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Published: 02/09/2023

Pregnancy Trimesters, the Stages

Categories: Pregnancy

The pregnancy period is an extremely important stage for mothers-to-be. During the nine months, the baby develops in the maternal womb and the future mother prepares daily for birth. According to healthcare professionals, gestation is divided into three trimesters, during which both the fetus and the pregnant woman undergo various transformations over time.

From the first signs of amenorrhea to birth preparation, each trimester is different. It's necessary to create a pregnancy calendar to distinguish each phase clearly. To get a better understanding, discover in this practical guide the pregnancy trimesters and their month-by-month progression.

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The first trimester of pregnancy (1st - 12th week)

From the 1st to the 12th week of pregnancy, the first trimester sometimes goes unnoticed. Many women don't even know or aren't yet sure they're pregnant. However, this is a very critical period. In early pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is extremely common.

The first month of pregnancy

This period begins from the first day of the last period, but the calculation of pregnancy weeks starts from the day of fertilization. Generally, the first sign indicating that you might be pregnant reveals itself through weeks of amenorrhea. You can immediately take a pregnancy test or get a blood test for reassurance.

Then come the changes throughout your body, generated by the effect of hormones (hCG, progesterone, estrogen), which serve to keep the embryo in the uterine lining. Towards the end of the 1st month of pregnancy, certain biological signs appear, including morning sickness, breast pain, heavy legs, and other minor ailments.

The first month of pregnancy is also characterized by the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus, which leads to cell division and then the formation of the fetus and placenta. At this time, the mother-to-be may feel pulling sensations near the lower abdomen.

From the 4th to the 8th week of pregnancy

A pregnancy test is more reliable from the 5th week of pregnancy. The mother-to-be should begin her monitoring with her gynecologist or midwife.

Regarding the embryo, we can observe its heartbeat and the development of certain organs (brain, limbs...). The baby is able to move when it reaches nine weeks. Towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, it weighs up to about 50g and reaches up to 9cm in length.

Note that the first weeks of pregnancy aren't really a gift for mothers-to-be. Uterine bleeding is very common. This can be due to the dilation of blood vessels in the uterine lining.

First three months of pregnancy

You've been pregnant for three months. Your belly isn't ready to show yet if this is your first pregnancy. The future baby's sex also remains invisible. The frequent need to urinate begins to affect the mother-to-be, as the kidneys become increasingly functional.

It's time to perform various prenatal examinations, including ultrasound, to ensure it's not an ectopic pregnancy. Several analyses are also recommended including blood type determination, albuminuria, glycosuria, toxoplasmosis, STD screening...

This third month of pregnancy is the most opportune time to make the pregnancy declaration, which will allow you to obtain maternity rights and benefits.

The second trimester of pregnancy (13th - 28th week)

A pregnant woman can finally breathe after the first trimester of pregnancy. Minor discomforts will diminish and the small belly rounds out. This is the beginning of the most beautiful pregnancy period for some women, who will feel increasingly beautiful and sensual. The risk of miscarriage becomes minimal.

At this point, the fetus has already formed all its essential organs. Even its eyelids can open. The mother-to-be must prepare for the arrival of the little one. Don't hesitate to do some light physical exercises to strengthen the immune system and stimulate metabolism. Some gentle sports disciplines are also recommended to facilitate childbirth.

Prenatal consultations and ultrasounds will continue during this period to check the growth of the fetus, placenta, uterus, and amniotic fluid. It's possible to see the fetus's development on ultrasound and possibly the baby's sex around the 16th week of pregnancy.

The first preparations for future parents also become necessary towards the end of the second trimester, as many women will start to complain about the weight of their belly. Certain discomforts will appear such as heavy legs, cramps, back pain, insomnia, and constipation.

There may be digestive problems or breathing difficulties when the fetus takes up too much space inside the abdomen. This is the time to sign up for childbirth preparation classes. Don't hesitate to invite the father to participate, just as in the examinations.

The third trimester of pregnancy (29th - 40th weeks)

This is the final stretch of the gestation period. The pace accelerates, as does weight gain. The baby normally continues to develop, especially its heart, lungs, and brain. In case of premature delivery at the beginning of the third trimester, the baby has a high chance of survival provided intensive medical care is received.

Contractions may occur, but there's nothing to worry about. As the baby's weight increases, the mother-to-be's strength and energy decrease. Her heart rate accelerates and she may develop circulatory problems. Some pregnant women strongly wish to give birth at this stage.

You need to think about the final preparations before the baby's birth, such as decorating the nursery, making last-minute purchases, and planning for the postpartum period or maternity leave. Also take advantage of the remaining time to prepare your hospital bag. Find all our advice to help you prepare your baby registry in our article on the subject.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, the baby will turn in the belly and change position. Contractions will become more intense. These are the first signs of birth. After that, there may be continuous flow of amniotic fluid due to the water breaking. The baby will normally be born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy.