Developments In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy Stages

Author: SCOTT ANDREWS

First trimester of pregnancy stages refers to the initial stages of childbearing. It normally lasts up to 12 weeks of gestation from conception. Some doctors calculate the period from the very first day of last menstrual period to the 14th week.

This trimester normally appears to be very taxing for most of pregnant women. It is because so many hormonal changes start taking place in their bodies suddenly. They also feel an increased emotional quotient. Furthermore, the baby also develops at an amazing pace during this period. All these things confuse the first time mothers and they start wondering how to cope with all this. But all this confusion can be kept at bay by procuring basic information about these first few weeks of Pregnancy.

The first trimester of pregnancy stages is the most crucial phase for it greatly influences the development of the fetus. This is also the time when the mother would have to take maximum care of herself and her developing baby. If the mother retains the pink of her health during this phase, the fetus would definitely develop normally and would be healthy also. It is during these weeks only that the major systems and organs of the fetus start forming. Some developments take place right with the implantation of the embryo into uterine wall. The amniotic sac gets formed. This is followed by secretion of amniotic fluid, which acts as the life guard for the embryo. Made by a membrane covering the placenta from the side of the fetus, the fluid shields the fetus from injuries. It also helps in regulating the temperature of fetus.

Many dramatic developments and changes take place during first trimester of pregnancy stages. During this period, the terminologies also change very rapidly. This entails the new life implanted in the mother’s womb is termed an embryo during the first eight weeks. This embryo develops briskly and becomes a fully formed fetus in just three weeks. A full term fetus at the close of the first trimester usually weighs around an ounce and grows around 3-4 inches in length.

Changes Experienced By The Mother

During this phase, the body of the mother-to-be also experiences a lot of changes. The enlargement of the mammary glands causes swelling of the breasts. This is the preparatory step for breastfeeding that starts with tendering of the breasts. It mainly happens because of increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. To counter this, the expecting woman must wear a supportive bra. Darkening of areolas marks the second step of this preparation. The areolas are further covered by Montgomery's tubercles that are the enlarged sweat glands in the form of white bumps. Furthermore, the veins present on the breasts also become more prominent especially at the surface.

Then the uterus of a pregnant woman also keeps growing rapidly thereby exerting pressure on her bladder. This pressure along with the improved blood flow to kidneys may cause her to urinate frequently. Mood swings, morning sickness, and fatigue are also at their peak during the first trimester of pregnancy stages.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/developments-in-the-first-trimester-of-pregnancy-stages-1769974.html

About the Author

Visit the following link to know the do's and don'ts concerning the first trimester pregnancy. Also know about the benefits served by a pregnancy calendar and how it can help track the baby's progress.

What should you eat as pregnancy Diet ?

Author: Rosana

Here is what we think should be your Pregnancy diet -
* A healthy and balanced diet is very much necessary as a pregnancy diet. The diet not only helps you but also helps the yet to born child inside you.
* The initial months are crucial because during these months the baby's growth starts. The nervous system growth and the organ formation also take place during this time. The baby grows physically and mentally and so good nutrition is very important during this time.
* During the last three months of pregnancy also take enough care. During the last three months you should take care because the growth of the baby is rapid during this time.
* Whether you like it or not but you should eat properly good food during your pregnancy so as to avoid any problem. You have to take care of your health as well the baby's health. So go for a good well balanced diet during this time.
So, what is a nutritious and balanced diet?
A diet is called nutritious when it contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals in needed amount. The food should contain elements from these five groups.
Eat –Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, whole grain items like cereals and bread, milk and dairy products et cetera
Avoid - Canned and processed foods, coffee, tea, spicy foods, sugary foods such as cakes, cookies, candies, hot chocolate, sodas and colas and salt etc.
· Eat different food of different varieties
· Eat three meals a day
· Try to get 2,200 to 2,800 calories per day. It is necessary for you and for the baby's health.
· Talk to a doctor
· Take vitamins as prescribed by the doctor
Some of the essential nutrients
Folic acid: Folic acid is very important in the pregnancy diet. It is very important for the pregnant women. Folic acid helps in the baby's development. It helps in the development of the nervous system. Folic acid is also important because it
1. Prevents defects of the brain, spine or their coverings.
2. Prevents birth defects like congenital heart disease and cleft lip.
Where will you get folic acid?
In green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, beans, citrus, in the liver and in yeast. You will also find it in cereals and breads.
Iron – Iron is very much essential for pregnant women in their diet. It helps in development of the baby's bones and teeth. Eat green leafy vegetables, dates, potatoes, cereals, breads etc.
Calcium – It is necessary because it helps in development of bones and teeth of the baby. Milk, yogurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables contain calcium. Daily need is 800-1200 mg.
Protein - Protein is necessary for your body. Eat meat, fish, peas, nuts, beans and diary foods like milk and eggs.
Vitamin C – Its necessary because it helps in formation of placenta and helps in fighting infection. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables .
Fiber – Fiber is needed to prevent constipation and piles which is common during pregnancy. Eat fruits and vegetables, nuts, brown rice, cereals including peas, beans, oats, and pulses etc.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/what-should-you-eat-as-pregnancy-diet-3887611.html
About the Author

