Pregnancy is the period of approximately 9 months in which an unborn child develops in the womb. The first sign of pregnancy is usually the lack of menstruation, but there are other signs of it.
Also, pregnancy involves changes that will have a significant impact on the mother’s body. Most pregnancies last about 280 days but can last from 37 to 42 weeks. It should be known that the counting is done starting with the first day of the last menstruation.
Doctors divide pregnancy into three stages or trimesters, during which specific changes occur, both for the mother and for the child. Each quarter lasts approximately 3 months. The task is divided as follows: Stages And Evolution Of Pregnancy
First trimester
First month weeks 1-4;
2nd month, weeks 5-8;
3rd month, weeks 9-13.
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Second trimester
4th month, weeks 14-17;
5th month, weeks 18-22;
6th month, weeks 23-27.
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Third trimester
7th month, weeks 28-31;
8th month, weeks 32-35;
9th month, weeks 36-40.
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Getting regular prenatal care is vital for every trimester. The doctor can help ensure that the baby grows and achieves its developmental goals and that the mother is in good health.
The first month
The first symptoms of pregnancy differ from one woman to another. However, for most, the pregnancy is discovered in the first month, the result of the pregnancy test being the only indication, along with amenorrhea. However, other symptoms that may be experienced include:
• Nausea, especially in the morning;
• Sensitivity and increase in volume of the breasts and nipples;
• Fatigue, due to the body’s attempt to adapt to hormonal changes;
• Increased urinary frequency, caused by the production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG);
• Sensitivity to smells, especially those of food.
In the first month, the child is approximately 0.1-0.2 millimeters and is called a blastocyst. Also, at three weeks, all the genetic material is already there, and the sex is already decided.
The prenatal evaluation in the first month includes pregnancy tests, an internal pelvic examination, to check the uterus, vagina, and cervix, as well as blood and urine tests.
Also, the doctor will evaluate the general state of health, including height, weight, and blood pressure. Pap test may be necessary.
The second month
The blastocyst becomes a zygote, acquiring a more human form. Also, there can be different changes, as the body and mind adapt to the role of mother. The following changes can be experienced:
• Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity become more pronounced;
• The lifestyle must be changed so that the mother and the child are healthy;
• The consumption of tobacco, alcohol and coffee must be stopped;
• Mood can vary, depending on the hormonal adjustment;
• Sexual appetite may decrease, and fatigue and nausea may increase in intensity.
The child is less than two centimeters but has a human form. The heart beats, the brain develops, and the hands and feet are formed. However, the eyes are partially developed.
The doctor will test the urine for possible infections, and the blood will be analyzed to detect possible anemia or HIV infection. Also, weight and blood pressure will be measured and genetic tests can be done, if necessary.
The third month
The first trimester ends and the mother’s body adapts to the hormonal changes. Thus, the nausea can disappear, the belly starts to grow because the uterus increases to the size of a grapefruit. Certain food cravings can also be felt.
The child is now a fetus, having a length between 5 and 10 centimeters. By the end of the first trimester, all organs are present, even nails can develop.
Also, the fetus can move its arms and legs, but they cannot yet be felt by the mother. The doctor continues to monitor the future mother, and the heartbeat of the fetus can be heard.
The fourth month
The second trimester begins, and the hormones fade. The belly becomes even bigger, and the baby’s movements begin to be felt. The nausea is almost completely reduced, and the energy is increasing.
Also, the mood improves, and the sexual appetite returns. The uterus grows and rises in the abdomen, this can cause heartburn.
The child is 13-15 centimeters and approximately 100 grams. The face and heart are perfectly formed, but the lungs are still developing. The child’s eyes will open and he will begin to develop his sucking reflex.
In addition to previous monitoring, the doctor can also determine alpha-fetoprotein to detect certain neural defects.
The fifth month
The body weight can increase by up to 7 kilograms, and the uterus is the size of a cantaloupe. Appetite increases, and fatigue returns. Also, some women suffer from bloating or constipation.
The child is now approximately 250-300 grams and 15-22 centimeters. The child becomes covered with a thin layer of fine hair, for protection and develops its fingerprints.
Also, the ovaries develop in the case of female girls. Ultrasound can determine the sex of the child, but also any anomaly.
The sixth month
The second trimester ends, the baby makes its presence felt, and maternal instincts begin to emerge.
The uterus is the size of a ball, and the characteristic symptoms begin to appear or intensify. E.g:
• Heartburn ;
• Bleeding gums;
• Constipation;
• Cramps.
Also, the weight increases by about half a kilogram per week from this moment, potentially producing varicose veins or hemorrhoids. Fatigue appears faster and is more pronounced.
The child is about 25 centimeters tall and weighs about 450 grams. Also, they can blink and have eyebrows, and their vocal cords work.
Continuous monitoring, because problems related to blood pressure may occur. Also, tests to detect gestational diabetes may be necessary.
The seventh month
The 7-month-old fetus has more and more human features, and the mother can feel the child’s movements well. However, the cramps intensify and the joints may feel weak. Braxton Hicks contractions (false contractions), which do not produce birth, can also occur.
The child begins to develop adipose tissue and is almost 30 centimeters and approximately 1.5-2 kg. The nervous system develops rapidly, and the child can see, hear and taste.
The medical evaluation continues, following the growth and position of the fetus.
The eighth month
The child grows rapidly during this period, and the birth is getting closer. The child begins to press on organs or ribs, causing discomfort.
Also, pelvic pressure increases, and indigestion and burns become more intense. The skin continues to stretch and stretch marks may appear.
The child is over 30 centimeters tall and weighs about 2.2-2.5 kilograms. The lungs and brain continue to develop, and the other systems are perfected to be ready to survive outside.
The child’s movements slow down, due to the small space in which he is sitting. By the end of the month, most children are positioned head down, i.e. in cranial presentation and descend in the pelvic area.
Monitoring of weight, urine and blood pressure will continue. The growth and development of the child will be checked, along with the heartbeat and its position. Visits to the doctor end up being weekly.
The ninth month
The arrival of the baby is very close. It settles in the pelvis, offering more space in the abdominal area. The sleep of the expectant mother is extremely difficult because of the size she has gained, but also because of the anxiety that may arise in connection with the pregnancy.
The baby’s lungs are maturing and the brain is growing tremendously this month. Also, he reaches about 50 centimeters and weighs about 3-3.5 kg.
All monitoring will continue. Also, internal examinations are needed to determine if the cervix is prepared and dilated.
In this month the child is fully developed, so the real contractions occur and the birth takes place.