Ninemonths.com.au » Pregnancy Week by Week

What is a Trimester?

Pregnant Mother — Wed, 11 May 2011 07:34:46 +0000

Do you know what to expect from each of the three trimesters? Here is an overview of each with the common signs of pregnancy trimesters one, two and three.

Weeks one to 12: Pregnancy Trimester One

The first and most prominent pregnancy symptom is a missed menstrual cycle. You may see pinkish or brownish discharge that varies in colour and lightness. Other pregnancy symptoms include nausea, frequent urination, darker areolas, fatigue, heartburn, headache, mood swings and constipation.

Weeks 13 to 26: Pregnancy Trimester Two

As you progress through the second trimester, you will experience frequent kicking movements from the growing foetus. You will also gain weight, your breasts will grow and there may be discharge from your nipples. You may also sweat more than usual and notice dark lines develop on your skin between the navel and pubic area. The skin on your stomach will begin to stretch at this time.

Weeks 27 to 40: Pregnancy Trimester Three

The last 13 weeks of pregnancy involve having the body change to prepare for labour. The child will also grow large enough to be seen more clearly during the CAT scan. You will see your navel pushing out and will experience backaches. There will be some changes in how you walk to accommodate the weight of your child.

Special Offer

Get your baby gifts noticed with a unique gift from BabyBuds - lots of gifts for the new baby, new Parents, Grandparents and Siblings.

Weeks 0-4 of Pregnancy

Pregnant Mother — Sat, 10 May 2008 03:44:34 +0000

FACTS:

Fertilisation occurs when one of the millions of sperm penetrates the outer layers of the egg and fuses with its nucleus. At this point your baby's entire genetic coding, including behaviour, eye colour, height, hair colour, intelligence and sex, is determined.

The cluster of cells, called a morula, rapidly multiplies as it travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus or "womb".

On its arrival in the womb, the morula becomes known as a blastocyst and floats freely within the cavity for about three days before embedding in the wall lining and linking to the blood supply. From this moment your growing baby is called an embryo. Already it has grown from one cell to a mass of hundreds of cells and a placenta begins to form around it, although this will not be fully functional until about week 14.

A plug of mucus has formed at the entrance to the womb acting as a barrier to infection. Seven days after implantation, chemical signals called hormones prevent a period from starting. The primitive placenta produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) that passes into your urine. This can be detected by a pregnancy test that will confirm a positive result 12-16 days after fertilisation. Some women can tell instinctively when they have conceived although most remain unaware.

TIPS:

This is the most crucial time of your baby's development. Start taking 500mcg of folic acid daily. This B vitamin has been proven to reduce the risk of your baby being born with skeletal deformities and neural tube defects by up to 70 per cent. Folic acid deficiency has been linked to cleft palate, skeletal deformities, undeveloped organs, paralysis of the legs, incontinence, malformations of the heart and blood vessels, nervous system disorders and mental retardation.

You can find an abundance of folic acid in bright green leafy vegetables, particularly broccoli and spinach, as well as pumpkin, avocados, peas, dried beans and wholegrain breads. For a fabulous collection of nutritious and tasty recipes, click here .

Your baby's major organs are now forming. At this stage, your baby is vulnerable to alcohol, drugs, smoking and infections. There are plenty of grounds to quit smoking and cut down on coffee and alcohol during pregnancy. All have been linked to abnormalities and growth deficiencies in your developing baby. Also, check with your doctor to see if you have been immunised against German Measles/Rubella.

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.

Week 5 of Pregnancy

Pregnant Mother — Fri, 09 May 2008 03:45:13 +0000

FACTS:

The baby is now floating in the amniotic fluid attached by a string of blood vessels that eventually forms the umbilical cord. Through this cord, your body provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby and in return receives wastes products.

The embryo measures 2-4mm and would now be visible to the naked eye. At this stage a rudimentary brain and spine is beginning form.

Your first signs of pregnancy may include slightly enlarged and tender breasts, a heightened sense of smell and a strange, metallic taste. A need to pass more urine is likely, due to a combination of increased blood flow to the kidneys producing more urine, your enlarged womb pressing on your bladder, as well as the hormones relaxing the bladder itself.

It is common to catch cold now as your immune system is slowing down to ensure that you do not reject the baby nestling inside you.

TIPS:

You will start feeling incredibly tired. The best source of energy to overcome fatigue is starchy foods including cereals, rice, wholemeal pasta and grains.

Regular meals will help to ensure a regular supply of nutrients for you and your baby.

Re-educate yourself with exercise tips for a safe pregnancy

click here for more info.

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.

Week 6 of Pregnancy

Pregnant Mother — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:00:30 +0000

FACTS:

Your baby has more than doubled in size in the past week. Its tiny heart begins to form and will already have the power to pump blood around its own body. The jaw and mouth are developing with ten dental buds in each jaw. Small limb buds are beginning to appear from which your baby will develop arms, hands, legs and feet.

