by a Blacktown Birth, Motherhood and Family Photographer


Pregnancy isn’t just three trimesters. From the early days of keeping your news quiet to the whirlwind that is postpartum, here are the five real stages every mum should know — from a Western Sydney birth photographer who’s lived it.


Whether you’re newly pregnant or preparing for baby number three, this guide is here to help you feel seen, supported, and a little more prepared.


I’m Ana, a birth, motherhood and family photographer based in Blacktown, Western Sydney, and I’ve had the honour of capturing all kinds of stories - from growing bumps to first breaths to squishy newborn snuggles.



Stage 1: The Secret Life (First Trimester)

The first trimester is like a secret club where usually only you, your partner and your baby are members. Your body’s doing some of its most incredible work behind the scenes, while on the outside you’re just trying to keep it all together. You're probably just trying to survive the day without anyone noticing your green face or open pants button.


I was pregnant towards the end of COVID, so I was working from home a lot. Thank goodness, because there was no hiding that first-trimester bloat. I would’ve been outed before I was ready.


When it comes to morning sickness, everyone’s experience is different. Mine was what most would call "normal" - uncomfortable, unpredictable, and frustrating. I remember being told so many times to try ginger. Ginger tablets, ginger tea, ginger biscuits - you name it. A lot of mums also swear by keeping crackers by the bed and nibbling one before standing up. The idea is to gently raise your blood sugar before moving, which can sometimes take the edge off that nausea surge in the morning.


I’ve also heard many Western Sydney mums speak highly of acupuncture for pregnancy-related symptoms. While I didn’t use it myself, it seems to be a trusted option - just make sure you see a practitioner experienced in pregnancy care.

Stage 2: The Golden Age (Second Trimester)

We announced our pregnancy during a family games night. I don’t even remember the exact game - I think it was Trivial Pursuit? There was a drawing round, and my husband cheekily changed the question to, “Draw how big you think our baby is in Ana’s tummy.” I played along, pretending I didn’t understand what was happening and started “reading” the fake question from the card while I began to draw. My sister-in-law and daughter-in-law were so confused, not sure if we were playing a practical joke or if they were hearing things... until the penny dropped. Cue the tears and excited screaming.


It was around this time that I became crazy hungry. I could polish off two to three adult-sized meals every two hours. And the weirdest part? I’d finish a meal so full I’d swear I wouldn’t be able to look at food again all week... only to suddenly feel like I hadn’t eaten in a month exactly two hours later. If I didn’t eat within seconds, I’d start feeling faint. Like a switch flipped. This extreme hunger can often be linked to rapid hormonal shifts and increased metabolism as your body works hard to grow your baby.


One thing I regret about this stage was not moving my body more. I wish I had walked daily - even just around the block or on the treadmill. I gained a lot of weight, and the cankles were intense. Learn from me: movement matters!!

For baby clothes, I found Best & Less and Big W to be fantastic for basics - comfy and affordable. Zipper onesies were my go-to, way easier than dealing with buttons, especially for middle-of-the-night nappy changes. My son basically lived in onesies for the first six months.


If you’re in this stage and thinking about documenting your bump, this is the sweet spot. I always recommend booking your maternity session between weeks 28 and 34.


One of my maternity clients had to postpone her shoot a couple times due to rain. When we finally had her session, it was overcast with light drizzle throughout the day. Personally, I love the drama of cloudy skies - they actually make photos more interesting. But people often think the sky has to be crystal clear - it doesn’t! Lucky we went ahead when we did, because the very next day, she went into labour at 35+ weeks. Don’t leave it too late - you never know when your baby plans to meet you.

Stage 3: The Home Stretch (Third Trimester)

I worked right up until 35 weeks - and if it weren’t for the Christmas break and the office closing, I probably would’ve kept going. But since I was now on holiday, my plan was to use those final few weeks to rest, nest and slowly get things ready.


That night and throughout the night, I started to notice I was 'peeing myself' a little bit here and there. Despite knowing that waters breaking doesn’t usually look like it does in the movies, I was in denial - it was just small trickles, with a couple of bigger gushes here and there. I was only 35+1 weeks, with no pain or contractions, so I brushed it off. I convinced myself it must just be pregnancy incontinence. I sent my midwife an email with an update about what was happening (email was our usual method for general questions or non-urgent updates - calling was for anything urgent). She rang me almost immediately, clearly concerned, and said, “You should’ve called me. You need to get to hospital now, and pack your bags just in case. I think you’ll be staying there for a while.”


I had a small leak in the amniotic sac (not a full-on water break), which I’ve been told can happen ‘just because’ or because mama and/or baby has an infection. Thankfully, it wasn’t due to an infection. But because there was a tear, we were now both at risk of developing one. I was admitted immediately as a safety precaution. Fortunately, both of us were healthy.


I was in hospital for another two weeks before being induced. During that time, my husband ended up helping me prepare the basics while I was in hospital, and we figured out the rest after our son arrived.