pregnancy | food | milk

Pregnancy fanny :)))

Pregnant Bellybutton song LOL

Pregnancy Stages - A Brief Overview

Soon after the delight of discovering that "I am pregnant" the mothers want to discover what is going to happen during the different pregnancy stages. The initial pregnancy symptoms are actually the result of changing hormonal levels and the growth of the baby in the womb. Now the anxiety is for handling incoming pregnancy stages. Read on to find the answer to all your anxieties.

Each pregnancy stage is accompanied with many changes in both the mother and the baby, and the better understanding of these changes helps to enjoy them more.

First Pregnancy Stage

During the first pregnancy stage the baby is developing at an incredible rate. During these twelve weeks of the first stage, the baby grows from two tiny cells to about seven centimeters long fetus with many of its organs(including heart) in the functioning position. Obviously this gives a deep effect on the mother's body. Increasing level of hormones at this stage is the major cause of nausea, morning sickness, extreme tiredness and much more in this stage. The mother can only cope up to these changes if she is stronger enough. A multivitamin pill is of great help at this stage.

Fun Ways To Announce Your Pregnancy

Whether you just found out you are with child or you have known for a few months, then announce your pregnancy to relatives and friends can be a lot of fun. Some may want to hold on till a trustworthy period during their pregnancy, while others desire to call right after finding out themselves.

Announce your pregnancy for The Father

Have a romantic dinner for two with candle lights, it may be your final stretch for a while, between sunrise sickness and propagation your little one. Serve up, babe in arms carrots, kid back ribs and anything else you can think as baby. At the end, pour apple fluid instead of wine and hand him a existent. Contents the Existing you can maintain a little toddler bib that says, "I heart My Daddy" or a couple of baby booties.

If you can't tell the father right away, because he's away on affair, or deployed, try sending him a care package to announce your pregnancy. Inside the box a few baby items, everything in blue and pink, and a baby naming book in the center. Place a note on top of the book, which saying, "I miss a good name, I'll be here by June." Or whenever the baby is due.

You can also see how large it takes him to figure it out. Go to the dollar stock and hand-pick up a bunch of small baby items, a bib, rattle, fiasco, booties, etc. For a week, leave an item laying around the house, where he is usually to find them. At the end of the week if he hasn't figured it out yet, prepare the big gift. Have a Teddy Bear sitting at the dinner table in the place next to him, make sure there is a bib wrapped around the Teddy Bear, and maybe a sign that says Hi Daddy.

Announce your pregnancy for Family and Friends

Show up to a family event and wear a shirt that announces your situation. These days there are a ton of shirts out there with text sayings, "Baby on Board," "A Bun in the Oven," or something common to the parenthood. The moment you walk in or take off your jacket all will know your situation, without you ever having to say a word, you will announce your pregnancy. Now, get ready for the tears and excitement. You will be ready to answer a ton of questions.

Constipation During Pregnancy

A common term used to describe pregnancy and childbirth is "miraculous".  In preparation for birth, a pregnant woman's body changes in amazing ways.  This also involves the common problem of constipation.  This makes a woman feel less than miraculous.  This article discusses the problem of constipation and offers some solutions.

Twin Pregnancy FAQ

Discovering that you're pregnant with twins is exciting but also quite overwhelming. Because twin pregnancies carry additional risks and precautions, you likely have many questions.

