Each of the stages of pregnancy, known as trimesters, has its own unique characteristics. The first trimester is defined as the period from the date of conception through week 12. The second trimester lasts from week 12 through week 24 and the third trimester is week 24 to the moment the child is born.

First trimester of pregnancy (from the date of conception to week 12)

Due to the new demands of fetal development, the body of a pregnant woman undergoes complicated protective and adaptive changes. The central nervous system and endocrine glands perform regulatory functions controlling the reorganization of body.

After implantation of the embryo into the endometrial lining of the uterus, the woman’s body starts producing the sex hormone progesterone. It has an immediate influence on the development of the embryo and changes in the mother’s body. The ovaries continue to produce progesterone for about 9 or 10 weeks and after that time, the fetoplacental system (adrenal cortex and liver of the pregnant woman and the fetus) takes responsibility for hormonal function.

There are two developmental stages: embryonic period (first 8 weeks of pregnancy) and fetal period (from the 9^th week to the birth). During the embryonic period, the formation of various types of tissues occurs. The fetal period is characterized by the growth of the baby, and the development of its organs and functional systems.

Under the influence of progesterone, breasts tend to enlarge; nipples uplift and the skin surrounding them (areola) become darker and wider. Progesterone can also cause constipation, as it causes relaxation of smooth intestinal muscles, and therefore decreases the strength and the frequency of bowel contractions. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids in order to prevent constipation.

Often, in the first weeks of pregnancy women suffer from queasiness and nausea which are triggered by the hormonal changes the body undergoes.  These discomforts usually go away as the pregnancy proceeds. However, sometimes they continue during all the stages of pregnancy.

Fatigue is common during this period, but this feeling will subside by the second trimester. It is related to the changes in body and energy drain. The real cure for the first trimester fatigue is to sleep 9 or 10 hours every night.

During the first trimester, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy are possible.

Ectopic pregnancy is a complication where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tubes. The growth of the embryo here may result in the major internal hemorrhage and is the reason why an ectopic pregnancy is a potential medical emergency requiring surgery.

Another complication of pregnancy in the first trimester is if the fetal heartbeat stops. In this case the pregnancy will not continue. Dilation (or dilatation) and curettage is performed with laboratory examination to follow.

Second trimester of pregnancy (from week 12 to week 24)

The hormones of the fetoplacental system are responsible for many of the physiological changes in the in the woman’s body. They regulate water-salt metabolism (the retention of sodium at the same time can lead to swelling or edema), increase the volume of circulating blood and stimulate the growth of the uterus and breasts.

Due to lower levels of progesterone, queasiness and nausea subside. In the middle of the second trimester, a woman experiences the first feelings of fetal movement. The breasts may start producing yellowish fluid – the first milk, called colostrum. As the growing uterus presses on the intestines, constipation may become more common and heartburn may occur.

During the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby’s organs are forming and changes in the woman’s body continue. Complications of this period are the following: late miscarriage, bleedings (the usual reason is the presentation of placenta), iron-deficiency anemia, and oxygen starvation (hypoxia) of the fetus. It is very important for the fetus to get enough oxygen in the second trimester, because this period is characterized by the intensive development of the brain. A lack of oxygen can quickly begin to take its toll: the movements of the fetus change, and the fetal heart rate is affected.

During the third trimester the uterus is actively growing, fetal movements are increasing, and labor pains may sometimes occur. They should only last for several minutes and stop after the body position changes. These labor pains push the fetus towards the maternal passages. That is why there is no reason to be scared. However, in the case of frequent labor pains (several times per hour) it is important to consult a doctor.

The increased pressure of the uterus on the urinary bladder may cause frequent urination. As the expanding uterus pushes the diaphragm, and the baby requires enough oxygen, the woman may feel shortness of breath. The pregnant woman may feel tired and suffer from sleeping problems. The reason for it is increasing physical and emotional stress.

Some kinds of malformation and swellings can be detected during the third trimester. Often, the general condition of the pregnant woman (late pregnancy toxemia, for example) can trigger blood flow problems in the uterine vessels, as well as placental and umbilical vessels. These changes can be the cause of abnormalities of fetal growth and development, and oxygen starvation.

An incorrect positioning of the fetus can also be revealed during this period and it is vital to detect any abnormalities beforehand as it defines the steps to be taken during the birth process.

All pregnant women should regularly consult their obstetrician-gynecologist, who will be able to detect and explain all changes over the course of pregnancy.

