In each of the stages of pregnancy, there is some challenge, but also great satisfaction. The mother’s body changes a lot during those nine months; the baby, for its part, goes through an extraordinary development.
Pregnancy is a beautiful and momentous time for any woman. However, it is also an experience that raises many questions, especially for new mothers. One of the frequent concerns has to do with what happens in each of the stages of pregnancy.
All gestation is completed in a period of 40 weeks, counting from the first day of the last menstrual period until delivery. These weeks are grouped into three stages, each with its own characteristics. Next, we will see what these phases consist of.
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3 Stages of pregnancy
What happens in the first trimester?
The first of the stages of pregnancy ranges from week 1 to week 12 and makes up the first trimester of gestation. It is characterized by the presence of many hormonal changes that affect almost every system in the body.
There are a large number of symptoms that may require adjustments in daily routines. It is the stage of morning sickness, mood swings, and various ailments. However, some mothers feel nothing. Let’s see what happens month by month.
First month
The first month of pregnancy is very crucial. There is a marked increase in the production of two hormones: progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. The menstrual period disappears and, in many cases, morning sicknesses arise with great emotional sensitivity in mothers.
It is one of the most interesting stages of pregnancy. During it, fertilization and the formation of the embryo take place. This is then implanted in the uterus to continue developing.
Second month
During the second month, the embryo grows and major organs and systems begin to form. It is now possible to distinguish the head and the first peek of arms and legs. This is also one of the stages of pregnancy in which the mother feels more tired, with greater appetite and greater sensitivity in the breasts.
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Third month
Morning sickness begins to diminish, but emotional sensitivity increases. During this month the embryonic period ends and the fetal phase begins. Many of the organs are already formed and the spinal column and spinal nerves appear.
What happens in the second stage of pregnancy?
The second of the pregnancy stages begins at week 13 and ends at week 28. For most women, this trimester is easier to cope with than the first.
The abdomen begins to grow and stretch marks or spots may appear on the face. You may also feel itchy or tingly and have swelling in the ankles, fingers, and face.
Fourth month
The breasts increase in size and the belly is already noticeable with the naked eye. There may be mild pelvic pain and a blocked nose or pregnancy rhinitis. The fetus has developed most of the organs and the genitalia appears; therefore, the sex of the baby can be known through an ultrasound.
Fifth month
It is possible that during this stage the urge to urinate increases and there may be problems with constipation. It is also not uncommon for the dreaded varicose veins to appear. However, this month, the mother will feel the baby’s movements for the first time, since her brain has already developed enough to generate repetitive movements and with a certain routine.
Sixth month
Tooth discomfort and fluid retention may appear. There may be so-called Braxton Hicks contractions, which help prepare the mother for labor. The senses and almost the entire face of the baby are already formed. The brain limbic system, responsible for emotions, also develops.
What happens in the third trimester?
The third trimester spans from week 29 to 40. Second-trimester symptoms may increase, and besides, there may be shortness of breath, hemorrhoids, trouble sleeping, colostrum secretion, and heartburn.
Seventh month
There is an increased feeling of fatigue, and weight gain may cause mobility problems. More uterine cramps and contractions may also occur. By the end of the seventh month, the baby has developed his heart and circulatory system. It also opens and closes the eyelids and can sleep at times.
Eighth month
There are more exhaustion and clumsiness than usual. Small changes occur in the pelvis and hip; in some cases, there may be urinary incontinence. The baby is fully formed. By now, your brain will have produced 100 trillion neurons and 100 trillion connections.
Ninth month
In the ninth month, all stages of pregnancy are completed. The pregnancy has come to an end and, at this point, the back pain and abdominal pain disappear, as the baby has descended. Sudden exhaustion may occur and the joints may feel weaker.
From week 36 labor can occur at any time, as the baby has completed its intrauterine maturation. He will also have settled with his head on his pelvis, waiting for the moment to go out into the outside world.
Live the stages of pregnancy knowing them
The mother must know what happens at each stage of pregnancy. You don’t have to be an expert in physiology and anatomy, but you do have to recognize the most common changes so they don’t scare you.
The support from professionals and the social network is always key, from the first week to the last. In this way, the associated risks are reduced and the alarm system is more firm to consult in time and resolve any doubts that may arise.