The Three Stages of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting time for a woman and the 40 week journey to child birth is certainly a rocky one. Women experience many changes to their body and the best way to deal with these symptoms is to be informed on what to expect and what to do. Every woman and every pregnancy is different, but we have compiled a list of the most common changes during each of the three stages of pregnancy.
The First Trimester(Week 1 to Week 12)
The first few months of pregnancy can be tough because of the changes to diets and lifestyles. Some of the changes woman can expect are:
- Tiredness
- Mood Swings
- Constipation
- Weight Gain or Loss
- Upset Stomach
- Change in Tastes for Certain Foods
These changes will definitely take some time to get used to, but we have a few tips for helping women deal with these symptoms. Eat smaller meals more frequently and avoid caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and raw seafood. Women should experiment with different sleep patterns and take prenatal vitamins. To keep nausea to a minimum, snack on bread and crackers.
The Second Trimester(Week 13 to Week 28)
As the nausea and fatigue begins to go away, women will begin to notice even more changes:
- Body Aches
- Swelling of the Face, Fingers, and Ankles
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Women will begin to feel the growing baby taking a toll on their body. Women who focus on staying in shape during this time generally experience fewer body aches. The best exercises for pregnant women include walking for 30 minutes a day, swimming, and taking prenatal yoga classes. In addition to exercising, pregnant women should be sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
The Third Trimester(Week 29 to Week 40)
The third trimester is the final stretch towards child birth and the best thing a woman can do during this time is simply relax and stay comfortable. Women will continue to experience changes and some of these changes include:
- Shortness of Breath
- Heartburn
- Frequent Trips to the Bathroom
- Hemorrhoids
- Contractions
To help deal with these symptoms, women should consult with their doctor to see if there are any recommended medicines or tips to reduce these symptoms. Women should also get ready for the baby and finish up these final steps: take a prenatal class, find a pediatrician, get a car seat ready to go, and have a bag packed and ready to go!