During pregnancy, you may experience mood swings, swelling, frequent urination, constipation and morning sickness. Pregnancy affects women differently. Your health care provider will guide you through your pregnancy to ensure the healthiest baby possible.
Time Frame
The average pregnancy is approximately 40 weeks, according to KidsHealth. There are three trimesters. The first trimester begins at week one and ends at week 12. The second trimester begins at week 13 and ends at week 26. The last trimester begins at week 27 and lasts until you deliver your new bundle of joy. Although 40 weeks is how long the average pregnancy lasts, you may deliver early or late. Your baby will decide when she is ready to meet her new family.
Effects
During your pregnancy, you will experience a variety of changes. Common changes during pregnancy include body aches which result from rapid weight gain, especially during the last trimester, water retention and discomfort as your baby grows and the space in your abdomen becomes almost non-existent. Constipation is another common symptom of pregnancy, according to WomensHealth.gov. Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep may prove difficult as it's harder to get and stay comfortable.
Size
At the end of your first trimester, your baby is about 3 1/2 inches and weighs just barely over 1 oz., according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Around the fifth month of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 10 inches long and her weight can vary from 1/2 to 1 pound. During your eighth month of pregnancy, your baby is about 18 inches long and weighs 5 pounds. Finally, your ninth month of pregnancy has arrived and your baby is around 20 inches long and her weight range can vary from 6 to 9 pounds. In your final month of pregnancy, your baby gains approximately one-half pound per week, which is why her weight significantly increases right before birth.
Features
At the beginning of pregnancy, your baby starts off as cells but near the end of the first month, his heart will begin to beat. During the second month, his toes, ankles, wrists and eyelids begin to take form. In the third month of pregnancy, he will begin to develop soft nails. In the fourth month, he can flex his arms and legs while eyebrows, eyelashes and fingernails begin to form and he can hear as well as swallow. By the end of the second trimester, he can suck his thumb, open his eyes and become more active in the womb and you can feel him kicking. By the end of the third trimester, his eyes can sense light, he can stretch his body out, begin to hiccup and his bones will begin to harden.
Considerations
When purchasing maternity clothes, choose clothes that will allow for plenty of room for your baby and that are comfortable. Wear shoes that offer plenty of support to avoid back pains. Lying on your left side can help you sleep more comfortably, according to WomensHealth.gov. Eat several smaller meals to avoid constipation, heart burn and nausea.
