Stages of Pregnancy

Stage 1

What is conception and implantation?

After approximately 2 weeks of the period, the woman ovulates and at this time her ovaries release one mature egg. This egg can be fertilized for about 12 to 24 hours after it is released. It travels down the fallopian tube and moves towards the uterus. If this egg happens to meet the sperm cell that has already made its way to the fallopian tube, it combines into a single cell, and this process is known as conception or implantation.

The sex of the fetus is determined at the time of conception itself. This depends on whether the egg receives an X or Y chromosome from the sperm. If the egg received a Y chromosome, the child would be a boy; if the uterus receives X chromosome, the child would be a girl. According to the doctors, it takes about 3-4 days for the fertilized egg, also known as the embryo, in order to move towards the lining of the uterus. Here it attaches itself to the uterine wall. Once the fertilized egg or embryo is implanted to the uterus wall, it gradually starts to grow and eventually becomes the fetus. The placenta that is known as the tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients and hormones from the mother’s blood to the fetus helps the fetus grow gradually.

Stage 2

First Trimester (week 0 – week 12)

Changes in the mood/routine

This is the beginning of the pregnancy, and this is where the woman feels the most hormonal changes. These tend to affect her mood routine and lifestyle, as well. Here are a number of psychological and hormonal changes that the woman might experience during the first trimester. These can also be the earliest symptoms of pregnancy

1. Drastic changes in weight (gaining or losing)
2. Extreme fatigue throughout the day
3. Feeling of nausea, dizziness, tiredness
4. Implantation bleeding
5. Tender, sensitive and swollen breasts. Nipples may appear darker and tend to protrude
6. Headache and morning sickness
7. Frequent urge to urinate
8. Mood swings
9. Heatburn
10. Feeling constipated

Changes in the baby

This is the growing stage of your baby. At this stage, your baby’s body is developing rapidly. It begins with the formation of the nervous system, heart, arms and legs. Gradually, other organs of your baby’s body begin to take form. The heart begins beating by the end of 8 weeks. Legs and arms grow longer, and the fingers and toes begin to develop. Umbilical cord becomes visible, and the face features take form. By the end of 12 weeks, i.e., the first trimester, The nerves in your baby’s body begin to work together, and your baby can now make a fist. The sex organs are developed and show if your baby is a girl or a boy. 

Stage 3

Second Trimester (week 13 – week 28)

Changes in the mother (emotional and physical)

Most of the changes in the woman’s emotional well-being from the first trimester may continue. However, she may also experience some new ones; there are:

1. Recurring or continuous pain in the back, groin, thigh pains and other body aches
2. Stretch marks might begin to appear on the chest, buttocks, or thighs
3. A line that is running from the belly to the pubic hairline
4. Skin starts turning dark at certain areas. These patches usually appear on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or nose. These are also sometimes called ‘mask’ of pregnancy
5. Numbing of the hands or tingling. This is known as the carpal tunnel syndrome
6. Itching all over the body
7. Swelling of feet, ankles and the face as well.

Changes in the baby

As the woman’s body changes during the pregnancy, the baby continues to grow and develop. During the start of the second trimester, the musculoskeletal system begins to form. The skin of the baby begins to develop and is translucent. The intestinal tract develops the meconium. This helps your baby to have its bowel movements. The baby begins the sucking motion with its mouth. The baby becomes more active and starts kicking. By this time, the baby can swallow and hear. Toenails, fingernails, eyelashes and eyebrows begin to form. By the end of the second-trimester hair begins to grow, and lungs develop.

Stage 4 (week 29 – week 40)

Changes in the mother

As the due date approaches, the cervix lining of the woman becomes thinner and softer. This process is known as effacement. It helps the cervix open up to prepare for childbirth. The doctor will monitor your progress and conduct regular examinations and tests for the birth.

Changes in the baby

By the end of the third trimester, the baby is considered full term. The baby’s body functions are functioning fully. The baby gets into a head-down position to prepare for birth. The baby is around 19 inches long and weighs about 8-9 pounds.