenatal yoga that can include asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath work), meditation, and relaxation. Or, try meditation and relaxation on your own. Always check with your doctor before doing a new activity.

Illustration of fetus with visible facial features

Month 6

Mom: May feel anxious and excited at the same time.

Baby: Eyes will soon open and fingerprints are forming.

Tip: Get your family ready and prepared for your new addition.

Illustration of 7 month old fetus

Month 7

Mom: May have trouble sleeping due to baby’s movements.

Baby: Kicks, stretches, and responds to sound, baby may begin to recognize mom and partner’s voices.

Tip: Consider planning for “ Rooming In ”.

Illustration of 8 month old fetus

Month 8

Mom: Immunity transfers to baby to protect them at birth.

Baby: Skull remains soft and flexible for the birth.

Tip: Make your house safe and sanitary for when the baby comes home.

Illustration of 9 month old fetus upside down

Month 9

Mom: Cervix starts to open and dilate, preparing for birth.

Baby: Vernix, a greasy, white material, coats the baby’s skin to prepare for delivery.

Tip: Pack for mom and baby’s hospital stay.

Illustration of 1 month old infant with blue diaper on back hold feet with hands

Month 10

Mom: Breasts feel enlarged as milk comes in.

Baby: Infant hunger cues include: awakening, soft sounds, mouthing (clicks, sticking out tongue), hand-to-mouth activity, and increased crying.

Tip: Snack when your baby snacks. Include nutrients especially important to this trimester: protein, calcium, and iron.

Illustration of 2 month old infant in blue diaper sitting upright with arms outstretched and mouth open

Month 11

Mom: This is the time for your OB/GYN check in to: evaluate you for postpartum, give a physical, discuss contraceptive options, and talk about breastfeeding.

Baby: Even small changes in eating, sleeping and/or crying can be signs of issues in newborns.

Tip: Know the symptoms of illness or complications with your newborn.

Illustration of 3 month old baby in blue diaper with hands and feet on ground

Month 12

Mom: Sleep may be sparse, but it’s important.

Baby: Pacifiers can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Symptom (SIDS).

Tip: Sleep when your baby sleeps and know about the importance of sleep.


A Group Room at the Alexis Joy Center with comfortable chairs and tables in a U shape along the wall.

Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health

The Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health offers a mother-baby intensive outpatient program for women during or after pregnancy. We have the best-in-class screening tools to check for perinatal mood disorders. 

For Anyone Expecting a Little One

The OB-Gyn team at AHN provides the high-level, compassionate care you need. We help families get the best possible start on a lifelong, rewarding journey together.

  • A woman reading on a tablet device.

    AHN Trimester Book

    Want to learn more about pregnancy? Read the book to enhance your understanding of the 1st through 4th trimesters.
    READ THE BOOK
  • A father and daughter sitting next to each other outside holding an ice cream

    Postpartum Depression

    Postpartum depression is more persistent and lasts longer than the baby blues. It’s also more common than people think.
    LEARN MORE
  • A mother on a bed and holding her baby while reading a book.

    AHN 4th Trimester Book

    Want to learn more about what to expect during the 4th trimester? Download the book.
    DOWNLOAD

Pregnancy and childbirth classes at AHN

Babies don’t come with instruction manuals, which is why we offer a variety of classes for new parents. Our experts cover topics ranging from childbirth and breast-feeding to newborn basics like diapering and swaddling.

VIEW CLASSES