Now that you have seen the two lines on your test kit that confirm your pregnancy ― congratulations! You are now pregnant and will encounter different experiences during each of your trimesters as your little miracle develops.
Stages of Pregnancy: First, Second and Third Trimester
A pregnancy is divided into three stages called trimesters: 1st trimester, 2nd trimester, and 3rd trimester. Each trimester lasts between 12 to 14 weeks, while a full-term pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. In each trimester, your little one will meet specific developmental milestones. During this period, you will need extra nutrients to accommodate the changes to your body and growing a new life.
Mori-Mama, Morinaga’s advanced maternal nutrition, can help support as you begin your journey through the 3 trimesters.
Formulated with more than 41 nutrients such as lactoferrin, live cultures of probiotics Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and prebiotics FOS (Synbiotic B. longum BB536+ FOS), folic acid, iron, and many more, Mori-Mama can provide you with the one nutrition solution you will need for your journey ahead.
1st Trimester (1 to 12 weeks)
During the first trimester, your body will undergo many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body. These changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy. Your period stopping is the first sign that you are pregnant. Other changes you will feel may include extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting, tender breasts, reduced appetite and the frequent need to urinate.
• Folic Acid: Support for Neural Tube Development
To prevent carrying a child with neural tube defects (NTDs), folic acid should be taken as it prevents these serious birth defects. Folic acid also supports rapid cell division and DNA synthesis. Folic acid should be taken before pregnancy and at least well into the first 12 weeks of the 1st trimester.
To support neural tube development and rapid cell division, Mori-Mama contains 347µg per serving of folic acid ― the highest among all the other brands of maternal milk in Malaysia.
• Lactoferrin and Iron: Support for Increased Blood Volume Needs
Many women enter pregnancy with low iron counts. Iron is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body[1] via haemoglobin in red blood cells. If you’re feeling tired, a low iron count can contribute to the exhaustion although it’s the pregnancy hormone progesterone that is mostly to blame. A low iron count can lead to iron deficiency anaemia especially as your body is rapidly increasing its blood volume during the 1st trimester to support the developing foetus.
Mori-Mama contains lactoferrin, a multifunctional, iron-binding glycoprotein that binds to iron and regulates its passage from the gastrointestinal system into the blood[2]. Like an "iron bus" that securely wraps around iron molecules and shields them from the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, lactoferrin then transports the iron to the organs, thus preventing low iron counts and iron deficiency anaemia.
To ensure that you have optimal levels of iron in your body, Mori-Mama delivers 22mg of lactoferrin and 10mg of iron per serving ― the highest among all the other brands in Malaysia.
• B Vitamins: Support for Alleviating Pregnancy Symptoms and Energy Metabolism
Are you experiencing morning sickness? Morning sickness, which typically appears around week 6 of pregnancy, is caused by hormonal shifts. Mori-Mama’s B vitamins, especially Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)[3] can significantly help with morning sickness and migraines.
Mori-Mama contains the whole range of B vitamins from B1 to B12 and they are all known to boost energy while contributing to the development of your child. Vitamin B12 for instance, produces healthy red blood cells, and prevents anaemia which causes weakness and dizziness.
• Synbiotic (B.Longum BB536 + FOS): Support for Digestive Comfort during Hormonal Changes
Gut health is very important during pregnancy because it optimises nutrient absorption for foetal growth and balances the immune system.
Moi-Mama contains Synbiotic (B.Longum BB536 + FOS). The probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (B.longum BB536) is a well-established, clinically effective multifunctional, Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) probiotic strain known for improving gastrointestinal health, modulating immune responses, and alleviating allergies.[4]
Mori-Mama is using a HRB strain such as B. longum BB536 because they are better suited to the human gut as they naturally originate from the human gut. Because they are adapted to the human gut and have high tolerance to human intestinal stresses, they achieve superior colonisation, better stability and survivability[5] in the human digestive tract. This gives them higher potential to support beneficial gut bacteria balance which in turn, provides more consistent digestive and immune support.
In Mori-Mama, B. longum BB536 is paired with the prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) to feed and grow the live cultures of B. longum BB536. FOS selectively feeds good bacteria and is also a stool softener that helps with constipation. Together, they work in a synergistic manner creating Synbiotic (B. longum BB536 + FOS) to establish a healthy foundation for maternal immune regulation and to support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.
If you are experiencing constipation, Synbiotic (B. longum BB536 + Fos) can support digestive comfort by modulating the gut microbiome, increasing faecal water content, and enhancing intestinal movement. In so doing, it alleviates constipation[6].), reduces bloating, and strengthens the intestinal barrier against inflammation while boosting immunity.
Mori-Mama is the only maternal milk in the market to contain a HRB strain such as B. longum BB536 and delivers 1.3 billion CFU of the probiotic and 1.3g of FOS per serving.
