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A woman’s enthusiasm and excitement at the prospect of becoming a mother is palpable. This period, however, proves to be the most challenging of his life. Because these nine months are not going to be easy. In this case, the expectant woman must care for both herself and the baby growing in the womb. On the one hand, you feel happy and emotional during pregnancy. At the same time, you may be bothered by the physical and mental changes that occur throughout this time. Pregnancy is separated into many stages, just as it is an essential stage in our lives. These stages of pregnancy, often known as the stages of pregnancy, are distinct from one another, as is their experience. Understand the phases of pregnancy in depth.
What are The Symptoms of Pregnancy?
Before we go into the stages of pregnancy, tell us about the early symptoms of pregnancy. The following are some of the most typical symptoms that arise at this time:
- Missed period
- Spotting and cramping
- Breast changes
- Exhaustion
- Morning sickness
Women may also experience frequent urination, constipation, mood fluctuations, headaches, and other symptoms after pregnancy. If you have these symptoms, your doctor can use urine or other tests to determine if you are pregnant or not. When this is confirmed, information on the stages of pregnancy must be obtained.
What are The Stages of Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is separated into three stages throughout the course of nine months. The lady and her unborn child undergo physical and mental changes at each stage. Pregnancy stages are as follows:
- 1st trimester (1st to 3rd month)
- Second trimester (4th to 6th month)
- Third trimester (7th to 9th month)
First Trimester of Pregnancy
The first trimester is the first of the pregnancy stages. This stage begins the day after the pregnant woman’s last period. This period of pregnancy lasts from the first to the thirteenth week.
What Changes can Occur in a Woman’s Body in the First Trimester?
A woman’s body undergoes numerous changes during the first trimester. Hormones are produced by the body and affect practically every organ. Some women have the following symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Upset stomach
- Mood swing
- Breast pain
- Heartburn
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Cravings for certain foods
- Constipation
- Morning sickness
Some women may not have any or all of these symptoms.
What Changes Take Place in the Fetus in this Stage of Pregnancy?
Throughout the first trimester, the fetus grows rapidly. Organ growth and creation begin in the fetal brain and spinal cord during this period of pregnancy. The baby’s heart begins to beat during the first trimester. By the end of eight weeks, fingers and toes had begun to emerge. The baby’s sex organs are also formed by the end of the first trimester. The fetus is now around 3 inches long and weighs about 28.35 grams after the first trimester.
Which Tests are Necessary for the First Trimester?
After it is verified that you are pregnant, you must have a doctor’s examination. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and may request that you perform the following tests:
- Ultrasound
- Blood pressure
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and hepatitis
- Tests for risk factors such as anemia
- Thyroid level and weight check
- Sugar profile
Around 11 weeks, the doctor will also request an ultrasound called a Nuchal Translucency scan. This can indicate whether or not your kid has Down syndrome, a genetic disease.
What should be the Diet During this Stage of Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you need a lot of protein, vitamins, calcium, and so on, in addition to calories. Know how the diet should be throughout the first trimester:
- Develop healthy dietary habits early in your pregnancy. Include veggies such as spinach, broccoli, capsicum, peas, sweet potatoes, and others in your diet.
- Citrus fruits are high in folic acid, therefore eat grapefruit, oranges, and other citrus fruits on a regular basis.
- Dairy products are high in protein and calcium. Include curd, low-fat milk, and cheese, among other things, in your diet.
- In your first trimester, whole wheat, oats, barley, corn, millet, and whole grains are necessary. They give the newborn energy and are necessary for the growth of the umbilical cord.
- Items like ginger and lemon can help with nausea and morning sickness, both of which are typical during this period of pregnancy.
- Remember to drink as much water and other liquids as possible throughout this period of pregnancy.
What Things should not be Consumed During this Stage of Pregnancy?
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you should limit or avoid the following:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Raw fish, meat, and eggs
- Raw sprouts
- Unpasteurized milk or other dairy products
What Exercises should be Done in this Stage of Pregnancy?
You should undertake the following workouts throughout the first trimester of your pregnancy:
- Walking and running
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Yoga
- Pilate
You should make it a habit to exercise throughout this time. But, before deciding how and how long to exercise, consult your doctor.
Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Let us now discuss the second stage of pregnancy, which lasts from the 13th to the 28th week. This is also the period when you will notice your baby moving for the first time. The good news is that your lethargy and morning sickness will disappear throughout the second trimester. But, you may encounter other issues.
What Changes can Occur in a Woman’s Body in the Second Trimester?
