Learning you are pregnant is a joyous occasion. For the next nine months, you will go through many changes. Although each woman’s pregnancy is different, this month-by-month guide can help you plan for some of the changes that may occur.

Months One, Two, and Three

Your Body

By the end of the third month, you may have gained several pounds. You may feel very tired due to hormonal changes. Plan to get extra rest, sneaking in naps when you can, and slow down. You should feel more energetic by the end of the third month.

You may need to urinate more frequently now. This is common during the first trimester of pregnancy and again right before your baby is born.

For greater comfort, start wearing loosely fitting clothes.

See your healthcare provider by the second month to confirm your pregnancy. Regular check-ups will be scheduled for your prenatal care.

Your Diet

Calcium is very important for both your and your baby’s bones and teeth. An easy way to include calcium in your diet is to drink and eat pasteurized dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream.

Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and bran cereal to make sure your bowel movements are regular. Be sure to drink plenty of water.

Your Feelings

Talk to your partner about how you are feeling. Ask for help, especially if you are tired. During this time you may feel overweight and clumsy. Remember the extra weight is preparing your body for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, it is common to have mood swings in your feelings about sex. It is not harmful to have sexual relations during pregnancy, but check with your healthcare provider about sexual activity during this time.