The 3 Stages of Pregnancy


Congratulations on your pregnancy! 

Welcoming a new baby in the family is always one of the most exciting life experiences for married couples. Of course, having a clear understanding of the different stages of pregnancy can make a huge difference in how a mother-to-be faces the next nine months. There’s really no need to panic if you exert some effort to comprehend your own situation.
  
To get a good overview of pregnancy, allow us to tell you about its three stages.


First Trimester

The first trimester is composed of the next three months following the last menstrual cycle. This is the stage where you will often experience morning sickness. Breast heaviness, tiredness and frequent urination are also common.

To reduce the tendencies of nausea, the recommended solution is to take small meals frequently. During this period, walking is a good exercise and watching your diet plays a vital role.      
The baby, on the other hand, will be about 2.5 cm in length and 2g in weight. Eyes, nose and ears will also start to form during this stage.


Second Trimester

The second trimester is composed of the fourth to sixth months. Others call this period as the most enjoyable among the three stages of pregnancy. Besides, this is the time when the sickness comes to an end and you will be more energetic. You will also be more open when it comes to talking about your pregnancy. Additionally, your appetite and sexual drive will significantly grow. Be warned, however, that the urge to urinate will increase. It is also common to experience lower back pain and swelling feet. Kegel exercise is recommended in this trimester.

During these months, the baby will be about 10 inches and 300g. The heart will be completely developed by this time. Fingernails and toenails will start to appear plus the baby will begin getting small amount of hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows. Avoid scratching your tummy if you don’t want to gain stretch marks.


Third Trimester

Last but not the least, the seventh to ninth months makes the third trimester. Some refer to this as the “slowest” and “most challenging” of all the pregnancy stages. With a bigger tummy, frequent fatigue and sleepless nights, you will probably be more restless at this point. Strictly obeying the doctor’s counsels is crucial during this period. The baby will already be 16 inches and 2100g. All the body parts, organs and systems will be fully complete.


Things to Remember

A good prenatal multivitamin is so important during all stages of pregnancy, so get a recommendation from you doctor or a good friend on the best prenatal vitamin for you, and start taking it as directed immediately.

By understanding the developmental stages of pregnancy, you will know the appropriate diet and exercise to help your baby become healthy. Consult with your doctor often if you have specific medical conditions that need to be treated during pregnancy. Never take any medicine unless it was recommended by your physician.