Pregnancy symptoms are individual and various at different women; however, undoubtedly, the most known and true sign of pregnancy - disturbance of a menstrual cycle. It is very important to be able to define signs of pregnancy as each of them can specify not only in pregnancy, but on disease.

At some women the first signs of pregnancy appear within a week after conception. At others such symptoms appear only in some weeks, or do not appear at all at all. We bring to your attention the list of some most widespread signs of pregnancy.

Signs of pregnancy:

Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding - one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. Widespread enough phenomenon in the first trimester of pregnancy, and far not always testifies to an abnormal current of pregnancy. Approximately through 6 - 12 days after conception occur planting of an embryos to a uterus wall. At some women this process is accompanied by a bleeding and spasm.

Other reasons: a normal menses, an extraordinary menses, a by-effect of reception of some contraceptive tablets, an infection, the damage received in the course of sexual intercourse.

Menses delay - disturbance of a menstrual cycle:

Delay of a menses - infringement of a menstrual cycle - the most known and widespread sign of pregnancy which forces the woman to pregnancy test. At pregnancy the woman has a monthly delay of a menses. At many pregnant women the bleeding, however, as a rule is observed, the menses quickly comes to an end and passes less intensively, than usually. It is possible to explain a menses delay set of other reasons, except pregnancy. However, if you conduct an active sex life and at you a delay, it is better to be tested on pregnancy.

Other reasons: excessive loss/set of weight, chronic weariness, hormonal disturbances, a strain, stress, the termination of reception of contraceptive tablets, thoracal feeding.

Swelling - rising of sensitivity of a breast:

Swelling or rising of sensitivity of a breast - a sign of pregnancy which appears through 1 - 2 weeks after conception. The woman can notice, how its breasts have changed; they react to everyone, even an insignificant touch, are ill or bulk up.

Other reasons: the hormonal disbalance, reception of contraceptive tablets, a premenstrual syndrome (PMS) also cause a swelling and rising of sensitivity of a breast.

Fast fatigability/apathy:

Feeling of weariness or apathy - a sign of pregnancy which can already appear in the first week after conception.

Other reasons: stress, fatigue, depression, cold or a flu, and also other diseases.

Nausea/toxicosis:

This known symptom of pregnancy often arises on 2 - 8 week after conception. Some lucky women do not face a nausea problem all pregnancy, however the overwhelming majority of pregnant women suffers from a toxicosis from the beginning up to the end.

Other reasons: food poisoning, stress, diseases of a gastrointestinal tract also make a sick.

Back pains:

Back pains also can specify in an early duration of gestation; however not strong pain periodically arises throughout all period of pregnancy.

Other reasons: a premenstrual syndrome (PMS), stress, problems with a back, physical or mental loads.

Headache and migraines:

Sudden rising of level of hormones in an organism can cause headaches on an early duration of gestation.

Other reasons: organism dehydration, abstention from caffeine, a premenstrual syndrome, an excessive strain of vision or other diseases can become a source of periodic or chronic headaches.

Frequent desires to an emiction:

Approximately on 6 - 8 week after conception you will feel, that you would like in a toilet is more often, than usually.

Other reasons: an infectious disease of genitourinary system, diabetes, overconsumption of a liquid or abusing diuretics (diuretics).

Skin darkening areola:

In pregnancy also specifies skin darkening around nipple.

Other reasons: a hormonal disbalance, untied with pregnancy, or the residual phenomenon after the previous pregnancy.

Appetite/bent for augmentation to certain products:

It is unessential, that you will have a desire to regale on salty cucumbers or vanilla ice-cream, however many pregnant women nevertheless have a bent for to certain products. This symptom remains throughout all pregnancy.

Other reasons: a bad food, a disadvantage of certain vitamin or nutrient, stress, the depression, a coming nearer menses.

The majority of women becomes pregnant without any problems and even contrary to the desire. Others try to become pregnant long years and make for this purpose huge efforts. Many women feel fault if cannot quickly become pregnant, and often suspect at itself Infertility. Nevertheless, women are quite capable to increase the fertility level and thus to enlarge probability of pregnancy.

Keep optimism

Researches have shown, that physical health of the woman plays far not a leading role in ability to conceive the child. The positive relation to a life and to arising problems can considerably change a situation. Negative thoughts often prevent to become pregnant. The more strongly the stress which the woman worries, the falls a fertility level more low. Try to worry not too because of disability quickly to become pregnant. Find in the busy schedule time to be relaxed. At each woman the methods of a relaxation, therefore take advantage of that approach for you.

