The stages of pregnancy are divided into three trimesters. The first trimester starts from conception and lasts up to the 12th week. During this time, the baby's major organs and body systems are formed. This is also when many women experience nausea, fatigue, and tender breasts.
The second trimester begins at week 13 and ends at the 28th week of pregnancy. This is often referred to as the golden period since many of the worst symptoms will have subsided by now. It’s an ideal time for prenatal visits due to its relative comfort compared to other stages of pregnancy.
The third trimester marks the home stretch in a woman's pregnancy journey and is considered to be from 29 weeks to 40 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, the baby is rapidly maturing and gaining weight. Many mothers will experience shortness of breath and an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions as the delivery date gets closer.
At week 40, it's time for labour and birth to begin. Most babies are born within two weeks of their due date, though some may arrive earlier or later. This can be a stressful but exciting time for expecting parents, who have been on a journey full of milestones since the very beginning.
No matter which stage of pregnancy you are in, it’s important to stay healthy and well informed about what’s going on with your body and your baby’s development so that you can enjoy this special time.
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References:
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