Pregnancy Trimester Guide

Pregnancy is broken into three trimesters. The first trimester consist of week one to week 13. The second trimester begins at week 14 and ends at week 27, while the third trimester begins at week 28 and ends at week 40 or 42. Women are usually allowed to go two weeks past their due date if it's a normal, healthy pregnancy. Here is a guide on what you can expect during the three trimesters of pregnancy.

First Trimester

• During the first trimester many women experience cramping, spotting, fatigue and headaches. They often mistake these symptoms for PMS and do not realize they are pregnant until they miss their period. Fatigue occurs because of changing hormones that prepare a woman's body for pregnancy. Rest as often as you can, and if at all possible, take a nap during the day. Sometimes women experience nausea and vomiting in the first trimester, especially when they first wake up. Nausea and vomiting happens because the stomach is empty. Try eating several small meals throughout the day and a snack before bed. Eat foods that are bland and dry, like toast and crackers. Avoid greasy and fried foods as these tend to make morning sickness worse. Do not take medications for nausea and vomiting. If morning sickness is severe, the doctor will prescribe medication such as Phenergen to help ease vomiting.

Second Trimester

• By the second trimester nausea and vomiting normally disappear. The mother begins feeling better and will notice other changes happening to her body. Her breasts become larger because estrogen and progesterone stimulate milk glands. Soreness around the breasts ease up but the nipples continue to remain sore and begin to darken. You'll want to wear a supportive bra for your enlarging breasts. The fetus is growing and at the end of the second trimester will weigh 2 to 3 pounds. The growing fetus causes the belly to expand. Stretch marks become noticeable. The belly also begins to itch as the belly grows, stretching the skin. Rubbing lotion or baby oil will help the itching. Dizziness also happens in the second trimester due to vessels dilating. Drink plenty of fluids, and when beginning to stand, do so slowly. When dizziness occurs you should lay on your left side to help restore your blood pressure. During the second trimester the mom-to-be begins experiencing fetal movement. These movements begin as light "flutters" in her belly. By the end of the second trimester the fetuses movement becomes stronger.

Third Trimester

• Pregnant women during these last three months become uncomfortable. Backaches are common and are relieved by taking Tylenol or having your partner rub your back. Shortness of breath also occurs as the baby continues to grow, pushing up on the diaphragm. Standing straight will help relieve the pressure making it easier to breath. At night, prop the upper body with pillows so that pressure is taken off the lungs. Also, some women notice that their hands, ankles, face and feet swell. Some swelling is common during the last stages of pregnancy and usually goes away during rest or elevation of the legs. Sometimes swelling is due to serious conditions that develop during pregnancy called toxemia and preeclampsia. Your doctor will monitor you closely should these two conditions develop. Frequent urination happens because the baby moves deeper into the pelvis, putting pressure on the bladder. Sometimes accidents can occur when you laugh, cough or sneeze. Non-deodorant panty liners should be worn for protection. During the last month a woman may experience Braxton-Hicks contractions, which is also known as false labor. These contractions are irregular and come and go. They occur in preparation for labor. Real contractions involve intense pain and come at regular intervals. If contractions occur that are intense and are five to 10 minutes apart, then it's time to get to the hospital.