Pregnancy is one of the conditions used to describe the period when a fetus develops in the womb. Usually, the pregnancy process lasts for 40 weeks or more than nine months. This time is calculated from the last menstrual period.
Usually, doctors will divide the gestational age into three different phases, such as:
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First Trimester (1 to 12 weeks)
Although physically the changes in the mother are not yet clearly visible, there are certainly major changes in the mother’s body, such as hormone levels that change significantly. The uterus will begin to support the growth of the placenta and fetus. The body will also increase the blood supply to carry oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus.
In this first trimester, the fetus will develop all its organs by the end of the third month. Therefore, these moments are very important for pregnant women to maintain a healthy diet, including adding enough folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
During the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage is usually quite high. Therefore, mothers must maintain their body condition and vitality. Ask the doctor about the health condition of pregnant women for proper pregnancy management.
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Second Trimester (13 to 28 weeks)
The second trimester is the most comfortable period for most pregnant women. Most of the early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness will disappear. The belly will also start to look bigger because the uterus will grow rapidly during this time.
Even though the symptoms of nausea slowly disappear, there are several common complaints that mothers will experience, including leg cramps, pain in the pit of the stomach, high appetite, varicose veins, back pain, and sometimes a blocked nose.
The second trimester is the time when pregnant women can feel the fetus moving for the first time. Usually, this movement occurs in the 20th week of pregnancy. At this moment, the fetus can even hear and recognize the mother’s voice.
Several screening tests are usually done in the second trimester. Be sure to discuss your personal and family medical history with your doctor to be aware of any genetic problems that may pose a risk to your baby.
The second trimester is also the moment when the fetus’ body parts are formed such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. Mothers can also find out the sex of the baby in the second trimester. Usually, during the second trimester, doctors test for gestational diabetes which is generally detected between the 26th and 28th week of pregnancy.
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Third Trimester (29 to 40 weeks)
The third trimester lasts from the 28th week of pregnancy until the baby is born. In the third trimester, the fetus can open, close its eyes, and suck its thumb. The fetus can kick, stretch its body, and respond to light.
Entering the eighth month, brain growth will continue and rapidly. Mother may be able to get the shape of an elbow or heel on the stomach. In the 9th month or 34-36 weeks of pregnancy, the lungs are mature and ready to work on their own.
For the mother herself, there will be regular check-ups such as urine tests to determine protein levels in the body, checking blood pressure, monitoring the fetal heart rate, and other preparations for the delivery process.
The Process of Pregnancy
The process of pregnancy is when sperm fertilizes an egg after it is released from the ovary during ovulation. The fertilized egg will then move towards the uterus, where the implantation process will occur. When the implantation process goes well, pregnancy can occur.
Signs of Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you will experience several signs of pregnancy, such as:
- Missed Period. If you miss or miss your period, this can be a major sign of pregnancy. However, there are a few other symptoms to look out for.
- Headache. This condition is another sign of early pregnancy. This occurs due to increased hormones and increased blood volume.
- Blood Spotting. Some women will experience blood spotting in early pregnancy which is part of the implantation process.
- Weight Gain. Entering the first trimester, weight gain will not experience a large increase. Weight gain will occur quite significantly when entering the second trimester.
- Heartburn. Hormonal changes during pregnancy trigger pregnant women to experience heartburn.
- Constipation. Hormonal changes also slow down your digestive metabolism. This makes pregnant women prone to constipation.
- Breast Changes. Breast changes are one of the signs of pregnancy. Breasts will feel softer and firmer.
- Nausea. This condition is also known as morning sickness. It occurs due to increased hormones in the pregnant woman’s body.
Pregnancy Checkup
Pregnancy check-ups are done when you are pregnant. The check-ups are done to ensure that the mother and fetus are in a healthy condition. In addition to ensuring the health of the mother and fetus, this check-up is also done to ensure the lifestyle and diet that the mother needs to follow to maintain her health during pregnancy.
In addition, during pregnancy, you will also be advised to do blood tests and ultrasounds. Ultrasound examinations are also carried out to ensure the baby’s health condition is in good condition.
By doing an ultrasound, the mother can find out the baby’s weight and height during the examination. The mother can also find out the baby’s gender through an ultrasound when the pregnancy enters the second trimester.
Pregnancy Complications
Mothers need to have regular health checks with obstetricians to avoid various pregnancy complications that may occur during pregnancy. There are several complications to watch out for, namely:
- High blood pressure.
- Gestational diabetes.
- Preeclampsia.
- Anxiety and depressive disorders.
- Miscarriage.
- Anemia.
- Fetal death in the womb.
Pregnancy Care
In order for pregnancy to run smoothly until delivery, it is best to carry out various treatments, such as:
- Eat a variety of healthy foods.
- Taking pregnancy vitamin supplements to meet the nutritional needs for fetal growth and development in the womb.
- Fulfill the body’s fluid needs.
- Conduct regular checks.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods.
- Do not smoke and consume alcohol.
- Be active or exercise.
- Fulfill your rest needs.
- Manage stress well.
When to See a Doctor?
In addition to carrying out routine check-ups, pregnant women should immediately visit the nearest hospital when they experience several symptoms that need to be watched out for during pregnancy, such as bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, back pain, headaches accompanied by visual disturbances, and contractions when the pregnancy has not yet entered the 37th week.