The Third Stage of pregnancy (Weeks 28–40)

The third stage of pregnancy is from 7^th month to 9^th month of your pregnancy period.

As you enter into the final trimester of your pregnancy you may notice that you feel more sensitive, emotional and anxious. When you are resting these feelings are very natural. It’s common to begin worrying about what kind of mother you are going to be. Many times, the increased size and weight of your baby can cause increased pain, making you feel more uncomfortable and anxious. At 28 weeks you should be able to feel your baby kicking several times per hour.[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]

The final stage of pregnancy, weeks 28 through 40, is often marked by excited expectation of the baby’s arrival. At this stage, it is a good that always ready to go hospital.

Development of baby during last stage of pregnancy

 The growing fetus begins to be aware of its surroundings as the third trimester gets underway. Early in the third trimester, the fetus begins to open and close its eyes and suck its thumb. He or she also begins to respond to light and sound. As the fetus continues to grow, it has less and less room to move around. Some women report being able to identify the shape of an elbow or a heel poking into their abdomen. At the end of this trimester, the fetus moves into the position for birth, which usually means he or she moves into a “head down” position lower in the mother’s abdomen, nearer to her pelvis?

Experience during third stage of pregnancy

 The third trimester can be marked by physical discomfort associated with the now large size of the developing baby and mother’s associated weight gain. It is common for third trimester mothers to experience heartburn, significant hemorrhoids, increased body temperature, and more fatigue. Additionally, many women experience swelling in their ankles and fingers. Although some swelling is normal, you should alert your physician if you notice sudden, extreme swelling, or if you experience a rapid, sudden weight gain. These two symptoms may indicate a serious condition which could harm your baby.

Complications of pregnancy

The third trimester ends with labor and the birth of the baby. It remains possible to enter into pre-term labor prior to your due date. Contact your physician to make sure you are not in preterm labor if you experience contractions that are accompanied by a watery or bloody discharge or back pain, or if you find you have more than 8 contractions per hour, occurring at regular intervals.

Planning For Labor in the final stage

Labor is the process through which a pregnancy ends and a baby is born. The birth of a child is one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences a person can have. At the same time, the labor process can be difficult, painful and confusing, particularly if you have not previously experienced the process before, or are going into it without having been educated as to its complexities. No two births are the same, and no two mothers have the same experience during labor. The best way to prepare yourself for this important last stage of pregnancy is to know your options and to know yourself and what you want for the birth of your child.

It is a good idea that you establish a plan for labor and delivery well in advance of your due date. The first decision you need to make when thinking about the birth of your baby is where you would feel most comfortable delivering. There are many options for where your baby can be born, and how your baby will be delivered.

Another choice you will need to make in preparation for labor is whether or not you want to use pain medication. It is impossible to predict how much pain you will feel when you are in labor, and therefore it is impossible to know whether or not you will require medication in order to remain comfortable during the process. Talk to your health care provider about the various methods for pain relief that are available in natural and medical form.

In preparing for a delivery, you may choose to take relaxation and breathing technique classes, or to do exercises to help strengthen the muscles you will use during labor.

After the child birth, we have the other responsibility to give the proper diet to the baby on a proper time. Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby for first 3 month. Hence we should know about the breastfeeding.

The Second Stage of pregnancy (Weeks 13–27)

The second stage of pregnancy is from 4^th month to 6^th month of your pregnancy period.

For many women, the middle part of pregnancy is the most comfortable pregnant period. The second trimester is a good time to prepare yourself and your home for the arrival of the new baby. This is the time to begin preparing a nursery or other space for the baby, to learn about breast feeding, and to study books about early childcare.[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]

Development of baby of pregnancy

The second trimester marks a period during which the developing fetus becomes active, and begins to move, kick and swallow. Around the fifth month of pregnancy, the fetus gains the ability to turn from side to side or head over heels. It is usually around this point in the pregnancy (between the 18th and 22nd weeks) that most women experience “quickening”, or the ability to feel fetal movement. It is also during this stage that the fetus begins to sleep at regular intervals. By the end of the second trimester the fetus is around 8 to 12 inches long and weighs up to 1 pound. Between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, you should begin to feel fluttering and light kicking from the fetus.

Experience During second stage of pregnancy

The nausea and fatigue characteristic of the first trimester begin to fade for most women as they move into their second trimester. The second trimester is also marked by the development of outward symptoms of pregnancy. Many women first really begin to “feel” pregnant, and to show physical signs of pregnancy during the second trimester.

