The "Extra" Trimester of Pregnancy No One Tells You About (From a Scottsdale Newborn Photographer + Mom of 4)

Did you know there are actually more than the typical three trimesters of pregnancy? Yep—there’s a mysterious bonus round called the “4th trimester.” Today I’m spilling the tea on what you can expect, from those two pink lines all the way through postpartum recovery.

As a Scottsdale newborn photographer (and mom of four!), I didn’t even realize the 4th trimester was a thing until after I had all my babies. If I had known, I would have given myself way more grace while recovering from, you know, birthing a whole human.

So let’s walk through each trimester, plus some resources here in the Phoenix Valley that will help you prep for pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

First Trimester: The Secret Life of Pregnancy

The first trimester is like Fight Club… except instead of throwing punches, you’re secretly growing a human. (Rule #1 of the first trimester? Don’t tell anyone until you’re ready.)

Morning sickness is probably your new BFF—and not the fun kind of friend. It’s exhausting, exciting, overwhelming, and deja-vu all rolled into one.

If nausea is kicking your trash, here’s a great resource: 25 Ways to Beat Morning Sickness.

Second Trimester: The Golden Age

For many moms, the second trimester is the sweet spot—the honeymoon phase of pregnancy. The nausea eases up, you’ve got that glow going, and your bump is finally big enough to show off in those cute maternity jeans.

If you’re craving a wardrobe refresh but don’t want to break the bank, check out Motherhood Closet or shop local at Baby Bloomers in Phoenix.

Want to keep moving (and keep your sanity)? I can’t recommend Mountainside Fitness enough. Their childcare is chef’s kiss, which means you can squeeze in a workout while your older kiddos have fun. Future you—especially postpartum you—will thank you.

Third Trimester: The Home Stretch

This is where things start to feel real. The countdown is on, the hospital bag is packed (…maybe), and your body is reminding you daily that carrying a human is hard work.

Your support system matters. Whether it’s your partner, older kiddos, or a birth professional, this is the time to bring them in. If you’re looking for local pros, check out Organic Birthing in Tempe!

The Nursery 

Some moms go full HGTV and have their nursery ready months in advance. Others? Still haven’t set it up by the time baby is six months old. Honestly? Either way works. Babies don’t usually sleep in their own rooms right away, so don’t stress.

Check out this blog with 5 easy steps to getting your home prepared for baby's arrival. Make sure you download the free checklist at the bottom of the post!

Birth: The Main Event

Cue the dramatic music—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Whether your story includes an induction, a C-section, or that movie-scene water-breaking moment in Target (please no), it’s your birth story and it matters.

When I was induced with my first, I thought it was going to be a quick, straightforward process. Let’s just say… 18 hours later, I had learned otherwise. But here’s the thing: no matter how it unfolds, your story is uniquely yours—and that’s what makes it beautiful.

The 4th Trimester: What No One Tells You

Surprise! The journey doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. The 4th trimester—the first three months of your baby’s life—is a whirlwind of sleepless nights, healing, and figuring out what “normal” looks like now.

Let me tell you a little story. A few weeks after I had my fourth baby, a sweet lady saw my very much post-pregnancy tummy and asked when I was due. Yep. That was fun. But here’s the thing—it is completely NORMAL to still look pregnant while your body is healing. Your body just grew and delivered a human! Recovery takes time. Grace, mama. Give yourself all the grace.

The 4th trimester is also when a Scottsdale newborn photographer like me comes in handy. Newborn sessions aren’t just about cute photos (though trust me, there will be plenty). They’re about freezing those fleeting, foggy, magical first weeks so you can remember them long after the sleepless nights are gone. You can see some more of those adorable images here.

Every mama’s postpartum experience is different. Some sail through. Others struggle with postpartum anxiety or depression (which is way more common than people talk about). Whatever your journey looks like, you’re not alone. Local support groups, lactation consultants, and mom networks can make all the difference.

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Pregnancy isn’t just three neat stages—it’s an entire journey that continues well after the baby arrives. The more you know about each trimester (including the 4th), the more grace you can give yourself along the way.

And when you’re ready to document the sweet, chaotic, love-filled newborn days, I’d be honored to serve your family. As a Scottsdale newborn photographer, I bring the studio to you, so you can relax at home while I capture those first snuggles.

Because at the end of the day, motherhood is messy, magical, and worth remembering.

Since you made it all the way down here – are you looking for a Scottsdale Newborn Photographer? Click here to see more of my newborn portfolio. Or here to fill out a contact form!