Learning about pregnancy stages information will help pregnant women take better care of themselves and their unborn child. Basically, the more knowledge you have, the more prepared you are for any eventuality. Moreover, learning about the various stages of pregnancy helps you understand the changes that your body is going through.

Pregnancy normally lasts for around 40 weeks. These 40 weeks are divided into three stages or trimesters. During these three stages, a pregnant woman experiences various symptoms and drastic changes in her body.

First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy starts from the first week and lasts till the 12th week. Pregnancy triggers hormonal changes in the body. Due to these hormonal changes, the body experiences several symptoms like,

• Feeling tired

• Breasts becoming tender and swollen

• Stop in periods

• Morning sickness

• Craving for certain foods

• Frequent urination

• Constipation

• Weight loss or gain

• Heartburn

Second Trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy starts from the 13th week and lasts till the 28th week. Many women notice that they are no longer experience morning sickness. The fatigue also goes away. However, the abdomen starts getting bigger. As a result of this, they might start feeling pain in their back, thighs, or groin area.

During the second trimester, some women notice swelling on their ankles, face, and fingers. Their nose, cheeks, forehead, or upper lip may develop patches of dark skin. The skin around the nipples also becomes darker.

Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancystarts from the 29th week and lasts till the 40th week. During this stage, many women notice that they have to make frequent visits to the bathroom. Plus, they have trouble breathing or experiencing shortness of breath. The breasts become tender and the belly button starts to stick out. Heartburn, swelling of face, ankles and fingers, and hemorrhoids are some of the other symptoms that occur in the third trimester of pregnancy.

During these three stages, both the woman’s body, and the fetus undergo changes. From being a fetus at the end of the 8 weeks, it grows up to be a baby, whose organs are able to function on their own after birth. From being 1/25 of an inch at the end of 4 weeks, it grows to around 19 to 21 inches by the end of 40 weeks.

From conception to birth, the baby and the mother have a long way to go. Learning all about pregnancy stages information helps the mother-to-be and the baby.

Another way you can help yourself is by exercising. Pregnancy exercise will help you stay fit, maintain your weight, improve blood circulation and beat stress. Yoga, walking, and swimming are some of the exercises that you can take up during your pregnancy.

By learning about pregnancy stages information, exercising, eating nutritious diet and consulting a doctor on a regular basis, you can ensure a healthy pregnancy.

The second trimester pregnancy is usually the most enjoyable period of the pregnancy. By this time, your body has adjusted to hormonal changes. You do not experience morning sickness any longer. Your skin glows and you feel full of energy throughout the day. However, your body is still going through lots of changes and it is important to understand these changes. Moreover, it is vital to recognize the risk signs. Since you are pregnant, it is equally significant to follow a proper diet for a healthy pregnancy.

Symptoms of second trimester pregnancy

During the second trimester pregnancy, the breasts become larger. Though the tenderness might go away, the nipples continue to be tender throughout the pregnancy. Wearing a supportive bra will take care of the discomfort that you might feel.

Besides your breasts, your belly also grows during the second trimester pregnancy. The uterus grows and becomes heavier. Some of the organs are pushed aside to make room for the growing uterus. You will gain at least 4 pounds every month, from now on.

During the second trimester, certain areas of your skin, like the skin around the nipples, certain areas of the face, and the line from the navel to the pubic bone will become darker. This is due to increased blood circulation. You might also notice stretch marks on your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts, or upper arms.

Leg cramps, shortness of breath, dizziness, and aversion and/or craving for certain foods are some of the other symptoms that you might experience during the second stage of pregnancy.

Warning Signs

It is important to consult an obstetrician on a regular basis, because he or she will not only help you understand the basics of pregnancy and pregnancy Week By Week , but also tell you the warning signs to watch out for. Some of the warning signs that a pregnant woman should be concerned with, include –

• Vaginal bleeding

• Fever or chills

• Burning sensation or feeling pain while passing urine

• Continuous or severe headache

• Blurry vision

• Pain in the abdomen

• Pain or swelling in lower extremity

• Continuous vomiting

• Fluid leakage from vagina

Besides helping you understand the warning signs, an obstetrician also helps you understand the importance of a balanced diet. It is important to eat a healthy diet, because now you have a baby to think about. Gaining weight is normal during pregnancy. Do not try to lose weight during that time as it might harm both you and the baby.

Avoid junk food. It is high on fat, but low on nutrition. Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, white meat, cereals, and plenty of water should be included in your diet.

As the second trimester pregnancy approaches to an end, many women find themselves preoccupied with the thought of impending labor and birth. Keep yourself busy and start reading books on childbirth. Do not forget to visit the doctor for regular checkups.