Your abdomen will begin to expand as your growing fetus gets bigger. You will likely also experience some weight gain, not all of which will be due to your fetus. As your uterus grows in size and your abdomen expands, you may notice a change in the color of the skin pigmentation on your abdomen, as well as the beginnings of stretch marks. Approximately 50% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Most of these marks will fade after delivery.

The second trimester can also be marked by aches and pains in your abdomen, groin, thighs, or back. These pains are normal, and should simply be considered signs that your body is adjusting itself to accommodate your growing fetus. Resting and heat applied to the painful muscles or massage can help to alleviate symptoms. Be careful with any medications you might think to use to relieve pain. Check with your doctor if heat, rest or massage is insufficient to provide pain relief.

As your baby grows it begins to exert pressure on your organs, including your lungs. It is common for women in their second trimester to experience shortness of breath, or an increased feeling of internal pressure. Maintaining good posture and taking deep breaths may help alleviate this symptom. Doctors often recommend that pregnant women sleep on their left side in order to avoid them putting pressure on the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to their fetus.

Complications of pregnancy in second stage

Though the risk of miscarriage lowers as the second trimester gets under way, the possibility of pre-term labor beings. Pre-term labor occurs when a woman goes into labor more than three weeks before her due date. Luckily, when caught early enough, pre-term labor can often be stopped by a physician. Learning to recognize the signs suggesting that pre-term labor is coming on can thus help you to save your pregnancy. Signs of pre-term labor can include:

• contractions or cramping (with or without pain)
• sharp, gas-type pains
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vaginal bleeding
• pelvic pressure
• lower backache
• increased discharge from your vagina, including watery discharge

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

This second stage of pregnancy lasts until the end of the seventh month and is many times the easiest stage of pregnancy as most women will start to regain some of their energy. During this stage your stomach will begin to expand and those around you will start to notice that you are pregnant.

The First Stage of Pregnancy (Weeks 1 – Week12):

The first stage of pregnancy is from 1^st month to 3^rd month of your pregnancy period.

The first stage of pregnancy period until 12 weeks gestation (pregnancy length). Women usually don’t realize they are pregnant until at least two weeks into the first phase, when they miss their period. During the first trimester, your growing baby is developing at an amazing rate.[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]

A baby starts out as a few cells. Growing baby called an “embryo” until it reaches its eighth week. After the 8^th week, baby called as fetus. To develop the basis for all of the mechanisms it will need within the first trimester. Development begins when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus in a process called “implantation”. If all goes well, the fetus will be approximately 6 to 7.5 cm in length, and weigh a little over 1 ounce by the end of the first trimester. A heartbeat can usually be seen with an ultrasound around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy.

During the embryonic phase, you may naturally find yourself on the hungry side. However, you also experience certain negative responses to specific foods that have nothing to do with morning sickness. Strong food and odor aversions may occur, and if you find the idea of eating a type of food disgusting, then simply avoid that food. Other strong food cravings may compensate.

During the first trimester, you can expect to gain anywhere from six to eleven pounds. Your doctor will be able to help you with nutritional questions and key pregnancy benchmarks that indicate good health.

You get enough vitamins, minerals and nutrients as they are essential for growth and development. It’s a good idea to consult with your health care provider to determine what is best for you.

Developments that occur during this first stage include

• The development of the placenta and umbilical cord. These structures are important for bringing nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and for removing waste products from the fetus back to the mother’s body.
• The development of the amniotic sac, a fluid-filled membrane that cushions the developing fetus.
• The development of all major organs. The heart begins to beat on or around the 25th day after conception.
• The development of the neural tube, which goes on to form the brain and spinal cord.
• The development of limb buds, which are the beginnings of arms and legs.
• The development of fingers, toes, ears, ankles, wrists, and eyelids. By the end of the first trimester the fetus will have finger and toenails and will have “buds” in its mouth area that will go on to become baby teeth.

Experience during the first stage of pregnancy

Women experience some amazing changes during the first trimester. Some symptoms you may experience during this stage include nausea (sometimes accompanied by actual vomiting), frequent urination, fatigue, food aversion, and breast swelling and tenderness. The two most pronounced (intense) symptoms are nausea and fatigue.

Nausea is commonly called “morning sickness” as many women find that it is worse during the morning. However, some women find they are nauseous all the time, and nausea is possible at any time of day or night. Vomiting should not be a cause of alarm unless it occurs more than four times per day or is bloody. Often, the symptoms of morning sickness are worse when your stomach is empty and your blood sugar is low. Avoid this possibility by eating 6 to 8 small meals per day, maintaining a small amount of food in your stomach at all times.

