Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. In the first trimester, the major organs and structures develop as the embryo attaches to the uterine wall. Morning sickness and fatigue are common for the mother. In the second trimester, the baby's sex can be determined and it begins sleeping and waking regularly as it grows. Mothers often feel less sick but have aches and swelling. In the third trimester, the baby grows the most and moves into position for birth while the mother becomes very uncomfortable. Labor occurs in three phases from early contractions to delivery as the mother dilates fully and gives birth.
2. Main Points
• Stages of pregnancy (Trimesters)
• What happens during each trimester to both
mother and baby
• Labor & Delivery
3. Stages of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is broken up into three stages, or
trimesters. Each stage consist of 13 weeks plus!
• Trimester 1- weeks 0-13
• Trimester 2- weeks 14-27
• Trimester 3- weeks 28-40
4. 1st trimester
(0-13 weeks)
Baby- sperm fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tube, then the fertilized egg
moves down the fallopian tube and attaches to the uterine wall. All of the
major organs and body structures start to develop during the first half of this
Trimester. Bones and muscles start to form. The baby is about one ounce and
about three inches long at the end of this stage.
Mother- hormone changes will start to affect your entire body. You may feel the
effects of these changes before you even know you're pregnant. Some women
experience the following conditions during the first trimester of pregnancy:
morning sickness, weight gain, exhaustion, breast swelling and soreness,
cravings
for certain foods, mood swings, headaches, the need to urinate more often, and
constipation!
6. 2nd Trimester
(14-27 weeks)
Baby- Sex organs form. Your doctor may be able to tell if it’s a boy or girl now. The
placenta finishes developing. Its eyebrows, eyelashes and fingernails form. Your baby
its own unique fingerprint. The baby can swallow, hear and suck his or her thumb. The
baby's body will be wrinkly and covered in vernix and lanugo . In girls, all of the eggs
will develop in her ovaries. In boys, the testicles will drop down from the abdomen
into the scrotum. Your baby will start a regular sleep and wake cycle. You should be
able to feel it move around and kick by the middle of this trimester. The baby now
weighs a little over two pounds and is about 14 inches long.
Mother- Morning sickness and fatigue have often subsided. This is when you start to
look pregnant, as a result of your growing baby. You may experience the following
discomforts: Body aches, especially in your back and abdomen Stretch marks, Dry,
itchy stomach, Tingly or numb hands, and Slight swelling in your feet, fingers and
face.
8. 3rd Trimester
(28-40 weeks)
Baby-Your baby grows the most during the third trimester. The baby
opens its eyes for the first time since the end of the first trimester and
can even notice changes in light. The lanugo starts falling off and the
skin will be less wrinkled. The baby will move down the uterus into
the heads-down position to get ready for delivery. Its taste
buds will form and it can tell the difference between sweet and sour
tastes. All organs are fully developed .At birth, your baby will be around 20
inches long and weigh between six and nine pounds.
Mother- You will become very uncomfortable. Because of your size, you may
find it hard to get comfortable and sleep at night. In addition to what you
felt during the second trimester, you may also experience: Heartburn,
Shortness of breath ,Pre-milk called colostrum leaking from your nipples,
and Contractions that may signal real or false labor
10. Labor & Delivery
During labor, you will go through three phases. The phases are: Early phase, active phase, and
Transition phase.
• Early Phase- regular contractions about every 15 to 20 minutes, increasing to 5-minute
intervals later in this phase. Your cervix will dilate to 2 to 3 centimeters and your water will
break.
• Active Phase- contractions become stronger and more frequent, about 2 to 3 minutes apart
and lasting about 45 seconds. your cervix dilates to 4 to 7 centimeters. The pain also
intensifies
• Transition Phase- contractions are coming fast and furious now—some less than a minute
apart—and are lasting a minute or more. Your cervix dilates to 8 to 10 centimeters, its
maximum width. You may be nauseous, have the chills, the sweats or shakes. You'll probably
feel an incredible urge to push
during this time.
• Delivery-You are fully dilated and the baby's head becomes visible to your hospital team. You
can push ; each contraction will last about 60 to 90 seconds. Once the baby crowns (the top of
the head shows). You continue pushing until the baby is out! The doctors will then get the
After birth out. Daddy will also cut the cord if desired!