Pregnancy Tips

Definition - After the egg is fertilized by a sperm and then implanted in the straight of the uterus, it grows into the placenta and embryo, and at last into a fetus. Pregnancy generally lasts 40 weeks, starting from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period, and is parting into 3 trimesters, each lasting 3 months.



Description - Pregnancy is a stage in which a woman carries a fertilized egg inside her stomach. New technological advances, pregnancy is increasingly occurring among older women in the United States.



First month – By the end of the first month, the embryo is about 1/3rd of an inch long, and its head and trunk–plus the beginnings of arms and legs–have ready to grow. The embryo gets nutrients and eliminates waste through the umbilical cord and placenta. At the end of the first month, the liver and digestive system start to develop, and the heart begins to beat.



Second month – this month, the heart beings to pump and the nervous system (comprising the brain and spinal cord) starts to develop. The 1 in (2.5 cm) long fetus has a fully cartilage skeleton, which is replaced by bone cells by month’s end. Arms, legs and all of the main organs start to appear. Facial features start to form.



Third month - By now, the fetus has developed to 4 in (10 cm) and weighs a bit more than an ounce (28 g). Now the main blood vessels and the top of the mouth are almost finished, as the face begins to take on a more recognizably human appearance. Fingers and toes appear. All the main organs are now starting to form; the kidneys are now functional and the 4 chambers of the heart are finish.



Fourth month - The fetus starts to hit and swallow, even though most women still can’t think the baby move at this point. Now 4 oz (112 g), the fetus can hear and urinate, and has grown sleep-wake cycles. All organs are now completely formed, although they will continue to grow for the next 5 months. The fetus has skin, eyebrows, and hair.



Fifth month: Now weighing up to a 1 lb (454 g) and measuring 8-12 in (20-30 cm), the fetus experiences fast growth as its internal organs continue to develop. At this point, the mother may feel her baby move, and she can hear the heartbeat with a stethoscope.



Sixth month – Although its lungs are not completely developed, a fetus born during this month can live with intensive care. Weighing 1-1.5 lbs (454-681 g), the fetus is red, wrinkly, and covered with fine hair all over its body. The fetus will develop very fast during this month as its organs continue to develop.



Seventh month - There is a right chance that a fetus born during this month will survive. The fetus continues to grow quickly, and may weigh as much as 3 lb (1.3 kg) by now. Now the fetus can suck its thumb and look around its watery womb with open eyes.



Eighth month - Growth continues while slows down as the baby starts to take up most of the room inside the uterus. Now weighing 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.3 kg) and measuring 16-18 in (40-45 cm) long, the fetus may at this time ready for delivery next month by moving into the head-down position.



Ninth month - Adding 0.5 lb (227 g) a week as the due date reaches, the fetus drops lower into the mother’s abdomen and prepares for the onset of labor, which may start any time between the 37th and 42nd week of gestation. Many healthy babies will weigh 6-9 lb (2.7-4 kg) at birth, and will be about 20 in. long.



Causes and symptoms - The initial sign of pregnancy is generally a missed menstrual period, although some women bleed in the starting. A woman’s breasts swell and may become tender as the mammary glands prepare for eventual breastfeeding. Nipples begin to enlarge and the veins over the surface of the breasts become more noticeable.



Nausea and vomiting are very usual symptoms and are usually worse in the morning and during the first trimester of pregnancy. They are generally caused by hormonal changes, in specific, increased levels of progesterone. Women may feel worse when their stomach is empty, so it is a sound idea to eat many small meals throughout the day, and to keep things like crackers on hand to eat even before coming out of bed in the morning.



Many women also think extremely tired during the initial weeks. Frequent urination is common, and there might be a creamy white discharge from the vagina. Some women crave some foods, and an extreme sensitivity to smell may worsen the nausea. Weight starts to increase.