Understanding the Different Stages of Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a puzzling time for the newly expectant dad. As your spouse experiences a hormonal rollercoaster, her body is likely to undergo some very surprising changes.

You will probably have heard the obstetrician refer to the term ‘trimester’. The nine months of pregnancy are divided into three trimesters. These mark important stages in the development of the fetus. Knowing about the trimesters will help you to understand your baby’s development better and also serve to demystify pregnancy for you.

First Trimester

The baby: This stage of pregnancy is marked by the speedy development of your baby. The first twelve weeks will see your baby grow to about three inches and have many of its organs already functioning – a lot when you consider that it all began with the fusion of two cells at the time of conception.

The mom: The frenzied discharge of hormones during the early months of pregnancy may be difficult for your spouse to handle. Nausea and an aversion to food items may be present. She will also complain of fatigue during this stage of pregnancy, as the growing baby makes its demands felt on her body. A healthy diet and a multivitamin prescribed by her obstetrician may help her cope with this.

Second Trimester

The baby: Your baby will continue to grow and develop normal functions. In fact, through these three months, your baby will grow to weigh two and a half to three pounds and measure fourteen inches. By the end of this trimester your baby, if it is born prematurely, will have matured enough to stand a good chance of surviving with appropriate medical care.

The mom: Your spouse’s belly will expand to accommodate the baby’s rapid growth. Thankfully, the distress caused by hormonal changes, such as nausea, will now start subsiding and allow her to enjoy the stages of pregnancy.

Third Trimester

The baby: During this last stage of pregnancy, the baby’s organs will become ready to support the baby once it is out of the womb. The baby will grow to weigh around seven pounds and measure twenty inches by the time it is born.

The mom: Carrying the extra weight will be uncomfortable as your spouse may find it difficult to move around. Swelling on the hands and feet are common symptoms during the third pregnancy trimester.

The third trimester of pregnancy culminates in labor, which marks the beginning of the process of childbirth. Here are some commonly accepted natural labor inducer.

Stages of a pregnancy www.pregnancywithoutpounds.com.

Related Stages Of Pregnancy Articles

What to expect on Different Stages of Pregnancy

What First Time Moms Need to Know

Most women happily look forward to enjoying the wonders of pregnancy and the profound gift of motherhood. However, many first time moms are often caught unaware of the significant changes that their bodies undergo during the different stages of pregnancy. Some would simply categorize pregnancy based on the different symptoms they experience all throughout the phases.

However, every responsible woman should know that there are actually three phases of the human pregnancy, which is divided into trimesters. Each trimester ushers in new changes and brings physical signs of the advancing condition.

First Trimester

The very first stage of pregnancy is known as the first trimester. This stage covers the first fourteen weeks. While there are some medical experts who argue that the first trimester should only refer to the first thirteen weeks, it is generally accepted and agreed upon that it extends up to the fourteenth week of pregnancy.

During this stage, most women will begin to notice the different changes in their bodies. Among the common physical changes during this stage include the following:

• missed menstrual periods
• nausea and vomiting, also known as “morning sickness”
• breast tenderness
• fatigue
• urinary frequency
• weight gain

On the first trimester, you learn about your impending motherhood and start to come to terms with your ardent hopes and fears for you and your baby’s future. It is in the first three months that the embryo develops from a cluster of cells and becomes a fetus. Below are the important milestones of your baby’s development during the first trimester:

1-4 weeks
• embryo implants (attaches) to the wall of the uterus and develops rapidly
• heartbeat begins on the 25th day
• arm buds appear on the 26th day
• leg buds appear on the 28th day
• digestive system starts to develop

5-8 weeks
• the fetus face starts to form
• ears covered by thin membrane
• spines starts to form
• liver, brain, bloodstream, kidneys and digestive system are developing
• arms and legs develop

9-12 weeks
• facial features are present, the nose and outer ears form
• nail beds are established
• teeth buds form
• swallows amniotic fluid
• movement, such as head turning or sucking, begins
• all internal organs form

Second Trimester

As you enter the second trimester, the pregnancy will start to show and the changes in the body become all the more apparent. During this phase, encouragement and support from the husband and family becomes significantly more important. For most women, nausea and fatigue starts to ease up. You can expect the following changes during the second trimester:

