During pregnancy, the mother’s body changes to nurture her developing baby and to prepare her for delivery and subsequent breastfeeding.
How will I know I’m pregnant?
Within days of fertilisation, the placenta begins producing pregnancy hormones that signal to the mother she is pregnant and halt the menstrual cycle. It is these hormones that make the pregnancy test positive and support the re-modelling of the mother’s body so she is able to accommodate her baby.
What side effects can I expect during the first weeks of pregnancy?
Every woman is different, and will therefore experience different symptoms of pregnancy. For some mothers-to-be, the hormones that stop the menstrual cycle also cause nausea. Approximately 50 percent of women in the UK experience morning sickness, which tends to start around six weeks after their last period. During early pregnancy, women may also find that they need to urinate more often and that they are experiencing unusual cravings. Some women crave new foods and are often repelled by food and drink that they previously enjoyed.
What will happen during the first trimester?
The first trimester runs through weeks 0-13. Although you can’t feel your baby moving at this stage, the foetus is fully formed by the end of this trimester and it’s organs, muscles, limbs and bones are in place, as well as its sex organs. Once you are aware of your pregnancy, your doctor will offer you a range of checks and tests during your first antenatal visit to monitor your health and check for any problems. Eating a balanced diet throughout pregnancy is important, as is doing regular exercise, so it is worth discussing this with your doctor if you have any concerns or queries.
What can I expect during the second trimester?
The second trimester runs through weeks 13-27. As your baby puts on more weight, the womb expands to accommodate its growth and you will begin to look more pregnant. As the trimester progresses, you will also experience the first flutters of your baby’s movements, which you should expect to increase in strength and frequency throughout the pregnancy. Not every pregnant woman gets stretch marks, although if you are going to develop them, they tend to become noticeable at around week 22 on your tummy, breasts and thighs. Some mums-to-be also experience problems including backache, indigestion and piles during this stage of pregnancy.
How does my baby develop during the third trimester? (weeks 27-birth)
The third trimester, which runs from week 27 to birth, will see your baby become very active. Be aware of your baby’s pattern of movements so that if there are any changes you can notify your midwife. By week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term. The baby’s brain and nervous system are fully developed, although the bones (apart from the skull) are still soft in order to make baby’s journey down the birth canal easier. By week 32, the baby is usually in cephalic position with their head pointing downwards, ready for birth.
How can I prepare for my baby’s birth?
Only five percent of babies born in the UK arrive on their due date. However, you should be well organised and prepared for birth from week 36 just in case your baby decides to make an early appearance. Consider preferences for labour and birth, including what form of pain relief might suit you. The last few weeks of pregnancy are also a good time to discuss with your birthing partner the best way for them to support you through labour and birth.
What symptoms can I expect during the run-up to birth?
Nighttime leg cramps are common from weeks 29 to 32. To get more comfortable, try sleeping curled up on your side with a pillow between your legs and another pillow to support your bump. Carrying around the extra weight all day can also be tiring, and you may experience some backache. From week 34 onwards, some women also experience practice contractions known as Braxton Hicks, during which the womb tightens. This is a perfectly normal symptom to experience, however, if it becomes frequent or painful you should get in touch with your doctor.
What will happen to my body after the birth?
The womb gradually returns to normal size over the course of approximately one month, however, the stomach muscles may remain lax for some time afterwards. Extra fat you have deposited over pregnancy usually diminishes with breastfeeding over several months. The cardiovascular changes to your body may not fully revert to normal; however, the changes make the mother fitter and more able to cope with the active demands of motherhood.
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