Understanding Your Pregnancy: Trimester-by-Trimester Guide

First Trimester

* Weeks 1-4: This is the embryonic stage, when the fertilized egg develops into a fetus. The most common symptoms of pregnancy during this time are fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness.

* Weeks 5-8: The fetus begins to grow rapidly and develop major organs. The most common symptoms during this time are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and frequent urination.

* Weeks 9-12: The fetus continues to grow and develop, and the most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and heartburn.

Second Trimester

* Weeks 13-16: The fetus grows rapidly and begins to move. The most common symptoms during this time are heartburn, constipation, and increased urination.

* Weeks 17-20: The fetus continues to grow and mature, and the most common symptoms are heartburn, constipation, and back pain.

* Weeks 21-24: The fetus reaches viability, meaning it could survive outside the womb if born prematurely. The most common symptoms during this time are heartburn, constipation, and swelling.

Third Trimester

* Weeks 25-28: The fetus continues to grow and mature, and the most common symptoms are heartburn, constipation, and swelling.

* Weeks 29-32: The fetus begins to prepare for birth. The most common symptoms during this time are heartburn, constipation, and swelling.

* Weeks 33-36: The fetus continues to prepare for birth and the most common symptoms are heartburn, constipation, and swelling.

* Weeks 37-40: The fetus is fully mature and ready to be born. The most common symptoms during this time are heartburn, constipation, and swelling.

Labor and Delivery

* Labor begins when the uterus starts to contract regularly. The contractions will become stronger and more frequent as labor progresses.

* The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby begins to descend into the birth canal.

* The third stage of labor begins when the baby is born.

* The fourth stage of labor begins after the baby is born and the placenta is delivered.

After Pregnancy

* The postpartum period begins after the baby is born and lasts for about six weeks. During this time, the woman's body will recover from pregnancy and childbirth.

* The most common symptoms during the postpartum period are fatigue, bleeding, and mood swings.