Analysis of pregnancy week by week is mandatory as it checks the growth of the baby in the mother’s womb. This analysis gives the details about the different stages of childbirth. The entire process obviously takes a toll on the life of an expecting woman. Therefore, keeping track of the pregnancy stages keeps the mother alert about the physical changes and also prepares her better for these changes.

Pregnancy Stages

The First Trimester - A trimester consists of three months. In the first trimester, the body undergoes innumerable changes. This stage is known for the common problems like fatigue, nausea, stress, backaches, and mood swings. These symptoms are considered to be absolutely normal. But these unpleasant effects will subside after the first trimester. The major thing that one needs to remember in this early stage of pregnancy is to quit drinking and smoking in totality. These are harmful for the fetus that has just started to take form and shape.

In the first trimester you also need to visit your medical practitioner for the first prenatal visit. He would conduct elaborate checkups and will also take your entire medical history into consideration. Usually doctors explain the aspects of sexual, medical, family health, and the possible effects on the growing baby. An ultrasound is also conducted to test the viability of the pregnancy.

The Second Trimester - this trimester lasts from the third to the sixth month. During this trimester, there is a noticeable reduction of the pregnancy symptoms like uneasiness, nausea, and fatigue. Due to the various hormonal changes in the body, women feel better and their sizes increase. Wearing comfortable maternity clothing is one of the things that women often do during this stage.

Prenatal visits to the doctor increase as the baby is almost 7 months old. The baby grows to a great extent during this period – measuring about 8.5 inches with a weight of 1.2 pounds. The face and body of the baby develops further and with an ultrasound, sex of the baby can be determined. With the increase in weight, most women face the discomfort of backaches. It is a good idea to use pregnancy pillows as they support the entire body.

The Third Trimester - this trimester consists of the last three months in the gestation period. The baby continues to gain weight and grows rapidly during this time. The lungs and the respiratory system develop and therefore, this time is crucial. For few women, the discomforts of the first trimester return, but all pains seem to dissipate with the excitement of the newborn child entering your life.

Keeping track of pregnancy week by week is a wise thing to do. Close monitoring aids in delivering a healthy baby and keeping the mother safe.

Although a wonderful experience, pregnancy brings about uncertain moments accompanied with the physical and the emotional changes in a woman’s life. Every woman wishes to know about the pregnancy stages and the precautions to be taken during them. Women should take adequate care by taking proper rest and a good diet in each stage of their pregnancy.

The Three Stages Of Pregnancy

The first sign of pregnancy may bring both fear and happiness in the minds of the pregnant woman. However, one can ensure a safe pregnancy by becoming aware about the pregnancy stages, and the care required during them. Generally a pregnancy lasts 40 weeks and can be divided into three trimesters.

The First Trimester

The first stage refers to the period from the conception of a baby to the 12th week into pregnancy. During the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman witnesses several physical and emotional changes. Tenderness or soreness in breasts, frequent urination, feeling of tiredness and exhaustion, and nausea are some of major symptoms experienced by a pregnant lady in the initial months. A number of women also witness food aversion and cravings, besides heartburn and indigestion, mainly due to the hormonal changes taking place in their body. These minor problems can be resolved by eating small but healthy meals, drinking lots of water and doing some exercises.

The baby’s body starts developing in the first trimester itself and by the end of the three months period, the baby has well defined limbs and the development of its vital organs starts.

The Second Trimester

The second stage of pregnancy refers to the changes experienced by the to-be-mother and the baby during the 13th and the 28th weeks. While the initial problems like nausea and tiredness reduce during this stage, the lady witnesses some changes in her physical appearance. She starts putting on weight, her body posture changes due to the additional weight and the changes in her limbs and ligaments. Swelling on legs, hands and face, stretch marks, itching plus backache are some of the common problems faced by women in this trimester.

The baby, meanwhile continues to grow, tries to move, develops a strong heartbeat, and has well grown hair. Nutritive diet and some light exercises are recommended for ensuring a safe second trimester.

The Third Trimester

The time from the 29th week to the birth of the baby is very crucial for both the mother and the baby. The fetus continues to grow, and thus leads to a change in the physical appearance of the pregnant lady. The mother-to-be may find difficulty in breathing, witness swelling on her body, and even find it difficult to sleep. As the due date comes near, the cervix becomes thinner and softer so as to allow the vagina to open during the delivery process. Adequate rest, proper breathing exercises, and nutritive diet are recommended during this stage. The third stage of pregnancy ends with the delivery of the baby.

The journey during the pregnancy stages is a happy one, but involves lot of stress too. The stages involve the transformation of an embryo to a fetus and finally a fully developed human being.