Your Pregnancy Journey: Month by Month Guide

Welcoming a baby is a journey that unfolds month by month, each stage bringing new changes, new questions, and moments worth remembering.

In this guide, we’ll walk through every month of pregnancy, what you can expect physically and emotionally, and how to approach preparing for your little one with confidence and calm. From the earliest flutter to the final countdown, consider this your month-by-month companion for everything in between.

Month One: The Journey Begins

Month one often starts subtly, before you even realize you’re pregnant. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, with important early changes already underway.

Right now you might be feeling...

Extreme fatigue
Mild cramping or bloating
Breast tenderness and swelling
Emotional ups and downs

"The first thing I bought was an outfit to tell my husband we were pregnant!" - Alyssa S.

Something special to do is commemorate seeing those two pink lines is buy a little outfit for baby! Here are our suggestions:

Knit Onesie - Crafted from soft, breathable cotton for timeless style and everyday comfort.
Top + Bottoms - Made from our signature silky-soft fabric, they feature functional buttons, a fold-over waistband, and built-in footies on newborn sizes.
Zipper Footies - For keeping the little ones cozy and comfy all day long.

Month Two: First Trimester Fatigue

Month two is when early symptoms often appear and your baby begins forming major structures and systems. It’s a noticeable shift as both your body and the pregnancy start to feel more real.

You probably feel like...

Nausea and tiredness are taking over
The couch is your safe space
Comfy clothes on repeat

Snuggle up in our Mom Lounge Sets and let a cozy blanket do all the heavy lifting!

We also complied some tricks that help with morning sickness! Find them here.

Month Three: It's All Feeling Real

Month three brings a noticeable turning point as your baby finishes developing major organs and starts moving, even if you can’t feel it yet. It’s also when many moms begin to settle into the rhythm of pregnancy and look forward to sharing the news.

It's Time to...

Start sharing with friends and family
Hear baby's heartbeat
Start Prepping (early stages, of course!)

If you're looking for fun ways to announce your pregnancy, we gathered some cute inspiration here!

Month Four: Hello Second Trimester!

Month four marks the start of the second trimester, when energy often returns and many early symptoms ease up. It’s also the stage when your baby begins growing rapidly, and a small bump may start to show.

Maybe you're experiencing...

Increased energy (finally!)
Decreased nausea
A growing bump/ligament stretching
Digestion changes
Increased Appetite

Here are some tips/tricks for any pregnancy symptoms you might be feeling:

Pregnancy Constipation - We're all about being honest and real here! This one is a doozy.
Heartburn - Lots of moms experience this during pregnancy. Some say it means baby will have lots of hair!
Nourishing Foods to Eat During Pregnancy - You owe it to yourself and your growing baby to take care of your body! But it's also okay to give into those wild cravings too. ;-)

Month Five: Half-Baked

We don't know about you, but month five is where it all starts to feel real. You're cruising through the second trimester and suddenly your little belly curve has turned into a full-on bump!

You're probably feeling...

Baby start to move
Your bump is more noticeable
Skin changes
Shortness of breath
Sleeping is getting a bit more uncomfortable

With so many changes to your body, we want you to always feel comfortable through your pregnancy journey! Treat yourself to a cozy wardrobe that you can wear now, and postpartum:

Mom Lounge Sets - This silky soft set is made for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, and everything in between. With a relaxed fit and dreamy feel, it’s the outfit you’ll reach for again and again.
Everyday Dress - Designed with every woman in mind to be easy, comfortable and beautiful during all the phases of motherhood and beyond.
Hierloom Knit Set - A go-to staple that blends style and comfort, this knit set is perfect for dressing up or down, making it an essential outfit for every wardrobe!

Nano-nesting tip: Pick one small thing to grab this week for baby. It could be a swaddle blanket, nightlight, or test a diaper brand!

Month Six: You're Bumpin' Now

Month six brings a noticeable growth spurt as your baby becomes more active and those kicks get stronger and more predictable. It’s also when many moms start feeling the physical shift of a fast-growing bump and begin thinking more seriously about birth and postpartum prep.

This milestone feels like...

Lots of baby kicks
Backaches
Emotional anticipation (almost third trimester!)
Occasional swelling in feet or ankles

Have you started playing around with baby names? We have a few that you might like...

Month Seven: Welcome to the Third Trimester

Month seven marks the start of the third trimester, when your baby’s movements become stronger and space starts to feel a little tighter. It’s also when many moms notice more physical intensity—like backaches or fatigue—while the countdown to meeting their baby starts to feel very real.

I bet you're experiencing...

Heaviness -- that bump is getting big
Difficulty sleeping comfortably
Nesting energy
Mild Braxton Hicks contractions
Deeper connection to your growing baby

We bet your baby shower is happening soon! Here are some fun themes we are loving if you need inspiration!

Also, we know there's a lot to prepare before a new baby arrives. May we suggest starting with the nursery? Here is our Newborn Prep Checklist!

Month Eight: The Countdown Begins

Month eight brings a noticeable shift as your baby packs on weight and space gets tighter, making every movement feel bigger and more intense. It’s also when many moms start focusing more on birth preparations while managing the physical realities of a rapidly growing bump.

Month Eight brings...

Increased pelvic pressure
Shortness of breath
The urge to pee frequently
Lower back pain
Full-on nesting mode

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the to-do's we want to help! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you feel more comfortable and organized!

Tips to help your Pregnant Back
Postpartum Bathroom Trip Checklist - The first bathroom trips after birth are delicate. Make sure you're prepared to make it as smooth as possible with this checklist!
Nursing Checklist - Planning to breastfeed your new baby? Here's what you'll need to make feeding an easy process!
Third Trimester Sleeping Tips
Hospital Outfit Ideas for Baby

Month Nine: It's Almost Time!

It's the final stretch, when your baby drops lower and every day feels like it could be the day. A month filled with anticipation, noticeable physical changes, and the slow, steady signs that your body is getting ready for labor.

You're experiencing...

Braxton Hicks
Major anticipation and readiness to meet your baby
Heightened emotions
Losing the mucus plug
A strong mental shift toward labor and your birth plan

We are SO excited for you to be heading into the final stretch of your pregnancy! Is there any last minute prep you need to do? Here's what we recommend:

Swaddle Tutorial - Make sure to practice swaddling your little one for that first hospital photo and all the weeks to follow!
How to take the Perfect Hospital Photo - You don't need a fancy camera to capture those first precious moments. Here's how to do it!
Signs that Labor is Near - It could be any day now! Keep an eye out for these signs.
The Golden Hour - Have you heard of the Golden Hour? It's that precious stretch right after birth when it's just you and your baby -- pretty much magic. Learn about its benefits!

Congratulations on your new baby! We are thrilled for you and your family. We hope that as you continue your journey through motherhood that Lou Lou can be a place you turn for advice, confidence, and the most high-quality pieces for your precious baby.