The mother is responsible for ensuring a healthy baby during pregnancy. Her health directly impacts the foetus’ growth. Pregnant women need to take every step possible to ensure their baby is healthy and well-nourished. Women who are pregnant should consider lifestyle and health considerations.
From the day you have your last period (LMP), to the birth of the baby, pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. It can be divided into three stages: the first, second, or third. The female body goes through many changes until the end of pregnancy. It’s like sitting down and crossing from one mountain into another. The three trimesters of fetal development are divided into different phases.
FIRST TRIMESTER
It can last from the first week to the 12th week (first three months). Most women don’t know they’re pregnant until the third month. When expecting mothers notice that their period has stopped, this becomes apparent. Your baby is still a small ball of cells about 1cm long. These first three months are a crucial time when a lot can happen. The fertilized egg quickly divides into two stages, called blastula or morula. It then implants in your uterus wall where it continues growing. This is the stage when an embryo is formed. After implantation, the baby’s heart, spine and lungs develop slowly. The baby’s height grows to 2cm in the second month. He also develops a heartbeat. The baby’s eyes, bones and elbows begin to form. The baby will be 7-8 cm tall and move by the end of the third months. Mothers can still feel their movements, but they won’t be able to feel them. The face is human and all major organs are developing. This stage may require you to change your lifestyle. To keep your baby safe, you will need to stop eating certain foods or taking medicines. Reduce your caffeine intake and quit smoking. For your baby’s complete nutrition, you need to eat healthy.
SECOND TRIMESTER
It usually lasts between the 13th and the 28th weeks (4th to 6th months). The baby begins to move, swallow, excrete urine, and expectant mothers may feel their baby moving in the fourth month. At this point, the baby is approximately 13 cm in length. The baby’s toes, fingers, and genital organs are also beginning to form. The baby’s fifth month is when it grows to 20 cm. Sometimes, it will even start to suck its thumb. The baby has a regular sleeping pattern now. Mothers can feel the baby moving. The baby’s height is around 30 cm by the sixth month. At this point, the baby’s hair is growing and his lungs have developed fully. These weeks are when mothers feel and look more pregnant. After the first trimester, energy levels rise. If you’ve been suffering from morning sicknesses or tiredness in the first trimester, this will be a relief.
THIRD TRIMESTER: 29TH TO 40TH
The baby is now 35 cm long and can kick and stretch a lot. Sometimes, it is even painful. The baby can hear and respond to sound. It can even open and close its eyes, and it can even see. The eighth month is the end of all the baby’s major growth and development. The baby’s weight has nearly doubled, making mommy appear more pregnant than in the previous months. This can cause mommy to feel more stressed and her world may begin to unravel. The baby may reach 45 cm in length and weigh 2.5 to 4 kilograms by the ninth month. Your dark belly is too small for your baby to move freely, so you will feel every movement of your baby. The baby will turn upside down, with its head towards the pelvic region. As the bell may ring at any time during the third trimester, you will need to have additional checks with your midwife. It is also important to be vigilant about your health and that of your baby. It’s possible to start thinking about what might happen during labor or what you will experience. Although you can feel active for the first three months, your body will likely slow down. Walking is a great exercise. You should keep in mind that your wishes might change and you may need extra support during labor and birth. Keep an open mind and a positive outlook on any changes.
