19/12/2023
PregnancyTrimesters
Topic: Pregnancy, Hallmark of The Three Trimesters
by AsktheGynaecologist Nigeria
Overview
Pregnancy is divided in to three (3) phases, and these are called trimesters. Each have their peculiarities, marked by specific developmental milestones for the unborn babies.
By dividing the pregnancy duration in to trimesters enables easier management of pregnancy concerns, and in the monitoring of expected developments in a growing baby.
First of all, a pregnancy is considered full-term at 40 weeks. However, in some cases babies that are delivered before the end of week 37 are considered premature.
Premature babies are at more increased risks for problems with normal growth and development, this also includes difficulties in breathing and digesting. However, some premature babies however might have no problems at all.
●●●● First Trimester (0 to 13 Weeks)
The first trimester is the most crucial and important in the life of your baby's development. A lot of vital organ development occur at this stage of pregnancy. Expectedly during this period, your baby's body structure and organ systems develop. Unfortunately, most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period.
In this trimester, the mother’s body undergoes major changes and these changes often cause a variety of symptoms, including
• nausea,
• fatigue,
• breast tenderness
• and frequent urination.
Although these are common pregnancy symptoms, every woman has a different experience and are wired differently. For example, while some may experience an increased energy level during this period, others may feel very tired and emotional. Also, while some will experience extreme vomiting and nausea, others might just be ok.
●●●● Second Trimester (14 to 26 Weeks)
This phase, starts from 14 weeks and ends by 26 weeks. The is often called the "golden period" because many of the unpleasant effects of early pregnancy disappear in majority of women.
Also during the second trimester, the mother is likely to experience decreased nausea, better sleep patterns and an increased energy level. However, in some women, they may experience a whole new set of symptoms, such as back pain, abdominal pain, leg cramps, constipation and heartburn. In this stage, somewhere between 16 weeks and 20 weeks, you may feel your baby's first fluttering movements. This can vary, it can come before or after this set time.
●●● Third Trimester (27 to 40 Weeks)
Finally, your last journey to bliss BEGINS. This starts from 27 weeks. Most mothers feel so impatient at this phase. Majority are very excited and anxious for the birth of their baby. Some of the physical symptoms you may experience during this period include:
• shortness of breath,
• hemorrhoids ( So called pile)
• urinary incontinence,
• varicose veins
• and sleeping problems.
Good news, many of these symptoms arise from the increase in the size of your womb, which expands from approximately 2 ounces before pregnancy to 2.5 pounds at this stage.
At about 40 weeks, the journey ends with birth of your beautiful bundle of joy!
AsktheGynaecologist Nigeria
ATG Group