The first pregnancy trimesters refer to the initial three segments or stages of pregnancy, which are usually counted from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. Each trimester roughly lasts around three months, resulting in a complete duration of approximately nine months or 40 weeks for a typical pregnancy.
During the first trimester, which comprises the first 12 weeks, a woman experiences various changes physically and emotionally. These changes include missed periods, fatigue, morning sickness, breast tenderness, increased urination, and mood swings. Pregnancy hormones surge, and the first trimester is crucial for fetal development. At the end of this trimester, the fetus is about 3 inches long.
The second trimester, which stretches from weeks 13 to 27, is often considered the most comfortable period of pregnancy. By this stage, many early pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness and fatigue, dissipate, and the woman enters a phase of increased energy and emotional balance. The baby rapidly grows during this period, developing features such as eyelashes, nails, and hair, and the expectant mother may feel the baby's movement for the first time.
The third trimester, lasting from weeks 28 until birth, brings with it significant physical changes and greater discomfort due to the growing size and weight of the baby. The woman may experience symptoms such as backaches, shortness of breath, swollen ankles, and difficulty sleeping. The baby's organs mature during this period, and the mother's body prepares for labor and delivery.
Overall, the first pregnancy trimesters mark the critical stages of gestation, encompassing significant changes for both the woman and her developing baby.
