What You Can and Do in Trimester

The Trimester is a three month period of time. During each trimester, the fetus develops in different ways and the mother experiences different changes.

First Trimester

* Weeks 1-4

* The embryo forms and begins to grow.

* The heart, brain, and other organs begin to develop.

* The placenta forms.

* The mother may experience morning sickness, fatigue, and breast tenderness.

* Weeks 5-8

* The embryo becomes a fetus.

* The arms and legs begin to grow.

* The fingers and toes begin to form.

* The eyes, nose, and mouth begin to develop.

* The mother may experience increased urination, bloating, and constipation.

* Weeks 9-12

* The fetus continues to grow and develop.

* The heartbeat can be heard with a Doppler ultrasound.

* The mother may begin to show.

* The mother may experience back pain, leg cramps, and hemorrhoids.

Second Trimester

* Weeks 13-16

* The fetus grows rapidly.

* The hair, nails, and teeth begin to develop.

* The fetus begins to move.

* The mother may experience increased energy, weight gain, and skin changes.

* Weeks 17-20

* The fetus continues to grow and develop.

* The bones and muscles become stronger.

* The fetus begins to make sounds.

* The mother may experience stretch marks, swelling, and heartburn.

* Weeks 21-24

* The fetus continues to grow and mature.

* The lungs and kidneys begin to function.

* The fetus begins to practice breathing and sucking.

* The mother may experience increased Braxton Hicks contractions.

Third Trimester

* Weeks 25-28

* The fetus grows rapidly and gains weight.

* The lungs are fully developed and the fetus can breathe on its own.

* The fetus begins to take on a position for birth.

* The mother may experience increased fatigue, back pain, and swelling.

* Weeks 29-32

* The fetus continues to grow and mature.

* The skin becomes smoother and the nails are fully grown.

* The fetus begins to store fat.

* The mother may experience frequent Braxton Hicks contractions.

* Weeks 33-36

* The fetus is fully developed and ready to be born.

* The mother's body prepares for labor.

* The cervix begins to soften and dilate.

* The mother may experience an increase in vaginal discharge and pressure.

Weeks 37-40

* The fetus is ready to be born.

* Labor may begin at any time.

* The mother may experience contractions, back pain, and rupture of membranes.

*During each trimester, it's important for the mother to take care of herself and her baby by eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances. The mother should also see her healthcare provider regularly to monitor her health and the progress of the pregnancy.*