From the moment a woman finds out she is expecting, she begins dreaming of what life will be like once her baby arrives. If you have recently discovered that you will be having a baby, you might be wondering what is going to happen during the next 9 months. Every High Desert woman will go through the various pregnancy stages, but your own pregnancy experience will be unique. At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we work with Apple Valley women throughout their entire pregnancies in order to ensure that both they and their babies are happy and healthy.
What Happens During the Pregnancy Stages?
Months 1-3: The menstrual cycle in which a woman conceives is actually considered the first month of pregnancy. At the time a woman finds out she is pregnant using a home pregnancy test, she is considered 4 weeks pregnant. Pregnancy symptoms will develop shortly after the missed period. Most women experience fatigue, nausea, tender breasts and mood swings during this time. The baby is quite tiny, but its system is developing quickly. You should be able to hear a fetal heartbeat by the end of the first trimester.
Months 4-6: The fourth month marks the beginning of the second trimester, and most of the uncomfortable symptoms of the first trimester will begin to subside. During this trimester, the baby’s bone structure is developing and becoming firm. Its facial features are forming, and it begins to respond to stimulus from outside the womb. Women can opt to find out the gender of their baby at an ultrasound that is performed during this trimester. By the end of the second trimester, most women are showing and can feel their baby kick from the outside.
Months 7-9: The third trimester is the last stage of pregnancy, and many women begin to feel uncomfortable again at this point. As the baby continues to grow and gain weight, more strain is placed on the woman’s body. Symptoms at this stage include swelling, leg cramps, fatigue, insomnia, back aches and Braxton Hicks contractions. Women should spend time during this trimester preparing for labor and delivery, deciding on childcare options and learning about caring for a newborn baby.
Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, and it’s important to get the proper care for both you and your child during this special time. Working with a qualified OB/GYN will ensure that you get the attention that you need. Women will typically schedule routine prenatal appointments every 4 weeks during the first and second trimesters. Most women go to to the doctor every other week until they are about 36 weeks pregnant, at which point they will touch base with their OBGYN every week. At these appointments, women can discuss their concerns and have any questions answered by the doctor.
