What are the Stages of Pregnancy

The stages of pregnancy are different for every woman and it is important to remember that fact when researching the stages of pregnancy. Here are some changes your body may experience during these stages.

Stages of Pregnancy - First Trimester
During the first trimester, you may experience bleeding. Light spotting is common, but you should contact your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding. Breast tenderness is also common due to the hormonal changes your body is experiencing. You may also encounter some constipation due to the higher levels of progesterone. Some women also see milky discharge, experience fatigue, heartburn and unusual food cravings or aversions. Women have also reported mood swings and weight gain. One of the most common symptoms is morning sickness which results in nausea. If your nausea is severe or if you have severe bleeding or dizziness, contact your doctor.

During the first stage of pregnancy, your baby's nervous system will begin to develop-brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Your baby's heart begins to develop, as well as his face, arms, legs, and sexual organs. Muscles also begin to form. During the last two weeks of this trimester, fingernails and toenails form and kidneys begin to work. At the end of the first trimester, your baby is around 3 inches long.

Stages of Pregnancy - Second Trimester
During this stage of pregnancy, your baby grows quickly so you will continue to experience changes in your body! You may experience backaches, bleeding gums, breast enlargement, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, discharge, frequent urination, increased hair growth, headaches, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, quickening (flutters in your abdomen), skin changes, and weight gain. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, dizziness, or rapid weight gain, contact your doctor.

During this stage, your baby is moving around a lot even though you can't feel it until around 20 weeks. Your baby's muscles grow stronger and your baby can even begin to make faces-frowning, smiling, etc. Your baby will begin to hear sounds and around week 20 your baby may begin to open his eyes. Around the middle of the trimester, fingerprints and footprints are established. By the end of this trimester, all your baby's organs and body parts are present, but need time to mature.

Stages of Pregnancy - Third Trimester
This stage of pregnancy is sometimes the most difficult for many women. You may experience backaches, bleeding, Braxton Hicks contractions, breast enlargement, vaginal discharge, fatigue, frequent urination, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, shortness of breath, spider and varicose veins, swelling, and weight gain. If you experience severe pain, excessive vomiting, bleeding, severe dizziness, pain during urination, or rapid weight gain, contact your doctor.

During this trimester, your baby will add layers of fat to provide warmth after he is born. By the end of the trimester, your baby will have eyelashes and eyebrows and maybe even hair! The lungs are the last major organ to finish developing.

No matter what trimester you are in, concentrate on eating healthy, exercising (according to your doctor's instructions), taking appropriate vitamins and minerals, and getting regular medical visits.

Contact the Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center to get support during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.