During the nine months of pregnancy a baby develops from a single cell into a perfect, but minature human being. This is truly one of nature's most wonderful events. It is a life changing experience and every expecting mother should be prepared for the challenges as well as the wonder that pregnancy brings.
The nine months are divided into three trimesters which mark the stages of development of the fetus into a baby.
The first fourteen weeks is known as the first trimester. This begins from the first day of the LMP or Last Menstrual Period.
The second trimester runs from the 14th week to the 28th week of pregnancy.
The third and final trimester runs from the 28th week right up until the birth. This is usually around the 40th week.
The First Trimester of Pregnancy
This is a very exciting time for any would be mother. The idea of bringing a new life into the world is a joyful one for most. In the first trimester no visible physical changes occur. However, most women experience the physical discomforts like morning sickness, nausea and exhaustion.
They can also go through severe mood swings and develop a craving for all kinds of strange foods. There is also general feeling of physical discomfort throughout the first trimester.
This is due to various hormonal changes taking place in the body. Remember that the body is getting ready to nurture a fetus into a fully formed human being, which is quite a feat! This stage is crucial because most miscarriages happen in the first trimester.
By the end of the first trimester even though the baby is not completely formed, the heart starts to beat. The eyes, nose, ears and digestive system are starting to form. The fetus will now weigh about 1.5 ounces and will be about 3-4 inches in height.
The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy
The second trimester is the likely to be the most enjoyable phase of the pregnancy. Physical discomforts present during the first trimester will ease during the second trimester.
Most of the development of the baby will occur during the second trimester. Nearly all the major organs are completely formed and will begin to function during the second trimester. Fingernails and eyebrows are formed and the skin gets covered with fine hair during the second trimester.
About halfway through second trimester the mother will begin to feel the baby moving around inside her womb. The mother's body will expand to accommodate the developing baby. At the end of the second trimester the baby is around 11-14 inches tall and weighs about 2.5 pounds.
The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy
The third trimester of pregnancy is the busiest but probably the most exciting period for future parents. This is when all the fun stuff takes place. It's time to decorate the nursery, child birth classes and some baby shopping!
Baby showers are thrown in the third trimester. This is also the time to pack for the hospital and get prepared for the birth.
Physical changes in the third trimester can make the mother very uncomfortable. She will experience back pain, frequent urination and trouble breathing. There may also be swelling in the limbs.
The stomach becomes quite large and heavy during the third trimester making it difficult to lay down or sleep.
At this time the baby has descended fully into the pelvis from the abdominal region. Around the 37th week the baby reaches full development and is actually a miniature human being!
Delivery any time after the 37th week is considered safe.
An Extraordinary and Miraculous Event
The narutal process of pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby is certainly one of the most extraordinary and miraculous events in a woman's lifetime.
Mothers to be should get good nutrition, suitable exercise and weekly pregnancy care during all three trimesters. Heathly development of baby is obviously the primary concern.
Baby's development continues throughout all the trimesters of pregancy. Weekly care is essential and especially so during the first trimester where there fetus begins to develop.
With the proper care, advice and nutrition, pregancy is one of the most amazing and joyful times in a woman's life. It can be a rollercoaster of emotions but carries with it the reward of a new life and the starts of another journey... parenthood! |
