What to actually expect when you’re expecting, from the ‘honeymoon period’ to the fourth trimester

Article excerpt

Pregnancy follows a predictable arc across three distinct phases, each with its own physical and emotional terrain. The first trimester brings the "honeymoon period" of early excitement tempered by nausea and fatigue. The second offers relief from morning sickness and a visible bump. The third prepares body and mind for labor. Understanding what unfolds at each stage, from hormonal shifts to mood swings to the often-overlooked fourth trimester of postpartum recovery, can transform pregnancy from an intimidating unknown into a manageable journey, even for high-risk pregnancies that generally follow the same basic timeline.