The Three Stages of Pregnancy
The stages in pregnancy are often referred to as trimesters. Your nine month pregnancy is broken into three different time periods. The first stage of pregnancy is the first trimester. This is the time when you are most likely to develop morning sickness. Your body is going through so many changes; it is a common complaint of pregnancy and is 100% normal. The first trimester is complete at 12 weeks of pregnancy. The first stage of pregnancy is when most miscarriages will occur. It is so important to take care of yourself and your baby during this period. When you have reached 12 weeks in pregnancy, your baby weighs about 4/5 of an ounce and is nearly three inches long. This is also the week that toenails and finger nails will appear. The sex of your baby is forming now, but may not be detectable on an ultrasound until a few more weeks.
Stage 2 of Pregnancy: The Second Trimester
If you don’t feel it already, you will become aware that your pregnancy is affecting your body. You will become more tired, and everyday activities will seem like they take a lot of effort. If you feel tired, then you should get some rest. Your body is trying to tell you to take it easy. You need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so that your baby is getting everything it needs. The second stage of pregnancy is a very important one. Your 2nd trimester is an important one, and you will defiantly start to look pregnant. By the end of your second trimester, your baby is 11 – 14 inches long and weighs between 2-2 ½ pounds. All of the major organs have begun forming. Your baby is growing so fast, taking care of yourself is so very important. You should be able to tell the sex of your baby now, and you will begin to feel fetal movements.
Stage 3 of Pregnancy: The Third Trimester
By now, your belly is bulging and your baby is kicking. You are probably feeling tired, fat and ready to get this over with. You are almost there! Your baby will grow it’s fastest now, and you will become more anxious. When you have completed this stage of pregnancy, you will have your long awaited baby. Your child’s weight can vary in size, but it is usually some where between 6 and 9 pounds. The kicking you will feel can be felt by others now. You should be getting all the rest possible. You are almost ready to reap the benefits of the past nine months. Your baby will make its debut at the end of this stage of pregnancy.
Author: Kimberly Graham is a retired Ph.D. and one of the editors of infos247.com. She has put up a site about pregnancy at www.infos247.com/pregnancy/