Did you know there are more than the typical 3 trimesters of pregnancy?
Today I’m spilling the tea, as a knoxville maternity photographer, on everything you can expect from conception to the mysterious “4th trimester.”

I had no idea there was a “4th trimester” until after I’d had my own
baby! I’m so glad I know now!

I’m not only going to share with you what to expect in each, but also a lot of
local resources you can use s you plan for your pregnancy, newborn and
birth in Knoxville, Tennessee.

First Trimester: The Secret Life of Pregnancy

The first trimester is like a secret club where only you and your growing baby
are members. During these first 12 weeks, your body is working overtime to
create a new life, and you might be feeling the effects (hello, morning
sickness). It’s like you’re part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant
moms can truly understand.

I remember Adam, my husband, and I trying to sit there normally with friends and family not to say anything. It was SO hard, but also exciting that only the two of us shared that time for a little bit. Also, the only thing that kept my morning sickness at bay was Chick-fil-a french fries, diet lemonade, Simple Mills almond flour crackers, and Preggie Pop Drops Morning Sickness Relief for Pregnant Women.

Second Trimester: The Golden Age

For many, the second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy, where you
can finally start enjoying the journey. With the nausea subsiding and the baby
bump showing, it’s time to embrace the experience

Hey there, mamas! I’d love to hear how you’ve shared your pregnancy news in the past—it’s such a special moment! One friend of mine totally won me over with a bouquet of pink flowers to announce her baby girl. I’m a flower nut, and I think it’s adorable—plus, you can dry those blooms and keep them as a sweet memory. Another fun idea I’ve seen is those cute personal cakes with the gender hidden inside. Picture this: you and your partner scoop it up with glasses—so playful and yum!

Oh, and I’ve got a little gem for you—PinkBlush is my go-to online spot for maternity clothes. They’ve got the cutest dresses, tops, jeans, you name it! Finding good stuff locally was a struggle—Target had some, but options were limited. Here’s a pro tip from my own pregnancy days: grab oversized regular clothes too. They’re comfy, versatile, and you can rock them post-baby without being stuck in “maternity mode.” What do you think—any fun announcement stories to share?

One last thing I would add to this trimester is to relax and get yourself a prenatal massage. I personally love Healing Hands located in Farragut, TN. This can help alleviate some tension and all the new muscles pains that come with supporting baby.

Third Trimester: The Home Stretch

The third trimester is when things start to get real. As you prepare for your
baby’s arrival, you’ll want to make sure you have everything in place for a
smooth transition.

Let’s talk nursery details. One local store in Knoxville I love and can’t give enough praises to is Bradley’s Gift & Home. They truly have the cutest touches to add to your nursey and very unique pieces. They also have plenty of cute little clothes, books, stuffies, and gifts for new baby. You have to check them out!

Here are three chill tips for setting up your baby’s nursery:

1. Keep it Simple: Grab a crib, changing spot, and a comfy chair. Make sure it’s easy to move around and safe—no fancy stuff needed yet.
2. Stash the Gear: Babies have tons of things. Toss in some shelves or a dresser to keep diapers and clothes handy and tidy.
3. Go Easy on Light: Get soft, dim lighting for late-night vibes and some blackout curtains for nap time—keeps it cozy and flexible.

You’ll have a sweet little spot ready in no time!

Birth: The Main Event

The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here: birth! Whether you’re
planning a natural birth or a C-section, this stage is exciting and emotional!

Looking back on my birth story, three things stand out that I hope will inspire other mommas.

1. Trusting my body’s strength—it knew what to do, but I am definitely team epidural. My main birth goal (beside safe mom and baby) was having the best experience possible with my husband at my side and I believe the epidural allowed this.

2. Having support—having my husband holding my hand made all the difference during those 12 hours and the best baby doctor, in my personal opinion, Dr. Martin . She is professional, kind, thorough, and supportive. I can’t say enough about her and her wonderful staff 🙂

3. Embracing the unexpected—things didn’t go perfectly to plan, but that’s where the beauty happened. My daughters heart rate kept dropping and we almost had a C-section. I had such peace knowing that I was in the safest place during this and trusting my medical staff. You’ve got this, mommas—your story will be uniquely yours, and that’s your superpower!

4. Power of headspace—using box breathing and meditating on scripture kept my mind clear and peaceful, even in the most nerve-racking moments. You’re stronger than you know, mommas—your story will shine in its own way!”

If you want more details on birth, make sure to check out this blog post all
about 10 Things Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You About Giving Birth

The 4th Trimester: What No One Tells You

Surprise! Your journey doesn’t end with birth. The 4th trimester is the first
three months of your baby’s life, where both of you are adjusting to the world
outside the womb. My best advice for this season…take your time, give grace, heal, and just survive 🙂

Here are some little tips for this next season…

Celebrate the Little Stuff – Hey, if you got out of bed or munched on a snack today, that’s a win in my book! Postpartum depression can make everything feel heavy, but those tiny victories? They’re proof you’re tougher than you think. Be kind to yourself—you’re doing awesome. My doctor did specifically told me the importance of taking vitamin D to help with any postpartum depression. Maybe that is something to get tested and see if your levels are low. (functional levels for vitamin D are 50+). And don’t forget to get some natural vitamin D outside 🙂

Grab a Buddy – Text a friend, call your partner, or chat with your doc—don’t go it alone! It’s not about dumping your worries; it’s just letting someone in to sit with you. I promise, even a quick “hey, I’m struggling” can make the day feel lighter.

Find Your Groove – Pick something easy—like sipping coffee or stretching for a sec—and make it your thing each day. Add some slow breaths or a cozy thought like “I’ve got this” to keep you grounded. It’s like a little hug from yourself when the waves hit.

You’re not in this by yourself, mama, and you don’t have to figure it all out at once. How’s this vibe for you? Anything else you’re wrestling with?

When is it time to ask for breastfeeding support? Check out this blog post all
about breastfeeding and Knoxville resources.

Of course, every journey is unique, and it’s okay to feel a whole range of
emotions along the way. As long as you’ve got your support system and
resources, you’ll be able to navigate this crazy adventure

Want to know more about how prenatal chiroptic care can help relieve pain during pregnancy? Read my blog post HERE.

Since you made it all the way down here– are you
looking for a Knoxville maternity Photographer? Click here to see more of my baby bump and newborn portfolio.

Thanks for reading!