A Guide to Pregnancy

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By Anupriya Jain

A guide to pregnancy is an invaluable tool for all first time mothers, who rely on advice that at times, may be misleading. Pregnancy is a period fraught with uncertainty and anxiety concerning the new life within you. This article is an informative guide to pregnancy for all would be moms.

The First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy covers the first three months lasting from week one to week twelve. By week four, the process of creation of a new life would have begun with the fertilization of the egg. This period sees organ development. The fetus is susceptible to infections and drugs.

Hormone changes are most evident in the early part of pregnancy. Morning sickness can be triggered through food odors, cigarette smoke and perfumes. Some women have morning sickness at night!

From week nine, tummy bulge becomes prominent and you may even feel movements within your body. The end of the first trimester generally sees the end of morning sickness.

The Second Trimester

The guide to pregnancy now dwells on the period that spans from week thirteen to twenty-seven. Considered the easiest phase of pregnancy, your baby’s heartbeat could be heard around the fourteenth week. The rapid growth of the internal organs and simultaneous covering of the fetus in fine hair called lanugo take place. The baby’s gender can be figured out through an ultrasound.

You may experience slight contractions- this is the uterus getting ready for the task it has to perform during delivery. By week twenty-four, your baby acquires fat deposits that help regulate body temperature post-birth. In addition to sensing light and darkness, your baby is now able to hear sounds from the outside world.

The Third Trimester

Week twenty-eight to forty make up the third and last trimester. Guide to pregnancy highlights the developments that take place during this period.

The brain, eyes and your baby’s head are almost fully formed. By the thirty-second week, only the lungs remain to grow completely. Your baby’s fingernails would have grown fully. The baby is now able to open and shut his/her eyes.

By week thirty-six, the baby could weigh up to four pounds and measure up to sixteen inches. The baby could be born anytime between weeks thirty-seven and forty. You are all prepared now for the imminent arrival.

We hope that the week-by-week guide to pregnancy may address a few of your doubts and concerns. This article has touched only the periphery of this fascinating topic. However, the best guide to pregnancy can always be your doctor and never forget to consult him/her to know more specific information regarding your pregnancy status.


Anupriya is the editor of free pregnancy resource http://www.pregnancy-period.com.
This site has been developed as your guide to pregnancy.
It explains various pregnancy stages and useful tips to enjoy your pregnancy.
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