What happens in all the trimesters of pregnancy?

(January 18, 2010)

A full term pregnancy has three trimesters and counted in weeks, approximately 40 weeks. The first trimester is calculated from the first day of the last period or menstrual cycle to the end of the 10th week. The second trimester begins in week 13 and ends in the 26th week and the third trimester starts, which ends with the birth of the baby after the 40th week. Not only does the baby develop and grow during this time, the mothers body also undergoes several changes and prepares for the birth and post natal care.

Soon after conception in the first trimester the womans body triggers the secretion of HcG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). This is the hormone that is detected in pregnancy tests to show a positive result. The woman experiences morning sickness with bouts of vomiting and a general feeling of nausea. The breasts become a lot more sensitive and tender, the nipples and the surrounding areas start to become darker along with the increase in size of the breasts. Also due to a heightened sense of smell, many women feel nauseated with smells that they are otherwise accustomed to. A general feeling of tiredness prevails due the number of changes that the body is going through. As a result of the increased blood circulation in the pelvic area at this time, several women suffer from constipation. A woman may develop cravings or complete distaste for certain foods. The hormonal changes also lead to emotional outbursts and mood swings.

The second trimester is said to be a more relaxed period for the mother as the morning sickness fades away slowly leaving the woman more energized and comfortable with the pregnancy. The woman starts to put on weight and the abdomen begins to expand. The physical changes at this time include dark patches on the skin especially on the face, itchiness around the abdomen, breasts, buttocks and thighs due the stretching skin in these areas, swelling hands and legs and backaches due the pressure on the spine.

The last trimester continues with most of the discomforts faced in the second trimester with the addition of a weak bladder and shortness of breath. These are mainly due to the pressure on the organs growing with the fetus. The shape of the abdomen changes as the fetus moves lower in preparation for the birth. The woman generally has trouble sleeping. Close to the due date the cervix becomes thinner and softer as it will help in opening the birth canal during the birthing process.

Submitted by P T on January 18, 2010 at 10:56

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