The Pregnancy Timeline

It’s no secret that pregnancy causes major changes. Not only does an expectant mother’s lifestyle change, but so too does the inside of her body. Knowing what to expect as pregnancy progresses is a big step toward making the experience as positive as possible.

The pregnancy term is often broken up into three distinct periods, or trimesters.

The First Trimester

An expectant mother’s body undergoes many changes during the first three months of pregnancy. As the body adjusts to the growing baby, the mother may experience nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings and stress. These are all perfectly normal.

Most of these discomforts will subside as the pregnancy progresses. It’s interesting to note that women who have been pregnant before might experience an entirely different set of symptoms the next time around. Again, this is perfectly normal. Just as each woman is different, so too is each pregnancy.

Most expectant mothers find it necessary to make adjustments to their day-today routines. Here are some of the most common symptoms, which should aid in making these adjustments.

Nausea and vomiting

Often called "morning sickness," nausea and vomiting are common during the earlier stages of pregnancy. But as many women find out, this isn’t limited to the morning. Though uncomfortable, nausea and vomiting usually subside after the first trimester.

In the meantime, these tips often help prevent and soothe nausea: eat frequent small meals (six to eight times per day) rather than three big ones, avoid fatty foods, avoid fried foods and stay away from spices.

Starchy snacks like toast, crackers or dry cereal often help when eaten during periods of nausea. Many pregnant women keep these kinds of snacks by their bed and eat some when they wake up in the morning, and they often carry them with them throughout the day.

Tiredness

Many women find themselves constantly exhausted during the first trimester. This is perfectly normal; it’s the body’s way of saying it needs more rest. After all, the mother’s body is working very hard to develop a whole new life.

Frequency of urination

Early in the pregnancy, the growing uterus presses up against the bladder, which causes more frequent urination. Though annoying, this is usually a normal part of pregnancy. But pain, burning, or the presence of blood or pus in the urine is cause for immediate medical attention. These are signs of urinary tract infections. By the end of the first trimester, the baby is about three inches long and weighs about half an ounce. Though not in their final positions, the eyes are nearly set. The ears are in their proper positions.

Regular doctor visits during the early months of pregnancy are especially important. Developing a partnership with a doctor is a great step in managing the health of the pregnancy. During the first prenatal visit, doctors will usually ask about health history and family health history. They’ll also conduct a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam.

Special tests are often required for specific genetic or medical reasons. These include blood and urine tests, cultures for infections and ultrasounds. The doctor will explain these, as well as why they are needed, during the office visits.

The second trimester

Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy easier than the first. But it is just as important to stay informed during these three months as it was during the first trimester.

Most symptoms like nausea and fatigue usually begin to subside. But new, more noticeable changes are beginning to take place. The abdomen begins expanding as the mother-to-be gains weight and the baby continues growing. By the end of this trimester, it’s possible to feel the baby move.

Changes in your baby

By the end of the second trimester, the baby will weigh about 1 _ pounds and be about 13 inches long. With this growth comes the development of fingers, toes, eyelashes and eyebrows. All of the baby’s internal organs (such as the heart, lungs and kidneys) are also fully formed during this trimester. Many women feel their babies moving by the fifth month.

Tests and procedures

Maintaining a relationship with the doctor is still important during this period. Most pregnant women establish a routine of monthly visits with their doctors or midwives during this trimester.

Doctors might suggest some diagnostic and screening tests during these three months, including:

- Amniocentesis. Performed between 15 and 20 weeks.
- Maternal serum screening test. Also performed between 15 and 20 weeks.
- Targeted ultrasound. Performed between 18 and 20 weeks.

The doctor can also use ultrasound techniques to check for neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. In most cases, the doctor can determine the baby’s sex during this test. And contrary to common rumor, this is not the most accurate test for Down syndrome.

The third trimester

Some of the discomforts experienced in the second semester will continue throughout these final months. Plus, many women find breathing more difficult and notice themselves using the restroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and is therefore putting more pressure on the mother’s internal organs. Some additional aches and pains will appear for the first time, including heartburn, swelling of the ankles, fingers and face, hemorrhoids, tender breasts and trouble sleeping.

Sudden or extreme swelling or rapid weight gain could be a sign of preeclampsia or toxemia, and a doctor should be consulted immediately should these symptoms appear.

The doctor will use an ultrasound to make sure the baby is developing in a healthy way. Additional screening tests are now available to test for genetic birth defects.

Changes in the baby

The baby is still growing and moving, but now has less room in the uterus. Because of this, mothers don’t usually feel as many kicks and movements as they did during the second trimester. But the baby is still growing. In fact, before the baby is born it will be able to open and close its eyes and might even suck its thumb.

As the body prepares for birth, the baby will move into its birth position. Many mothers notice the baby moving further down into the abdomen. This can reduce pressure on the lungs and rib cage, which should make breathing easier.

Sleeping

Many expectant mothers notice that they have less energy as they enter the ninth month, and therefore begin to slow down. This is normal. Getting enough rest is important at this stage, even though it may be difficult as the body gets larger.

The baby’s movements, bathroom runs and an increase in the body’s metabolism make sleeping even harder at this stage.

Doctor visits

Women usually see their doctors or midwives more frequently in the third trimester. In fact, most doctors and midwives recommend at least one office visit every two weeks between 30 and 38 weeks of pregnancy. After the 38th week, women usually see their doctors or midwives every week until delivery.

It’s important that women discuss any concerns about their pregnancy, including labor and delivery, with their health care providers. Ultimately they will help influence the type of delivery, be it cesarean section (c-section) or non-surgical, vaginal birth.

When to call the doctor

As women build a relationship with their doctor or midwives, it’s a good idea to get some emergency contact numbers. That way they can be reached once labor begins. It’s also helpful to become familiar with the hospital or birthing center, where to park and where to check in ahead of time.

Throughout the process of the pregnancy, it’s important that a mother-to-be builds a strong relationship with her doctor or midwife. No question should be left unanswered.