Once the signs of conception begin to materialize, it is important that the soon to be parents become familiar with the process of the next 9 months. Having this knowledge is important so that fears can be quelled, emotions can be controlled, and the process can be understood leading to a healthy and happy pregnancy.
The pregnancy stages begin the moment the egg in the woman is fertilized by the sperm. This miracle is referred to as conception. The stages are made up of 40 weeks and begin the first day of the last period. The stages are broken down into three sections known as trimesters. During each trimester, both the woman and the baby go through developmental phases until the baby is born. The following is a breakdown of each trimester and what is going on with the baby and the mother:
First Trimester - Week one to twelve
Change, change, change. During the first trimester, the woman will be going through all types of hormonal, emotional, and physical changes. The early signs of conception will begin to show and for many, the first trimester is the worse time during the pregnancy. Some of the pregnancy signs are:
• Lack of energy. Feeling tired most of the time.
• Tenderness or pain in the breasts.
• "Morning" sickness. However, the nausea can be felt at any time during the day.
• Strange and unexplainable food cravings.
• Weight gain.
• And many, many more.
During the first trimester, the baby will develop very rapidly and will have many of his/her vital organs needed to survive. The transition from embryo t fetus will be complete and the baby will now be receiving it's nutrients from the placenta.
Second Trimester - Week thirteen to twenty-eight
By now, the woman has learned to deal with the symptoms that may have initially overwhelmed her during the first trimester. Some of the more uncomfortable symptoms begin to ease off just in time for new symptoms. Some of the second trimester symptoms are:
• Increase in back pain.
• Darkening of the areola (nipples).
• Stretch marks around the belly, legs, and breasts.
• Swollen ankles.
During the second trimester, the baby's reproductive organs form making it easier to determine the sex of the baby. The kidneys begin to work and the baby can begin to pass a small amount of urine. Now is a good time to break out the Mozart as the baby can now begin to hear noises from the outside.
Third Trimester - Week twenty-nine to forty
During this stage, the woman, especially first time mothers, begin to worry about the actual labor and delivery process. For some, the uncertainty can lead to emotional stressors. Enrolling in Lamaze classes can help reduce some of those stressors by teaching the woman exactly what will happen during labor. This knowledge will eliminate the unknown factor. Some third trimester symptoms are:
• Increase trips to the bathroom to urinate.
• Heartburn and constipation.
• Fullness of the breasts as they prepare for breast feeding.
• Difficulty sleeping due to your size.
• Widening of the hips in preparation for delivery.
During the third trimester, the baby will begin to grow hair and develop their fingernails. Their eyes begin to open and close and teeth will begin in grow under the gums. The baby will begin to position itself for the final journey down the birth canal. Ideally, the baby's head should be facing down and towards the rear of the woman for an easier transition from womb to world.
Once the woman's water breaks, whether naturally or by the doctor, the various stages of labor will begin.
Every woman reacts differently during this time and it is the responsibility of her partner to be understanding and attentive to her needs. All of the preparation, all of the uncomfortable signs of conception and all of the pregnancy symptoms, will be forgotten the moment your son or daughter begins to wail and is placed in the mothers arms. There is no better feeling in the world.