To some women to be relaxed, it is enough to take a warm aromatic bath at candles. Others require special atmosphere and the help of the favourite. Aromatic massages and reflexotherapy have abirritating an effect, help to remove a stress and to get rid of serious thoughts. The aromatherapy also helps to restore the broken menstrual cycle. The qualified expert in an aromatherapy can be found on the Internet or in the local business directory.

Simple pastime in the company favourite - here a time-tested means of a relaxation and composure restoration. Try to be engaged in together favourite business, to go at cinema or theatre, to spend time on the nature. The main thing - that both of you have taken pleasure and were relaxed. One only it can clamp your relations, pull together you and take out stress which inevitably accompanies attempts to conceive the child.

Acupuncture

It is known, that acupuncture well influences a fecundity of the woman, especially in a combination with IVF (In vitro fertilisation). The researches devoted to studying of influence of acupuncture on ability to become pregnant, are not finished yet, however short-term researches testify to positive action of an acupuncture.

Acupuncture is applied by the Chinese doctors throughout already 5000 years. This kind of therapy helps to cure set of various diseases, however salutary effect acupuncture has obtained an official recognition several decades ago.

If you wish to taste acupuncture, address only to checked up, qualified expert in acupuncture. The national American Institute of Public health services (The National Institute of Health) and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture) - here where in the USA can be found the fine expert working under the state license.

Ovulation

The probability of offensive of pregnancy to no small degree depends on a menstrual cycle of the woman and its regularity. The ovulation (an exit of an ovum from ovaries) usually occurs on 12 - 18 day of a menstrual cycle. At this time the fecundity raises, and the probability of conception reaches a maximum.

It is considered to be, that the ovulation occurs for 14 day of a cycle (it is a question of a regular 28-day menstrual cycle). To define probable day of an ovulation, it is enough to solve a simple mathematical problem: to take away 14 from the general duration of an individual menstrual cycle. For example, if at you a 28-day cycle, take away twenty eight fourteen - and receive date of the maximum fecundity (in this case for conception 14 day of a cycle is optimum). Nevertheless, the menstrual cycle - the phenomenon especially individual, therefore an ovulation can occur both on the thirteenth, and for the fifteenth day.

For definition of time of an ovulation also it is possible to take advantage of special tests which can be got in a drugstore. Undoubtedly, sex in an ovulation also raises probability of pregnancy, but the pairs, aspiring to conceive the child, should have sex not less than three times a week. The female organism is concealed by set of riddles, therefore an ovulation not always occurs in due time. Regular sex not only strengthens relations, but guarantees, that you do not pass an ovulation, thereby enlarging chances to conceive the child.

After the sex act try some time (at least twenty minutes) to remain in bed, not moving, to prevent outpourings of a semen from a vagina is will enlarge chances to become pregnant.

A food and diet

The good balanced food and healthy effective diet also improve ability to become pregnant. Try to eat more vegetables and fruit, the products containing fiber, bread from a flour from integral grain, and also the products rich with a fat (bread from not sifted flour, rice and Pasta).

Also the probability of conception is increased by certain nutrients and the vitamins containing in a foodstuff, including:

· Sheet green vegetables, for example, the cabbage, a broccoli, a lettuce and spinach, contain Acidum folicum considerable quantity - the vitamin having huge value for health of mother and the child. Acidum folicum is useful to a fetation, it helps to prevent defects of development, including column scission. Besides, Acidum folicum also is very important for genesial and general health of the woman. Acidum folicum sources - bread, porridges and edible additives.

· Fast meat and fabaceous contain a protein and iron considerable quantity. These major nutrients help to sustain a high level of the maintenance of iron in an organism. The low maintenance of iron in blood can affect the general state of ovaries and break the ovulation mechanism.

· Milk products - an excellent source of the calcium necessary for conservation of health of bones and teeth. If you try to become pregnant, necessarily include in a food allowance enough of the products containing calcium to frame stocks for a fetation.

The women, unsuccessfully trying to conceive throughout a year or more, depressions are often subject, that at all does not enlarge their chances to become pregnant. Therefore is better to address for the help to the doctor and to discuss with him all problems, including difficulties of psychological property.

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