A full-term pregnancy lasts roughly 40 weeks and is divided into three pregnancy trimesters, beginning on the first day of your last menstrual period. The fetus achieves developmental milestones in each trimester. While 40 weeks is the typical time range for a full-term pregnancy, a full-term baby can be born in 37 weeks or as late as 42 weeks. Premature babies are those born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature infants may experience difficulties with growth and development, as well as breathing and digestion. Now, let’s take a look at the pregnancy trimesters and details about each trimester.
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Pregnancy Trimesters: First Trimester ( 1 to 12 Weeks)
Your baby’s development is particularly important throughout the first trimester. Your baby’s bodily structure and organ systems develop throughout this time. Unfortunately, during this time, the majority of miscarriages and birth abnormalities may occur. During the first trimester, your body goes through a lot of changes. Nausea, exhaustion, breast discomfort, and frequent urination are all common signs of these changes. Although these are common pregnant symptoms, each woman’s experience is unique. For example, while some people may feel more energized during this time, others may feel exhausted and emotional.
The Baby
The egg and sperm join during conception to produce a zygote, which implants in the uterine wall. As the zygote’s cells split and grow, it develops into an embryo.
After the first 12 weeks
- The development of all of the body’s major organs and structures has begun.
- The heart continues to beat normally.
- Fingers and toes have begun to form.
- The fetus is approximately 3 inches long and weighs just over 1 ounce.
- The fetus can create a fist because its nerves and muscles function together.
- To safeguard the eyes, the eyelids have formed and will remain closed until about week 28.
The Changes Pregnant Mom May Experience
During the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman goes through a lot of changes. These are some of them:
- indigestion
- fatigue
- constipation
- weight changes
- tender, swollen breasts
- a need to urinate more often
- mood changes
- cravings for certain foods
- headaches
- morning sickness: nausea, sometimes with vomiting
Note: Morning sickness may last from the first trimester to the end of the pregnancy. However, it does not only happen in the morning, despite its name.
Pregnancy Trimesters: Second Trimester (14 to 26 Weeks)
Because many of the sometimes unpleasant effects of early pregnancy go away in the second trimester, it is commonly referred to as the “golden period.” You’ll probably feel less nauseated, have better sleep habits, and have more energy during the second trimester. For instance, back discomfort, abdominal pain, leg cramps, constipation, and heartburn are some of the new symptoms you may experience. In addition, you may notice your baby’s first movements between 16 and 20 weeks.
The Baby
The following will have occurred by the end of the second trimester:
- The first bowel movement has formed in the intestines.
- The fetus has the ability to see, hear, and scratch itself.
- The skin, hair, and nails have all developed.
- The lungs have developed but are not yet functional.
- The fetus sleeps and wakes at regular intervals.
- The testicles of a male have relocated to the scrotum, and the eggs of a female have formed in the ovaries.
- Taste buds have begun to develop.
- Bone marrow produces blood cells.
- Lanugo, or fine hair, covers the entire body.
The Changes Pregnant Mom May Experience
During the second trimester of pregnancy, many women feel more at ease. Morning sickness and weariness are frequently reduced or eliminated. Meanwhile, new developments occur:
- As the fetus grows, the abdomen increases.
- Stretch marks can appear on the body, including the abdomen, thighs, breasts, and buttocks.
- The skin around the nipples, known as the areola, darkens.
- In areas, the skin of the face may discolor.
- It’s possible that your ankles, fingers, and face will enlarge.
- Itching is a possibility.
Pregnancy Trimesters: Third Trimester (27 to 40 Weeks)
Congrats! You’ve made it to the last stage of your pregnancy and are probably both excited and nervous about your baby’s arrival. Changes you may experience at this time are:
- Shortness of breath
- hemorrhoids
- urine incontinence
- varicose veins, and
- Sleeping problems
The expansion of your uterus, which grows from 2 ounces before pregnancy to 2.5 pounds at the time of birth, causes many of these symptoms.
The Baby
The majority of organs and bodily systems have been established by this time, and they will continue to develop and grow. During this trimester, you should:
- The bones are becoming harder.
- The effects of movement become more apparent.
- Light can be sensed since the eyes are open.
- The creation of the lungs is completed.
- Lanugo peels away, and a waxy layer known as vernix forms.
- The fetus sinks lower in the person’s abdomen and usually turns head-down as delivery approaches.
The Changes Pregnant Mom May Experience
At this period, the fetus’s growth can bring new discomfort. A person might also have the following experiences:
- swelling in the ankles, face, and fingers
- leakage of milk from the breasts
- shortness of breath
- heartburn
- frequent urination
- mood changes
- other breast and nipple changes
- hemorrhoids
- Braxton-Hicks contractions, which do not indicate labor
- real contractions, which indicate labor
Conclusion
The pregnancy period is a very special and delicate time of your life. It’s in your best interest to to see your healthcare provider regularly to ensure you get the best outcome. Babies born to people who receive regular and adequate prenatal care have much better outcomes.
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