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Stages Of Pregnancy: What To Expect

by Patti Palmer

Giving birth to a baby is the most marvelous thing a woman can do. It is very important that the future mother and her husband vigilantly monitor each step of the pregnancy. A woman's body undergoes a cycle of profound and great changes during pregnancy.

It becomes vital to keep track of various stages of pregnancy. When a woman becomes pregnant, it's not only the mother who needs sufficient nutrition, but also the growing baby in her womb requires additional nutrients to stay healthy. The child in the womb also requires special care. It's highly essential for the pregnant woman to maintain a diary for herself.

You should make note of the changes happening in your body. It is very important that you mention any details which seem important to your gynecologist. A woman first needs to conceive in order to become pregnant, and the pregnancy generally lasts nine months. In some situations, the baby might be delivered before these nine months have passed. These nine months are broken down into three stages of pregnancy. This article will explain the stages of pregnancy and the changes you can expect to see.

The first three months of pregnancy are sometimes considered to be the most critical for the healthy development of the fetus. A woman may notice changes such as increased fatigue, more frequent urination and enlarged breasts. It is essential to start prenatal care at this point, and your care provider will recommend visits at least once a month, perhaps even as often as once a week if they have any concerns regarding the pregnancy. The fetus is continually growing as well, even at this early stage.

During the the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy the visible changes of the woman's body are distinguishable. During these three months the woman's belly will increase in size. Towards the end of this period the breasts will start milk production. This will be a memorable trimester for any mother as she starts to feel the movements of her baby.

The third stage of pregnancy encompasses the seventh through ninth month, and may be the most important of the stages of pregnancy. Many pregnant women experience backaches during this stage as the baby continues to grow. You should continue to take pregnancy pictures not only to make yourself fully aware of all the changes taking place, but also so you can look back later on this time as a positive experience. If you are still trying to conceive, you can speak with a gynecologist or a fertility specialist for tips on getting pregnant.

A woman's nine months of changes during pregnancy is nothing short of miraculous. Those nine months are divided into three stages of pregnancy or trimesters. The first trimester or first three months is most crucial for healthy fetal development. During the second trimester, a woman's belly can visibly show signs of her pregnancy. This is when she can start to feel her baby moving. The third trimester is typically uncomfortable, with backache and frequent urination as common complaints. Frequent pregnancy pictures should be taken during that time. Anyone still wanting tips for getting pregnant can consult a gynecologist for advice.

Published January 6th, 2008

Filed in Health, Society, Women