Almost all new moms-to-be are clueless about what happens during the trimesters of pregnancy. First-time moms are curious about what’s going on and what is yet to happen. If you want to learn about the changes your body will go through during the three trimesters, check out this guide. There are also a few recommendations for you to get well-acquainted with the stage you’re currently in.
Trimesters of Pregnancy | A Quick Guide for Moms-to-Be
First Trimester
The first trimester consists of the first through 13th weeks of pregnancy. Physical changes won’t be as apparent because the pregnancy is still relatively new, so it may take a while before a baby bump shows itself through clothing. However, internally, a pregnant woman’s body is preparing for the many changes about to take place to make way for a growing baby.
1. Changes in the Body
Hormones are among the biggest signs of pregnancy during a woman’s first trimester. Estrogen production will increase, which may lead to bouts of nausea. During the first trimester, a woman’s ability to taste may also decrease. This is a condition called Dysgeusia.
2. Recommendations
The first trimester is a key time for a pregnant woman and her baby. This is especially true if it’s the woman’s first pregnancy. With that in mind, the woman must prepare her body by taking the necessary supplements.
A healthy diet and intake of folic acid supplements will help ensure a healthy baby. In addition, doctors advise against smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use, as these will harm both the mother and her child. It’s also recommended to abstain from caffeine, processed foods, and shellfish. Avoiding these will help reduce any chances of miscarriage.
Second Trimester
The second trimester takes places from the 13th to the 27th weeks of pregnancy. This is known to be one of the most favored periods for pregnant women. Their energy levels are up during the day, and they’re able to get a good night’s sleep at night.
1. Changes in the Body
A woman’s baby bump starts to show and peek out in her clothes during her second trimester. As her baby bump grows, so does her appetite. However, the weight gain may cause a few problems, such as leg cramps, backaches, and heartburn.
Despite all the conditions mentioned, the second trimester is still one of the most special periods in a pregnant woman’s life. More often than not, the second trimester is when the mother can feel her baby move inside her for the first time. Now, that is truly a beautiful experience in itself.
2. Recommendations
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It’s best to invest in good maternity clothes during the second trimester. These will help the pregnant woman feel more comfortable as she goes about her day. You can also expect more screenings and tests during the latter weeks of the second trimester. An ultrasound and anatomy scan can also be scheduled to tell the pregnant woman more about her baby’s development. That way, she’ll find out if she’s carrying a girl or a boy.
Doctors may test for gestational diabetes during the second trimester. This allows them to determine how the woman’s body will react to sugar during her pregnancy.
Third Trimester
The third trimester is the final trimester. It takes place from the 28th week until the birth of the baby. Often, pregnant women grow impatient and can’t wait to see their babies for the first time.
1. Changes in the Body
Checkups with the mother’s doctor will be more frequent during this trimester. Further tests will be done to check blood pressure, as well as the protein content in the urine of the expectant mother. The heart rate of the baby is checked, too. In addition, the doctor will regularly measure the woman’s fundal height, which is the length of her uterus.
2. Recommendations
To avoid any pregnancy-related surprises or complications, travel isn’t recommended during the last trimester. Given that this is also the final stage of childbirth, it is advisable for pregnant women to enroll in childbirth classes. Doing so will further educate them and their partners about labor and delivery. It’ll also serve as an avenue for them to voice any questions or concerns they may have.
Here are a few more details about the trimesters of pregnancy. Watch the video below to learn about the best pregnancy-friendly food items to stock in your kitchen:
Proceeding through the trimesters of pregnancy won’t always be a walk in the park. There will be days when bodily pains and headaches will take a toll on you. However, one of the beautiful things about pregnancy is the ability to overcome this discomfort for the love of your child. After all, the human body is a wonderful thing, and the fact that you have one growing inside you is a miracle in itself.
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