What to Expect During the Stages of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is exciting but can also be scary when you're not sure what to expect. Every trimester is a little different, as are experiences with labor, childbirth and the postpartum period. Besides the amazing growth of the baby during pregnancy, a pregnant woman undergoes extraordinary physical and mental changes.
First Trimester
Although a woman's physical appearance doesn't undergo any major changes, there is still quite a bit going on during the first trimester. Significant hormonal changes lead to a variety of different physical symptoms including: swollen breasts; change in size or color of nipples; fatigue or extreme tiredness; nausea and/or vomiting; mood swings; frequent urination; constipation; and headaches. However, these discomforts happen for a good reason, as the baby makes remarkable developments during this time. The baby's brain and spinal column form and the heart begins beating. All other major body organs and external structures begin to form during this trimester as well.
Second Trimester
Many of the physical discomforts of the first trimester begin to dissipate during the second trimester. Unfortunately, as some discomforts lessen, new discomforts may arise. Body aches and pains may start occurring, particularly in the back, groin and thigh regions. Feet, ankles and hands may also begin to swell during the second trimester. The abdomen begins expanding more, and this is usually the trimester most women are forced into wearing maternity clothes. The baby continues to make great progress during this trimester. Muscle tissues, bones and skin of the baby continue to form, and the baby finally becomes big and strong enough for the mother to feel kicks and movements.
Third Trimester
As the baby continues to get bigger, things become a bit more uncomfortable during the third trimester. Breathing and moving around becomes increasingly more difficult as the trimester progresses. Swelling in the feet, ankles and hands may also continue to worsen, and heartburn may also become an issue. However, the baby is busy finishing all of the important developmental tasks. The baby "practices" breathing during this trimester and continues to put on needed fat.
Signs of Labor
Two fairly reliable predictors of true labor are red or pink discharge and water breaking. If either of those occur, there is a good chance of labor beginning shortly. However, determining whether or not a person is in labor by early contractions alone can be a bit trickier. Contractions can happen without labor being imminent, so it's important to be able to learn the difference between true labor and "false" labor. True contractions eventually start to get stronger and closer together and have some sort of pattern to them, whereas false contractions remain sporadic and eventually peter out on their own. A good test in determining whether the contractions are real or not is to drink a big glass of water and lie down for a while. If the contractions don't slow down or stop after this, there's a good chance it is true labor and a visit to the hospital may be in order.
Stages of Labor
The childbirth process usually occurs in three stages. The first stage of childbirth includes the cervix opening up to 10cm and becoming fully effaced. This stage of childbirth is usually the longest, and most women choose to stay at home for at least the first portion of this stage. Once the woman starts actively pushing out the baby, the second stage of childbirth has begun. This stage typically lasts less than 2 hours and ends when the baby is born. The third stage of childbirth includes pushing out the placenta. This stage is the shortest of all the childbirth stages, typically lasting less than 30 minutes.
Cesarean Section
There are instances in which a Cesarean section is done instead of a vaginal delivery. A Cesarean delivery is considered major surgery and has risks, including infection, blood clots and dangerous bleeding. The recovery period is also usually longer and more difficult than with a vaginal birth. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider these points when deciding whether or not to pursue a Cesarean delivery. However, in many cases, a Cesarean delivery is the best or safest option for the mother or the baby. Most Cesarean deliveries take about an hour and take place in an operating room. Usually, only an epidural or spinal block is administered by a doctor, and the woman can be fully conscious during the entire process.
Postpartum
Finally, the baby is born and the last stages of pregnancy have been officially completed. Now is the time to start bonding with the baby and recovering, physically and mentally. Although there will be the new physical change in breasts as they begin producing milk, the rest of the woman's body starts the journey of returning to its pre-pregnancy form. The uterus begins contracting immediately after the baby and placenta have been delivered. Although the physical process of returning to normal takes 6 to 8 weeks, being able to mentally adapt to life with a newborn may take longer or shorter or than that. During this process, if there are any sign of postpartum depression or any thoughts of the woman wanting to hurt herself of the baby, she should seek the help of a health care provider or doctor immediately.
Tags: stage childbirth, Cesarean delivery, during this, during this trimester, This stage, this trimester
