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Stages of Pregnancy
There are 3 basic stages of pregnancy; namely,
the first trimester, the second trimester, and the third trimester.
Each stage of pregnancy can have very different emotional
experiences for the mother. Every stage of pregnancy also affects
the mother with very different physical changes as well. This
article will explain the emotional and physical changes most woman
feel during each of the stages of pregnancy.
The first trimester is counted from the first day of your last
menstrual cycle until the 16th week of pregnancy. A wave of emotions
can hit you during these months. Disbelief that you are going to add
another person into your life can be a common emotion. Excitement
and joy of being pregnant can hit you during this stage of
pregnancy. Also, anxiety about money and the idea that your life
will be changed forever usually hits you sometime in the first stage
of pregnancy.
The physical changes are not so subtle. While most women do not
start showing that they are pregnant in the first stage of
pregnancy, they often exhibit other signs. The first is nausea. Many
pregnant women experience nausea or morning sickness during this
stage. Almost all women experience exhaustion during the first stage
of pregnancy. With hormones raging, your body is physically worn
out. Your breasts can become tender, sore and usually become more
full.
The second trimester stage of pregnancy is counted from the 16th
week to the 28th week. Emotions tend to focus more on what you need
to prepare for the baby. Most women, although certainly not all, get
more excited about the idea of having a baby. They enjoy talking to
other parents about their experiences and enjoy listening to baby
stories. While periods of doubt can still creep up in this stage of
pregnancy, much of the emotion is that of happiness and excitement.
As well, an increase in sexual desire most often occurs during this
stage. Women tend to want sex more often and often have sexual
fantasies.
The physical changes that can occur during this stage of pregnancy
become more obvious to outsiders. In this stage of pregnancy you can
often feel the baby move. Your stomach protrudes as the baby grows
bigger. The areola darkens at this time, and most women get that
radiant pregnancy glow. In this stage of pregnancy you often get
your appetite back as the morning sickness and nausea seem to
disappear.
The third trimester can seem like the longest stage of pregnancy. It
is counted from the 28th week to the 40th week. While it lasts 16
weeks like the other stages of pregnancy, it seems to drag on,
especially towards the end of the stage. Often times the exhaustion
returns, along with an occasional burst of energy to compel you to
clean and prepare for baby's arrival. This is known as "nesting,"
and when it occurs, unless you are on bedrest, don't fight it. These
bursts of energy will be helpful in getting things done.
There are a lot of emotions during this stage of pregnancy. A lot of
women in this stage of pregnancy are worried about the baby's
health. They are nervous and anxious about the pain labor is going
to bring. Exhaustion comes back in two forms -- Physical exhaustion
from growing bigger and emotional exhaustion with being pregnant.
Most women, especially towards the last few weeks, are tired of
being pregnant and just want the baby out of them. It is completely
normal to feel this way. Most women during this stage of pregnancy
seem to focus more on themselves and their baby rather than others.
The physical changes in this stage of pregnancy can be quite
uncomfortable. Your belly will grow much larger in this stage of
pregnancy. Sleeping can be very awkward for you and highly
uncomfortable. Use pillows to help prop yourself up at night. Women
also have more vaginal discharge and can feel Braxton Hicks
contractions by the 7th month. As the baby grows, more pressure is
put onto your lungs, making you short of breath. Back pain can
occur, as your back helps support the extra weight of your stomach.
Frequent urination can be very common as well.
As you can see, each stage of pregnancy is truly a unique
experience. If you are pregnant or are supporting someone who is,
enjoy the stages of pregnancy while you can. It will be over before
you know it.
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