Gestation is the period during which you are pregnant, from conception to birth. Gestation lasts 40 weeks and is divided into three phases called trimesters, the first of which is the most vulnerable stage of pregnancy, notes the Ohio State University Medical Center. Significant changes happen to both the fetus and the woman's body during each trimester that produce various signs and symptoms.
First Trimester Signs and Symptoms
The first trimester spans the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. You may have symptoms before a pregnancy test confirms a positive result. Your heart and pulse rate increase, and you may experience dizziness, mood swings and unusual tiredness as your body adapts to pregnancy. Your breasts may seem fuller and more tender due to hormonal changes. Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester; nausea can be worse in the morning and continue throughout the day.
Certain foods and smells can make you feel sick. You may need to urinate more frequently as your uterus enlarges and presses against your bladder. Urine leakage when laughing, coughing or sneezing is not uncommon. You may also experience heartburn and constipation, says MayoClinic.com.
Second Trimester Signs and Symptoms
The second trimester lasts from week 12 to week 24, during which time you will gain weight quite quickly, perhaps as much as 4 lbs. each month. Towards the middle of this trimester, you will probably notice a fluttering sensation in your stomach, which is your baby moving. Your breasts will continue to grow and the skin surrounding your nipples may become darker. A dark line, known as the linea nigra, may appear down the middle of your stomach. Your skin will stretch as your body grows and stretch marks may appear, particularly on your stomach and breasts.
Fluid retention can make your face, hands and ankles look puffy. You may experience backache as your stomach grows. Braxton Hicks contractions, or false labor, is not uncommon during the second trimester, assures FamilyDoctor.org.
Third Trimester Signs and Symptoms
The third trimester lasts from week 24 to week 40. During this time, you may begin to experience more discomfort as the fetus grows and you gain more weight. You may have difficulty taking deep breaths as space in your abdomen becomes more restricted. You may feel hotter than usual as the fetus gives out heat, and your blood pressure may decrease.
Hormonal changes can cause hair growth on your face, arms and legs, and you may notice darkened patches of skin on your face. Backache and leg cramps may become frequent, and you may experience discomfort at night while you await the birth of your baby, says the Ohio State University Medical Center.
