Normal Pregnancy
A pregnancy
is one of the most exciting and important times in the lives of parents and
families. At our clinic, we are committed to making
your pregnancy as safe, comfortable, and memorable as possible.
A pregnancy
consists of three stages or trimesters, totaling 40 weeks. Each trimester
is different and it is important to understand each.
First Trimester
The first stage of your pregnancy includes week 1 to week 12, or the first
three months. The week after fertilization, a microscopic ball of cells implants
on the wall of the uterus, which signifies the beginning of hormonal and
physical changes.
The third through eighth week of your first trimester are referred to as
the embryonic stage. During this stage, your baby will begin to develop
major body organs, and is especially vulnerable to damaging substances.
During the ninth week of your first trimester your baby will develop 1 inch
in growth, and will transform from an embryo to a fetus.
Pregnancy side effects may include:
-Fatigue
-Tenderness of the breasts
-Increased urination
-Nausea or morning sickness
-Constipation
-Mood swings
-Vaginal discharge
-Vaginal bleeding
Second Trimester
The second stage of your pregnancy includes week 13 to week 27,
and this is when women begin to “look pregnant.” For most women, this stage
is described as the easiest part of pregnancy because early side effects
of pregnancy begin to fade away and the discomfort of the final weeks of
pregnancy have not yet arrived.
It is between 18 and 22 weeks that you will
begin to feel your fetus move.
Side effects may include:
-Breast changes
-Leg cramps
-Back pain
-Stretch marks
-Nose bleeds
-Constipation
-Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Third Trimester
The third and final stage
of your pregnancy includes week 28 until birth. A
typical due date is 40 weeks after fertilization, but some women deliver
between the 37th and 42nd weeks. It is during this stage of pregnancy
that your fetus gets larger and its body organs mature.
Side effects may include:
-Braxton Hicks Contractions
-Fatigue
-Back pain
-Pelvic/hip pain
-Constipation
-Heartburn
-Difficulty sleeping
-Trouble breathing
-Frequent urination |
