5 Exciting Milestones in Pregnancy

As a FTM (First time mom), I am constantly on the lookout for exciting milestones. First ultrasound, first kick, the start of my baby bump. And I spent a lot of time searching for the answer to when these milestones would arrive. To make it easier for you, I am putting together a list of all my firsts and other exciting milestones. Everyone's timeline will vary but this gives you a general idea of what to expect and when to expect it. Keep in mind that I will be adding to this list as I progress!!

1. Doctor Visits

These will begin almost immediately. At first, they are simple reminders, a solid confirmation that you really are pregnant. But trust me, before you know it, you're listening to your baby's heartbeat and counting down the days until you'll get to hear him/her again. I personally found my first experience with the Doppler to be more heartwarming than seeing my baby at the ultrasound.

Frequency: Every 4 weeks between 4-28 weeks. Every 2 weeks between 28-36 weeks. Every 1 week past 36 weeks.

2. Ultrasound

Speaking of ultrasounds! Most of us will get two. One at the beginning, to confirm the pregnancy and establish a due date. The second one comes around week 20, called an anatomy scan, and this is where you have the chance to find out your baby's gender as well.

Frequency: Once at approximately 8 weeks. Another at approximately 20 weeks.

3. The Bump

Depending on many factors, you will start showing at different times. And I'm not just talking about that little bulge that says 'I went for thirds at the dinner buffet', or the squishy pudge that we both know is just your intestines re-homing themselves to make room for your uterus. I'm talking about the one that has the grocer asking if you need help carrying your bag to the car, and your doctor reaching out to help you up after the Doppler scans. If you're tall, chances are it will take longer, as there's more room for your guts to hide further up in your abdomen.

ETA- It took until 18 weeks before I had a noticeable "bump" with both pregnancies. By week 23 with my first, I had a decent bump (the kind you see in photoshoots). I'm 19w exact with my 2nd baby at the time of this edit, but I'll likely come back to update EVENTUALLY.

4. First Kicks

Most moms start to feel movements somewhere between 16-22 weeks. This is called the quickening. These dates may not match up with what you read in the pamphlets but rather these are numbers I observed in my online (worldwide) birthing group. Some describe it as flutters (butterflies in your tummy), others say it's like a fish swimming in your belly, and yet there are some who only notice the sharp jab of an elbow or kick of little feet. I feel the need to mention that the placement of your placenta will affect when you first feel movement. An anterior placenta (one that is in the front of your uterus) acts as a cushion and may delay any quickenings until further in your pregnancy. A mother with a posterior placenta has a better chance of feeling movement early on. In my personal experience, my doctor told me at my second ultrasound that I had a posterior placenta, yet I didn't feel movement until 19 weeks.

ETA- I felt my first kicks from baby #2 at exactly 15 weeks! Is that crazy or what?!

Frequency: Start watching for movement at 16 weeks- it could happen anytime now!

5. Glucose Test (GD Test)

This one is not exciting for most, as many ladies find the sugary orange drink repulsive, but it IS a milestone in your pregnancy. Some women actually enjoy the drink, comparing it to a flat Orange Crush soda.

Now, lastly, I want to mention something that isn't on my list, but definitely makes pregnancy more exciting. As someone who thrives on organizing everything and plans everything to a T six months in advance, I found the Ovia Pregnancy App VERY helpful. It gives you updates including weekly size estimates in your choice of themes and the approximate handprint/footprint of your little one! As someone who breaks down long time frames into smaller, more within-reach time frames, this was super helpful. Instead of waiting 4 weeks to get news on baby, I could look forward to only waiting a week before getting my next update on the baby's size and their little prints!