Your Pregnancy
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First trimester
Adapted from the US Dept. of Health and Human Services by HealthGate Editorial Staff
Congratulations!
Your journey to motherhood is underway. During the first three months of pregnancy, or the first
trimester, there are many changes happening to you. You might experience some temporary
inconveniences as your body adjusts to the growing baby, including nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood
swings and stress.
Just remember that these things are normal during pregnancy. Most of these discomforts will go away
as your pregnancy progresses so try not to worry about them.
Just as each woman is different, so is each pregnancy. When you are tired, get some rest. If you feel
stressed, try to find a way to alleviate it.
Accept that your normal routine is changing.
Visiting your doctor is very important during these early stages.
Your doctor will perform several tests to check the health of both you and your baby. She/he will also
be able to answer questions about any concerns or fears you might have, and she will tell you what
you can do to make your pregnancy as easy as possible.
Several things that you will need to know are what types of exercises you can do, what you should eat
for good nutrition, and what you might need to avoid during this time.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you and listen to your doctor's advice.
This is an exciting time, and it is important to understand what you should expect during your
pregnancy.
SOURCE: Department of Health and Human Services
Second trimester
Adapted from the US Dept. of Health and Human Services by HealthGate
Editorial Staff
Most women find the 2nd trimester of pregnancy to be easier than the 1st trimester, but it is
important to stay informed about your pregnancy.
By the 26th week, your baby will weigh almost 1 1/2 pounds and be about 9 inches long. With this
growth comes the development of your baby's features, including fingers, toes, eyelashes and
eyebrows.
The second stage of your pregnancy causes more noticeable changes to your body, relief to
problems caused in the first trimester, new changes, and more exciting experiences. Morning
sickness, fatigue, and many other things that might have bothered you during the first three months
might disappear as your body adapts to the growing baby. Your stomach will expand as you gain
weight and the baby continues to grow. Before this trimester is over, you will feel your baby
beginning to move.
You should be gaining about 3 to 4 pounds per month during the 2nd trimester. With this weight
gain, you might notice that your posture has changed or that you are experiencing backaches.
Make sure to inform your doctor of any changes you might have noticed. During your visits your
doctor will be able to hear your baby's heartbeat, see the baby's development and determine the
baby's age.
You might be given several kinds of tests, at this time, including ultrasound, which allows the doctor
see your baby, and possibly even determine your baby's sex. Other testing includes ways to
determine if the baby is healthy or if you are at risk for any complications and need to be more
closely monitored. These tests help to determine the type of care you will be receiving for the rest
of your pregnancy.
SOURCE: Department of Health and Human Services
Third trimester
Adapted from the US Dept. of Health and Human Services by HealthGate
Editorial Staff
It might be hard to believe, but you are in your final trimester of pregnancy! This means that in
a few short months you will be holding your new baby in your arms. Your baby is still growing
and moving, but now it has less room. You might not feel the kicks and movements as much as
you did in the 2nd trimester. You will also notice that you may have to go to the bathroom more
often or that you find it hard to breathe. This is because the baby is getting bigger and it is
putting pressure on your organs. Don't worry, your baby is fine and these problems will
subside once you give birth.
During this final stage of your pregnancy, your baby is continuing to grow.
By the end of your pregnancy you should have gained about 25 to 30 pounds (3). About 7 1/2
pounds of that weight should be the baby.
Even before your baby is born it will be able to open and close its eyes and might even suck its
thumb. Be sure to continue to visit your doctor, and ask her to answer your questions and
address your concerns about labor and delivery.
The baby should be moving into its birth position, and your body needs to begin preparing for
the birth. Your doctor can check your progress with a vaginal examination. Your doctor will help
you decide if you want to have your baby naturally and take a childbirth class or if you will need
to have a C-Section (Cesarean section - instead of a vaginal birth, an incision is made in the
mother's stomach and the baby is removed). Something else to consider now is if you plan to
breastfeed or bottle-feed your new baby. Breastfeeding is best for your baby, so make sure to
discuss it with your doctor.
SOURCE: Department of Health and Human Services
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