Pregnancy is a phase where a woman carries a fetus in her womb or uterus. As much as pregnancy is an exciting journey, it is equally tiring and a confusing phase for a lot of pregnant women.
There are a lot of doubts and misconceptions surrounding pregnancy. In this article, let’s discuss in detail about each trimester of pregnancy.
First Trimester
First Trimester – Pregnancy Test
A home pregnancy test is one of the reliable ways to check if a woman is actually pregnant or not. Home pregnancy test kits check for HCG hormone (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). The HCG hormones in the body increase if a woman is pregnant.
One can take a pregnancy test either at home using a home pregnancy kit or do a blood or urine test at a lab.
First Trimester – When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
It is recommended to take a pregnancy test a week or 10 days after your missed periods.
If you are doing a home pregnancy test, it is important to take the test with the first urine of the day as it will be more concentrated and can provide best accurate results.
If you have irregular periods, it is suggested to take the test at least 21 days after having unprotected intercourse.
First Trimester – Pregnancy Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of first trimester pregnancy:
- Missed periods
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Food cravings and aversions
First Trimester – Fetal Development
Week 1 and week 2 : Week 1 and week 2 of pregnancy are the stages where you aren’t actually pregnant.
The first day of your last period is actually considered as the first day of your pregnancy. It is the time when your body prepares for ovulation.
Week 3 and week 4 of pregnancy is when ovulation and fertilization happens. Ovulation is when the ovaries release an egg and send it to the fallopian tube. Fertilization is when the sperm fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tube.
From the 5th week of the first trimester, the embryo starts developing and almost all of its major organs including brain, arms, legs, eyes, ears, nostrils, eyelids and heart starts developing.
The baby must have a heartbeat by the 6th or 7th week of pregnancy in a normal pregnancy.
By the end of the first trimester, your baby is almost fully formed. The baby now has arms, legs, feet, toes, and even the finger, toenails, urinary systems and liver start developing. The baby’s reproductive organs also begin to grow.
First Trimester – Body changes
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Food aversions
- Frequent urination
- Food cravings
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Growing belly
First Trimester – Exercise
If you have been doing physical activity pre pregnancy and if you do not have pregnancy complications, it is okay to do mild exercises as long as your doctor approves of it.
Best exercises for first trimester:
- Walking: Walking is one of the easiest physical activities that almost all pregnant women can follow. Walking is very effective, safe, and easily accessible exercises for anyone.
- Yoga: Yoga is one of the excellent ways to stay fit and de-stress during pregnancy even in the first trimester of pregnancy. Ensure to practise yoga under a professional.
- Swimming: Swimming is yet another safest form of exercise during pregnancy. It only helps to stay fit but also great for your joints.
First Trimester – Complications
- Ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus typically in the fallopian tube. Since the embryo cannot develop in the fallopian tube, it needs to be removed through a surgery.
- Miscarriage: Miscarriage is the loss of the fetus which is very common during pregnancy especially in the first 20 weeks.
- Vaginal bleeding: Heavy or excessive vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy is yet another complication that happens during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Molar pregnancy: Molar pregnancy is a sudden excessive cell growth in the placenta where the size of the placenta becomes larger than usual as it contains a large number of cysts called sacs of fluid. In case of molar pregnancy, the fetus cannot develop further and need to be removed.
First Trimester – When to see a doctor?
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional as soon as you miss your period.
It is necessary to take all the prenatal ultrasounds during the first trimester, including the viability scan, where the viability of the fetus, the heartbeat, and the position of the uterus are seen.
The next scan in the first trimester is the NT scan, or Nuchal Translucency test, done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy to determine the nuchal translucency of the baby, which is the fluid-filled space behind the neck and the nasal bone.
This ultrasound is performed to check for any chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you face excessive bleeding, extreme cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Second Trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is from week 14 to week 27. It is the time when the morning sickness subsides and the fetus continues to grow.
Second Trimester – Fetal Development
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus has a steady head and all the organ structures are formed well. Second trimester of pregnancy is the time the fetus begins to move.
The fetus will also develop 5 senses during this time and the lungs are developing well. From the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus can hear and respond to the mother’s voice.
