Looking down at the pregnancy test and seeing a positive symbol on the stick is a moment of revelation, the realization that you are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime, with parenthood the final destination. When you first become pregnant, a million things can go through your mind, and suddenly you have a lot of questions. How do I manage my health while I am pregnant? What is my due-date? When can I find out the sex of my baby? What happens to my body during pregnancy?
Normal pregnancy lasts nine months, which equals out to 40 weeks. It begins from the first day of your last period cycle, to the date of the baby’s delivery into the world. Many delivery dates are not exact. In some case the baby may come a bit early and in others a bit late. The only way to ensure your due-date is to schedule an induced labor or a C-section. This is usually only done if there are specific health reasons to do so.
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters (I, II, II). During each trimester or period of pregnancy, your body grows and changes, and your to-do list and priorities will do the same. While nine months gives you plenty of time to get ready for your baby’s arrival, it’s always helpful to know how to prepare.
If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, these are some things you should know as you prepare for the day baby arrives.
First Trimester (1-12 weeks)
A woman’s first trimester of pregnancy is the first 1-12 weeks. During the first trimester, the baby begins as an embryo, and is just the size of kidney bean. With increased levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, your body begins to change almost immediately after you become pregnant, and your menstrual cycle will stop within two weeks of conception. The baby also starts the early stages of development as your body is changing. The baby’s heart is beating quickly, and the intestines begin to form, as well as the earlobes, eyelids, mouth, and nose.
During the first trimester expect the following from your body:
- Sore, fuller, and heavier breasts: Hormone increases make your breasts feel sore and sensitive. This should subside after a few weeks.
- Fatigue: Soaring levels of progesterone make you extremely tired, not to mention the fact that your body is adjusting and trying to compensate for two.
- Nausea and/or vomiting: You may experience morning sickness during the first month of pregnancy. To help with this, avoid going long periods without eating. Eat small amounts every couple of hours and try to avoid high fat foods.
- Frequent Urination: Your kidneys process extra fluid during pregnancy so you may find yourself urinating more.
- Food Aversions: You may develop aversions to foods you normally like and become sensitive to foods you used to be able to eat with no issues. Your tastes may also change during pregnancy.
- Emotional Changes: Being pregnant, especially for the first time, can bring on a host of emotions all at once. You may feel happy, excited, apprehensive and tired all at the same time. This is completely normal. It is normal to worry and wonder about the health of your baby, the adjustment to parenthood, as well as the financial commitment of having a child. You might even experience mood swings. Remember this is temporary. If your moods swings become severe, you should let you doctor know.
- Pre-natal Care: It is very important to choose your healthcare provider (obstetrician or nurse mid-wife) during the early stages of your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will perform an overall health assessment, go over any risk factors you may have, determine the gestational age of your baby and create a plan for the next nine months. After your first visit, you will likely see your doctor every 4 weeks.
Second Trimester (13-27 weeks)
A woman’s second trimester of pregnancy begins at 13 weeks and lasts through week 27. At the beginning of the second trimester, babies are about 3 1/2 inches long and weigh about 1 1/2 ounces. As the weeks go by, your baby’s skeleton starts to really develop and get stronger. He or she develops the ability to hear, and you are likely to feel it moving and kicking during this time period.
Your second trimester of pregnancy is known as the “honeymoon period”. Typically during this period, you have renewed energy and are feeling pretty good. Nausea stops, emotions level off and you might even feel like having sex. You’ll be showing by this time, but you won’t be big enough to feel uncomfortable. It is during the second trimester you can find out the sex of your baby as well, usually between 16-20 weeks.
During the second trimester expect the following from your body:
- Growing breasts and Belly: Your breasts will continue to enlarge so you may need new bras, and your belly will become larger as your uterus expands for the baby.
- Skin Changes: You may notice the formation of brown patches on your face and skin. You may also develop a dark line down your belly. As your belly and breasts grow, you might also develop stretch marks. All of this should fade after your delivery.
- Braxton-Hicks contractions: As your body starts to prepare for going into labor, you may notice your belly tightening. This tightening are Braxton-Hicks contractions. If those contractions become regularly timed or painful, you should call your doctor immediately.
- Baby Movement: You will start to feel your baby kicking and moving around.
- Leg Cramps: Getting leg cramps, especially at night, is normal during pregnancy. It’s a good idea to stretch your legs, wear comfortable, supportive shoes during your pregnancy, keep as active as possible, and avoid dehydration to help keep leg cramps at bay.
Third Trimester (28-40 weeks)
A woman’s third trimester of pregnancy is 28-40 weeks. The baby should weigh about 2 1/4 pounds by the start of the third trimester. They can now blink their eyes, are developing fingernails, toenails, and some hair. Their brains are developing along with their bodies. In other words, during this last stage, your blossoming baby will spend his or her final weeks in utero putting on weight. At full term, the average baby is more than 19 inches long and weighs nearly 7 pounds.
This stage of the pregnancy can be a little tough, both emotionally and physically. At this point, many women want to stop being pregnant. The baby’s growth and movement may be making you feel uncomfortable, your body may ache and you may be swollen, especially your feet. Try to remain positive and remember you are nearing the end and will be welcoming your new baby soon!
During the third trimester expect the following from your body:
- Breast Leakage: Your breasts may be heavy and begin to leak due to milk production. Lactating and leakage is totally normal, so don’t worry.
- Digestive Disturbances: During this last stage of pregnancy (or during pregnancy in general) heartburn and acid reflux are common. You might feel some digestive discomfort, especially as your baby grows.
- Braxton-Hicks contractions: The tightening your abdomen will continue and may become more frequent and pronounced as you near your due date. If they becomes painful or regular, call your doctor immediately.
- Lots of baby movement: The baby is growing so expect to feel lots of movement.
- Back Aches: Back aches are very common during the third trimester. Pregnancy hormones affect your bones and connective tissues and a large belly puts added strain on the back. Be sure to sit in chairs with good support, wear good, supportive shoes and use ice and heat on the sore spots on your back to help get relief.
- Swelling: Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy and can become more pronounced as your due date draws closer. This swelling is caused by an increase in blood and fluid produced by the body during pregnancy. It affects the face, hands, feet and ankles. Gradual swelling is normal, however if your face and hands swell suddenly, it could be a sign of preeclampsia, so call your doctor immediately.
- Frequent Urination: More pressure on your bladder from the baby moving deeper in the pelvis can cause you to urinate a lot more often.
- Shortness of Breath: As the baby takes up more space, you may feel winded, especially with activity. Try to maintain good posture to help your lungs expand normally.
During all three trimesters it is important to get as much sleep as possible, eat healthy, exercise, and just take care of yourself in general. Make sure you see your doctor at the regularly scheduled intervals as well. Talk to them about your labor and pain management and any special requirements you may have for the birth, such as natural child-birth free of medications, or birth-in-water. If you can, take child-birth classes as these can really help you prepare for what is to come in the delivery room.
If you are pregnant let the experts at University OB/GYN Associates help you prepare> Call us at (315) 464-5162 to request an appointment or request an appointment online.
