Weeks 1–13

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The Baby:

• Starts as a tiny bundle of cells and by week 12 has tiny arms, legs, and a beating heart.

• Organs, spinal cord, and facial features begin forming.
   

The Mother:

• Body changes: Fatigue, nausea, sore boobs, and a new superpower: the sense of smell of a bloodhound.

• Behaviour: Mood swings (blame hormones), heightened emotions, food aversions (or sudden cravings for sambal at 3am).

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Checkups & Scans:

• First checkup around week 6–8.

• Ultrasound confirms baby’s heartbeat and estimated due date.

• Blood and urine tests done early (e.g. haemoglobin, blood type, STDs).

• Pink Book registration at Klinik Kesihatan if going public route.

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Key Milestones:

• You’re officially pregnant (confirmed by scan).

• Baby's heartbeat visible by Week 6–7.

• Morning sickness peaks and might (just might) start to ease by Week 12.

Weeks 14–27​

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The Baby:

• Grows from the size of a lemon to an eggplant.

• Can kick, suck thumb, and respond to sound by week 24.

• Organs mature, lanugo (fine hair) and vernix (waxy coating) form.

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The Mother:

• Body changes: Bump starts to show, skin may glow or break out. Backaches, round ligament pain, and weird dreams are common.

• Behaviour: Increased energy, nesting tendencies, and better appetite.

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Checkups & Scans:

• Monthly checkups continue.

• Detailed anomaly scan at 20 weeks checks baby’s organs and development.

• Blood pressure, weight, and urine are monitored at each visit.

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Key Milestones:

• You’ll likely feel baby’s first flutters by Week 16–20.

• Belly pops, and maternity clothes start making sense.

• Gender might be visible on scan (if baby cooperates!).​

Weeks 28–40

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The Baby:

• Gains weight fast (and so will you!).

• Brain, lungs, and immune system mature.

• Turns into birth position (head down) around Week 32–36.
   

The Mother:

• Body changes: Bigger belly, swollen feet, Braxton Hicks contractions, heartburn, and fatigue return.

• Behaviour: Anxiety about labour, urge to clean (nesting goes into overdrive), vivid dreams again

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Checkups & Scans:

• Visits become biweekly, then weekly in the final month.

• GDM screening (Gestational Diabetes) around Week 28.

• Baby’s growth, position, and heart rate monitored.

• Birth plan discussions start (e.g. hospital bag, preferred delivery).​
   

Key Milestones:

• Baby’s kicks become stronger and more rhythmic.

• Hospital bag packed by Week 36.

• Anytime from Week 37 onward, it’s go time!

Do: Attend all antenatal appointments and keep your Pink Book updated with the nurse or doctor. Malaysian guidelines have you seen ~monthly until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks. Continue all prescribed supplements (iron, folic acid, calcium). Stay active, eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and sleep well. Use mild skincare for itching/stretch marks and support bras for breast tendernes.

 Do:   Inform your healthcare provider about any new symptoms (sudden swelling, severe headaches, visual changes) – these could signal pre-eclampsia. If you feel decreased fetal movement, get checked. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication.

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Don’t: Smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs – there is no safe amount during pregnancy. Avoid secondhand smoke. Skip caffeinated energy drinks.
 

Don’t: Eat raw or undercooked meats/fish (e.g. sashimi, rare steak) or soft cheeses (e.g. feta, brie). Steer clear of high-mercury fish (shark, swordfish). Do not take excessive vitamin A (avoid liver). Avoid too much intake of spicy or “heaty” traditional foods that give you discomfort – but moderate amounts of ginger, chili or herbs are fine if you tolerate them.
 

Don’t: Overheat your body. Avoid hot tubs, saunas or very hot showers, as high heat can be risky to the baby. Wear sunscreen and cover up in Malaysia’s sun.
 

Don’t: Overexert yourself. No heavy lifting or extreme sports. If traveling, move around every hour and stay hydrated. (In fact, the second trimester is generally the safest time to travel, but always check with your doctor and airline.) Use seat belts low on the hips and under the bump. 

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Don’t: Neglect dental or eye care – regular dentist visits are safe (ideally in 2nd trimester), and share your pregnancy status when getting any eye exams or vision changes.

• Register Early & Use the Pink Book: Malaysia’s Maternal and Child Health “Pink Book” is your official pregnancy record. You should register for antenatal care by ~10–13 weeks. You will receive a Pink Book at your first government clinic visit. Bring it to every appointment – it will record your weight, blood pressure, blood tests, immunizations and baby’s growth. Doctors emphasize that these routine check-ups (logged in the Pink Book) catch high-risk issues early and support a healthy pregnancy.
   

• Follow Clinic Schedule: Public clinics typically see you monthly until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery. Private gynecologists follow a similar schedule. At each visit, you’ll have weight, blood pressure and urine checked (for protein or sugar). Keep all these appointments – they ensure baby and mom remain healthy.
   

• Important Tests: As mentioned, a glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for gestational diabetes is done at 24–28 weeks. Other routine checks include blood tests for anemia and infections (HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis), a mid-pregnancy anomaly scan (18–22 wks) and later a scan for placenta position (~28 wks). Your doctor will advise on any extra tests (e.g. immunological, glucose checks, GBS swab) based on your needs.
   

• Vaccinations: Malaysia now offers a free Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine between 28–32 weeks to all pregnant women. This protects your newborn from pertussis. You are encouraged (though not mandated) to take it. Flu vaccination may also be offered if in season. All routine childhood vaccines are of course still given after birth.
   

• Stay Covered: Malaysia has year-round dengue and other mosquitoes. Use insect repellent (DEET or picaridin based are safe in pregnancy), wear long sleeves in forests or evenings, and sleep under a net if needed. This helps avoid dengue or Zika.
   

• Support & Community: Malay tradition encourages rest and certain foods, but discuss any “pantang” (taboo) practices with your doctor to make sure they’re safe. Share news of your pregnancy and Pink Book with close family (Malaysia’s hospitals allow free antenatal care for all mothers, regardless of marital status). Many communities have support groups or forums for pregnant mothers – it can help to talk with others.
   

• Throughout the second trimester, remember to update your Pink Book, attend all check-ups, and follow your doctor’s advice. Take this time to enjoy the pregnancy: feel the baby’s first kicks, plan for the new arrival, and take care of your health. With regular care and a healthy lifestyle, most second trimesters progress smoothly. Good antenatal habits now (diet, supplements, rest and clinic visits) lay the groundwork for a safer delivery and a healthy baby.