Pregnancy Week by Week

Pregnancy Stages

The pregnancy stages are also called quarters. Each stage of pregnancy has a unique emotional and physical development for both the expectant mother and the child.

In general, pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. Each quarter includes a number of weeks namely:

First trimester of pregnancy includes the first 12 weeks;
The second quarter begins with week 13 and lasts until the 27th;
The third quarter lasts from week 28 to week 40.

Each stage has something unique to offer and also has a completely different effect on you.

First Quarter

The first stage of pregnancy is known as the "first quarter" and it is often a blend of the "best" and the "worst" feelings. During this period, women face some modifications like:

More sensitive and swollen breasts
Feelings of morning sickness
Alternating nervousness and \ or happiness
Fatigue, etc..

But there are some women who don't feel these symptoms and things follow their normal course, realizing that they are pregnant after a certain period of time or after they have taken a pregnancy test. Most women even think these symptoms are manifestations of premenstrual syndrome, but if you miss a period it is advisable to do a pregnancy test. If your test will be positive, get used to the idea that in nine months you will be a mother! This brings a lot of changes and responsibilities for both you and your spouse.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, your baby will suffer the most important changes and developments. The embryo, which began as a small cluster of cells becomes a fetus and develops all the major organs. They will continue to grow and develop until birth. In week 12, the fetus measures about 5.5 cm and weights 14 grams.

Second Quarter

The symptoms of this quarter are due to pregnancy hormones and uterine growth and include back pain, foot pain, pain in the hips or abdomen, heartburn, constipation, insomnia, bleeding from gums and nose, sweating, breathing hard and often urination. The nipples and the midline of the abdomen will have a darker color, the skin will stretch over the abdomen and stretch-marks may appear.

This is the stage in which the heartbeat can be heard for the first time, and the mom will feel the baby's movements. The baby's movements will become increasingly more frequent and stronger as he grows. In this quarter, the baby already has a regular sleep schedule and activities, but it is possible that the program does not coincide with that of the mother. Also, in this quarter, future parents can find out the baby's sex.

At the end of this trimester, the baby will have the same aspect as in the moment of birth (only it is smaller and thinner). Major organs and systems are developed, the skin looks wrinkled being covered by smooth, little strands of hair and a white, fatty substance, which protects the skin. Over time, the baby's skin will become stretched, smooth and pink. The hair on his head will become visible, lips and fingernails will begin to define.

Third Quarter

The third quarter is considered to be the most difficult quarter of all the pregnancy stages, but at the end of this quarter, the mom will live the happiest moment of her life. This quarter lasts between weeks 28 to 40. Although the birth date is set for week 40, most women give birth between weeks 38 and 40. In this quarter, the support of the close ones is essential.

Due to the mother's weight gain, fatigue, back pain, leg pain, heartburn, insomnia and heavy breathing, swollen legs will increase. The total weight gained by a mother during pregnancy has an average of 12-16 pounds.