Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

In developed countries, there are many opportunities to learn about the stages of pregnancy, for example, in preparation for childbirth for parents-to-be. The quality of information varies greatly, but fortunately today parents have a good opportunity to assess the quality of the information they receive through print, visual and electronic media. Understanding the stages of fetal development, as well as changes in the mother's body, gives parents the opportunity to assess the health of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Once you understand the stages of pregnancy, you can do everything in your power to protect the health of the mother and baby.

Steps

1. 1 Plan a visit to your healthcare provider if you think you are pregnant. From the moment of conception, your body begins to adapt to changes in hormonal levels, circulation, blood pressure, respiration, and metabolism in general. To understand the stages of pregnancy and development during pregnancy, it is vital to keep track of all changes from the very beginning.
2. 2 Expect significant changes during the first trimester. At this time, the development of a fertilized egg begins.
   • Early signs of pregnancy include fatigue, mood swings, and morning sickness in the eighth week.
   • Hormonal changes can be exacerbated by feelings of anxiety about pregnancy and motherhood. You can also gain 1 kg in weight.
   • By the end of the thirteenth week, the risk of miscarriage is reduced to 65%, morning sickness should end and the development of vital organs and the structure of the child should be completed.
   • Tests for chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary diseases are usually done at 11 weeks.
3. 3 In the second trimester, expect early discomfort to end. During this phase, the mom-to-be can look and feel incredibly good, more relaxed, and happier. Weight gain continues, changes in breasts, skin and hair are possible.
4. 4 By the beginning of 18-20 weeks, you will begin to feel the baby's movements. This is the period of rapid development of the child, which can reach a height of about 12.7 - 13.9 cm and weigh about 148.8 grams by 18 weeks. The child can already hear and react to external noises and becomes quite active.
5. 5 Get more rest during the last trimester. The final trimester can be both exciting and demanding. The growing baby's weight increases with the mother's weight.
   • It is generally accepted that the weight gain is due to the baby, but the fetus is actually responsible for 3.4 kg. The extra weight comes from the placenta, uterus, amniotic fluid, breast, blood, fat, and tissue fluid. In total, about 13 kilograms of excess weight comes out.
6. 6 Before the upcoming birth, the expectant mother may experience discomfort mixed with emotions. Around 33 - 36 weeks, the baby begins to form a position for coming out into the light. At this stage, the baby should be about 35.5 cm long and weigh approximately 3 kg.
   • The baby is considered clinically mature and full-term and is ready for birth at any time.
   • Week 40 is considered the expected due date, but only about 5% of babies are born exactly as expected.

Tips

• If you can anticipate and accept all the stages of pregnancy that you will have to go through, instead of being surprised and upset about them, you will be able to get through the pregnancy more calmly.
• Knowing what “norm” is can be calming. Remember that every woman is unique and not all changes are the same.

Warnings

• Ask your doctor about the most needed diagnostic tests. Ultrasound tests can detect fetal abnormalities, but they need to be repeated and reassessed before they are considered satisfactory. Health hazard testing has become very complex and healthcare professionals must take into account not only cost but also human costs. The tests may bring confidence to some women, but for others they can be extremely anxious if the question of abnormalities is raised. The consequences of a misdiagnosis deserve careful consideration.