Pregnancy is divided into 3 stages, which are commonly referred to as ‘trimesters of pregnancy’. Each stage of pregnancy brings new changes in a woman and the growing baby. Read on to know about different changes a mother and the child goes through.

First Trimester of Pregnancy

The first stage or trimester of pregnancy starts from 1st until the 14th week. In this stage of pregnancy, there is no obvious dramatic change in the woman's body, though many physical changes may take place due to a surge of pregnancy hormones. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system.

Other changes during the first trimester may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Food cravings
• Headaches
• Morning sickness
• Frequent urination
• Swelling and tender breasts

Within a few weeks, the baby starts transforming from a mere mass of cell to an identifiable human foetus. Vital organs of the baby start developing from this stage. It is important to get essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients for growth and development of the unborn baby.  Pregnant women must consult the doctor to keep a track of their pregnancy and discuss things that need to be avoided.

Also read: How to dress up during pregnancy

Second Trimester of Pregnancy

The second trimester of pregnancy is considered to be the easiest stage for pregnant women. It lasts until the 7th month of pregnancy. Most of the symptoms experienced in the first stage of pregnancy either subside or go off completely, however, this trimester has its own symptoms that arise due to the growth of the baby i.e. the mother may begin to experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Sensitivity in breast 
• Dizziness
• Pain and muscle ache
• Increased appetite
• Stretch marks on the stomach, breast, thighs, or buttocks

The baby continues to grow i.e. starts blinking its eyes, begins to kick and moves inside the uterus etc. Experts suggest that women should increase the intake of calcium during this time to facilitate the growth of the baby’s skeleton system.

Also read: Beat those Pregnancy blues.

 

Third Trimester of Pregnancy

The Third trimester of pregnancy lasts until childbirth and is considered to be the most difficult stage for a pregnant woman. By this trimester, your baby would have fully grown in size and weight, thereby making you feels tired more frequently than before. In addition to physical discomfort, women undergo many emotional changes. At this stage of pregnancy, most pregnant women become anxious about childbirth and experience following changes:

• Swelling of ankles, fingers and face
• Difficulty in sleeping
• A lot of movement by the baby
• Going to the bathroom more often

By now the organs and respiratory system of the baby are fully matured. The baby continues to grow by adding layers of fats. During this period, it is important to get enough vitamins, minerals and nutrients as they are essential for the growth and development of the baby.

Read more articles on Pregnancy.

For more related articles, download OnlymyHealth app.