STAGES OF PREGNANCY
THE FIRST TRIMESTER
The Baby
During the first three months (trimester), the fetus is
undergoing a tremendous amount of changes. At six weeks your baby
was about the size of a grain of rice. During this period all of
the major body organs are formed. Growth is so rapid during the
early phase that within a week or two the fetus will look far
more like a baby. At about eight weeks your baby’s face will
have formed including eyelids and ears. In the third month the
fetus develops fingers and toes with soft nails. By this time the
fetus will be roughly four inches long and weigh in at about an
ounce.
The Mother
During the first weeks and months of pregnancy, your body is
adjusting to increased levels of the hormones, estrogen and
progesterone. You will probably feel more tired, this is caused
by the increase in progesterone in your body. Take extra care of
yourself now! Fatigue is nature’s way of encouraging rest.
Your energy will return, but now it’s needed for your
baby’s development.
Your breasts will begin to grow and feel sore due to the
increased estrogen in your body. Your growing uterus is going to
begin to push against your bladder, causing you to urinate more
frequently. You may experience “morning sickness,”
nausea and vomiting that can occur at any time of day. You may
have cravings , or hate foods that you usually like. These are
normal reactions and you may experience some or none of them. In
the first trimester your waistline will begin to disappear and
your breasts will become larger. Everyone’s weight varies
and not all doctors will agree on how much weight gain is allowed
during pregnancy. Most women gain about 15-30 lb. total, but
consult your own doctor for his recommendation on your own weight
gain. Pregnancy is not the time to start an unsupervised weight
loss campaign. Your weight will be closely monitored by your
doctor. By means of regular and careful examination your doctor
can identify most problems as they arise. He can also provide
early treatment for any condition which might put you or your
baby at risk. Prenatal care is one of the most important things
that you can do for your baby, you occasionally may feel it is a
waste of time, but regular exams are vital in the care of
yourself and your baby.
THE SECOND
TRIMESTER
The Baby
The Fetus grows dramatically during the second trimester. The
baby’s movements will become increasingly more active and
strong enough for you to feel them. It now sleeps and wakes at
regular intervals , swallows and passes urine. Your abdomen will
now have visibly enlarged. The baby will weigh between 1 and 1
1/2 pounds and is roughly 11 to 14 inches long. His face will be
fully formed at 24 weeks. Your doctor will also be able to hear
the heartbeat at this time.
The Mother
During the second trimester you growing abdomen becomes more
obvious to yourself and others. From the third or fourth month
you will begin to feel fetal movement. This is called quickening,
and feels like tiny bubbles or the fluttering of wings. Your body
will have adapted to the increased hormones and your energy will
probably begin to return. Morning sickness and the need to
urinate so often will begin to disappear by this time also. Leg
cramps are common in the second half of pregnancy and will
usually occur when you are sleeping or lying down. Stretching
your legs before you go to bed may help, but make sure you
don’t point your toes, as this can cause your legs to cramp
even more. Many women experience increased heartburn and
indigestion during this stage of pregnancy. To relieve heartburn,
eat smaller meals more often and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid
spicy or greasy foods, and don’t eat right before bedtime.
THE THIRD
TRIMESTER
The Baby
The baby continues to grow rapidly during the third trimester.
You will feel stronger kicks but the baby will not be able to
move around as freely. By the end of the ninth month the baby
will position itself head-down in preparation for birth. At 36
weeks the top of the uterus will have extended to just below the
breast bone. All your baby’s organs will now be mature. The
babies head will engage soon. This means the widest part of his
skull will be down inside your pelvis. If the baby is not in this
position your doctor will decide whether to attempt to turn the
baby or if special delivery techniques will be necessary. At 40
weeks your baby is considered full term. More than 18 inches long
now, it weighs between 6 and 9 pounds. Your baby should arrive
anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks.
The Mother
In the last three months of pregnancy, many of the symptoms you
experienced in the beginning will return. You will feel
increasingly tired, irritable and uncomfortable. Colostrum may
begin to leak from your nipples. This is the thick yellowish
fluid that will nourish your baby before your true breast milk
comes in. In the later weeks of pregnancy you will notice the
baby dropping lower into your abdomen. This is also known as
lightening. At this stage your cervix is becoming softer and is
beginning to efface. Your water may break before you are actually
in labor. The water is actually the amniotic fluid that has
protected the fetus throughout the past nine months. If your
water breaks, call your doctor, as your labor will start soon.
The contents of this Web site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used for medical advice. You should consult your physician or health care provider on a regular basis. You should consult your physician immediately with any problem about which you are concerned.