Pregnancy's Progress

Changes in physic of mother

 

At conception the ovum is fertilized by a single sperm cell. The fertilized ovum journeys from the mother’s fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants itself in the uterine lining. Throughout this seven-day journey, the ovum is rapidly dividing, ultimately becoming a multi cellular structure called an embryo.

 

A mother will experience many physical development from the moment of conception to next nine months of pregnancy.

    

Some of the changes are summarizes here. 

 

Mother's Development: First Trimester

(1-13weeks)

 

The early signs of pregnancy  :

Menstrual Cycle

• missed menstrual period.

• one or two short or light periods.  

• pelvic exam reveals:

1. change in the shape of your uterus, creating a bulge where     the embryo attaches.

2. the uterus feels softer.

3. the cervix softens.

4. the cervix has changed from a pale pink color  to a bluish of increased venous blood circulation .  

Urinary

• an increased need to urinate due to hormonal changes and  pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder

• change in vaginal secretions: clear and non-irritating, or white, yellow foamy or itchy (consult your doctor if problems occur)  

Breast Changes

•  swollen, tingly breasts

•  breasts are painful to touch

•  prominent appearance of veins due to increased blood supply

•  darker pigmented nipples and areola ( area around the nipples )  

Digestion

• morning sickness ( nausea or vomiting )  occurs, often  in the morning ( but may occur at any time)

•  change in bowel movements (e.g. constipation)

• change in appetite

Fatigue

•  very common, particularly in late afternoon

Weight  Gain

•  minimal in the first trimester (  2 -  6 lb)  

Mother's Development: Second Trimester

(13-26 weeks)

During this trimester you observe and experience obvious signs  of pregnancy. The experience of feeling your baby move for the first  time is one of  joy and  excitement. This is called quickening and is often felt as just a flutter at first.

 

Weight Gain

• increased thickness around waist and hips

•  increased breast size

•  slight swelling in lower  abdomen

• average  weight gain is 10-15 lb                         

Circulatory Changes

• an blood volume increase of  approximately 40-50

•  nose bleeds, nasal congestion

• discomfort from varicose veins in legs

•  hemorrhoids

Skin Changes

• increased darkening of nipples and areolar areas

• mask of pregnancy due to a darkening  of the pigment in the face

• a brown lime appears on the body

• stretch marks may develop

Fatigue

• less fatigue experienced energy level increases

Digestive Changes

•  heartburn and indigestion

•  change ( often increase ) in appetite 

•  cravings for particular foods

Quickening

•  baby’s first movements gradually intensify  

Mother's Development: Third Trimester

(27-40 weeks )

During this final stage of pregnancy , anticipation of your child’s birth intensifies. Physical changes in you body continue  as labor and delivery  approach.

Reproductive Changes :

•  uterus becomes very large

•  baby’s  movements become visible

•  Braxton Hicks contractions :

• periodic tightening of the

•   uterus, causing it to feel taut like a drum increased  urinary pressure and   urination  Respiration  

• shortness of breath  occurs as baby presses on diaphragm ( this is alleviated  during the last few weeks as the baby settles in to  your pelvis) 

Sleeping  Patterns

 difficulty sleeping and fatigue

•  average weight gain is 10 –15 lb.

Muscular – Skeletal

•  backache, lack of coordination and looseness of joints common due to influence of pregnancy hormones

Engagement ( lightening )

•  baby’s head descends into the [pelvis. With women having their  first baby, this  can occur two to three weeks prior to labor

Recommended total weight gain is 25-35 lb. More important is an individualized, nutritionally adequate diet  based on you pre- pregnancy weight and specific nutritional needs .