Holding On Through Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a wonderful experience, one that is still considered to add completeness to the word womanhood. The feeling of bringing a new life into existence makes a woman extra cautious about herself and her unborn.
This pregnancy guide will inform you about your child’s development and the changes that occur within a pregnant woman’s body. The nine months of pregnancy are normally divided into three pregnancy trimesters, of three months each.
This trimester comprises 12 weeks. It begins with the last day of your menstrual period. As the weeks proceed, ovulation and fertilization of the egg takes place in the body. By the end of 12th week, the body of mother continues to grow and accommodate the growing fetus. During the first trimester, various hormonal, physical, and respiratory changes occur which results in cramping, feeling of nausea, and morning sickness.
In this trimester, women feel more energetic and put on some weight. Morning sickness abates. Months four through six of pregnancy are called the second trimester. As the months proceed from four to six, the shape of the belly would become upright. There is continuous development of the internal organs of the baby and the fetus is covered with fine hair called lanugo. The baby develops the fat deposition ability to regulate body temperature after birth.
The stage has come when the maximum growth of the child occurs. As the months proceed from seven to nine, organs like brain and eyes are fully developed. The only exception is the lungs. The shape of the belly drops down, due to the fetus turning in a downward position. The pregnant woman can feel the movement of their child inside.
During the seventh month of pregnancy, there is a possibility of premature delivery. Nothing to panic there since medical intensive care techniques have ensured that the greatly increased survival possibility of premature babies.
The last months will exhibit pregnancy symptoms like backache, pain in the ribs and spine due to baby movements. These cause discomfort to the would-be mothers.
And finally, comes the time when parents can look forward to holding their bundle of joy in their arms.