Pregnancy is divided up into three trimesters. The first is twelve weeks long, the second fifteen weeks, and the last is twelve weeks. Here's some information about how your pregnancy might progress, one week at a time.
Weeks One to Three: This week is actually before you're pregnant, if you're counting by the gestational age method. Week one begins with the first day of your period. This is a good time to start "thinking pregnant" and eating right. You might experience a little bleeding or spotting when implantation occurs.
Week Four: This is when you'll notice that you haven't had your period. You might feel symptoms similar to PMS, however.
Weeks Five to Eight: Morning sickness and tender breasts are common, but you might not see them until later. Later on, you may begin to gain a little weight, but aren't showing yet.
Weeks Nine to Twelve: You've missed your second period, and your breasts will be larger and more sensitive. You'll find your waistline growing and might have heartburn and other digestive problems. Morning sickness may go away, but moodiness and a bad complexion from hormonal changes can replace it. Expect frequent bathroom breaks!
Weeks Thirteen to Sixteen: Your second trimester is the most comfortable part of pregnancy. Early symptoms are gone, and your stomach isn't in the way. Remember to rest. An expanding waistline, nosebleeds, and bowel discomfort may occur.
Week Seventeen: You may feel your baby moving!
Weeks Eighteen to Twenty-three: You may feel dizzy because of low blood pressure. You may have your ultrasound now, and might be able to tell your baby's sex. Skin changes are common, so eat healthy and drink lots of water to ease dryness and itching. Your belly button will become an outie, and you'll be able to feel the baby moving regularly. Now's a good time to look into taking childbirth classes. You may have swollen feet and ankles.
Weeks Twenty-four to Twenty-seven: Your doctor may order a blood test to make sure you don't develop gestational diabetes. Your expanding uterus will be about the size of a soccer ball, and may give you back pain. You may feel occasional "Braxton Hicks" contractions as your body practices for the real event. However, if they're constant, or accompanied by back pain or uterine pain, talk to your doctor – preterm labor is a possibility.
Weeks Twenty-eight to Thirty-two: The third trimester begins, bringing aches and pains, heartburn, an inconvenient belly, and miraculous changes in your baby. He or she now has eyelashes and eyebrows, and can recognize your voice if you speak. This is when the discomforts of pregnancy tend to become a real bother. Take care of yourself, and try sleeping mostly on your left side. Maternity pillows may help you sleep better. Make sure you're getting plenty of vitamins, minerals, water and fiber – for your health and your baby's.
Weeks Thirty-three to Thirty-eight: You'll gain about a pound a week in the late stages of pregnancy. You'll feel more Braxton-Hicks contractions now. If you haven't selected a pediatrician, now's the time. Your doctor may begin checking your cervix to see how it's changing in relation to your pregnancy. Eat plenty of food, and don't worry about counting calories. You may begin experiencing some signs of labor. Keep a hospital bag packed, since some babies come early. You may experience signs of false labor. Talk to your doctor to distinguish them from true labor.
Weeks Thirty-nine and Forty: As your baby moves into position for birth, you may feel clumsy. These weeks may seem long, especially if your baby is going to be "late". Don't worry unless it's been at least forty-two weeks, however. Your baby will soon be born!
Pregnancy Related Article
Is Bleeding During Pregnancy Normal?
There are plenty of reasons that you might experience bleeding during pregnancy. Some are serious, while others aren't anything to worry about. Knowing when to talk to your doctor could be an important factor in your health...
