What to expect on Different Stages of Pregnancy
Author: Gem VillaminWhat 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
About the Author:Gem Villamin owner and author of http://preggytips.com a newsletter that talks about Pregnancy, Baby Care, Parenting and more. Check out more articles on http://preggytips.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What to expect on Different Stages of Pregnancy