• The uterus grows
• Breast will start to develop colostrums
• Areolas starts to get larger and darker
• Blood pressure increases causing varicose veins and other discomforts on the lower extremities.
• Changes in the skin, particularly on the face

13-16 weeks
• strong heart beat begins
• fine body hair starts to develops

17-20 weeks
• heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope
• sucks thumb
• finger and toe nails form
• grows hair and eyebrows
• baby responds to noise
• movements become vigorous

21-24 weeks
• eyes are open
• a creamy substance covers the skin
• skin is wrinkled and the fetus appears very thin

Third Trimester

On the third trimester, the following physical discomforts may be experienced:

• backache
• heartburn
• leg cramps
• the need to urinate frequently
• shortness of breath

It is in this period that the most dramatic changes occur as the fetus grows and reaches full development. At this time, the fetus may weigh from 5 – 8 pounds and undergoes the following development:

• eyes open and close
• fetus responds to light
• body stores iron and builds skeleton

Just a short slideshow on the stages of pregnancy.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Pregnancy Trimester: Stages of Pregnancy for Mother and Fetus

Pregnancy trimesters are the three stages of the normal 40 weeks pregnancy divided into three months each. These stages of pregnancy are crucial both for the mother and for the child. The mother experiences many physical and emotional changes as she nurtures a new life inside her. Similarly the baby develops gradually in its first home-womb of the mother.

First Trimester Pregnancy

First pregnancy trimester is marked from conception to 12 or 14 weeks from the last normal menstrual cycle. During this stage a woman often experiences morning sickness (vomiting and nausea}, tiredness, tender breast and frequent urination. It is recommended to take small frequent meals to prevent nausea. You may have alternate periods of activity and rest. Walking is the best exercise at this stage.

Changes In Baby

The embryo’s eyes, ears, nose and digestive system begin to form in this stage of pregnancy. The heart starts beating. The embryo is about 2.5 cm long and weighs 2g.

Second Trimester Pregnancy

Beginning of the fourth month marks the second pregnancy trimester. At this stage of pregnancy, you may regain your lost energy as morning sickness disappears. You may notice increased vaginal discharge due to hormonal changes in body. Braxton Hicks contractions, which are contractions and relaxation of the uterus, which is often misunderstood as false labor contractions, are experienced. Low back pain and swelling of the feet and ankles may occur. Mild yogic exercises under the supervision of the trainer may help relieve the problem. Kegel exercise i.e. tightening the muscle around the vagina and anus should be done in this stage of pregnancy. This would tone and strengthen the pelvic muscles that take part during the labor contractions. Stretch marks-a great sign of worry for the-to-be moms may be visible. Avoid itching the abdominal area to reduce the chances of pregnancy stretch marks.

Changes In Baby

Moms can feel excited during this pregnancy trimester as the movements of the baby starts with the development of muscles. Fingernails and toenails appear and the heart is completely developed. A small amount of hair appears on the baby’s head, eyebrows and eyelashes emerge. Baby weighs about 300gm and is 10 inches long.

Third Trimester of Pregnancy

This is the last of the pregnancy trimesters that extends from 28 –40 weeks. The mothers may have sleepless nights thinking of the arrival of their newborn and of the pain they may undergo during child birth. Braxton Hicks contractions become intense in this stage of pregnancy. You may feel tired and short of breath due to increased growth of the fetus.

Changes In Baby

Baby attains its full size and weight at the end of this trimester, which is 16inches and 2100g for a healthy baby. The organs and systems are fully matured.

In the course of the three pregnancy trimesters, the baby grows from a fetus to a human with all its systems developed in miniature. This is the miracle of birth.

Don?t Miss Clicking Pictures of Stages of Pregnancy!

How about clicking pictures of stages of your pregnancy? Sounds wonderful! And it’s just not for making albums to cherish memories. It’s also to divert your attention from the nasty pregnancy symptoms. Whenever you feel nausea, grab your camera, call your hubby, and begin a photo shoot!

