Pregnancy Stages
Pregnancy is a special experience even though you have felt it more than once. Raising a fetus to become a baby and ready to be born may make you feel overwhelmed with all mixed feelings; happy, relieved, thrilling, and anxious. Although, at first, 40 weeks seemed like a century, many women said time went very fast when they were pregnant.
This section is designed to help you through your pregnancy week after week. Please remember that you and your baby are two different individuals and each pregnancy has its own story and uniqueness, nothing is alike. Even if you feel you have a lot in common with other pregnant women, your experience can be very different from theirs.
When Do I Begin Counting?
The average length of pregnancy is 40 weeks, giving birth two weeks before or after that number can be said to be normal. The average baby needs 38 weeks to develop to its maximum stage but because we cannot be sure when conception occurs, we count 40 weeks from the first day of the mother's last menstruation. Two weeks after the first day of menstruation is the time when most women are in the fertile period and most likely, conception occurs in that period.
Trimester: What does it mean?
The first thirteen weeks is known as the first trimester. From weeks 14 to 27 is the second trimester and from weeks 28 to 40 is the third trimester. Some pediatricians think there is a fourth trimester but this is more about how babies adapt to the outside world, not an additional 3 months during pregnancy. It's a relief, right?
Each trimester is marked by advances in mother and baby. It is designed to prepare the mother and baby before birth and help mature the baby to the stage ready for birth.
First Trimester: What Happened?
During at least half of the first trimester, many women are unaware of their pregnancy. Although it doesn't seem to make sense that we can count the number of weeks of pregnancy from before conception occurs, this is the only way to estimate when the baby will be born. By using an estimated date of birth and counting down 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period, the day of the baby's birth can be predicted. Indeed, there is no guarantee of its accuracy because everything returns to when the baby is ready to see the world.
First Trimester: What Happened?
During at least half of the first trimester, many women are unaware of their pregnancy. Although it doesn't seem to make sense that we can count the number of weeks of pregnancy from before conception occurs, this is the only way to estimate when the baby will be born. By using an estimated date of birth and counting down 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period, the day of the baby's birth can be predicted. Indeed, there is no guarantee of its accuracy because everything returns to when the baby is ready to see the world.
The first trimester is when the baby is developing rapidly. Sperm only has a 12-24 hour chance after ovulation to conceive. Normally this occurs in the fallopian tube, when the lining of the uterus thickens to create a suitable environment for shelter of fertilized eggs. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrial lining decays during menstruation.
Since conception occurs, there are several groups of cells that will develop separately and with their own uniqueness. The placenta is formed and has an important role in supporting pregnancy and releasing hormones that will regulate the baby's development.
In this series, we will look at one by one week in this important trimester and see that the slightest process is an important basis for optimizing the chances of an embryo to survive. We will discuss the body changes that you experience and what things you will feel. We will also look at your baby's development closely.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Second Trimester: What Happens Inside There?
In the 12th week of pregnancy, the baby is well formed and looks like a miniature human. His head is bigger when compared to other body parts, the face can be recognized. The second trimester focuses on the formation of important body organs and the development of the nervous system.
During the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby changes in size per week. In the middle of the second trimester, many women begin to feel the baby's movements. This is a time when women start to look comfortable with their pregnancy, have more energy, and feel better than before. Nausea is sometimes still felt and it is too early to limit movement.
In this series, we will look at weeks 14-27 and learn what is happening physically to you and your baby. We will also discuss what you are feeling, what you can do to stay healthy, and the stages of your baby's development.
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Week 17
Week 18
Week 19
Week 20
Week 21
Week 22
Week 23
Week 24
Week 25
Week 26
Week 27
Third Trimester: Is This The End of the Trip?
In the third trimester, babies already have a pattern of rest and activity. Babies also begin to change their position often, kicking, and moving in order to find the most comfortable position in the uterus. Your baby's brain and nervous system will form in this period and the lungs will continue to develop.
For pregnant women, this trimester will probably feel the longest. It was very clear that she was pregnant and her size was a reminder of what would happen in the future. Even simple activities can make a pregnant woman tired, especially if she is a working woman or this is not her first pregnancy so she has to take care of an older child. Birth cannot be rushed. The baby still needs the mother to support her life and if the baby is born too early, he will need special care. For pregnant women, this trimester will probably feel the longest. It was very clear that she was pregnant and her size was a reminder of what would happen in the future. Even simple activities can make a pregnant woman tired, especially if she is a working woman or this is not her first pregnancy so she has to take care of an older child. Birth cannot be rushed. The baby still needs the mother to support her life and if the baby is born too early, he will need special care.
In this 28-40 week period, we will show you how important all stages of fetal development are in order to prepare your baby for the outside world. We will also see changes caused by pregnancy which will affect your emotions, appearance and relationships.
We hope that with this week-by-week pregnancy guide, we can help you understand the changes that occur due to pregnancy.
Week 28
Week 29
Week 30
Week 31
Week 32
Week 33
Week 34
Week 35
Week 36
Week 37
Week 38
Week 39
Week 40
Week 41
Week 42