As a woman, pregnancy is one of the most beautiful moments that she will ever experience in her life. It is a mysterious yet joyful journey that takes place inside of your body. Through these nine months you will go through three stages of pregnancy (also known as trimesters). In familiarizing yourself with these trimesters, you will be able to go through your pregnancy with awareness and expectedness that can be attained through this guide.
First Trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy spans three and a half months (which is 14 weeks from the last day of your menstruation period, or 12 weeks from conception.) This trimester begins with conception, the moment when the sperm fertilizes the egg. Signs of this specific stage of pregnancy are: missed menstrual periods, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and/or breast enlargement. These symptoms are also referred as being “morning sickness.” It is very important for a woman to eat a healthy diet with a good amount of protein and vitamins. At the end of this trimester, the developing child is approximately two to four inches in length. The child has started to develop its major organs and features during this stage.
Second Trimester
The second trimester extends until the end of the seventh month. Women consider this stage to be one of the most delightful stages of pregnancy out of the three. This is because of the ease that is experienced. Morning sickness begins to slow down and the stomach begins to enlarge, expanding outwards. Physically, mothers tend to experience vigor and energy during this stage and the kicking and movement of the baby can be felt during these weeks. Toward the end of the second trimester, the baby has grown to approximately twelve to fourteen inches in length. One of the most pleasing opportunities during this stage of pregnancy is that the mother and father can discover the gender of their child.
ThirdTrimester
The last stage is the third trimester. This trimester is characterized as being the final stage of pregnancy. Feelings of sensitivity and emotions begin to arise during this stage of pregnancy. Also, anxiety and fatigue are experienced during this stage. Discomfort on the lower back area may begin to settle in as the weight of the baby increases. The noticeable sign of the mother’s lengthened stomach is an apparent indication of this stage. Even though this is one of the most painful stages of pregnancy, the actual delivering of the baby to be placed into your arms is remarkably worth it.
Through periodical monitoring of your health, your health care provider will be able to determine the outcome of your pregnancy. They can help to prevent any conditions that may harm you or the baby in the end and treat them early. Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful periods of a woman’s life. If you are prepared and educated before hand, then you can ensure that in the end, the outcome will be worth it.
By Danielle Spanner