2nd Trimester (13 to 28 weeks)
Most women find the 2nd trimester of pregnancy easier than the first. You might notice that symptoms like nausea and fatigue are going away. But other new, more noticeable changes to your body are now happening. Your abdomen will expand as the little one continues to grow. And somewhere between 16-20 weeks, you may feel your baby’s first movements known as "quickening".
• Calcium and Vitamin D3: Support for Child’s Bone Formation and Maternal Bone Density Protection
Did you know that during pregnancy, a developing foetus’ calcium needs (especially for skeletal mineralisation) will draw directly from the mother’s bones if her dietary intake is insufficient?
Rapid foetal bone growth begins at around week 20 where calcium is needed for hardening the developing foetal bones and skull. Vitamin D3 is also necessary to activate calcium absorption to provide for the developing foetal skeleton.
if your calcium intake is insufficient, the mineral will be transferred from your own bones[7].) to support the growing foetal skeleton. Adequate consumption of calcium is therefore necessary to protect your own bone density.
Mori-Mama contains of 501mg of calcium and 4.6mcg of Vitamin D3 per serving.
• DHA and Choline: Support for Brain and Eye Development
During the 2nd trimester, your child experiences a major growth spurt where their brain, spinal cord, and eyes develop rapidly. DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) and choline are required during this phase because they act as the essential building blocks for foetal tissue, brain cells, and nerve signaling[8]
Mori-Mama contains 33mg of DHA and 44mg of choline per serving.
• Protein: Support for Tissue and Organ Development
As the foetus grows, protein is needed in the 2nd trimester to support the development of muscles, organs, and bones[9]. Protein also supports the expansion of maternal blood volume, placental growth, and uterine changes.
To supplement your diet with adequate protein intake, Mori-Mama contains 10.5g of protein per serving.
• Synbiotic B. longum BB536 + FOS: Maintenance of Gut Balance as Maternal Intake Increases
Many pregnant women experience increased appetite and hunger during the 2nd trimester due to reduced morning sickness, increased metabolism, and rapid foetal growth. While \"eating for two\" is a myth, you typically need to add only 340--350 extra nutrient-dense calories[10] per day to your diet.
As you eat more, Synbiotic (B. Longum BB536 + FOS) maintains a healthy maternal gut microbiota which is crucial for immune system development, metabolic regulation, and foetal development, particularly as maternal-to-foetal bacterial transfer[11] begins during this period.
The maternal-to-foetal bacterial transfer is the process by which bacterial components move from the mother’s gut[12] to the foetus via the placental barrier. This transfer of microbes establishes the child’s foundational gut microbiome which is critical to the child’s first immune system. A healthy microbiome in the mother is therefore crucial.
• Lactoferrin and Iron: Support for Efficient Iron Utilisation and Prevention of Anaemia
Lactoferrin and iron are critical during the 2nd trimester because this is when the maternal body significantly expands its blood volume (by around 20--30%[13]), and the foetus enters a phase of rapid growth requiring increased iron transport to the placenta. While iron is crucial for haemoglobin production and oxygen delivery[14], lactoferrin acts as an efficient, better-tolerated carrier that enhances iron absorption and offers protective anti-inflammatory benefits during this period[15].
3rd Trimester (29 to 40 weeks)
You are now nearing the home stretch of your pregnancy and are probably very excited and anxious for the birth of your child. Some of the physical symptoms you may experience during this period include shortness of breath, fatigue, haemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, varicose veins, and sleeping problems. Many of these symptoms arise from the increase in the size of your uterus, which expands from approximately 30 to 60g before pregnancy to 1 to 1.13kg at the time of birth.
During this final trimester, your little one’s bones are fully formed, its touch receptors will be fully developed, and the child’s organs are capable of functioning on their own. As you near your due date, the child’s body may turn southwards into a head-down position for birth.
• DHA and Choline: Support for Continued Brain and Eye Maturation
Foetal development continues in the 3rd trimester, during which time the little one will gain more weight and prepare for delivery. DHA and choline continue to support foetal brain and eye maturation. Together, they work synergistically to build essential cell structures and regulate neural processes[8], with DHA acting as the foundation for neural tissues, and choline facilitating the transport and utilisation of these lipids.
• Lactoferrin and Iron: Support for Increased Iron Needs and Healthy Red Blood Cell Formation
Your blood volume will increase by approximately 45% to 50% [16](about 1.5 litres) by the 3rd trimester. You may feel very tired, have backaches and trouble sleeping. Digestive issues like heartburn, indigestion and constipation remain common as your growing uterus presses against your organs.
During this stage, Lactoferrin and iron work synergistically to support the sharply increased iron needs[15]. While iron provides the raw material for increased haemoglobin production, lactoferrin provides superior iron absorption and reduces gastrointestinal problems.
