Stages of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a remarkable time, in a woman's life. The joining of two cells and creation of a new life, brings with it some joyous and ecstatic moments in the lives of the to-be-parents. It also brings with it anxiousness and sometimes fear of the unknown, especially for the new mother, regarding childbirth.

A woman's body undergoes many changes during the period of pregnancy. There are three trimesters (40 weeks), the woman and her child will go through, before birth. Each trimester is of 3 months and is known as a stage of pregnancy. It's important to understand how and what each stage does to you and your baby.

First Trimester: 1st Week to 16th Week
For most women morning sickness combined with missed or late periods are the tell-tale signs of being pregnant. However, its best to confirm with your doctor, who will carry out a pregnancy test and provide you with information and supplements to be followed, to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Most doctors also determine the due date on request. An ultrasound is scheduled by the doctor to determine the age of the fetus, and rule out any complications.

Most women will experience early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite, during this stage. One is likely to feel dizzy and tired most of the time. Some tenderness and swelling in the breasts is a common occurrence. The baby in this stage isn't fully grown, but the heartbeat sensations and feeling of the limbs can be experienced by the mother. The Baby's spinal column begins to form around 5th week.

1st Week to 7th Week

• The spine becomes more flexible.
• Head, chest, abdomen, shoulders, elbows, knees and hips start developing.
• The lungs are well formed.
• Arm and leg buds, fingers and toes begin to appear.
• Mouth and jaw formations are clearly outlined.
• Eyes and ears start developing.
• Genital organs are clearly visible.
• Intestines begin to form.
• All internal organs are developed.

8th Week to 12th Week

• The ear, eyes, mouth and nose are still developing.
• Arms, legs, hands and feet start to grow quickly.
• All internal organs begin their functions.
• The heart starts to pump blood to all parts of the body

13th Week to 16th Week

• Heartbeat can be heard clearly and distinctively with an ultrasound.
• The weight of the baby doubles up, by the end of this trimester.
• Eyebrows and lashes are completely developed.
• Muscles get stronger and arms and legs can bend.
• The baby can move quite vigorously around this time.

Second Trimester: 17th Week to 29th Week
Many women feel a gush of energy as they enter in the second trimester stage. This is also the time, when you are relived of all morning sickness related conditions. Women feel inclined to certain foods, desperate craving is what one usually feels. Care should be taken if you carve for sweets, as developing gestational diabetes is common in this stage of pregnancy.

In second trimester the baby is able to develop senses. They can hear the background sounds around them and are also believed to be sensitive to the light entering into the womb. By the end of this trimester, the baby's vital systems, bones, organs and spinal cord are well-developed. It is in this stage that defects in the baby's structure are more visible through an ultrasound. This is also the stage, where the 'kicking in the womb' starts. If you place a light object on your womb, you can watch your baby kick it.

17th Week to 20th Week

• The baby continues to grow and put on weight.
• Muscles develop rapid and also increase in strength.
• Baby is covered in very fine thin hair, and the head hair also starts to grow.
• The teeth begin to form.

21st Week to 24th Week

• Growth is rapid.
• Baby can cough and make a few odd sounds.
• They can even suck their thumbs and toes!

25th Week to 29th Week

• The baby's lungs are mature.
• Fat starts to accumulate in the baby's body, making them rounder.
• The protective material vernix coats the baby's skin.

Third Trimester: 30th Week to 40th Week
Once the mother is at this stage, it is time to take it easy and relax. As the baby has grown in size and weight, so will your abdomen. There is constant pressure on your gallbladder, pelvis, back and legs. It is important to be on healthy diet, which is low on sugar and fat. Most women find that they tire easily at this stage, and are frequently out of breath.

The baby is fully developed by now and is gaining on weight, size and strength. The brain and lungs develop more during this stage. The baby starts to practice breathing.

30th Week to 41st Week

• Most of the vernix, on the baby, disappears at this stage.
• They can open and close their eyes
• Babies take their head down position (except when they breach).
• Baby's head and body size are now in proportion to each other.

The expectant mother should head to a hospital when her water bag breaks, or has contractions no more than five minutes apart consistently for one hour or more. And in no mean time you will have your bundle of joy cradling in your arms.