From the moment of conception, you and your growing baby go through a multitude of extraordinary changes. Your pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period. The average length of pregnancy is 40 weeks and it is divided into three parts, or trimesters, which last approximately three months each. You will experience different hormonal and physical changes in each trimester.

Pre-pregnancy preparation is essential in the journey of pregnancy. Being well prepared would optimize your chance of a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. It prepares you both physically and emotionally. It’s also helpful to be aware of the specific risk factors (and associated medical tests) for each of the trimesters. In this section, we will explain the trimesters of pregnancy.

First Trimester

During the first trimester the single-celled, fertilized egg embeds in the uterus and is transformed into a tiny, yet recognizably human, an embryo with all its major organ systems in place. The first trimester is a time of remarkable growth and development. The single-celled, fertilized egg divides rapidly into an embryo, then a fetus. Although there is much growth and maturation to come, by the end of this trimester the fetus has a recognizably human form, with facial features, sense organs, fingers and toes on the end of tiny limbs, and even tooth buds, fingerprints, and toenails. The brain, nervous system, and muscles are all functioning and the fetus can perform involuntary reflexes, such as moving about vigorously, swallowing, hiccupping, yawning, and urinating.

As we know, the first trimester lasts from 1-12 weeks (3Months) duration. During this period, Pregnant women experience many changes in their emotional and physical attitude. Some early symptoms include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Morning Sickness
• Constipation

This time period of pregnancy is vital for the development of the baby in the mother’s womb. That’s why it’s a very crucial time. it’s very important to maintain a healthy diet, especially an adequate amount of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. With a healthy diet, pregnant women must have to avoid smoking and stay away from alcoholic drinks. These unhealthy habits can lead to serious pregnancy complications and birth abnormalities.

You should do your first test at home famous for his name of Urine test from Urine Pregnancy Test Kit. It will tell you whether you are pregnant or not. Furthermore, your first doctor meeting should be in 6-8 weeks after your last menstrual period. Your final pregnancy confirmation will be done through blood tests and other urine tests that the doctor will recommend you.

One of the most important things to consider that, Miscarriage risk can be significant in the first trimester. This risk can be minimized by taking Parental Multivitamins and a Healthy diet and by avoiding harmful activities like smoking or drinking alcohol. Some doctors advise minimizing the usage of caffeine (less than 20mg/day). Meat and fish should be avoided in the early days of pregnancy to avoid miscarriage. Consult the doctors for a detailed diet plan for a healthy pregnancy.

Second Trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy is a time of continuing growth and development. All the body systems are in place, but the fetus is not yet capable of independent life. The maternal discomforts of the first trimester, such as morning sickness and tiredness, start to settle at the beginning of the second trimester. Steadily increasing blood volume and a more dynamic circulation give the mother-to-be a healthy glow. The top, or fundus, of the uterus, should rise above the pelvis in the fourth month, making the pregnancy obvious. Over the course of the second trimester, the fetus will more than triple in size, and its weight will increase by around 30 times.

The second trimester consists of 12 weeks (13-24 weeks). During this trimester, you will feel an energy spike in your body during the daytime and will enjoy your night’s sleep. The abdomen will start to swell due to the increasing size of the uterus. Most of the early pregnancy symptoms will disappear. Avoid wearing tight clothes. It’s a perfect time to wear maternity clothes.

Following changes, you will feel in your body as:

• Leg cramping
• Heartburn
• Weight Gain
• Abdomen Swell
• Backaches
• Nasal Congestion

It is highly recommended to gain weight during this trimester. A healthy diet full of nutrients should be taken in diet. Almost in 20 weeks, Most women start to feel baby movement in their womb. Baby can hear and recognize your voice in this trimester. Some screening tests should be performed between weeks 18-22. In this scanning, doctors assessed to make sure that baby body parts are functioning. These body parts include the Heart, Lungs, Kidney, and Brain.

Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy is a time of maturation and rapid growth. By 40 weeks, a fetus’s organs will have developed to the point at which it is capable of independent life. During the third trimester, the important fetal developments include the laying down of fat, and the maturation of the body systems so they can function fully on their own after birth. The respiratory system
has to undergo a particularly dramatic transformation to enable breathing for the first time.

The duration of the third trimester also consists of almost 12 weeks (25- Until Birth). In this trimester, you have to consult a doctor regularly. Your doctor will do regular checkups and tests include:

• Urine test for protein assessment
• Blood Pressure
• Hear Rate
• Length of your Uterus
• Selling’s of hands and feet

It is highly recommended by doctors to restrain from travel. The third trimester is the best time to educate yourself about Labor and Delivery. 

Due Date

During the final weeks of pregnancy, hormonal changes in the mother, and the pressure of the fetus as it moves down in the pelvis prepare the uterus for the imminent birth. A full-time pregnancy can last anywhere between 37-42 weeks. Your due date is an estimated date of delivery(EDD). It relies on the date of the first day of your last period, even though you actually conceive two weeks or so after this date. The dating system works well for those who have fairly regular menstrual cycles. However, for those who have irregular periods, the dating system may not work.

Takeaway

Pregnancy is a time unlike any other in your life. It’s important to see your healthcare provider regularly to ensure the best outcome.

Babies born to people who receive regular prenatal care have much better outcomes.

By taking your prenatal vitamins, attending every doctor’s appointment, and undergoing all recommended tests, you’re doing everything you can to give your baby a healthy start in life.