We’re glad you are asking us, but be sure to also ask your doctor or clinician for some books on pregnancy that he or she recommends. Here’s a list from us. There’s so much to learn!

During the nine months of pregnancy, your body changes as the fetus grows inside you. Check out the Mayo Clinic’s site about what to expect throughout pregnancy.

In the first weeks, you may feel few changes. Or, you could feel really tired and nauseous. You might also notice that your breasts are swollen or sore. These symptoms are most common during the first trimester— the first three months of pregnancy.

During the second trimester, you’ll start to gain more weight, but usually the fatigue and nausea go away. Because of that, many girls and women feel great during this part of the pregnancy. Others don’t, and the fatigue and nausea continue throughout the pregnancy. You’ll also notice a need to go to the bathroom more often.

During the last trimester, especially the last few weeks, a lot of pregnant girls and women are uncomfortable, because they’ve gained much more weight and their expanded uterus puts pressure on other parts of their body, including their bladder, kidneys and lungs. Sometimes, they have trouble sleeping.

You also might get very emotional during your pregnancy. Both hormones and the fear of a huge life change make a lot of girls and women weepy or short-tempered during pregnancy. It’s great if you have a good relationship with the baby’s father or important people in your life, to share the experience and get as much support as you need. Encourage the people who are close to you to learn about what happens during pregnancy so they’re not thrown off by your mood swings.

These are just general guidelines. Everyone is different. Ask other people about their pregnancy or their partner’s pregnancy. And again, be sure to ask your doctor or clinician, or check the local library for resources.