Stages of Pregnancy
How exciting! You have found out that you are pregnant. Congratulations. There are a lot of things you will need to know about what you can expect as your baby grows. We will go over the stages together in this article. So, sit down with me and learn about how you and your baby will grow together.
The First Stage/First Trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy is 0-13 weeks. The first week of pregnancy, after the egg is fertilized, it begins to grow into a tiny ball of cells that is microscopic. Once the tiny ball of cells is formed, it attaches itself to the wall of your uterus. Once this action is completed, it activates hormonal and physical changes in your body. Morning sickness usually begins at 6 weeks, but can begin sooner. It is different for every woman.
In the embryonic stage, which occurs during the third through eighth weeks of pregnancy, is the stage when your baby develops most of the major body organs. Be very careful about what you drinking alcohol or being exposed to radiation, as these are the weeks when alcohol and radiation are especially harmful to your baby. Also, be careful about avoiding infectious diseases, which can be extremely harmful to your baby.
By the ninth week, the embryo has grown to an inch in length and is now called a fetus. Your uterus, which is normally about the size of your fist, has grown to the approximate size of a grapefruit.
Second Stage/Second Trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is 13 to 27 weeks and some call this the "honeymoon stage", because this is the time when morning sickness begins to go away. For some women, however morning sickness lasts the entire pregnancy. At about 18 to 22 weeks, you should start feeling your baby move. There could be movement earlier, but it would be very difficult to feel and you might not notice it. It might feel like the brushing of little butterfly wings in your stomach.
By the end of this trimester, your baby will be about 10 inches long and weighs about 1 and a half pounds.
Third Stage/Third Trimester
This trimester is 28 weeks to the birth of your baby. This is the stage of pregnancy where your baby grows larger and the organs mature to prepare for birth. Between the 27th and 32nd weeks of this trimester your baby will be very active. However, after the 32nd week of this trimester, the baby has grown to the point that it is difficult to move in the womb, so you will not be feeling as much movement. You should still feel some movement, but the baby just won't be as active has he has been. Don't let this overly concern you, but if it does, do not hesitate to set an appointment with your obstetrician so he or she can put your mind at ease.
Around the end of the third trimester, your baby should begin to turn around so that he will be in the appropriate heads down position. The baby is preparing for birth and this will be a little uncomfortable for mom. When you start contractions that means that your body is pushing your baby down the birth canal to prepare for birth. Expect a pinkish/red discharge that is the mucous plug and your water may break. These are signs that birth is near.
Summary
Your baby is finally here, after nine months of waiting and preparing and once you hold that precious bundle in your arms for the first time, it will have all been worth it. Think about how this precious little baby with arms and legs and that wonderful scream that your hear as soon as he emerges started out as a fertilized egg that turned into a microscopic ball of cells and attached itself to your uterine wall to begin the journey to becoming a fully developed human being.
Do your part to make sure this bundle of joy enters the outside world as healthy as possible by not smoking or drinking alcohol, or taking any drugs not prescribed by your obstetrician. Get checkups and follow doctor's orders.