Pregnancy

Pregnancy - The development of a zygote into an embryo and then into a fetus in preparation for childbirth.

A regular pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks or 280 days. There are three stages in pregnancy, called trimesters: first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester. The fetus undergoes many changes throughout maturation (Maturation is the process of achieving full development or growth of the baby). During this stage in life, pregnant women may experience certain complications and symptoms as the fetus grows. A pregnant woman may experience preeclampsia which increases the risk of preterm delivery and other potential risks to the baby and the mother. There are many other health concerns and complications during the pregnancy stage. Preeclampsia is the most common and severe health concern that can harm both the mother and their baby during their pregnancy. Make sure to check in with your doctor or health provider to check on the health of you and your baby in making sure the delivery goes well.

First Trimester (week 1 - week 12)

Your body may go through many changes during the first trimester. Hormonal changes can affect almost all of your organ systems found in your body. In the first weeks of pregnancy, there may be a cause of symptoms due to the hormonal changes. When your menstrual cycle stops, it is a clear sign that you're are pregnant. Other changes and symptoms may include:

Extreme tiredness
Tender, swollen breasts. Your nipples might also stick out.
Upset stomach with or without throwing up (morning sickness)
Cravings or distaste for certain foods
Mood swings
Constipation (trouble having bowel movements)
Need to pass urine more often
Headache
Heartburn
Weight gain or loss

As your body changes, you may need to make changes to your daily routine, such as going to bed earlier or changing your eating habits and nutritional needs. Luckily, most of these discomforts are going to go away as your pregnancy continues. Some women may not feel any discomfort at all! You may feel different this time, if you have been pregnant before. As every woman is different, so is every pregnancy.

Second Trimester (Week 13 - Week 18):

Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy much easier than the first trimester. But this does not mean that it is going to be different. it is still important that you stay informed about your pregnancy during these months in the second trimester.

You may have noticed that the symptoms that you have experienced during your first trimester are going away. But there are other new and more noticeable changes to your body that are happening to you right now. As your baby continues to grow, your abdomen will begin to enlarge. And before this trimester comes to an end, you will feel your baby starting to move!

As your body adjusts to make room for your baby, you may have these complications:

Body aches, such as back, abdomen, groin, or thigh pain
Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
Darkening of the skin around your nipples
A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline
Patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Patches often match on both sides of the face. This is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy.
Numb or tingling hands, called carpal tunnel syndrome
Itching on the abdomen, palms, and soles of the feet. (Call your doctor if you have nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice or fatigue combined with itching. These can be signs of a serious liver problem.)
Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)

Third Trimester (Week 29 - Week 40):

Some of the same discomforts you had experienced in your second trimester will continue. Many women find it hard to breathe and may notice that they have to go to the bathroom for frequently. This is because the baby is growing and getting bigger, putting more pressure onto your organs. If this happens you shouldn't worry because your baby is fine and these problems will go away as you give birth to your baby.

Some new body changes you might notice during this trimester includes:

Shortness of breath
Some new body changes you might notice during this trimester includes:
Heartburn
Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
Hemorrhoids
Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum (kuh-LOSS-struhm)
Your belly button may stick out
Trouble sleeping
The baby "dropping", or moving lower in your abdomen
Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor

As you approach your due date, your cervix will become thinner and softer (called effacing). This is a natural process that will help the birth canal (vagina) open during the delivery of your baby. Your doctor will check your progress with your vaginal exam as you approach your due date.