What's different about a twin pregnancy?

The experience of a twin pregnancy can be very different for some women. In some cases, women who are pregnant with twins experience enhanced pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or edema (swelling). A a woman who is pregnant with twins is at greater risk for some medical complications, such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and gestational diabetes.
What are the signs of twin pregnancy?

While some women report drastic differences in a twin pregnancy, others report no differences from a singleton pregnancy. Some of the most common indicators of multiple births are weight gain, measuring large for gestational age, severe morning sickness, early detection of fetal movement, abnormally High Results on an AFP or Triple Screen Test, extreme fatigue and elevated HcG Levels.

How can I find out if I am having twins?

Ultrasound remains the most reliable way to detect and monitor a multiple pregnancy. The routine use of ultrasound in prenatal care has reduced the number of surprise appearances by twins in the delivery room; most multiples are discovered during the first half of pregnancy. If you have a hunch or suspect that you are carrying twins or more, discuss your feelings with your doctor.

Will I have to go on bed rest?

Bed rest is prescribed in multiple pregnancy as a preventative and precautionary tool. It can provide benefits for both mom and babies, prolonging a pregnancy in danger of preterm labor to a woman whose body is under stress. In 1992, a survey by the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs showed that 70 percent of women expecting multiple births experienced bed rest at some point in their pregnancy. However, times have changed and doctors have become less rigid about sentencing women to bed.

Can there be a hidden twin?

Nearly every pregnant woman considers the possibility that she may be carrying more than one baby. The only way to confirm a twin or multiple pregnancy is by visually identifying the multiple fetuses with ultrasound. If your doctor or caregiver can only see one baby, you're not having twins or multiples. There are some very rare exceptions. Ultrasound provides a picture of the womb, but sometimes the picture can be misleading or misinterpreted, particularly if performed very early in the pregnancy or by an incompetent technician. At twenty weeks, a second fetus would be clearly visible on ultrasound, and the likelihood that there is another baby hidden in the womb is extremely small.

What is vanishing twin syndrome?

Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs when one of a set of twin fetuses apparently disappears from the womb during pregnancy, usually resulting in a normal singleton pregnancy. One of the fetuses in a twin pregnancy spontaneously aborts, usually during the first trimester; the fetal tissue is absorbed by the other twin, the placenta, or the mother, thus giving the appearance that the twin "vanished." In recent years, enhanced use of ultrasound early in pregnancy has increased the frequency of diagnosis of twin pregnancy. As a result, there has been a heightened awareness of vanishing twin syndrome.

How much weight will I gain?

Women are always worried about how much weight they will gain with any pregnancy, singleton or multiple. Now that you're having twins, the thought of extra weight gain seems scary. Generally, a healthy pregnancy requires that a woman gain 25 to 30 pounds during the nine month gestation period, depending on her body type. But that's for just one baby. Like everything about having multiples, more is required. Doctor recommendations vary, but most women tend to gain about 35 to 45 pounds during a twin pregnancy, with about 10 additional pounds for every additional baby in a higher order multiple pregnancy. However, this is just a guideline so be sure to speak to your doctor about what is appropriate for your body type.

What is the typical gestation for a twin pregnancy?

Generally, twins and other multiples are born earlier than singletons. Research from the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs (NOMOTC) indicates that about half of multiples are born before 36 weeks gestation. There's no way to know exactly when your babies will be born. In some cases, a premature birth can not be avoided. Some doctors feel that thirty-seven or thirty-eight weeks should be considered full-term for twins and will seek to prompt the delivery of the babies at that time.

Are my twins identical or fraternal?

Signs of Pregnancy Or PMS?

Why is it that even though I know better, at the end of every cycle I wonder if every little twitch, tingle, or sensation means that I will see a positive pregnancy test? I should know better than to wonder at every little thing since I have been researching and reading about infertility and trying to conceive for over 10 years. My breasts start to hurt so that must be a sign right? Oh, now I feel slightly nauseous so that must be another sign right?

Of course, as much as I or any other woman would like to look at these things and assure ourselves that they are in fact signs of pregnancy, we should all know better. Just because I got a little nauseous last night before dinner, new pimples have shown up on my 38 year old face, and suddenly tuna fish sounds much better than anything else we have in the house doesn't mean that I am pregnant. These are also signs of an impending visit from good old Aunt Flo (your period).

