Each pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. These three trimesters have different emotional and physical happenings that make them unique.

 

The First Trimester

Fetal Development

From sperm and egg to the completely formed baby at the end of the first trimester – your baby’s grown in these couple of months is nothing short of amazing. After the egg and sperm join, the cells rapidly grow, the internal organs including the heart, brain, lungs and kidneys form and grow. Your baby’s heart begins to beat very early on and he or she grows arms, legs and other parts.

Your Body

While your body doesn’t actually show to the average person, the changes that you feel in your body are really drastic. From morning sickness and exhaustion to strange food cravings and other “fun” changes of pregnancy.

 

 

Sore Breasts
Early in the first trimester you may notice that your breasts are sore or tender. For some women this is also a sign of an impending period, so it may go unnoticed. You may have a slight tenderness when you touch your breasts or you can have the severe pain whenever you wear a bra. Both variants are normal and are usually most intense in the first trimester. This is one of the reasons that sex in the first trimester is often avoided by some women. Sex in pregnancy is safe, you may just want to avoid having anyone touch your nipples.

 

Nipple Changes
Your nipples may become larger and darker as your pregnancy progresses. You may also notice small, goose bump or pimple like white areas on your areola. These are normal. They are called Montgomery’s tubercules.

 

Larger Breasts
Towards the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the second trimester you may notice that your breasts begin to grow. This is again the tissues inside the breast preparing for nursing. Towards the end of pregnancy you will want to be fitted for a nursing bra to help accommodate the larger breasts.

 

Leaking Colostrum
Colostrum is the first milk your body makes. It will provide your baby with everything he or she needs to start life, including a dose of immunities and protection from jaundice. Towards the end of pregnancy some women may find that their breasts leak this golden color fluid. Or you may notice that your nipples have a film or caked substance, this is all colostrum. You can use a breast pad if it becomes noticeable or if it makes you feel more comfortable.

 

 

No Breast Changes
You may be one of the women who have only slight symptoms or no symptoms of breast changes in pregnancy. Don’t panic. It has nothing to do with your ability to have a successful pregnancy or breastfeeding relationship.

 

 

 

The Second Trimester

 

The second trimester is often considered the best. Nausea and vomiting often experienced by a pregnant woman in the first trimester has gone and the woman often looks good, glowing with pregnancy!

 

Baby’s Progress
This stage of pregnancy is the main period of growth. By the 20th week the baby is growing rapidly in length (approximately 25.5cm) and weight (about 340g). The mother can now feel, and you will be able to see, the very active movements of the baby. The baby now has eyebrows, eyelashes and hair on its head. By the 28th week the baby has a relatively good chance of survival if born early and the baby is considered to be viable, that is, capable of independent and independent existence. The baby’s enzyme systems and other endocrinological processes develop. The baby is about 37cm long and weighs 900g by the 28th week of pregnancy.

 

Weight gain in Pregnancy
It is often the one time in her life that a woman is happy to put on weight and have problems doing up her waistband. Overall a woman of average build on an unrestricted diet can healthily expect to put on about 12.6kg during the pregnancy. Most weight gain occurs between 20th and 30th week. As the pregnancy progresses the initial joy of weight gain may well test both your tolerance levels. However, it is very important that the woman has a good well-balanced diet to produce a healthy baby.

 

Sex in the Second Trimester

Every couple experiences this trimester differently. Some women are easily aroused and want sex more frequently, others may be too tired or worried that sex will harm the baby. A pregnant woman’s breasts are often tender and sensitive and pressure may cause pain so your technique may have to change. The expanding abdomen will dictate appropriate positions also.

Where a woman has had frequent miscarriages your obstetrician will advise you on sexual intercourse. In some cases they will advise penetrative sex ceases until after the birth of the baby. Sensitivity and open communication of your feelings is very important to overcome and resolve sexual difficulties.

 

The Third Trimester

 

The Third Trimester-Weeks 28 to birth

This is the period of time from the 28th week until delivery of the baby. You probably feel you have been pregnant forever! These final weeks can seem to go so slowly.
Lets look at what the third trimester has in store for you, your partner and the baby.

 

Baby’s development in the Third Trimester
At 28 weeks the baby is now covered with a substance called vernix, a greasy substance that protects the baby from the fluid which surrounds it in the womb. The baby’s body has grown to catch up with the size of its head. The baby is now able to live, with specialized care, if it is born early. By 32 weeks the baby is perfectly formed if a bit thin. During the next few weeks it will add body fat, its lungs will mature, and the baby boy’s testicles will descend into the scrotum. Between the 38th week and the 40th week the baby’s head will move into position in the pelvis ready to be born.

 

Women’s pregnancy experience in the Third Trimester
As the baby’s size increases most women experience a certain amount of discomfort. The baby’s weight, its more vigorous movements can cause them a number of physical problems- Aching backs, heartburn, restlessness, frequent trips to the bathroom and sleepless nights to name but a few. It should not be a wonder or surprise really. The woman’s body goes through so many changes during pregnancy, hormones surge, ligaments in the pelvis soften and many women feel like their brains go like cotton wool! Pregnancy can be great but as the weeks go by most women do look forward to the birth with a good deal of longing (as do their partners)! Psychologically pregnancy is not necessarily all roses. Love helps get most couples through.

 

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