The fetus can taste sugar, starts playing and even has good hair growth. By the end of the second trimester, the fetus is around 1 kg weight and the CRL is around 25 cm.
Second Trimester – Body changes
- Growing belly
- Increased appetite
- Reduced urge to urinate than the first trimester
- Increases weight gain and back pain
- Reduced morning sickness and nausea
Second Trimester – Exercise
In the second trimester, if you have a normal pregnancy and do not have any complications, you can indulge in some sort of physical activity for at least 30 to 45 minutes a day.
You can do exercises such as:
- Walking
- Yoga
- Strength training
Ensure to practice yoga, strength training and other forms of exercises only under the guidance of a professional.
Second Trimester – Complications
Bleeding: Although bleeding and miscarriages are not common during the second trimester, it is still possible for pregnant women to have bleeding issues.
Cervical incompetence (cervical insufficiency): The cervix is the tissue that connects vagina and uterus. When the cervix is not able to withstand the pressure of the uterus, it can increase the pressure and make the cervix open before labor. It requires treatment, or else it could result in serious issues.
Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women when they have high blood pressure, higher levels of protein in their urine, and swelling in their legs and arms.
Preterm labor: Labor or childbirth before the completion of 38 weeks is called premature labor. It most often occurs between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation.
Placenta previa: Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta grows in the lower part of the uterus. Although it is a pretty common pregnancy complication, it requires medical care and treatment.
Placental abruption: Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication that can happen anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is when the placenta detaches itself from the wall of the uterus.
Second Trimester – When to see a doctor?
It is important to not miss your prenatal visits during pregnancy. There are a few risks that should not be ignored including:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Bleeding
- Fever
Third Trimester
Third trimester of pregnancy is between 28 to 40 weeks of gestation. The third trimester is when the baby will be fully grown.
Third Trimester – Fetal Development
During the third trimester, the baby is almost fully grown. The baby can now suck their thumb well and has gained the ability to cry. Ideally, around 34 weeks, the baby’s head starts to move downward, preparing itself for labor.
By this time, the baby weighs around 2 to 3.5 kg and will be around 17 inches long. The brain, kidneys, and lungs develop fully. Labor can happen anywhere between 36 to 40 weeks of gestation.
Third Trimester – Body Changes
- Increased weight gain
- Growing belly
- Leg swelling
- Increased tiredness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent urination
Third Trimester – Labor
Labor can start anytime, from 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy.
It is important to look out for labor symptoms, including contractions, back pain, leakage of amniotic fluid, and a change in vaginal discharge.
It is also essential to know the difference between Braxton hicks, or false labor and actual labor pain.
Difference between Braxton Hicks and Real Labor
Third Trimester – Stages of labor
Labor is divided into three main stages: stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3.
First stage: (Pre-delivery)
- The latent phase is where the cervix is dilated at 3 cm with contractions that do not follow a pattern. This can last a few days or hours before delivery.
- The active phase is the painful phase, where the cervix is dilated by about 8 cm with contractions every 3 to 4 minutes.
- The transition phase which lasts just before delivery is the last phase of the first stage where the cervix is fully dilated, which is 10cm. The contractions almost overlap each other, and you feel that there is no gap between each contraction
Second stage: (Delivery)
The second stage of labor is when the baby is being delivered and is said to be the most crucial phase of labor. As the cervix is already fully dilated, the OBGYN will guide when to push. You can feel your baby’s head gliding out. This can go on for about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the individual.
Third stage: (Post-Delivery)
The third stage of labor happens after the delivery of the baby. The uterus contracts itself to deliver the placenta, which can happen anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes after the delivery of the baby.
It is important to keep in mind that the duration of each stage of labor varies from person to person, as each pregnancy is different.
There are a few factors that influence the stages of pregnancy, such as: If the mother already has kids, the size and weight of the baby, and the mother’s health conditions.
Third Trimester – Exercise
- Walking
- Kegel exercise or pelvic exercise, which helps strengthen your pelvic region
- Yoga to ease the cervix and prepare you for labor.
Ensure that you only practice yoga and other forms of physical exercise under proper guidance.
Third Trimester – Complications
Common pregnancy complications in the third trimester of pregnancy includes:
- Gestational diabetes
- Preterm labor
- Preeclampsia
- Placenta previa
- Placental abruption
Third Trimester – When to see a doctor?
