Being pregnant is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life. There are many changes that occur during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. The 40 weeks are broken into the first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. The baby grows from a cluster of cells to an average of 7.63 pounds and 20.16 inches long at 40 weeks, according to the website Baby Center.
First Trimester
The first trimester begins at the time of conception and goes until the 13th week, according to Baby Center. There are many changes that occur in a woman's body during the first trimester. Women's breasts may become tender and feel full or heavy. Nausea, also known as morning sickness, accompanies the first trimester and can occur at any point during the day or night. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating small meals throughout the day and foods that are digested easily can help ease the nausea. Fatigue is also common in the first trimester. The heart pumps harder and faster to get blood to the baby. Many women also experience a vast array of emotions, according to the Mayo Clinic, which is normal; however, if emotions become intense, contact your health care provider.
Second Trimester
According to the website Baby Center, the second trimester is from 14 to 27 weeks. There are many physical changes to a woman's body during the second trimester as the baby continues to grow. According to the Mayo Clinic, women should gain four pounds a month until delivery. Skin changes occur due to the increase in blood. The areola, the dark circle around a woman's nipple will become darker, and a line called linea nigra will appear vertically on a woman's belly. The linea nigra is caused from pigment changes where the abdominal muscles stretch. Stretch marks can occur on hips, butt, thighs, breasts and abdomen. Moisturizers can help alleviate the dryness.
Third Trimester
The third trimester is from 28 to 41 weeks, according to the website Baby Center. The third trimester can be uncomfortable as the baby and uterus pushes on the mother's organs to make more room. Women will feel out of breath due to the uterus expanding under the diaphragm. Women may also experience heart burn since the uterus pushes the stomach out of the way. Easting small meals and avoiding spicy foods can help alleviate heart burn. The increase in blood can cause spider veins, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The Mayo Clinic suggests elevating your legs and feet to help prevent spider veins and varicose veins. To alleviate hemorrhoids, pregnant women should eat plenty to fiber and drink water to prevent constipation. According to the website American Pregnancy, the baby is considered full term at the 38th week.
