During the three trimesters of pregnancy, you can feel the growth of your baby inside your womb. Analysis of the signs and symptoms of each of the phases helps in identifying whether the baby is growing in a healthy way or not. You can also ascertain any abnormality in the baby or its birth process by comparing the prevalent symptoms with the ones that are normally expected during each of the trimesters.
First trimester
The period extending from the first week of pregnancy till the 12th week is referred to as first trimester. This is the time when an embryo is formed inside your womb. It brings about obvious symptoms along with it.
What to expect?
The predominant sign of the first trimester is the stoppage of your menstrual cycle. You will start feeling extreme lethargic and sleepy. You might often suffer from stomach upset. This is at times associated with vomiting. You will feel like going to the toilet for urinating quite often. Mood swings are very normal during this time. But you will hardly find any reason behind your changing mood. You will crave for some food while develop distaste for some others. A strange metallic taste will dominate your taste buds. Your breast with develop soreness and your nipple will stick out. Heartburn and headache will become constant. You will also to gain weight.
Things to avoid
This phase is most prone to miscarriages. So, you need to be very careful. Stay away from alcohol as much as you can. Quit smoking completely. Addictions increase the chances of birth defects in babies. Refrain from sexual encounter during this time as chances of miscarriage will be more otherwise. You must try to stay away from X-ray as it can harm the potential development of the embryo.
Second trimester
The period from the 13th week to 28th week of your pregnancy is medically coined as second trimester. Most women feel that it is less challenging than the previous trimester.
What to expect?
You will find that your morning sickness is gradually getting decreased now. But noticeable changes in the body are more prevalent during this phase. The baby bump will gradually grow in order to provide adequate room for the baby inside it. At a later stage, you will even feel the baby moving inside your body and kicking you hard from inside. Body aches, back pain, soreness in the groin and legs are common now. You will also witness pigmentation of the facial skin and darkening of the nipples and areola. Ugly stretch marks will start showing up all over your belly, buttocks and thighs. You will at times have mild itchy sensation all over your belly. Cramping and swelling of the legs, ankles and feet are also common now.
Things to avoid
Abstain from extremely strenuous activities now. Stay away from things such as cycling, fun rides at the amusement park, sports and gymnastics. If you have still not left smoking and drinking, it is high time you should seriously give up all those for the sake of your baby. Since your craving for food will be intense during this time so entirely avoid sugary stuffs. These foods increase the chances of pre-pregnancy diabetes and complicate delivery.
Third trimester
As you reach the 29th week of pregnancy, you reach the third trimester. This phase continues till the 40th week before delivery. You are supposed to expect your baby soon. So, the pre-pregnancy symptoms multiply during this time.
What to expect?
While some of the symptoms of second trimester will remain constant, a few more will get added up to the list. You will develop pain in the ribcage and feel shortness of breath. Your frequency of rushing to the toilet will increase noticeably. You will face problems in digestion. The baby bump will blow up immensely making you feel all the more uncomfortable. Though weight gain continues to be a constant phenomenon during pregnancy but you will witness its heights during this time. Breast tenderness will prevail. But this will now get accompanied with oozing out of colostrum. You will have frequent abdominal contraction which hints that birth of your baby is just round the corner.
Things to avoid
Limit your outdoor activities as much as possible now. Avoid traveling in public transport as jerks can be detrimental for your health as well as your baby. Limit diuretic drinks like tea and coffee as they will make you urinate more. Consequently, you become vulnerable to dehydration. Do not consume raw food as you might be vulnerable to food poisoning. Avoid sexual activities now.