It is important to not miss out on any prenatal visit and ultrasound. It is also essential to not ignore signs including:
- Bleeding
- Amniotic fluid discharge
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Periods like severe cramps
- Fever
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
Do’s and don’ts during pregnancy
Do’s during pregnancy
- Have a healthy balanced diet with all the vital nutrients
- Drink plenty of water
- Have prenatal supplements regularly including folic acid, vitamins and calcium
- Sleep for at least 8 hours daily
- Walk for at least 30 to 45 minutes a day . Consult your doctor before walking or any other physical activity.
- Eat small meals every few hours as it helps with morning sickness.
- Chew the food well while eating.
- Rest well
Don’ts during pregnancy
- Quit smoking, drinking alcohol and usage of drugs completely. Avoid second hand smoking too
- Avoid intense physical activity
- Do not take over-the-counter medications without consulting with your gynecologist
- Avoid hot tub baths or taking bath in extreme hot water
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat
- You do not have to eat for 2. Just have around 500 extra calories of food than you usually would.
- Limit your caffeine intake and do not exceed more than 2 cups of coffee or tea a day.
Sleeping position during pregnancy
Although it is ok to sleep in any position in the first trimester, it is important to shift sleeping on the sides. This is because, as the baby grows,sleeping on the sides improves blood circulation and prevents pressure on the uterus. For those with the habit of sleeping on the stomach, it is important to slowly shift sleeping on the sides.
It is suggested to lie on the left side as it helps with better blood flow and also helps provide enough nutrients and blood to the baby.
The best sleeping position during pregnancy especially in the second and third trimester:
- Sleeping on the sides
- Lying on back in half sitting Position
- Using pillow on tummy and hips
- Bent knees
It is also okay to lie flat on your back for up to 15 minutes a day if you are feeling too tired or if you experience back pain. Apart from that, ensure to always lie on the side and use a soft pregnancy pillow for comfort.
Sitting during pregnancy
- Sitting for longer hours during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can cause back pain and discomfort. It is important to take a walk or lie down and take some rest. Do not sit in the same place for too long to avoid stiffness.
- It is also important to use a foot stool as leg swelling in pregnancy is quite common and it can be avoided. Keeping a foot stool also reduces the pressure on the back while sitting.
- While sitting, keep your back straight and do not slouch. Apart from back pain, morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy is common and slouching can trigger it even more.
- It is also suggested to avoid sitting with your legs crossed as it can reduce the blood flow and cause discomfort.
Working during pregnancy
Although working during pregnancy is okay, it is important to avoid a few jobs to ensure the safety of the fetus including:
- Job at a chemical industry
- Jobs involving radiation like mining, radiation therapy, heavy metals
- Jobs that require standing for too long like cashier jobs and
- Jobs that require frequent travelling.
Stress: Being stressful during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby. So do not take too much stress. You can also practice yoga, mediation or other activities to reduce stress levels.
Night shifts: Apart from this, it is also not recommended to work night shifts during pregnancy. Since sleep is one of the most important factors during pregnancy, it is better to avoid night shift jobs.
If it is not possible, ensure to take proper rest in the day and have a healthy diet with all the vital nutrients.
If you are someone who always gets late night work calls, inform your manager about your pregnancy and try to sort the calls out in the morning.
Commuting to work:
- Travelling to work during pregnancy is yet another common challenge that most women face. Ensure to be very safe especially during the first trimester.
- Choose the most comfortable mode of transport. If you usually commute to work by auto or bus, try taking a cab which makes it easier. If you are on a budget, you can try out carpooling which can be cost efficient too.
- Use your commute time mindfully. Instead of being on your phone and scrolling mindlessly, use the commute time to listen to some relaxing music or an audio book to de-stress you.
- Always carry an umbrella or a scarf to protect you from the sun and pollution while travelling. It is also essential to carry a bottle of water and some healthy snacks like fruits or nuts to have during your commute.
- Ensure to check with your HR department about the maternity leave and other benefits you can take during pregnancy.
Foods to take during pregnancy
It is important to have a well balanced diet with all the essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, folic acid, calcium, iron, and other prenatal supplements prescribed by the gynecologist.