Why do we wonder and worry about all of these little signs? Is it in our nature, in our DNA? Is it somehow hard wired in our brains from thousands of years ago when pregnancy test didn't exist and the only thing to confirm that a pregnancy was a reality was a missed period and "woman's intuition"?

So what are some early signs of pregnancy that are not also signs of PMS?

Missed period
Positive pregnancy test

Yes, I hate to say it as much as you hate to read it, but that's it ladies, only two early signs of pregnancy that cannot also be signs of PMS. A missed period is a period that never arrives, or in the case of when to test, a missed period is at least 3 days late. A positive pregnancy test is just that, a positive pregnancy test. The only times when a false positive pregnancy test occurs is either when you have waited too long to look at the results and see an evaporation line or you recently miscarried and some of the pregnancy hormone is still in your urine and therefore showing up on the test.

Now, the case may be a little different if you have never experienced any signs of PMS and they only show up at the end of your cycle for the first time. Then you might be able to say that you "knew" before you actually took a test, providing that the test is positive, of course.

What is my reason for writing this? More than anything I think I just wanted to let you all know that you are not alone. You are not the only "crazy woman" that thinks every little thing is a sign of pregnancy. You are not the only one that if it doesn't turn out that way gets depressed, and wonders why.

Here I sit asking myself if every little thing is a reason to suspect pregnancy or is it just PMS. Yes, I have been nauseous for about three days now, and yes my breast are tender along with a few other signs. But, I have not yet broken down and taken a pregnancy test yet, because as I said before, it could just be Aunt Flo announcing her arrival.

Various Types Of Pregnancy Tests

With the advancement of technology, pregnancy tests have also become more and more reliable and easier to carry out. Over the counter home pregnancy tests are also as effective as the tests carried out at the primary health care provider's office. These tests are the starting point for you to make an appointment with your primary health care provider, if you test positive. It's important to immediately undergo other tests in order to check whether the pregnancy is normal or if there are any abnormalities such as an ectopic pregnancy.

Types Of Pregnancy Tests

Urine Based Tests: These tests are most popular and more convenient than the other types. All that you need to do is to purchase over the counter urine home pregnancy test kit. Normally this consists of a cup into which the woman has to urinate and a special stick that has to be immersed in the urine for a specific amount of time. If you follow the instructions correctly as given along with the kit, you'll come to know whether you are pregnant or not. The results are fairly accurate most of the time. Most clinics also adopt this method of pregnancy test.

There is another method of urine pregnancy test in which the woman has to hold a special stick in the stream of urine for a specific amount of time. This is a much neater type of test and is preferred by most women. This method can also be used as an early pregnancy test since it can detect the presence of hCG pregnancy hormone as soon as the embryo has attached itself to the uterine wall.

Blood Tests For Pregnancy: Blood tests are normally more reliable and are carried out by doctors in order to detect human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG), the presence of which indicates that the placenta has started to grow as a result of the attachment of the embryo to the uterine lining. This can also be found out through urine tests but blood tests are more reliable. Normally the doctor runs more tests to check your overall health so that proper prenatal vitamins and medications can be prescribed to keep you and your growing baby healthy.

Blood tests are preferred by most couples who have had infertility problems and are anxious to find out whether the pregnancy test results are positive as the blood test can be done as early as seven days after a probable conception. It's also important to undergo a blood test as the level of hCG can be measured very accurately and possible complications or problems can easily be identified. The blood pregnancy test should only be carried out at a doctor's office although it might entail the high cost of the visit and the tests. You could also visit women's clinics for pregnancy tests if you want to reduce the expenditure.

The expectant mother should also undergo further regular tests even after the pregnancy tests have revealed that she is normal and has a healthy pregnancy. These tests are normally scheduled by the doctor and expectant mothers should be aware of them and their implications. These tests are: Complete Blood Count (CBC) test that checks for anemia or any other abnormality; Urine analysis test that checks for undesirable elements such as infection, blood, protein or any other harmful product; RH factor; Immunity from German measles; tests for sexually transmitted diseases; blood glucose test; pap smear; and screening for bacterial and viral infection.
Pregnancy tests are essential to ensure the good health of the expectant mother and the growing baby.