• Calcium + Vitamin D3: Support for Final Stage Bone Mineralisation
Calcium and vitamin D3 are crucial during the 3rd trimester because approximately 80% of the total calcium and phosphate [17]present in the foetal skeleton at birth is deposited during this period. Adequate calcium and vitamin D3 intake during this time is needed to support the foetal skeleton and protect the mother’s bone density and cardiovascular health.
Mori-Mama’s high calcium content helps meet peak foetal demand for final-stage bone mineralisation.
• Protein: Support for Foetal Weight Gain and Maternal Tissue Development
Your little one’s weight gain during the 3rd trimester is rapid with most of the weight gain beginning at week 30. This growth involves forming body fat and maturing lungs in preparation for birth.
Adequate protein intake is therefore needed. It also helps you by supporting your expanding blood volume, developing placental and uterine tissues, and lessening muscle fatigue[18].
Mori-Mama’s protein content helps support foetal weight gain and maternal tissue development during this period.
• Synbiotic (B. longum BB536 + FOS): Support for Gut Balance and Immune Support before Delivery
Synbiotic (B. longum BB536 + FOS) supports maternal gut balance and immune function in the 3rd trimester by improving intestinal regularity, reducing harmful bacteria, and modulating the immune system to facilitate labour. It works by increasing the abundance of beneficial Bifidobacterium and producing short-chain fatty acids that strengthen the intestinal barrier, which is crucial as gut microbiota changes during late pregnancy.
• B Vitamins: Support for Energy Metabolism and Reducing Tiredness
Extreme tiredness or fatigue is very common in the 3rd trimester. As the foetus grows and physical demands increase, it is normal to experience reduced energy levels, difficulty sleeping, frequent urination, and backaches.
Mori-Mama’s B vitamins can help alleviate tiredness in the 3rd trimester by optimising the body’s ability to convert food into energy and supporting increased red blood cell production to combat fatigue.
All these nutrients will see you through your pregnancy as they function differently through each stage. Backed by more than 100 years of Morinaga innovation, Mori-Mama, with its revolutionary nutrients, comes to you after a dual inspection process as every batch is first inspected at their manufacturing facilities, followed by a second inspection in Japan which ensures uncompromising quality and safety. Mori-Mama has a mild vanilla flavour, doesn’t contain added sucrose and is certified halal.
[1] National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2024). Iron — Fact Sheet for Consumers. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/
[2] Baker, H. M., & Baker, E. N. (2004). Lactoferrin and iron: structural and dynamic aspects of binding and release. BioMetals. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15222467/
[3] American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Natural sources of vitamin B during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy/natural-sources-of-vitamin-b-during-pregnancy/
[4] Morinaga Milk Industry. (n.d.). Bifidobacterium longum BB536: Global use and applications. Retrieved from https://morinagamilk-ingredients.com/probiotics/bb536/
[5] Wong, C. B., Odamaki, T., & Xiao, J. Z. (2020). Insights into the reason of Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) being the natural inhabitants of the human gut and their potential health-promoting benefits. FEMS Microbiology Reviews. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7326374/
[6] Wong, C. B., Odamaki, T., & Xiao, J. Z. (2019). Beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BB536 on human health: Modulation of gut microbiome as the principal action. Journal of Functional Foods. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464619300684
[7] National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. (2012). Maternal vitamin D status and calcium intake interact to affect fetal skeletal growth in utero in pregnant adolescents. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3325835/
[8] Mun, J. G., Legette, L. L., Ikonte, C. J., & Mitmesser, S. H. (2019). Choline and DHA in maternal and infant nutrition: Synergistic implications in brain and eye health. Nutrients. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6566660/
[9] National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Impacts of maternal dietary protein intake on fetal survival, growth, and development. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5882021/
[10] University of Missouri Health Care. (n.d.). Eating for two: A quick guide to nutrition during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.muhealth.org/our-stories/eating-two-quick-guide-nutrition-during-pregnancy
[11] ScienceDirect. (2021). Maternal-to-foetal bacterial transfer during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149721000074
[12] Walker, R. W., Clemente, J. C., Peter, I., & Loos, R. J. F. (2017). The prenatal gut microbiome: Are we colonized with bacteria in utero? Pediatric Obesity. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5583026/
[13] National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. (2019). Plasma volume expansion across healthy pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6924087/
[14] ScienceDirect. (2025). Iron, haemoglobin production, and oxygen delivery in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301211525002799
[15] Artym, J., Zimecki, M., & Kruzel, M. L. (2021). Lactoferrin for prevention and treatment of anemia and inflammation in pregnant women: A comprehensive review. Biomedicines. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8389615/
[16] National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Physiological changes in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4928162/
[17] National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). The effect of vitamin D and calcium plus vitamin D during pregnancy on pregnancy and birth outcomes: A randomized controlled trial. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4363650/
[18] Cary OB/GYN. (n.d.). Protein during pregnancy: How much do you really need? Retrieved from https://caryobgyn.com/protein-during-pregnancy-how-much-do-you-really-need/