If you have recently discovered you are pregnant and you are looking for information about what to expect during each trimester of your pregnancy, you are in the right place. Pregnancy is around 40 weeks in duration, and during that time, your body will undergo a lot of changes. Your pregnancy is split into 3 trimesters, which are 12 weeks long. Read on to find out more.
The 1st Trimester
During the early part of the first trimester, it is normal to begin to doubt that you are really pregnant. At this point, your baby is so small that you will not have a bump. You will also not be able to feel your baby kicking as it is still very small. The first thing you will notice is that you stop having periods. The other thing you may notice is feeling unwell due to morning sickness. As the name suggests, morning sickness typically occurs in the morning, but it can linger on into the afternoon. Your breast may become swollen and your nipples tender. You may also notice that you develop cravings for certain foods.
Making some small changes to your lifestyle can help you to get through the first trimester. Eating smaller and more frequency meals can help to prevent bloating. You may also need to go to bed earlier to ensure you get enough rest.
The 2nd Trimester
By the start of the 2nd trimester, your morning sickness should have passed. It is also common to feel a burst of energy. As the 2nd trimester progresses, you may notice that your bump is starting to show as your baby grows in size. By the end of the 2nd trimester, you should be able to feel your baby as it moves and kicks.
You may experience back or abdominal pain. This is often due to the increasing size and weight of your baby. The skin which surrounds your nipples will start to darken to make it easier for the baby to see them if you decide to breastfeed. Your hands and feet may begin to swell. If the swelling is sudden, you should contact your obstetrician as this could be due to preeclampsia.
The 3rd Trimester
During the final trimester, your bump will continue to grow in size. You may also find it difficult to take deep breaths due to your baby pressing on your lungs. You will also need to visit the toilet more often as your baby places pressure on your bladder. However, it won't be long before your baby is born.
If you would like to find out more, contact an obstetrician today.