Morning sickness (which despite its name may occur at any time of day and can last all day) may continue for the next six weeks or more. It is a common symptom of early pregnancy, thought to be caused by the digestive system reacting to the HCG pregnancy hormone. Naturopaths believe the severity of morning sickness reflects the health of the maternal liver.

Pregnancy hormones, which can often turn the vagina a bluish-violet colour, may also cause the intestines to relax and become less efficient causing constipation. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of vegetables to help relieve this problem.

TIPS:

Drink two litres of plain water daily to help flush out impurities. Start every day with a glass of hot water with a squeeze of fresh lemon. This is a fabulous liver flush and will help cleanse the bowel.

Assist bowel function by taking Lactobaccillus acidophilis available in capsule or powdered form. Psyllium husks blended in a fruit smoothie will remedy a sluggish bowel. To discover more self-help tips on how to relieve constipation and other ailments common to pregnancy click here.

Calcium is essential for strong and healthy bone development. Vegetarian sources of calcium include soy products, leafy green vegetables, figs, cashew nuts and wholegrain breads.

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.

Week 7 of Pregnancy

Pregnant Mother — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:03:37 +0000

FACTS

The baby's spinal cord and brain are now almost complete and the head is beginning to look more human-like. Tiny rudiments of the kidneys, eyes and lungs are forming.

The baby is now the size of a jellybean. Measuring about 1.3cm long, its limb buds have grown into tiny arms and legs with small ridges that will develop into fingers and toes.

By now your breasts will be noticeably larger and the nipples may be more prominent with small nodules called Montgomery's tubercles appearing on the surrounding areola area. You may feel overwhelmingly tired as your body adjusts to the many changes occurring. Alternatively, you may feel great.

TIPS:

Oily fish (sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna and salmon) contain omega-3 fatty acids, essential for your baby's eye and brain development. If you are vegetarian, these fatty acids are found in soy and linseed products and walnuts.

Broccoli is highly recommended for its anti-oxidant properties that strengthen the immune system and prevent abnormal cell division. Broccoli also contains folic acid vital for your baby's development in the first three months of pregnancy. Delicious steamed as an accompaniment to any dish, it also makes a hearty soup. Click here to find this recipe and more

You are not legally obliged to tell your employer about your pregnancy but if there are health and safety issues to consider in your workplace, there may be advantages in doing so.

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.

Week 8 of Pregnancy

Pregnant Mother — Tue, 06 May 2008 04:50:06 +0000

FACTS:

The baby is still smaller than your little toe yet has all its main organs in a rudimentary form and in the correct positioning. A brain is already visible through the rice-paper-thin skin revealing every little branching blood vessel beneath.

Its tiny heart has started the pumping of blood that will continue for a lifetime. Measuring about 2cm, its body may have uncurled a little and its head, larger than its body, is attached to, and resting on its chest. The eyes and ears are developing and the facial features are becoming more defined with small openings that will become nostrils.

This is the time that your second period was due. There may be a slight vaginal discharge that is considered normal though if at any stage throughout the pregnancy there is any blood within the discharge, contact your doctor immediately.

TIPS:

Soaring hormones act as a natural screening process against foods that may not be good for you. Click here to check and be sure you know which cheeses and raw foods to avoid and why.

Tiredness will continue as your body's workload has expanded. Get plenty of quality sleep before midnight, as this is when the body is able to best recuperate.

Keep up the folic acid intake. Rich, green leafy vegetables including broccoli, silverbeet, spinach, watercress as well as pumpkin, avocados, peas and dried beans will boost your folic acid levels vital for your baby's development. These nutritious foods will also help relieve constipation and anaemia.

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.

Week 9 of Pregnancy

Pregnant Mother — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:07:20 +0000

FACTS:

The baby weighs only as much as a grape though its heart now has all four chambers and beats twice as fast as yours - at times up to 180 times a minute.   Its tiny liver is producing its own red blood cells that are circulating around its body.

Your skin may show changes due to the hormones in your system. An increased secretion of melanin may cause patches of darker skin called cloasma, on your nose, cheeks or forehead. You may also notice blood vessels on your face. These changes will fade after the birth. Your thyroid gland in your neck, the hormonal gland responsible for growth, development and reproduction, may seem more prominent and you may notice your waist thickening.

TIPS:

Your gums are likely to soften and become vulnerable to infection, and may even bleed when brushing your teeth. It's a good idea to see your dentist as gum disease has been linked to premature birth. Make sure you tell your dentist that you are pregnant to avoid x-rays as radiation can cause miscarriage.

Fresh fish, lean meats, cooked eggs or a handful of almonds are all good sources of protein. Called building blocks, proteins are necessary to build and repair tissue, muscles, organs, enzymes and hair.

