Understanding pregnancy symptoms can help you identify with the changes that your body is going through. You would realize that the symptoms that you are experiencing are a general part of the pregnancy.
Three Trimesters
The pregnancy period is divided into three trimesters. During the nine months of your pregnancy you experience a wide array of symptoms. However, it is not necessary that you will experience all these symptoms or that your pregnancy experience will be just like that of your friend.
Symptoms During First Trimester
During your first month you will miss your period. And probably that is when you will realize that you are pregnant. The other early signs of pregnancy include frequent urination, tender breasts, nausea, and raised basal temperature.
In the second month of your pregnancy, your baby’s organs would form. She would be around an inch long and weigh around an ounce. You might experience morning sickness. Though it is referred to as morning sickness, you can have this nausea any time of the day.
Second Trimester
The second trimester lasts from the fourth to the sixth month. During these three months, you might feel some fetal movement. Morning sickness, one of the pregnancy symptoms that you experienced in the first trimester, might subside. However, your craving for certain foods will increase. Moreover, you will constantly feel hungry. Your body will also to gain some pounds.
During the fifth month of your pregnancy, your baby will be around ten inches long, weighing around a pound. You will be feeling full of energy and the feeling of fatigue that you had during the first trimester will diminish. You might also feel a little bloated and have constipation.
During the sixth month, your baby will get more active. Some the other pregnancy symptoms that you might experience during your second trimester include:
• Varicose veins
• The skin on your stomach is going to stretch and feel dry
• Nosebleeds
• Your breasts are going to get bigger
• Pigmentation on your face
• You might develop a dark line on your skin between your navel and your pubic area
• Swelling on your hands, feet, ankles and face
• Heartburn, indigestion and constipation
Third Trimester And Symptoms
During the third trimester of your pregnancy, your baby is going to do a lot of growing. You will also experience a lot of kicking. You might experience cramps in your feet and legs, as well. This is due to lack of calcium so ensure that you take your vitamins. Some of pregnancy symptoms that you might experience include:
• Heartburn, indigestion and constipation
• Shortness of breath
• Backache
• You might begin experiencing painless “practice” contractions
• Your walk will change in order to accommodate the weight of the fetus
• Swelling in your hands and feet during the seventh month of your pregnancy
During the eighth month of your pregnancy, your baby is going to be around 16 inches long and weigh around four pounds. You might feel constantly tired. Do not exert yourself. Take rest frequently.
In the ninth month, you will feel a lot of energy. Your baby would be weighing around 6 pounds and would be around 19-21 inches long. When your mucus plug expels, it would signal that labor is about to begin. You might be in labor within hours, days or even two weeks.
Understanding the pregnancy symptoms will help you relax during your pregnancy. However, if you experience pain during early pregnancy, bleeding and/or cramping at any time during your pregnancy, you should see a doctor right away.