The different Stages of Pregnancy
(425 Words)
Pregnancy is filled with different stages, each of which has its own characteristics. Understanding what is to come may help you prepare for this emotional and physical journey. In general, pregnancy is categorized into three trimesters.
First trimester
You may not look very different in the first trimester but you will feel it. Many women get morning sickness at this time, likely due to hormonal changes. You may just feel nauseous or you may throw up. It occurs frequently in the morning but can occur at any time.
You may feel some light cramping as your uterus starts to expand slowly. Although most women do not gain a lot of weight during this time, you may start to feel your waistline starting to thicken. Many women also experience bloating during the first trimester.
Exhaustion is very common during the first trimester. You may want nothing more than to sleep. You may find that once easy activities tire you out.
Emotionally, the first trimester is generally very emotional for a woman. Hormones are shifting rapidly. You may be excited, scared, happy, or all of these emotions.
Second trimester
The second trimester is sometimes called the honeymoon stage of the pregnancy. Morning sickness abates in most women. Most also start to get their energy back. You start to get bigger but are not generally too big yet. Some women experience heartburn at this time. You will start to feel your baby move more and more, which is very exciting for many women.
You may start to get more excited about your new arrival. You can usually find out the sex of the baby by ultrasound at this time if you so choose.
Third trimester
Exhaustion returns for many women in the third trimester. You are getting bigger and bigger and may gown a pound a week at the end. You are probably feeling very bulky, and some women even get more morning sickness. You may get leg cramps. Many women start getting Braxton Hicks contractions, otherwise known as false labor. You can feel your stomach tightening and loosening (although be sure to check it out if you have any reason to believe it is real labor). Some women experience an increase in blood pressure, so you need to be on the lookout for preeclampsia. Your body may start to dilate and efface as it prepares for labor.
Although the nine (possibly plus) months may seem long, they fly by for many women. Enjoy the special time as you get closer and closer to your miracle of life.