What's growing
Reflexes appear
Baby can curl fingers, squint, and respond to touch. Movement is unfelt but constant.
Source: Moore, Persaud & Torchia, The Developing Human, 11th ed. (2020)
What's changing in you
Nausea often eases as the placenta takes over
Energy can return as hCG plateaus and the placenta assumes hormonal work around weeks 10–12.
Source: Soma-Pillay et al., Cardiovascular Journal of Africa 27(2), 2016 — Physiological changes in pregnancy
General info — not personalized medical advice.
Maternal brain
Relief — and a quieter grief
If you've held the pregnancy tightly through T1, the let-go can bring tears. This is regulation, not regression.
Source: O'Hara & Wisner, Best Practice & Research Clinical OB/GYN 28(1), 2014 — Perinatal mental illness
You & baby
From symptom to story
Many parents start picturing the baby as a future person now.
Source: Cranley, Nursing Research 30(5), 1981 — Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale
For your partner
Decide together how you'll share the news
Couple agreements about disclosure — who, when, how — reduce conflict in the next few weeks.
Source: Cowan & Cowan, When Partners Become Parents (1992; 2nd ed. 2000)
Move with care
Reintroduce gentle strength
Bodyweight squats, glute bridges, supported rows. If you were already lifting heavy, Davenport et al. (BJSM 2025) found acute high-intensity sessions — including near-RM barbell work — well tolerated by mother and fetus in trained participants.
General info — not personalized medical advice.
Eat for two brains
Iron-rich plates
Lentils, beef, tofu paired with vitamin C improves absorption. Iron needs rise across pregnancy.
Source: WHO Guideline: Daily iron and folic acid supplementation in pregnant women (2012)
General info — not personalized medical advice.
60-second prompt
What are you ready to release?
An old fear, a habit, an expectation. Name one.
Source: Lieberman et al., Psychological Science 18(5), 2007 — Affect labeling
Developed and curated by perinatal psychologists, family & couples counsellors, doulas, perinatal health & fitness specialists, and IBCLCs / lactation consultants. Educational — not a substitute for medical care.