Pregnancy consists of three stages known as trimesters. Each trimester lasts for a period of three months and significant changes occur during each one. The first trimester lasts from the first week to week 12, the second trimester lasts from week 13 to week 26, and the third trimester lasts from week 27 to week 40.
Different women may experience pregnancy differently, and as such the experience of each trimester may also vary among women. For some women the first trimester may feel extra long due to the new changes that suddenly begin to occur in the body.
Tiredness, morning sickness and other symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations may result in discomfort. The second trimester is experienced by most women as enjoyable due to the cessation of earlier symptoms. For others the third trimester may feel exceptionally long since this is the time when movement becomes quite restricted as the baby grows to its full size. Constantly resting or sitting around waiting eagerly for the day of delivery may make it feel as if time is passing slower than normal. Knowing what to expect during each trimester will help you to be better equipped to deal with the changes that occur.
During the first trimester the breasts begin to enlarge in preparation for milk production. As the uterus expands to make room for the developing baby, pressure is exerted on the bladder resulting in the frequent urge to urinate. Mood swings may occur due to hormonal changes. Morning sickness is common during this time. Increased pressure exerted on the intestines and rectum may also cause constipation. Fatigue and physical and emotional stress is experienced by most women. Due to an increase in the flow of blood to the uterus, the heart rate may also rise.
The second trimester is considered by most women to be the most pleasant. Symptoms of morning sickness disappear and the body becomes used to the hormonal changes. The pregnancy becomes visible now as the uterus further expands. Movements of the baby maybe also be experienced. Nasal congestion and nosebleeds may occur due to increase in estrogen and progesterone levels. As the weight increases back pain may occur. The third trimester brings with it increased discomfort as the baby grows further in size. Body temperature may increase and false labor may occur in preparation for delivery. Skin pigmentation sometimes occurs especially on the face and backaches become more severe as the day of delivery approaches.
Submitted by P T on January 13, 2010 at 10:58