Phases of Pregnancy and Pregnancy Trimesters

Pregnancy is divided into 3 trimesters or phases of 3 months each. These are known as pregnancy trimesters. The first trimester is from 1 2 to 14 weeks of gestation, the second trimester is up to 28 weeks gestation and the third trimester finishes with the birth of the baby. Explained below are various trimesters or phases of pregnancy:

First trimester of pregnancy
This three month period starts when a woman has actually conceived her baby. This includes conception and begins with the last menstrual period. The occurrence of this is usually found 14 days after and during the time of missed menstrual period. By now, the embryo embeds itself in the lining of the womb. Over the next few weeks, rapid growth is noticed. The limb buds appear and the nervous system and heart start forming.

By the time the second period is formed, facial features start developing. The baby starts to move. At the end of this trimester, the baby starts moving freely. This cannot be felt by the mum. Yet, the kidneys and circulation are working. The baby is swallowing and sucking.  This is the important of all pregnancy trimesters.

How mum feels?

• Usually, the mother is overwhelming tired. Many a times, a woman has still not realized that she is pregnant. However, for many new women, it is a great feeling.
• It is felt by some people that they will faint after standing for a great period of time. This is mainly due to changes in circulation. This can be prevented by walking around regularly and wearing support tights.
• Many women feel very nauseous. They vomit particularly in the morning or when they have an empty stomach.
• Breasts feel very painful, tender or larger
• Due to the position of baby in the pelvis, a woman will feel like going to the toilet very often.

Second trimester
By now, a woman is 12 to 14 weeks pregnant. Many women have seen that their baby is on scan. This is a period where the baby will grow very rapidly. There is development of the skeleton. The baby has finger nails as well. The mum usually feels that the baby is moving.

How mum feels?

• Usually, a woman feels very better although vomiting and nausea will not stop.
• A colostrum is produced by the breasts.

Third trimester
These are considered to be the last 3 months of pregnancy. This is a period of growth for the baby. A waking and a sleeping cycle will be established by the baby.

Thus, a woman must have a proper knowledge about the pregnancy trimesters.