Stages Of Maternity

Pregnancy is considered as the period of about 40 weeks. It is divided into three trimesters. The woman’s body undergoes various internal and external changes. She needs complete rest and careful attention in this period.

First Trimester

The first stage of pregnancy starts with the first day of the last menstrual period. It lasts upto the 16th week of pregnancy. It is full of the various pregnancy symptoms. Some of the common symptoms are morning sickness, sore breasts, nausea, extreme fatigue and frequent urination. They are related to the increased hormonal levels and the drastic changes taking place inside the body during pregnancy. However, the physical changes can not be noticed at the first trimester. These symptoms are temporary and disappear without any medical treatment.

At this time, the baby has developed the tiny limbs, heartbeats and reflexes. A balanced diet and regular exercise is recommended at this stage for the healthy baby. Daily intake of vitamin C and folic acid is very essential for the development of the baby.

Second trimester

The second trimester continues from 16th to 28th week of pregnancy. In this stage, the size of the belly gets increased. The morning sickness and nausea begin to reduce in this stage. The woman may face certain sleeping problems. The woman can experience the Braxton Hicks contractions, popularly known as the false labor.

The baby starts to develop hair all over the body. The hair help to regulate the body temperature. The baby also starts to develop the senses. The baby can hear the sounds from outside and can differentiate between light and dark. At the end of second trimester, the mother can feel the kicks of the baby.

Third trimester

The third trimester is also called as the baby stage of pregnancy. It is counted from 28th to 40th week of pregnancy. Mother’s body undergoes a lot of changes during this stage. The woman experiences the physical and emotional exhaustion. The woman complains the frequent urination, increased vaginal discharge and contractions. The woman should get prepared for the delivery. She should collect the information about the childbirth and nursing. All the organs of the baby except lungs are developed at the end of third trimester.

Recommended Reading

1. Maternity And Morning Sickness
Morning sickness experienced during maternity period is bound to cause lot of pain and irritation to pregnant women. Change in...
2. Maternity Calender
The pregnancy calendars are based on the 40 week pregnancy. It is a record of all the changes within the...
3. Medical Care Of Maternity Patients
Medical care and services should be genuine and all the hospitals should give proper and essential care for the pregnant...
4. Problems During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the woman's body undergoes various changes. These changes are essential for the development of the fetus inside the...
5. Maternity Guidelines
This article will provide you with proper guidelines for the staff and the managers of the exact procedure to be...