Pregnancy trimesters
One of the first things that a woman wants to know when she gets that plus sign on the home pregnancy test is what to expect during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a very exciting time, where a lot of changes will be taking place in woman’s body as her baby grows and develops in preparation for birth.
The first trimester of pregnancy
Pregnancy is broken down into three trimesters. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the little one transforms from a blastocyst that is just a cluster of cells into a fetus that resembles a tiny human being. As the baby grows, the placenta develops in order to filter nourishment and oxygen to the baby. Meanwhile, ducts and glands in a woman’s breasts are developing in order to provide nourishment for the baby once he or she is born. During this time, women can expect to feel breast tenderness, and for some women, the breasts can become very sore. Quite often, women also will experience what is known as morning sickness. That term, however, is a misnomer, as morning sickness can strike at any time of day. Pregnancy nausea, or morning sickness, is common for many women but there are those who never experience it. At this stage, cramping during pregnancy is common as the ligaments and muscles are stretched to accommodate the growing uterus. Although cramping can be normal, if it is severe or accompanied by bleeding, a woman needs to seek medical attention immediately.
The second trimester of pregnancy
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby’s organs are developing and maturing. At this point, the baby is covered in a filmy white substance called the vernix caseosa, which will protect the baby from the amniotic fluid that fills the womb. This trimester is the one where a woman usually begins to feel better, morning sickness often decreases, and women frequently get a burst of energy and strength. The pregnancy also starts to show during the second trimester, and it may begin to feel more real. Toward the end of the second trimester, the woman may even begin to feel the baby’s movements. During the second trimester exercise during pregnancy is a good idea in order to help control weight gain during pregnancy, and keep the body healthy and active. However, one should exercise with care and realize that as the center of gravity changes, a woman may feel more awkward and clumsy, and be inclined to trip or fall. The second trimester is the perfect time to start thinking about names for the little one, and to start planning and preparing the nursery.
The third trimester of pregnancy
In the third trimester of pregnancy, the baby is really growing and filling out, and their skin starts to turn from red to pink. Due to the size of the baby, at this point, many women start to feel extremely fatigued, and experienced backaches, pressure on the bladder, and indigestion and may experience false contractions, in preparation for labor.
Weight gain during pregnancy
Throughout the entire 40 weeks of pregnancy, a healthy woman of average weight is expected to gain around 25 to 35 pounds. Underweight women should gain between 28 to 40 pounds, while overweight women should try to only gain 15 to 25 pounds. A woman should gain between 2 to 4 pounds during the first three months of pregnancy, and on average, a pound a week throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
Visit your physician when discover the pregnancy
For the best information on what to expect during pregnancy, a woman needs to make an appointment to see her physician as soon as she knows that she is expecting. Being under a doctor’s care from the beginning, and throughout the pregnancy, is extremely important. Usually a woman visits the doctor monthly up until the 28th week of pregnancy, at which point, the doctor’s appointments are more frequent. Regular checkups can help to ensure that the pregnancy progresses normally and results in the birth of a beautiful, healthy baby nine months later.
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