During the first trimester, you may find that you can’t make it through the day without a nap, or that you feel tired even after sleeping for 8 hours at night. There are a few things you can do to combat fatigue, including making sure you are eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and paying attention to environmental conditions such as poor lighting or ventilation that might contribute to tiredness. Your body is working very hard to build your new baby during this stage of your pregnancy; the fatigue you feel is your body’s way of telling you it needs rest. You will likely find that your energy levels return to normal as your body gets used to the new demands it faces.

Complications and Miscarriage chances during first stage of pregnancy

 Miscarriage means spontaneous termination of pregnancy within the first 20 weeks. During the first trimester, miscarriage  chances are very high. Though many women are not aware of the fact, miscarriage is relatively common, and as many as twenty percent of pregnancies may end in miscarriage. Some pregnancies end even before you experience your first pregnancy symptoms. This can result in a phenomenon known as a “chemical pregnancy” in which enough HCG is produced to register a positive pregnancy test, but following tests indicate negative results (as HCG production stops following a very early miscarriage).

There are also a few symptoms to watch out for that will require medical attention when present. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• bloody or watery vaginal discharge
• edema (swelling of the hands, feet, or face)
• recurring headaches
• excessive vomiting
• blurry vision
• dizziness
• fevers
• decreased urination or burning with urination

Miscarriages often occur when an abnormal fetus (for example, a fetus with serious genetic abnormalities that are “incompatible with life”). Having a single miscarriage doesn’t mean you will necessarily have a difficult time conceiving the next time you try and get.

Life during Pregnancy

We are entered into the new stage of our life. We should go through the many changes which is different from our normal routine. We have to adjust our life style to give safety to our growing baby. Though your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, in most cases it is safe and even healthy for you to continue with many of your normal activities throughout most of the process. A few of these normal activities are discussed below:

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]Many people are concerned about the changing role sex may play in their relationship throughout pregnancy. Rest assured that if you are experiencing a normal pregnancy it is perfectly safe to have sex up to the ninth month. Because of the many changes that are taking place in your body and in your life, it is normal to experience changes in your sexuality during pregnancy.

Sexual desire may increase or decrease for both the pregnant woman and her sexual partner during the different stages of the pregnancy. During the first trimester, feelings of nausea or fatigue may decrease a woman’s sexual desires. Conversely, knowing that you are pregnant can increase the intimacy between you and your partner. Many women experience an increase in sexual interest during the second trimester, when symptoms of pregnancy have lessened. Additionally, many women find sex to be difficult or uncomfortable during the third trimester when the size of the pregnancy can pose a challenge. Trying out different positions or engaging in other forms of intimacy besides sexual intercourse may help you and your partner to remain intimate during this special time.

There are a few circumstances where it is best to limit or avoid sexual intercourse during pregnancy. Women with a history of miscarriage should limit their sexual contact, as should women experiencing infection, abnormal cramps or bleeding, pain upon intercourse, or abnormal vaginal discharge. The women which had the miscarriage or some other problem during their first pregnancy need to talk with their doctor and then decide about the sex relationship.

Exercise and Maintain Energy During Pregnancy

It is healthy and a good idea to maintain an exercise program during your pregnancy, although you may need to alter your normal exercise routine to make this happen. To avoid cesarean, exercise is the good option. Exercise promotes strength which is important for helping your body manage the increased weight and physical stress of pregnancy, and for preparing your body for the physical challenge of labor. Keeping fit during pregnancy can also help minimize the muscle, bone and joint aches caused by weight gain and other body changes. Exercise also helps to reduce the stretch marks which are occurring after the pregnancy period.

Many fitness centers offer classes for pregnant women to reduce impact and to accommodate the later stages of pregnancy. Because each woman’s needs will be different, it is a good idea to discuss your exercise plans with your doctor prior to implementing them.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Women often wonder how much weight they should gain during pregnancy. If your are underweight before pregnancy you should gain 28 to 40 lbs during pregnancy. If you are of average weight prior to pregnancy, you should gain 25 to 35 lbs. during pregnancy. If you are overweight prior to pregnancy, you should gain 15 to 25 lbs. during your pregnancy. For an average weight woman, this amount of weight gain can be achieved by adding an additional 300 kilocalories per day. More food that this will cause you to gain more weight than necessary.

Eating a well balanced diet, including sources of vitamins, minerals, and folic acid, is essential during pregnancy. It is important for women to have adequate carbohydrate intake, especially complex carbohydrates (wheat bread, potatoes, and whole fruits).

It is not considered safe to lose weight while pregnant. Efforts to diet may result in the fetus not getting enough of the balanced nutrients it needs to grow properly. Also, weight loss attempts during pregnancy can elevate levels of a chemical called ketone, which is known to be toxic to developing fetuses.