- Stomach ache
- Back pain
- Bleeding gums
- Breast augmentation
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Discharge
Together with this, you may experience dizziness, frequent urination, and headaches.
What Changes does this Stage of Pregnancy Bring to the Fetus?
The baby’s organs are fully grown during the second trimester. The baby may also start hearing and swallowing. The baby will begin to move towards the end of the second trimester, which the mother will notice. At the conclusion of the second trimester, the baby will be about 14 inches long and weigh a little more than 900 grams.
Which Tests are Necessary for the Second Trimester?
Women in their second trimester of pregnancy should see a doctor every two to four weeks. Your doctor may order the following tests:
- Blood pressure and weight check
- Ultrasound
- Blood glucose
- Tests for birth defects and other genetic screening
- Amniocentesis
What should be the Diet During this Stage of Pregnancy?
Women must ensure that they receive enough vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates when pregnant. Yet, the pregnant female body requires somewhat more calories during the second trimester.
Know What Things to Include in the Diet During this Time
- Anemia can develop if you don’t get enough iron in your diet. Green vegetables, lentils, beans, whole grains, and so forth are high in them.
- Protein can be obtained through nuts, eggs, seafood, lentils, and so on.
- Calcium aids in the development of a child’s bones and teeth. It is found in milk and milk products, vegetables, and other foods.
- Folate aids in the repair of neural tube defects. Including oranges, green vegetables, whole grains, and other foods in your diet to help with this.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for the health of the heart, brain, eyes, and immune system. They can be obtained from fish oil and chia seeds.
- A pregnant lady requires more fluids. Therefore drink as much water and other drinks as possible.
What Things should not be Consumed During this Stage of Pregnancy?
You should not consume these things less or at all during the second trimester of pregnancy:
- Raw eggs, meat, and fish
- Additional chili seasonings or fried foods
- Soft cheeses such as blue cheese and feta
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
What Exercises should be Done in this Stage of Pregnancy?
In the second trimester of pregnancy, choose low-impact exercises such as:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Yoga
You must consult your doctor beforehand and only perform things under the supervision of an expert.
Third Trimester of Pregnancy
What Changes can Occur in a Woman’s Body in the Third Trimester?
- Stomach Ache
- Bleeding
- Back Ache
- Fatigue
- Frequent Urination
- Heartburn and Constipation
At this point of pregnancy, some women may have piles, pain, and discharge.
What Changes does this Stage of Pregnancy Bring to the Fetus?
The baby’s development continues in the third trimester. At this point, the infant can:
- Hear
- Suck your thumb
Your baby’s brain growth is still ongoing. Its lungs and kidneys have been prepped. The baby’s size at the end of this trimester might be 19 to 21 inches and 2.5 to 4 kilograms.
Which Tests are Necessary for the Third Trimester?
During the third trimester, the doctor will perform a physical check on you and will request urine and blood tests so that the following tests can be performed:
- Blood tests to determine your blood type and Rhesus factor
- Red blood cell count for anemia
- Hepatitis B and HIV
- Immunity to German Measles (Rubella) and Chickenpox (Varicella)
In addition, you may be asked to undergo ultrasonography, group B streptococcus screening, glucose screening, and a contraction stress test. Several tests can be performed based on your physical state.
What should be the Diet During this Stage of Pregnancy?
Your food has an impact on your baby’s growth. You should take extra precautions with your food and drink throughout this time of pregnancy. Incorporate the following foods into your diet:
- Iron
- Protein
- Folic Acid
- DHA-rich food like milk, eggs, fruits, etc.
- Calcium Rich Food
- Magnesium such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, barley, oats, beans, etc.
- Fruits and Vegetable
- Nuts
- Liquids
What Things should not be Consumed During this Stage of Pregnancy?
During the third trimester of pregnancy, you should limit or avoid the following:
- A diet high in salt and sugar
- Raw or undercooked vegetables, meat, eggs, fish
- Spicy food
What Exercises should be Done in this Stage of Pregnancy?
Even in the third trimester, it is critical to maintaining physical activity. You can execute these workouts throughout this time. But, visit a doctor first and only perform this under the guidance of an expert.
- Yoga and Pilate
- Walking
- Swimming
- Pelvic Floor Exercise (Kegal Exercise)
These nine months have been a wonderful and unique adventure. In such a case, it is critical to savor every moment of the Pregnancy Stages. Pack your belongings and prepare to welcome a healthy and handsome baby boy into your home. It is also critical that you remain optimistic, healthy, and happy at this time.
