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DR ROCKSON PRACTISE
For women, By women.
Every pregnancy is unique. We honour your journey with compassion, clarity, and care that adapts to your needs every step of the way.
Your Pregnancy
The First Trimester
The first trimester marks the beginning of pregnancy, starting from the first day of your last period, even before conception and lasting until the end of week 13. During this exciting phase, both you and your baby undergo rapid changes, making it a time of anticipation, adjustment, and early development.
Appointments & Scans
​During the first trimester, regular appointments and scans play an essential role in confirming pregnancy and ensuring a healthy start for both mother and baby. An 8-week scan is performed to confirm the pregnancy, establish the gestational age, and determine the expected due date. As the baby continues to develop, a 12-week scan provides a more detailed assessment of growth and overall well-being. These early check-ups lay the foundation for a healthy pregnancy journey and provide reassurance during this transformative time.
What to Expect
​During the first trimester, your body undergoes significant changes as it works to nourish and grow your baby. Surging hormones are responsible for many common symptoms, including nausea (morning sickness), breast tenderness, frequent urination, heightened sense of smell, food aversions, heartburn, gas, constipation, and fatigue. While some symptoms may be uncomfortable, they are a normal part of early pregnancy.
Routine Tests
During the first trimester, routine tests are essential for monitoring both maternal health and fetal development. At every prenatal visit, a standard urine analysis is conducted. Additionally, a comprehensive blood screening is performed to determine the mother's blood type (Rhesus +/-). Another key component is the first-trimester screening for chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13, which helps assess the baby's risk for genetic abnormalities. These routine tests provide valuable insights, allowing for timely medical interventions and a healthier pregnancy journey.
The Second Trimester
The second trimester spans from week 13 to week 28 (months 4, 5, and 6) and marks the middle phase of pregnancy. During this exciting time, your baby bump becomes more noticeable, and you may feel your baby’s first movements, a milestone known as quickening. Many of the uncomfortable first-trimester symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, often subside, leaving you with a renewed sense of energy and well-being. This trimester is often considered the most comfortable and enjoyable stage of pregnancy as both you and your baby continue to grow and prepare for the months ahead.
Appointments & Scans
During the second trimester, key appointments include a detailed fetal anatomy scan to assess your baby's development and antenatal check-ups to monitor your health and pregnancy progress. These check-ups ensure that both you and your baby are thriving. It's also the time to finalise your bed booking for delivery, securing your spot for a smooth birth experience.
What to Expect
In the second trimester, you’ll begin to see noticeable growth as your baby bump expands and may start feeling baby movements around 16-20 weeks. These initial movements, known as flutterings or quickenings, may be subtle at first, especially if it's your first pregnancy. As the placenta takes over hormone production, many of the first trimester symptoms will subside and be replaced by new changes as your baby grows. Common second trimester symptoms include a growing bump and breasts, itchy skin, pigmentation changes, leg cramps, nasal congestion, and more, with some women experiencing bursts of energy or forgetfulness.
Routine Tests
During the second trimester, routine urine analysis is done at every prenatal visit, and blood tests specific to this stage are conducted. Additional testing for genetic abnormalities may be recommended, along with a glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. Please note that these non-invasive screening tools may not detect all abnormalities, but they provide important insights into the health of both mother and baby.
The Third Trimester
The third trimester is the final phase of your pregnancy, lasting from weeks 29 to 40 (months 7, 8, and 9). During this time, your baby continues to grow, develop, and begins to shift into position for birth. Now that you're in the home stretch, you're just a few weeks away from meeting your little one. However, this trimester can also bring some of the most challenging physical and emotional changes as your body prepares for delivery.
Appointments & Scans
In the third trimester, your appointments become more frequent, with weekly check-ups to monitor your health and progress as you approach birth. These visits often include growth scans to ensure your baby is developing well. During this time, you'll also discuss and finalise your birthing plan, outlining your preferences for labour and delivery. Additionally, you may opt for a 4D scan to capture a more detailed view of your baby’s movements and features, providing a memorable experience before your little one arrives.
What to Expect
The third trimester marks the final stretch as you prepare for delivery, with your baby growing in size and their body systems maturing. You may experience increased discomfort, including back aches, frequent urination, difficulty sleeping, and Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor). Other common symptoms include leg swelling, constipation, heartburn, stretch marks, and varicose veins. At any stage if you have concerns or experience reduced fetal movement, please see our emergency page for information about how to contact us.
Routine Tests
In the third trimester, routine checks include a standard urine analysis at each prenatal appointment, along with monitoring blood pressure, weight, and fetal movements. The baby’s heart rate is also assessed to ensure everything is progressing well. These tests help detect any potential issues, keeping both you and your baby in optimal health as you approach delivery.
