26/10/2025
Pregnacy Stages 🤰
Pregnancy is divided into three main stages, called trimesters — each lasting about 3 months (13 weeks) and involving distinct fetal and maternal changes.
📌1. First Trimester (Weeks 1–13)
Key features:
• Fertilization and implantation occur.
• All major organs begin to form (heart, brain, spinal cord, limbs).
• The placenta develops to nourish the fetus.
• The embryo becomes a fetus by week 8.
• Heartbeat can be detected by ultrasound around 6–8 weeks.
Maternal changes:
• Morning sickness (nausea/vomiting)
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Emotional changes
Main focus:
Healthy nutrition, prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid), and early prenatal visits.
📌2. Second Trimester (Weeks 14–26)
Key features:
• Period of rapid fetal growth.
• S*x organs become visible on ultrasound.
• The fetus starts moving (quickening) — usually felt around 18–20 weeks.
• Skeleton and facial features develop more clearly.
• The fetus can hear sounds.
Maternal changes:
• Belly becomes noticeable.
• Morning sickness often improves.
• Increased appetite.
• Possible backache or leg cramps.
Main focus:
Monitor growth, anatomy ultrasound (around 20 weeks), and screening for gestational diabetes or anemia.
📌3. Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40)
Key features:
• Fetus gains weight rapidly and organs mature.
• Lungs develop for breathing outside the womb.
• Head may engage (move down) into the pelvis before birth.
• By 37 weeks, pregnancy is considered full term.
Maternal changes:
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of feet or ankles
• Frequent urination
• Braxton Hicks contractions (“practice contractions”)
Main focus:
Birth preparation, fetal position monitoring, and identifying labor signs.