Organise your first antenatal appointment, which is usually between 12 and 14 weeks. You will be asked for a medical history of both your families. Make sure you know the relevant information.

If you are considering using a birthing centre book early to avoid disappointment as they are very popular and short of beds.

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.

Week 10 of Pregnancy

Pregnant Mother — Sun, 04 May 2008 05:23:37 +0000

FACTS:

The baby, now called a foetus, has obvious elbows, wrists, ankles and clearly visible fingers and toes. It measures between 3-4.5cm in length and its external sex organs have begun to form.

The inner ear and eyes have developed though the eyes remain sealed. Its bones are forming, made of soft flexible cartilage with muscles stretching over the bones, allowing slight movement.

The placenta now begins to produce progesterone and by the end of the 14th week, it should be producing enough to supply all the baby's nourishment. Your body produces this extraordinary organ specifically for pregnancy. As well as nourishing your growing baby, it acts as a barrier against infections and manufactures the necessary hormones to support pregnancy.

The size of your uterus has increased to that of an orange, although it may still be hidden within your pelvic crest. More noticeable will be your expanding waistline and breasts.

TIPS:

No more sushi or sashimi…by now you probably can't stand the smell of raw fish, but if it's still on your list, think again. Uncooked fish and cold meats are in the high-risk category for contracting the bacterium listeria which can cause listeriosis, a serious illness that can be transferred to the foetus and at worst can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth. Other high-risk foods include pate, smoked seafood, soft gourmet cheeses and prepared foods that have been in the fridge for more than 12 hours. For more information visit click here

Still feeling nauseous? Combat morning sickness by brewing a delicious ginger tea as follows: Simmer two teaspoons of grated ginger in a saucepan for five minutes, remove from heat and strain. Add the juice of a half a lemon, honey to taste and sip slowly. For more self-help tips on dealing with problems common to pregnancy click here

Start good habits early. Deep breathing can help by opening the diaphragm and encouraging efficient liver and gall bladder function. Try massaging under the base of the ribcage to relieve pressure using a blend of 20mls grapeseed base oil with two drops of neroli aromatherapy essential oil. For more pregnancy aromatherapy self-help tips, click here

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.

Week 11 of Pregnancy

Pregnant Mother — Sat, 03 May 2008 05:27:29 +0000

FACTS:

During pregnancy the amount of blood in your body increases 30-50 per cent to nourish and supply the baby with oxygen.

Your blood pressure may drop and at times you may feel dizzy or faint. Eat small amounts regularly to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Naturopaths believe emotional fluctuations relate to hyperglycaemia as well as hormonal upheaval.

All your baby's major organs have formed and the digestive system is developing rapidly. The testicles or ovaries are present although they will not yet be visible on an ultrasound scan.

TIPS:

To accommodate the extra blood flow, hormones soften the walls of your blood vessels allowing flexibility to stretch. To encourage venous flow (the return of blood to the heart) put your feet up whenever you have the opportunity, to avoid varicose veins developing.

It's time to start planning a pregnancy exercise programme. It has been proven that women who are fit have safer and more positive birth outcomes. Swimming? Pilates? Walking? Yoga? To see what appeals most to suit you and your lifestyle click here

Pack away your high heels and choose flat and comfortable shoes to save your back. You've got a large load in store and to preserve the health of your spine, practice good habits early.

Meditation or positive affirmations may help to balance fluctuating moods. Click here for inspiration.

Start thinking about where and how you would like to have your baby so you can discuss options with your health professional.

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.

Week 12 of Pregnancy

Pregnant Mother — Fri, 02 May 2008 05:39:46 +0000

FACTS:

This is the end of the first trimester considered the most intense part of the development of the pregnancy. By now you may have put on an extra 10 per cent of your body weight. You may not look pregnant to most people but your baby has made the miraculous leap from a mere cell cluster to a recognisable but tiny human being.

The baby measures about 6.5cm but weighs only 18gms or half an ounce. The head is more round, the eyelids have formed and both arms and legs can move. The placenta is now fully-developed and takes over as your baby's life support system, providing oxygen and nutrients from your blood supply.

As your expanding womb pushes out above your pubic bone into the abdomen, the pressure on your bladder eases. The extra blood circulating may raise your body temperature.

TIPS:

Choose natural therapies as an option to help you glide through the next two trimesters. Pregnant women have been doing this for centuries in preparation for childbirth. If you are unsure as to what is safe and what's not, click here to consult our guide.

Find out about antenatal testing, what it involves, the benefits and possible risks. At the end of the day, it is your decision. Make sure you make an informed one. For more information click here

Your risk of miscarriage has now reduced. Maybe it's a perfect time to share your news with those close to you.

Listen to your body. If you are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem.