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A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks but can range from
37 to 42 weeks. And is divided into three trimesters.
Each trimester lasts between 12 and 14 weeks, or
about 3 months.
Each trimester comes with its own specific hormonal
and physiological changes.
Being aware of the ways that your growing baby is
affecting your body will help you better prepare
yourself for these changes as they happen.
It is also helpful to be aware of the specific risk
factors (and associated medical tests) for each of the
trimesters.
TRIMESTERS
3. TRIMESTER 1
3
Weeks 1 to 12 Pregnancy date counting starts with the first day of your last
normal menstruation cycle and conception takes place in
week 2.
The first trimester lasts from the first through the 13th week
of pregnancy.
Although you may not look pregnant during the first
trimester, your body is going through enormous changes as
it accommodates a growing baby.
In the first few weeks following conception, your hormone
levels change significantly.
Your uterus begins to support the growth of the placenta
and the foetus, your body adds to its blood supply to carry
oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, and your
heart rate increases
4. 16
A baby grows rapidly during the first trimester
The foetus begins developing their brain, spinal cord, and organs and heart will begin to beat.
During the first trimester, the probability of a miscarriage is relatively high. According to the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), it is estimated that about 1 in 10 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and that
about 85 percent of these occur in the first trimester.
Seek immediate help if you experience the symptoms of miscarriage
TRIMESTER 1
Weeks 1 to 12
5. 17
Early pregnancy symptoms may be fatigue, morning sickness, headaches and constipation
The first trimester is vital for the development of your baby.
The baby will develop all its organs by the end of the third month.
It is important to maintain a healthy diet, including folic acid in order to help prevent neural tube defects.
The first test that you will take during this trimester will most likely be an at-home pregnancy test that verifies that you are pregnant.
Your first doctor’s appointment: 6 to 8 weeks after your last menstrual period. Your pregnancy will be confirmed by another urine test or a
blood test.
Avoid smoking and alcohol. These habits, and any drug use (including some prescription drugs), have been linked to serious pregnancy
complications and birth defects.
TRIMESTER 1
Weeks 1 to 12
6. 18
A Doppler machine will be used, or an ultrasound will be performed, to ensure that the baby has a heartbeat and to check
on the baby’s health. Your doctor may also order a panel of blood work to check your immunity, nutritional levels, and
indicators on the health of the baby.
During the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage can be significant. If you are taking prenatal vitamins and avoiding
harmful substances, you are lowering the risk of miscarriage.
The most important thing you can do for your baby is to be engaged in honest and direct communication with your
healthcare provider about the choices you’re making, and follow their advice.
The first trimester is a good time to think about the pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting classes, and
register for those in your community or online
TRIMESTER 1
Weeks 1 to 12
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TRIMESTER 2
It is typically the most comfortable period for most
pregnant women.
Most of the early pregnancy symptoms will gradually
disappear. You will likely feel a surge in energy levels
during the daytime and be able to enjoy a more restful
night’s sleep.
Your abdomen will start to look pregnant, as the uterus
will grow rapidly in size
The second trimester is when most women can feel
their baby move for the first time, usually by 20
weeks. The baby can even hear and recognize your
voice.
Screening tests may be performed. Talk to your doctor
about your medical and family history, or genetic
issues that could put you or your baby at risk.
Weeks 14 to 27
9. 21
TRIMESTER 2
An ultrasound will be performed: checks the foetus’s body
for any developmental abnormalities.
An anatomy ultrasound might be performed between
weeks 18 and 22.
The test results can also reveal the sex of your baby. Let
your doctor know if you would like to know or if you would
not.
Parts of the baby’s body will be measured and assessed
to make sure that they are functioning; heart, lungs,
kidney and brain.
Weeks 14 to 27
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During the second trimester, doctors tend to test for gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can be
detected between weeks 26 and 28 of pregnancy.
If you have a family history of diabetes or have risk factors for developing diabetes, you may be tested earlier.
During this test, you will be instructed to drink a high-glucose substance. After drinking it, you will wait an hour
before having your blood drawn. This test will ensure that your body reacts properly to sugar during
pregnancy.
Common complaints include leg cramps and heartburn. You might find yourself growing more of an
appetite and weight gain will accelerate.
Weeks 14 to 27
TRIMESTER 2
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Work on gaining the amount of weight recommended by
your doctor and not putting on any extra. Walk, choose
healthy, nutrient-dense foods, and talk to your doctor about
weight gain on each visit.
Varicose veins, backaches, and nasal congestion may
become apparent.
You will probably begin to feel your baby move, kick, and
punch inside of your uterus.
After 23 weeks, a baby in utero is considered “viable”.
This means that your baby could survive living outside
of your womb.
Babies born this early often have serious medical issues.
Your baby has a much better chance of being born healthy
the longer you can carry the pregnancy.
Weeks 14 to 27
TRIMESTER 2
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Your weight gain will accelerate, and you may
feel more tired.
Your baby can now sense light as well as open
and close their eyes, their bones are also
formed.
As labour approaches, you may feel pelvic
discomfort, and your feet may swell.
Contractions that do not lead to labour, known as
Braxton-Hicks contractions, may start to occur in
the weeks before you deliver.
TRIMESTER 3
Weeks 28 to 42
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The third trimester is a good time to educate
yourself about labour and delivery.
Take time out to enrol in a childbirth class.
Childbirth classes are designed to prepare you and
your partner for labour and delivery.
It is a great way to learn about the different stages
of labour, delivery options, and gives you the
opportunity to ask any questions or voice any
concerns to a trained childbirth instructor.
TRIMESTER 3
Weeks 28 to 42
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A ‘normal,’ full-term pregnancy can last anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks.
Your due date is really an estimated date of delivery (EDD). It is dated from the first day of your last
period, even though you conceive two weeks or so after this date.
The dating system works well for women who have regular menstrual cycles. However, for women who
have irregular periods, the dating system may not work.
If the date of your last menstrual period is uncertain, other methods may be needed to determine the
EDD.
The next most accurate method of determining the due date is an ultrasound in the first trimester,
because early foetal development is regular across pregnancies.
DUE DATE
