Pregnancy represents a life-altering period during a woman’s life. It can be a difficult one for those experiencing complications.
Fortunately, doctors, nurses, and midwives know how to support pregnant women during each stage of their journey.
If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, you are probably curious about what will happen to your body and your baby’s body during each phase of the process.
Check out this explanation regarding the stages of pregnancy.
First Trimester
During your first trimester, your baby will transform from a ball of cells into an embryo, and that embryo will eventually become a fetus.
About 6 weeks into your pregnancy, your baby’s eyes and nose will develop, and its arms and legs will sprout.
At the 9-week mark, it will be able to move its limbs. After 10 weeks, its vital organs, such as its brain and liver, will emerge, and its bones will begin to solidify.
You will likely experience a great deal of nausea and vomiting during this stage.
You will also probably start craving odd food combinations like avocado and chocolate and chicken nuggets and ice cream.
Some women exhibit a heightened sense of smell during their first trimester while others suffer from extreme mood swings.
Note that many women will seek abortion Illinois services during their first trimester.
Second Trimester
Medical practitioners will be able to determine your baby’s sex during your second trimester.
At 16 weeks, your baby will become sensitive to light, and its air sacs will turn into lungs.
It will become motion-sensitive around 20 weeks; this is when many women feel their babies move inside their womb and respond to the movements they make.
After 20 weeks, its senses, such as its hearing and taste, will become more enhanced, and its brain will increase in size.
You will witness a plethora of physical changes to your body during your second trimester.
You may see some stretch marks around your belly, thighs, and breasts. Your nipples may begin to enlarge and darken.
You may not entirely prevent stretch marks, but you can drink plenty of water and regularly apply moisturizing cream or oil for skin elasticity and hydration. Maintaining a balanced diet is beneficial.
Furthermore, engaging in light, pregnancy-safe exercises contributes to overall well-being. Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to reduce skin friction.
Also, you may experience a fair amount of aches and cramps around your abdomen and groin areas—this phenomenon is called round ligament pain.
Third Trimester
Your baby’s body will become ready for the external word during your third trimester. Your baby will be regarded as full-term after 36 weeks.
It will weigh over 3 pounds and will be over a foot long.
It will start to gain a substantial amount of weight and transition to a head-down position within your uterus.
When labor begins, around 10-20% of babies with their heads down are positioned at a slight angle towards the back. Learn more here about proper baby positioning.
Once born, most babies weigh around 7 pounds and are about 20 inches long.
However, women have given birth to 10-pound, 22-inch babies.
You, during your third trimester, will likely have to cope with swollen feet and ankles as well as leaky breasts and frequent urination.
Some women have gastrointestinal issues, such as heartburn, constipation, and indigestion, during the third trimester.
Manage heartburn with smaller, frequent meals and lifestyle adjustments. Address constipation through increased fiber intake and physical activity. Handle indigestion with appropriate meal choices.
Consult your obstetrician for personalized advice on dietary changes or medications during pregnancy based on your health and pregnancy status.
Others have to grapple with Braxton-Hicks contractions, shortness of breath, and incredibly vivid nightmares.
If you experience these contractions, you must stay hydrated and use relaxation techniques. To alleviate shortness of breath, maintain good posture and sleep on the left side.
Vivid nightmares may be eased by a calming bedtime routine, a supportive environment, and discussing concerns with a partner. If symptoms persist or cause distress, consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Pregnancy has its up-and-downs. Your body will change dramatically, but rest assured that it is doing so to protect the health and wellbeing of your unborn child.
Embrace the process, stay informed, and reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support throughout this remarkable journey.