We never really finished the nursery. Our son slept beside our bed in a bassinet, and before long, we were cosleeping more often than not. While I fully support cosleeping, I always recommend reading up on safe sleep practices.


If there’s one thing I recommend preparing in advance, it’s your support team. I had a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) midwife through my local public hospital and I honestly cannot brag about this enough. It was the best decision I made. She supported everything I wanted for my birth plan. I felt seen, understood, and backed the entire way through. When a hospital doctor I’d never even met, wasn't even in the room, consistently tried to override my plan and push for an unnecessary C-section, my midwife stood her ground and advocated for me. That kind of continuity of care - someone who knows you, believes in your choices, and has your back when it matters most - is everything. If your local hospital offers an MGP program, I’d absolutely encourage you to apply and see if you qualify.


I also highly recommend hypnobirthing - and doing it sooner rather than later. The earlier you learn the tools, the more time you have to practice them. My husband appreciated the course too. It helped him understand all the different stages of labour, how to support me throughout pregnancy, and what to do when things got intense - when to go to hospital, when to call support staff - all of it.

Stage 4: The Main Event (Birth)

Whether it’s a calm water birth, a home birth, a hospital induction, or an unplanned emergency, birth is never just one thing. It’s powerful, unpredictable, and deeply transformative - no matter how it unfolds.


My own birth wasn’t what I expected, but it taught me just how important it is to feel supported. It’s not just about pain management or medical decisions - it’s about feeling heard and held, especially when plans shift. I’ll always be grateful for the people who stood beside me, protected my preferences, and reminded me that I could trust my body.

I still remember the moment Oli was placed on my chest - warm, wide-eyed, and calm. The noise of the room disappeared for a second while I embraced my child. We never found out the sex during pregnancy, so it wasn’t until minutes later that my husband asked, “Wait... did they even tell you what we had?” I looked up at him, my mind still a whirlwind, and he said, “It’s a boy!!!” That’s the moment I go back to when I think about his birth. Not the hospital, not the drip, not the wires. Just that quiet, overwhelming moment of finally meeting - the moment of completing our family.


This is also where birth photography can be especially powerful. Yes, the moment your baby arrives is incredible - but so are the moments just before... and just after. The foot rubs. The whispered encouragement. The quiet strength. The way your partner looks at you like you’re doing something impossible... because you are. You’re both seeing your baby for the very first time and realising you just created a miracle.


You’re not just giving birth to a baby. You’re giving birth to the love between you and your partner in human form - and that is the magic I capture.


“I knew from the first moment I met Ana that she was a perfect fit for us... I can’t stop looking at them and reminiscing. I would highly recommend birth photography and would absolutely recommend Ana - she is an artist!”
— Taleah, Google Review


And no, I’ve never once had a parent say they regret hiring a birth photographer. But I’ve had plenty say they wish they had. There are just some moments that photos help you relive in a way nothing else can.


If you’re planning to breastfeed or even just curious about what that might look like, this is also a great time to line up support. If you haven’t already, check out my blog post all about breastfeeding support in Western Sydney.

Stage 5: The 4th Trimester (Postpartum)

Surprise - birth isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of something entirely new.


The 4th trimester is the first three months after your baby arrives. And while the world celebrates your little one, this season is just as much about you. You’re healing. You’re learning. You’re adjusting to a whole new identity - often while running on very little sleep.


Breastfeeding, for example, was not the beautiful, instant connection I expected. Oli didn’t latch for the first five weeks. I tried everything. It was hard - often toe-curling and intense. Some mums cry every day during this phase - and that’s valid too. It was a struggle, but with loving, stubborn persistence, we got there. He’s now two and a half and still breastfeeding, and that journey taught me just how important it is to be surrounded by people who lift you up when you’re not sure what you’re doing.


I’m the biggest advocate for building your tribe early. Because whether things go smoothly or not, having support around you - practical, emotional, or both - changes everything.


Here are a few starting points:


Whether you're soaking in newborn cuddles or just trying to survive the witching hour, this chapter is worth remembering. These quiet, tender days matter.


If you're considering newborn photos, the 4th trimester is the perfect time. I offer relaxed, in-home lifestyle newborn sessions that capture your baby exactly as they are - tiny, wrinkly, curled into you. You don’t need to clean the house or pose perfectly. These sessions are about connection — capturing the raw, real-life moments that matter most and pass in the blink of an eye.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to have it all figured out. No one does.


But knowing the stages, hearing someone else’s story, and getting a little guidance along the way? That can make a world of difference.


And if you’re looking to remember this chapter in a real, emotional, beautiful way? I’d love to help tell your story.

From bump to birth to baby snuggles, I’m a Blacktown-based lifestyle photographer offering birth and newborn photography across Western Sydney.


Your story deserves to be seen, felt, and remembered.


Ana xx