Although a lot of people advise pregnant women to eat for two, you really don’t have to do that. All you require is an extra 500 calories more than usual.
Water: It is essential to keep yourself hydrated, especially during pregnancy. Drink at least 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and keep sipping on it. You can also consume tender coconut and buttermilk for hydration.
Protein: Protein is one of the crucial nutrients during pregnancy to support the baby’s growth.
It is important to consume at least 71 grams of protein a day. You can have protein in the form of well cooked chicken, cottage cheese or paneer, tofu, fish with a low mercury content such as anchovy fish, sardine fish, Indian salmon, and pomfret.
These kinds of fish are very healthy. You can also have daal, lentils and egg as they have a good amount of protein content in them.
Iron: Iron is yet another important nutrient to consume, especially during pregnancy. Iron helps the body make hemoglobin.
Pregnant women must double their iron intake, which is up to 27 mg per day, as the body requires more blood volume to supply oxygen to the placenta.
Spinach, other green leafy vegetables, broccoli, tofu, nuts and eggs are good sources of iron.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is one of the important nutrients that helps with the baby’s bone and teeth strength. Fishes, milk, oranges and eggs are a good source of vitamin D.
Calcium: Calcium is essential for the mother’s bone strength as well as circulatory, nervous and muscular system. A pregnant woman requires about 1000 mg of calcium everyday.
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich sources of calcium. Ensure to avoid unpasteurized dairy products as they are more prone to a bacteria called listeria, which can cause listeriosis.
Folate / folic acid: Folate also known as Vitamin B is an essential nutrient to prevent any issues in the baby’s growing brain and neural tube. A pregnant woman requires about 400 mcg of folic acid or folate before pregnancy or while planning pregnancy and about 600 to 1000 mcg during pregnancy.
Folic acid is one of the common prenatal supplements that gynecologists prescribe. Apart from supplements, folate is also found in foods including spinach, beans, oranges, and peanuts.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds such as almonds, pistachios, chase, walnut, peanut, raisin, apricot and dates are essential during pregnancy as they have a lot of sentinel vitamins and minerals including vitamin E, B6, folate, niacin zinc, plant iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, selenium and potassium. Nuts are also a good source of healthy fats. Good fats are essential to absorb more nutrients from food.
You can also consume seeds such as sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are essential to provide fuel for both the mother and the baby. They break down into a simple sugar called glucose which can easily move to the placenta. It is an important nutrient for the metabolism and growth of the mother and the baby.
You can consume rice, sweet potatoes, yoghurt, lentils, fruits and other whole grains. Ensure to not exceed more than 175 to 210 grams of carbohydrates, as they can potentially increase blood sugar levels.
But how much nuts should I consume during pregnancy?
Almonds: Up to 8 to 10 almonds every day
Pistachio: Around 20 pistachios per day
Cashew: Around 20 cashews every day
Walnut: About 4 kernels of walnuts daily.
Peanut: Around 20 peanuts a day
Raisins: Around 8 to 10 raisins a day
Fig: About 2 to 3 figs daily and not more than that.
Apricot: About 1 to 2 kernels of Apricots every day
Date: Around 4 to 6 dates daily.
Although Nuts are a great source of nutrients and add up as an easy snacking option, they are high in calories. Hence do not exceed the mentioned limit.
Foods to avoid during pregnancy
- Raw or undercooked meat and eggs
- Unpasteurised dairy products
- Foods high in mercury content such as sharks and other big fishes
- Raw sprouts
- Soft cheese
- Processed meat
- Processed/Tinned foods
- High carb foods such as pasta, Pizza
- Sugary foods, drinks and artificial sweeteners
- Certain fruits including raw papaya, pineapple, grapes and canned fruits
Conclusion:
If properly managed, pregnancy could be an exciting journey for the parents-to-be. A few tips to follow during pregnancy are: Keep yourself hydrated.
Drink at least 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day. Ensure to not miss out any of your prenatal visits and ultrasounds.
Do not forget to take your prenatal supplements prescribed by the gynecologist.
Consult with a doctor if you come across any discomfort or pain or bleeding. For appointments with the best gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi scans at 7338771733.
Chennai women’s clinic is now Jammi Scans
