Pregnancy – A Brief Introduction

Pregnancy normally lasts about forty weeks, or about 9 months, as calculated from the first menstrual period to actual delivery. During pregnancy a woman experiences three phases, known as trimesters, followed by another period known as the post-partum period. Each trimester lasts forty weeks; from first week to last, there is an additional twenty-one days. Most women gain weight during pregnancy and the uterus expands slightly during pregnancy. There is some period known as the resting period and this is when most women stop their regular menstruation.

pregnancy miracle

During the first trimester, the pregnant woman experiences the menses and the egg is implanted in the fallopian tube. The fertilized egg is then produced and the uterus begins to expand. The placenta becomes the fetus that will be born in the birth canal a week after conception. In the second trimester, the fetus has already developed and is completely enveloped in the uterus. The last stage is known as the implantation period where the pregnant woman’s uterus stretches and grows with the growing of the fetus inside her. This creates the visible signs of pregnancy such as nausea, fatigue and blurred vision.

It is important for a pregnant woman to monitor her monthly body changes, especially the absence or presence of any of the above symptoms. Some of the symptoms to be aware of include the missed period, painful sex and a lighter flow. Maintaining a daily diary on the early part of your pregnancy will help you detect any irregularities in your cycle, and you may even get some hints about possible pregnancy symptoms. Some of the common early pregnancy symptoms are the missed period, lightheadedness and fatigue. It is important to confirm the pregnancy by visiting a doctor so that tests can be carried out to confirm the pregnancy and avoid any unnecessary stress.