| The nine months of pregnancy is a crucial period for | | | | During the second trimester most women start feeling |
| both the mother and the fetus. It is over this period of | | | | more energized and start putting on weight. The |
| time that a fertilized egg develops into a fully formed | | | | morning sickness subsides and soon is no more |
| newborn. The pregnancy period can be broken up | | | | experienced. The developments and first movements |
| typically into three stages called trimesters. Each of | | | | of the fetus start getting felt within. The protrusion of |
| these trimesters spans over a period of roughly three | | | | the belly also starts getting more prominent at this time. |
| months or thirteen weeks. Though there are no hard | | | | Though weight gain is common during this period rapid |
| and fast rules regarding the demarcation of the | | | | and considerable weight gain will be an indication of |
| periods yet the changes that take place over the | | | | multiple births. However, excess weight gain could also |
| months are better described with distinctions being | | | | mean problems and it is advisable to consult a |
| made between the trimesters. The mom-to-be ought | | | | physician during this period. |
| to learn up certain things about the stages of | | | | Care to be taken while the third trimester commences |
| pregnancy and the adequate care thereof. | | | | With the onset of the third trimester the final weight |
| Care during first trimester | | | | gain takes place and the fetus shows signs of regular |
| The first trimester is the period when the developing | | | | movement. This may be an uncomfortable period for |
| embryo becomes implanted into the endometrial lining | | | | the mother and symptoms of weak bladder control |
| of a woman's uterus. The period is characterized by | | | | and back ache can be seen. Leg cramps can also be |
| morning sickness as is observable with most women | | | | felt. These may result in sleep disturbances and can |
| in their first trimester. Besides, changes in the size of | | | | aggravate the cranky feeling characteristic of the |
| the breasts and body mass, vomiting and nausea may | | | | stage. |
| also be observed. There may even be experienced | | | | This period may also be looked upon as the |
| excessive urination. This is the period which concludes | | | | 'preparation time' for childbirth. So, would-be moms |
| with the fetus growing to a hazelnut's size and starts | | | | ought to start taking breastfeeding and childbirth |
| showing signs of life. Since most miscarriages occur | | | | exercises to make them better prepared for managing |
| during this period considerable caution needs to be | | | | delivery and post natal concerns. |
| observed. Intensive and regular medical checkups are | | | | The would-be mother usually gets screened for group |
| a must during this period to take care of the health of | | | | B streptococcus (GBS) during the third trimester. |
| both the fetus and the mother. It is important to keep | | | | Though the GBS bacterium is harmless in case of |
| monitoring the health during this time lest any more | | | | adults the babies becoming infected with it can |
| than usual pregnancy related symptoms can be seen. | | | | become critically ill. So, this checking should importantly |
| A nutritious diet and light physical exercise routine need | | | | de done. Besides, vaginal examinations need to be |
| to be followed at such time. | | | | taken up to check out the baby's position and detect |
| The second trimester concerns | | | | cervical changes. |