Stages Of Pregnancy

Just as the fetus inside the womb undergoes a process of development, there are several stages of pregnancy that must be followed to ensure safety for both mother and child. Here is your step-by-step guide into your life as a pregnant woman.

Confirming Pregnancy

Pregnancy signs and symptoms are among the most common ways to tell if you are pregnant. As there is a vast list of symptoms, women's experiences, in terms of these symptoms, greatly vary as well. Some women exhibit certain symptoms, others do not, while there are a few others who exhibit a combination of these various symptoms.

Moreover, there are common pregnancy signs that indicate other health conditions, but could be confused as a symptom of pregnancy. Depending on whether you intend on having a baby or not, this could either be a joyful or alarming news. Symptoms like nausea, fatigue, vomiting, or enlarged breasts cannot be exhibited by pregnant women. Moreover, women who suffer from these conditions are not necessarily pregnant.

Unless you had undergone a home pregnancy test or consulted with your gynecologist, you must not make quick assumptions. There are several urine tests that you can perform at home, while doctors often perform blood tests.

Your Due Date

If the series of tests you have done indeed proved you were positive for pregnancy, then your next question is often in terms of your due date. Because pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks since the date of your last menstruation, or 38 weeks following conception, then you can calculate when you can expect the baby to arrive. Therefore, most women are encouraged to take note of their cycle.

If you want to be sure, you can consult with your doctor. Some doctors perform abdominal examination during your monthly visit to the clinic, or through ultrasound. With the latter, the doctor will be able to see through inside your womb and the actual appearance of the fetus.

Depending on the method you use, you will most likely come up with varying due dates. However, these due date calculations are only done to roughly estimate the date of your delivery and are not proven accurate. On the other hand, you also need to be informed in terms of when your baby is due so you can prepare yourself physically, mentally, and financially for the delivery.

Regular Tests and Doctor's Visit

It is mandatory that you see your doctor regularly for prenatal checkups. This will ensure that the doctor will be able to monitor the progress of the baby's development, to assess and evaluate your health condition, and to ensure a normal pregnancy. Also, if the doctor is able to detect birth defects, you will be able to receive the necessary treatments needed to correct the baby's condition.

Getting professional advice in terms of your diet and lifestyle choices, as well as the things you need to stay away from will help gear you toward a healthy and safe pregnancy.

Getting Ready For Delivery

As soon as the 40 weeks of pregnancy is over, you are now towards the most awaited part of the entire pregnancy period - the delivery. Hence, you need to make sure that you have everything the baby needs. It is easy to forget things, especially in such an exciting and stressful time of your life. Create a list for the things your baby need:

• Disposable or washable diapers
• Cotton wool
• Rash cream
• Lotion
• Bathing soap
• Sponge
• Soft and clean towel
• Gentle tongue cleaner
• Soft hair brush, and many more.

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Understanding Stages of Pregnancy Recommended Resources:

Cornell University

The National Academies Press