Medical care during pregnancy

Medical care is important for the health of both mother and baby. This medical care can begin before you are actually pregnant. However, it really must begin as soon as you know you are pregnant in order to help insure that you have a healthy pregnancy.

During your first visit, your doctor will gather information about:

• Your disease history
• Personal habits (smoking habit, alcohol consumption and drug use)
• Exercise habits
• The type of work that you do
• Family history (diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, heart diseases), complicated pregnancy in close relatives
• Any previous pregnancies, miscarriages, and abortions you may have had.
• Complications that you may have experienced during previous pregnancies.
• Your doctor may perform an ultrasound test, and or blood tests. A pelvic exam is also sometimes performed.

 Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. Most women have at least some symptoms during their pregnancy. Some women feel only one or two, and some are experience every one of the unpleasant pregnancy symptoms.[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]

Pregnancy symptoms can start as early as the first week after conception.  Some common symptoms are mentioned below :

Missed Period

A common first symptom of pregnancy is a missed period.

Breast Sensitivity

The next pregnancy symptom you may experience is tender, swollen or painful breasts. This is cause by the rising levels in hormones which are necessary for a pregnancy process. A very common early pregnancy symptom is increased nipple and breast sensitivity. Once you become pregnant, your body will begin preparing the breasts and breast glands for pregnancy.

Little Bleeding

Some women may experience a little bleeding during first week to 12 days after conception. This may be caused by implantation of the egg into the lining of the uterus. The bleeding is usually very slight, pinkish in color. Some women have described it as being similar to a light period.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is probably the most unpleasant symptom of pregnancy. This is caused due to hormonal changes in the body. We can reduce these symptoms by eating the morning healthy breakfast. You should not keep your stomach empty at any time during pregnancy. Because whatever you eat is not only for your body, your baby consumes the required proteins, vitamins, mineral, iron from this food. Hence your food is also healthy which will provide the required nutrition to your baby’s growing body.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can also feel during pregnancy. This symptom usually shows up between the 6th and 8th week of pregnancy. It is caused by a surge in hormones in the first trimester. If we feel nausea or vomiting try to eat something, which will decrease the sensation of vomiting. Some women do not experience this nausea associated with pregnancy

Frequent urination

It is a common pregnancy symptom. This symptom occurs especially in the late third trimester, you may feel this effect throughout the day and night. Frequent urination is simply caused by the expansion of the uterus during pregnancy. You should drink the maximum amount of water during the pregnancy.

Constipation and heartburn

These are also unfortunate symptoms of pregnancy. This can occur at any time from the beginning of pregnancy, to the end. It is also caused by the increase in hormones. The best way to avoid constipation is to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fiber. Always talk to your doctor before starting any type of fiber supplement.

Weight gain

Weight gain is a necessity while you are pregnant. Weight gain will begin the late first trimester with only a few pounds. The majority of your weight gain will occur in the second and third trimesters. You should increase 10-15 kg during your whole pregnancy period. It occurs because increasing size of baby.

Backaches

Backaches are common for some women. As the pelvic area begins to stretch, probably in the second trimester, your back may begin to ache or feel unadjusted. Some doctors recommend massage, but always talk to your doctor before starting any of this type of alternative care. Do not take any pain relief tablet; it will harm your baby. Take advice from your doctor about the pain relief and then take the medicine according to the doctor’s suggestion.

Pregnancy Due Date

(when are you expected to give birth?):

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]Doctors have several methods for calculating your due date. Many web sites will give your due date, based on the date of your last menstrual period. They used the due date calculator to calculate the date.

 The Due date is calculated by counting back three months from the first day of your last period, and then adding seven days.

It is not necessary that, you will give birth to child only on the date provided by your doctor.

The date will change according to your fetal growth and also on the other internal condition. It may happen in any month, but you have to take more precaution to avoid premature pregnancy. Because in this case baby cannot have the normal weight, it is always less than the 9 month pregnancy weight. It will harm the baby’s health.

To avoid this problem we have to take proper diet and precautions.

Identifying Pregnancy

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]If we miss our regular menstrual cycle, then we consider that we are pregnant. You can also buy a home pregnancy test kit which is provided by all medical stores. This test is normally the test of our urine. You have to put two-three drops of your morning first urine and you will see the result. Instructions are also written on the cover page. Anyone can do the test by following the steps which is written on the cover page.

Home pregnancy tests measure the amount of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the urine. HCG levels are low in women who are not pregnant, and begin to increase within the first few weeks of conception.

Physical symptoms of pregnancy

We can see the other symptoms like breast fullness, breast tenderness, nausea, frequent headaches, and fatigue. After the test you should go to the doctor and ask about further test, medicines and precautions.