If your baby wasn't planned, this may be the first time you have had any inkling that you're pregnant. We have all the support and services available to connect you here at Brave Foundation. Your journey of unplanned pregnancy can be a great one that will see you and your baby in a healthy, happy, skilled family over time. At Brave Foundation, we know that in many situations this future can look impossible. That is why we are here, to provide the support and encouragement you need to equip and enhance your life in your own community. Even in a planned pregnancy, women have many questions about their growing baby and tummy, let alone the questions you may have when this surprise wasn’t expected! This part of the site is dedicated to a brief description of your pregnancy and its stages as you scroll along the interpretive pregnancy timeline. Whether unplanned or not, we each have the same realistic wonderings of pregnancy, birth and beyond. Read here, look at the beautiful artwork, and be informed and equipped in knowing the journey that you are on... from conception to 40 weeks.

This your first trimester. May be feeling anxiety, vomiting, nausea, light-headedness, fainting, dizziness, exhaustion, and mood swings.

You baby is a tiny ball of cells called an embryo.

• Talk with someone around you that you can trust
• Make an appointment with a GP
• Avoid drugs, alcohol and certain medications
• Get plenty of rest and relaxation

You will notice your body starting to change, and clothes may become tighter around your midriff.

Your embryo is now called a fetus, meaning ‘little one’, and has grown to about 1.5cm in size.

• Start drinking more water
• Buy a maternity bra
• If you’re still in school, talk with someone within the educational community

This is your second trimester. Any nausea and vomiting you were experiencing will begin to decrease and your tummy will start to grow.

Your baby is now 5cm long, and the vital organs are totally formed and functional.

• Talk with your school about a personalised education pathway
• Make 3 promises to yourself for now, or after the baby is born
• Share your story with Brave Foundation
• Make contact with a local parenting group in your area

You will begin to notice an increase in the size of your breasts as milk glands start production. You may feel extra weight in your womb as your waistline continues to stretch and expand.

Your baby is about 12cm in length, and will go through a growth spurt in the next month.

• It’s important that you eat properly and frequently
• Consult with your doctor and start an exercise routine

Your waistline will continue to expand and you may feel some discomfort. Indigestion, heartburn, itching and constipation may occur more frequently.

Your baby is approximately 16cm. With an ultrasound you will be able to see your baby kicking, and moving in the womb.

• Alongside your educational pathway, start considering a birthing plan, including your preferences for the birth of the baby and what to do in an emergency
• Consider starting a baby book or journal to record the your feelings, photos and the baby’s movements
• Continue exercising and eating a good diet rich in iron

By now you will have gained some weight – about 6kg is a typical amount.
You may start to crave particular foods.

Your baby is growing rapidly and will now measure approximately 30cm.

• Look into booking an antenatal class
• Make use of our list of young pregnant and parental groups

You may have mixed feelings of nervousness as your birth becomes closer.

Your baby weighs just over a kilogram and will measure approximately 37cm long.
He can open his eyes and turn his head in the womb.

• Write down any questions or concerns you have and check them with your doctor
• Take check-ups more frequently
• Attending antenatal classes can help with education about what to expect when you go into labour

At this stage you may feel a little short of breath, as your baby’s size pushes on your diaphragm and lungs.

As your baby prepares for birth, he will move down lower in the womb.

• False signs of labour can occur at this stage. Ask your doctor about the difference between real and false contractions.
• Taking warm baths and eating smaller meals can help reduce discomfort and contractions.
• Talk to your teachers at school about reducing you school work
• Ask a support person at Centrelink  about financial support, or check our website for scholarship opportunities

By 37 weeks your baby is considered full term. You may feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen as your baby prepares for birth.

Your baby is now 45cm long and has begun to fill out, which will help regulate the baby’s temperature after birth.

• Take maternity leave from school or part-time work
• Pack a hospital bag
• Take daily walks to help relieve aches and pains
• Think about how long it will take you to get to the hospital at different times of the day, and who will be around to take you to hospital. Take a practice drive into the hospital so you know which way to go and where to park

As you and your baby enter the 40th week, you may be quite anxious for childbirth.
This can be a very happy and exciting time, but also a very challenging time for you.

Your baby is now approximately 50cm long, weighs between 2.4 – 3.8kilograms and ready to be born!

• Try to reduce your activities and don’t plan any day-long activities
• Rest, relax and prepare for the birth of your baby