Pregnancy is a normal human occurrence and an emotional, exciting phase of a woman's life, filled with anticipation and wonder. However, the journey can be unfamiliar and sometimes overwhelming for many first-time mothers.Couples can better understand what to expect by knowing and learning about the different developments and signs during this journey to be able to differentiate between what is normal and what is concerning. This can also help the couple to approach this transformative period with greater confidence and preparedness.
It is important to remember that a pregnant woman may not always experience all of the symptoms and every woman has a different experience in this journey. (1)
Pregnancy which lasts for 9 months is divided into 3 trimesters:
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)
Third trimester (Weeks 28-40)
Pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, and it is broken up into trimesters of about 13 weeks each or about 3 months, although it is normal to deliver within the range of 2 weeks before or after this date(37 to 42 weeks).(3)
During the first trimester, the first few weeks though the body may not look different but the hormone levels change significantly in order to support and help the fetus grow in the uterus.
Common symptoms experienced in their first trimester include:
Fatigue
Nausea / Vomiting more often in the morning
Mood swings
Tender and/or swollen breasts
Heartburn
Increased frequency of urination
There is no noticeable weight gain but it can be present
Heart rate increases
Headaches(3)
Other important considerations to keep in mind during this trimester include:
During this trimester you will undergo tests like blood tests and urine tests- to confirm your pregnancy.
Ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy dates as well as to confirm the location of your pregnancy whether intrauterine or extrauterine.
Blood pressure levels are also checked.
Blood Tests to check for Diabetes, anemia, and infections will also be performed.
Folic acid supplementations are given to avoid neural tube defects.
You will be asked to have your prenatal visits every 4 weeks.
Any sign of vaginal bleeding must be reported to your doctor as During the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage can be significant.
Medbound Times was able to contact Dr. Kiran Sareen, MD, DGO, an OB-GYN who shared her valuable advice regarding pregnancy with us.
If vomiting excessively – known as hyperemesis, report to hospital as it needs special managementDr. Kiran Sareen, MD, DGO, Telangana
The second trimester is a more relaxed period when compared to the first, since the symptoms of the first trimester are not as severe anymore.
Symptoms noticed during this period would be :
Increased energy during morning hours
Breast enlargement
Growing belly
Increased appetite
Braxton Hicks contractions-Braxton Hicks contractions, practice contractions that prepare the body for labor, might occur.(5)
Leg cramps
Heartburn
Backaches
Fetal movements
Stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, and buttocks.
The areola, the skin around the nipples, becomes darker.(3,4)
Fetal movements: fetal movements can be felt between week 14 and week 18, Between week 16 and week 24 is when you can feel the baby's kicks.(1)
Braxton Hicks contractions: This is when your uterus begins contracting to prepare for the baby and can begin in the second trimester. They are usually very weak and not painful. but if it is too strong make sure to contact your doctor.(3)
Other important considerations to keep in mind during second trimester include:
During this trimester an ultrasound will be performed to check the baby's growth.
Screening tests will also be performed for testing any genetic conditions in case of a family history of such, Let your doctor know about it.
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed starting from week 26.
You will be visiting your doctor every 2 weeks for your prenatal checkups.(1)
An Anomaly scan can be performed from 18-20 weeks.(7)
Anomaly scan: This detailed ultrasound scan, sometimes called the mid-pregnancy or anomaly scan, is usually carried out when you're between 18 and 21 weeks pregnant and looks at the baby's bones, heart, brain, spinal cord, face, kidneys and abdomen. and can visualize conditions like spina bifida and cleft lip.(7)
Symptoms experienced in the third trimester include:
Backaches
Difficulty sleeping
Continued Braxton Hicks contractions
Frequent urination
Bleeding
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Shortness of breath
Swelling of feet
Heartburn
Shortness of breath
Swelling in the ankles, face, and fingers(3,4)
Other important considerations to keep in mind during this trimester include:
Urine tests, fetal heart monitoring, and blood pressure monitoring will be done frequently by your doctor.
Travel restrictions might be advised and will be suggested to avoid travelling too far.
You will be visiting your doctor every week.
By week 37 your baby is considered full-term and fully formed.
You will prepare to deliver during the end of this trimester and in case of any watery discharge or any vaginal discharge visit your doctor.(2)
Fetal kick chart is movements of the baby to be monitored, as it is a very good indicator of fetal wellbeing. Doppler study is usually done in 3rd trimester for the same.Dr. Kiran Sareen, MD, DGO, Telangana
1. Self medications
2. Alcohol: Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby.
3, Smoking: increases the risk of serious complications in pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.
4. X-ray
5. Cleaning products: Check the labels of cleaning products.(6)
6. Avoid lifting heavy objects.
7. Caffeine: it's recommended to keep an eye on your caffeine intake. Large quantities of caffeine restrict fetal development.(5)
Avoid self-medications as certain medications are contraindicated in pregnancy, Avoid alcohol and smoking throughout your pregnancy.Dr. Kiran Sareen, MD, DGO, Telangana
Pregnancy is a transformative period divided into three trimesters, each with unique developments and challenges. The first trimester involves hormonal changes and symptoms like fatigue and nausea, with essential tests to confirm pregnancy. The second trimester is more comfortable, with increased energy and noticeable fetal movements, requiring regular ultrasounds and screenings. The third trimester brings increased discomfort and frequent prenatal visits, preparing for delivery. Avoiding alcohol, and smoking is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
References
1. https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-each-trimester-of-pregnancy/ (cited on 19/07/2024)
2.https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/calendar#due-date (cited on 19/07/2024)
3. https://www.allaboutwomenmd.com/knowledge-center/pregnancy-trimesters.html#:~:text=Often%2C%20the%20nausea%20and%20fatigue,to%20preparing%20for%20milk%20production.(cited on 20/07/2024)
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323742#summary (cited on 20/07/2024)
5. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/what-avoid-when-pregnant(cited on 25/07/2024)
6.https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/things-to-avoid-during-pregnancy(cited on 25/07/2024)
7. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/20-week-scan/(cited on 25/07/2024)
MSM