A week-by-week guide to pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts for approximately nine months. These months are divided into three trimesters. Each phase of pregnancy has its own series of weekly changes as the baby grows in the mother's womb. Knowing about these changes and keeping record of them can be a helpful experience for an expectant mother. This article is a week-by-week guide to pregnancy.
What to expect the first trimester of pregnancy
The first trimester of pregnancy starts with baby conception. It includes week one through week 12, or the first three months of pregnancy.
Most women suspect that they are pregnant when they miss their first period. This can be confirmed by an at home pregnancy kit or a visit to the gynecologist or obstetrician. During the first few months of pregnancy, the mother may begin to experience nausea, and this is often what sends women to the doctor.
Breast tenderness, and feeling tired, are other common and normal symptoms that may be experienced during this stage. During the first trimester, the foetus begins to grow and develop. It is important that a woman gets medical care as soon as she knows that she is expecting a baby. This is to ensure that she begins taking prenatal vitamins and other healthy measures.
About the second trimester of pregnancy
The second trimester is approximately the fourth to sixth month of pregnancy. The second trimester starts with week 13 and ends at week 27, with week 20 being the midpoint of pregnancy. Usually, during this frame of time, the expectant mother begins to have a sense of well-being.
The nausea that she experienced earlier, will cease. At the same time, the baby begins to grow and the mother-to-be will start to "show." Maternity clothing will be needed as the belly expands.
During the second trimester, the baby continues to grow , develop and will start to kick. A sonogram is usually performed around the second trimester. The sex and facial features of the baby can be determined.
The third and final trimester
The third trimester of pregnancy includes week 28 through week 39 or until birth. These final weeks may bring many uncomfortable symptoms brought about by the weight of the baby. An aching back, swollen ankles and bladder pressure are common at this stage. The doctor will make periodic checks on the position of the baby. The breaking of water usually sends most women to the hospital for delivery.
Online weekly pregnancy calendars
Baby advice for the mothers-to-be about pregnancy, can be found on the Internet. Pregnant mothers can read or track and record their own weekly changes on a day-by-day calendar. The websites below provide helpful parenting tools such as weekly calendars and parenting tips:
- StorkNet: Pregnancyguideonline.com
- Parents Connect: Parentsconnect.com
- Kids Health: Kidshealth.org