My Picture of Stages Of Pregnancy

This is what Catherine has to say about her pregnancy album – “It’s been a year since my baby was born. Yet, the memories of my pregnancy are fresh in my album picture of stages of pregnancy. Whenever I get the time, I take out the album from the closet and start flipping the pages. The first picture reminds me of that day when my doctor had confirmed my pregnancy. I broke the news to my hubby and he had gone crazy with happiness! He lifted me in my arms and this was when Sarah, my friend who was present at home at that moment, clicked a picture of us. This picture still sends me in raptures every time I see it!”

Look what Kate has to say about clicking picture of stages of pregnancy – “Clicking pictures has always been my hobby. So, when my hubby gifted me a digital camera on my birthday, I used my gift extensively during all the stages of my pregnancy! Guess what? I kept my pictures a secret, until I delivered my baby. And later, when I unveiled the album in front of my husband, he was dumbstruck with joy! We had a good time together seeing pictures of big belly; picture of my awkward face when I was suffering from morning sickness, picture of me trying to fit into clothes for which I was too big. It was fun!”

And here’s Angela. She is repenting for not having clicked any picture of stages of pregnancy. “It never struck me to click pictures! And now I am missing an album full of pregnancy memories. Well, I have learnt a lesson the hard way now! I will make it a point to click pictures during my next pregnancy!”

Flaunt Your Big Belly

There was a time when women used to hide themselves in oversized clothes to conceal their big bellies. Not any more! Today, it’s a trend to showoff that big belly for which you have worked so hard! And if you don’t want to, at least click a picture and include it in your album. Feel the delight that creeps into you when you see a picture of your pregnant days after many years. It’s an entirely different kind of joy that grips you. Would you want to miss this joy? Certainly not!

So, where’s your camera? Start clicking picture of stages of pregnancy. Stick them in colorful albums and keep them in a special place in your living room. You would want to share the joy and fun of your pregnancy days with your family and friends for many years to come.

Stages of Pregnancy – What Mums-To-Be Must Know

Congratulations if you have just come to know that you are pregnant. Everybody must be telling you so many things about the different stages of pregnancy now. Right! It is true that now you must know how you as well as your baby with grow with pregnancy week by week. You must keep adequately well-informed so that you do not panic at the drop of the hat any time during your pregnancy!

So, What Are These Stages of Pregnancy?

The stages of pregnancy are the three trimesters that have duration of three months each.

Stage 1

The first stage begins with morning sickness, though why it is called so, one wonders since this nausea can happen anytime throughout the day! Breast heaviness, general exhaustion and of course an upheaval of emotions are the other pregnancy symptoms of the first trimester.

The joy of imminent motherhood along with constant worries about labor, delivery, parenthood etc., will change your moods as if you were the clock pendulum during this stage! Keeping a close watch on your pregnancy diet and regular doctor-approved exercise is a must. Your baby, meanwhile, will have progressed from just a couple of cells to becoming a small living being in these first three months.

Stage 2

The second trimester is that stage of pregnancy by when you will become accustomed to some of the changes. With butterfly kicks fluttering inside you, you would actually feel the little one nesting in you. The sickness bit would have mostly ended and you will find that you are eager to discuss your pregnancy with others, so that views can be exchanged and new insights explored.

Physical changes would mean that your tummy will be slightly distended; the urge to urinate will be more and quite uncontrollable, your nipples will darken. On the brighter side, you will get your appetite back, as well as have a heightened sexual drive. This is the most enjoyable period in all of the three stages of pregnancy.

Last, But Not The Least Stage 3

Finally, you would enter at the last trimester – the beginning of the end to the stages of pregnancy. This period would seem to crawl on slowly, what with a big, swollen tummy and the anxiety to quickly get child birth over with. The fear of delivery pains, general all-day fatigue, combined with sleeping problems, swollen feet, frequent urination, will make days seem very slow and laborious.

Many women grow restless, as they develop what is called the Nesting urge. It is important now that you follow every part of your doctor advice, so that complications can be avoided. Your pregnancy is going to be over soon and you will be a momma, so take extreme care and caution.

Remember, a pregnancy is once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, try to have fun and enjoy your stages of pregnancy. Best of luck!