Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy Stages Delivery Article
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The Stages of Pregnancy
from: Karlie BestlerPregnancy is a natural, awe inspiring time for a new mother. From that first slight feeling that something is different all the way through to the birth of a beautiful baby, pregnancy is a time of change for the woman's body. Each day is an adventure in learning more about herself and the baby she is carrying within her body.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can make this special time in any woman's life easier to enjoy and cope with. Each trimester is unique and has its own sets of wonders and joys as well as challenges and discomforts.
First Trimester
The first trimester is the first three months of the pregnancy. Many women spend the first few weeks unaware that she is pregnant. Sometimes a woman may be clued in by feelings of nausea, clothes fitting differently, and breast tenderness even before the first missed period. Several other symptoms are common in the first trimester. Strange food and drink cravings are common as are vivid dreams that may last the entire pregnancy.
Morning sickness is another symptom common in the first trimester. For those who experience morning sickness, it is a comfort to know that it usually fades in the second trimester. A pregnant woman may find relief from morning sickness by drinking peppermint or ginger tea, sucking on peppermint, or using the tried and true method of lemon lime soda and saltine crackers.
Second Trimester
The second trimester is for many women the easiest to deal with. Normally the morning sickness and breast tenderness of the first trimester has faded and many experience a sense of health and well being. During this time, the baby continues to fine tune organ and brain development.
Many expectant women experience this trimester with more energy and find it easier to participate in their favorite activities. This is often the best time during pregnancy to prepare the baby's room and take care of any projects that involve a moderate level of activity before the rigors of the last trimester and the birth of the baby.
Third Trimester
The third trimester of pregnancy is challenging in a lot of ways. Many women are torn between feeling like their child is never going to arrive and feeling like the baby is due tomorrow. Excitement becomes more intense in this phase of pregnancy. Cleaning everything in sight and nesting is often a big part of the third trimester.
Mom-to-be will feel a need for more sleep and some of the common aches and pains and the new shape of her body will affect everything from resting to how often she needs the bathroom. The third trimester is usually considered to be the most physically challenging phase, bearable only because of the excitement and joy the upcoming birth brings.
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