a mother right after birth

Did you know there are more than the typical 3 trimesters of pregnancy? Today I’m spilling the tea on everything you can expect from conception to the mysterious “4th trimester.” (from your local St George Hospital Birth Photographer)

a mother right after birth, st george hospital birth photographer

I had no idea there was a “4th trimester” until after I’d had 2 babies! I’m so glad I know now! And let me tell you: knowing about and preparing for that one, will make your recovery SO much easier! 


As a St George Hospital Birth photographer, I’m not only going to share with you what to expect in each, but also a lot of local resources you can use as you plan for your pregnancy, newborn and birth in St. George.

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’ve always had fairly easy going 1st trimesters with my pregnancies. I’ll definitely get nauseous, but I don’t throw up much!

But I have learned that one of the best things you can do is eat little meals that focus on protein! It will help keep you full, and your little baby needs to grow those cells!

Here are some other resources in St George for the 1st trimester.

  • One thing that I’ve never tried but heard good things about is acupuncture for morning sickness! If you’re desperate, you could totally check that out!
  • I do know that it is SO easy to get dehydrated in your first semester and I LOVE that you can have a mobile IV come right to your home! And bonus: sometimes they can give you medication for the Nausea.  I love Jayci with Advanced Mobile IV! Message her directly for an appointment! And you can use the code: BIRTHVILLAGE10 for a discount!
2nd trimester is the golden age St george hospital birth photogrpaher

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.

  • We actually just announced that we are having our 6th baby, and I wanted something fun but EASY! So my kids and I got donuts and I made up this sign in Canva. Feel free to use this template in your own pregnancy announcement! I’d love to see pictures, so tag me if you use this sign! 

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.

  • St George Birth Class

If I could go back to when I was pregnant with my first baby, I would HANDS DOWN take a birth class! I’ve seen first hand how amazing it is to be  very well educated on your body and how exactly birth works! Here are a few of the ones I know about:

  • Hiring a Doula is honestly a MUST for first time moms (IMO) and even for 2nd time moms. I’m getting ready to have my 6th baby and I’m going to have a doula too! They are seriously amazing! And you should check out my blog post 4 reasons why you should Hire a doula.
  • Also the 3rd trimester is a GREAT time to get your Maternity pictures done! (I highly recommend doing them before 36 weeks!) If you’re looking for a maternity photographer, I’d love to chat with you! Check out my maternity portfolio here.
The birth story is such an exciting part of your journey St george Hospital birth photographer

Birth: The Main Event

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

  • I love each and every one of the births of my children! And what is so beautiful is that they are all so different! You may be expecting one thing, and something totally opposite happens! It also is so exciting to finally see what your baby looks like!
  • Breastfeeding is another thing that happens right after birth! We have so many great resources for you here in St. George! Check out soundstarteducation.com 

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 

Of course, these are moments you’ll always want to remember (even if things don’t go perfectly according to plan). Hiring a birth photographer is something I’ve never heard anyone say they regret! Click here to see my birth photography portfolio. I have lots of images as a St George Hospital Birth Photographer

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.

  • Postpartum is HARD. I remember after I had my 2nd child I thought I could run to the store when I was 1 week PP, and when I came back I was EXHAUSTED and slept for like 2 hours after! Your body needs time to heal, so please don’t rush things!!
  • I highly recommend Simply Southern Birth for postpartum planning. She literally thinks of everything, so that you (and your spouse) are prepared! Because let’s be honest, postpartum can be tough on your spouse too!

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.

Thanks for reading!

Since you made it all the way down here – are you looking for a St George Hospital Birth Photographer? Click here to see more of my birth portfolio. 

5 Things You Might Not Know About Stages of Pregnancy (from St George Hospital Birth Photographer)

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