If you are expecting for the first time, you will be anxious to know about the pregnancy stages and how the nine months are going to be. It is normal to feel this way and to have a lot of questions. To help ease your anxiety, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the different stages of pregnancy and what to expect during each trimester. Additionally, keeping a pregnancy journal or tracking your progress each week can help you feel more in control and prepared for whatever comes your way during these nine months.
Pregnancy Journal
Keeping a pregnancy journal is becoming more and more popular among moms-to-be. It provides an outlet to write about the different emotions felt throughout pregnancy and track the physical changes taking place. Additionally, it can give expectant mothers a deeper understanding and connection to their baby.
This wonderful tool keeps you informed about the different stages of pregnancy development. The calendar is based on intensive research conducted by medical experts over many years. Although it is general in description, it is a good guide for first time moms-to-be. However, it is advised not to assume the calendar as a substitute for your regular doctor’s visits.
Pregnancy is often broken up into three stages, known as trimesters. This is because pregnancy can be divided into three equal parts, each lasting around three months. However, the entire pregnancy process takes a full nine months from start to finish.
THE FIRST TRIMESTER – You may experience various symptoms during pregnancy, such as morning sickness, fatigue, frequent urination, tender and enlarged breasts, and others. Do not panic. They are normal and temporary. The best way to deal with these nasty effects is to follow an exercise regime and a nutritious diet. This stage of pregnancy marks a rapid development of the fetus and a lot of changes in your body. The symptoms are your body’s way of coping with the sudden and drastic hormonal changes.
THE SECOND TRIMESTER – Your baby will continue to develop during this stage. You may notice fine hair all over its body and a strong heartbeat. Your belly will become huge and may cause back pain. Maternity pillows can help support you while you sleep on your side. Do not discontinue your exercise routine. Go for regular prenatal checkups to ensure everything is going well.
THE THIRD TRIMESTER – This is only the beginning of the pregnancy journey. Your baby is fully grown, but the due date feels so far away. A pregnancy calculator can help take away some anxiety around the due date, even though it isn’t 100% accurate. This is also the time to enroll in classes related to childbirth and nursing. You and your partner should go together so that he can become a responsible father. In addition to this, make a pregnancy plan that mentions the type of birth, kind of anesthesia, and other such matters.
Being pregnant is a lot like going on a long journey. You wouldn’t go on a road trip without planning ahead and doing your research, so why would you approach pregnancy any differently? Sure, there are going to be some tough moments during your pregnancy, but overall it is an exciting time! By learning all you can about the different stages of pregnancy, you’ll be able to better enjoy the ride.
