marks the beginning of pregnancy
Answers
For a lot of people, the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Most pregnancy tests will be positive by the time you've missed your period. Other early pregnancy symptoms include feeling tired, feeling bloated, peeing more than usual, mood swings, nausea, and tender or swollen breasts.
Answer:
Image of a human fetus.
Overview
A typical pregnancy lasts 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) to the birth of the baby. It is divided into three stages, called trimesters: first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester. The fetus undergoes many changes throughout maturation.
A missed period is often the first sign that you may be pregnant
How Soon Can You Tell If You Are Pregnant?
A missed period is often the first sign that you may be pregnant, but how do you know for sure? Many women use home pregnancy tests to tell if they are pregnant; however, these tests are more likely to be accurate when used at least one week after a woman's last period. If you take the test less than 7 days before your last menstrual period, it may give you a false result. If the test is positive, it is more likely that you actually are pregnant. However, if the test is negative, there is an increased chance that the test is wrong. Your doctor can do a blood test to detect pregnancy sooner than a home pregnancy test can.
The amount of weight a woman should gain during pregnancy depends on her body mass index (BMI) prior to becoming pregnant.
Pregnancy Weight Gain
The amount of weight a woman should gain during pregnancy depends on her body mass index (BMI) prior to becoming pregnant. Women who are a normal weight should gain between 25 and 35 pounds. Women who are underweight prior to pregnancy should gain more. Women who are overweight or obese prior to pregnancy should gain less. The recommended caloric intake for a normal weight woman who exercises less than 30 minutes per week is 1,800 calories per day during the first trimester, 2,200 calories per day during the second trimester, and 2,400 calories during the third trimester.
Women gain weight all over their bodies while they are pregnant.
Pregnancy Weight Gain Distribution
Women gain weight all over their bodies while they are pregnant. Fetal weight accounts for about 7 1/2 pounds by the end of pregnancy. The placenta, which nourishes the baby, weights about 1 1/2 pounds. The uterus weighs 2 pounds. A woman gains about 4 pounds due to increased blood volume and an additional 4 pounds due to increased fluid in the body. A woman's breasts gain 2 pounds during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby weighs 2 pounds. A woman gains about 7 pounds due to excess storage of protein, fat, and other nutrients. The combined weight from all these sources is about 30 pounds.
Pregnant women may experience certain complications and symptoms as the fetus grows.
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant women may experience certain complications and symptoms as the fetus grows. Anemia, urinary tract infection, and mood changes may occur. An expectant mother may experience high blood pressure (preeclampsia), which increases the risk of preterm delivery and other potential dangers for the baby. Severe morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum causes persistent nausea and vomiting, particularly during the first 12 pregnancy weeks. This may lead to first trimester symptoms of weight loss and dehydration, requiring IV fluids and antinausea medication. Pregnant women should be aware of the possibility of developing gestational diabetes. It causes symptoms like excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination, and fatigue. Obesity and excessive weight gain are possible, especially as the pregnancy progresses. Women are supposed to gain weight during pregnancy, but excessive weight gain may be associated with symptoms that put mother and baby at risk. Ask your doctor how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy.
Illustration examples of the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy.
The Three Stages of Pregnancy
(1st, 2nd, and 3rd Trimester)
Conception to about the 12th week of pregnancy marks the first trimester. The second trimester is weeks 13 to 27, and the third trimester starts about 28 weeks and lasts until birth. This slide show will discuss what occurs to both the mother and baby during each trimester.
First Trimester
First Trimester
First Trimester: Week 1 (conception) – Week 12
A woman with a home pregnancy test examines her stomach in the mirror.
First Trimester: Early Changes in a Woman's Body
The early changes that signify pregnancy become present in the first trimester. A missed period may be the first sign that fertilization and implantation have occurred, ovulation has ceased, and you are pregnant. Other changes will also occur.
An exhausted woman (top left), woman with morning sickness (top right), woman eating a pickle with ice cream (bottom left), and woman weighing herself (bottom right).
Extreme fatigue
Tender, swollen breasts. Nipples may protrude.
Nausea with or without throwing up (morning sickness)
Cravings or aversion to certain foods
Mood swings
Constipation
Frequent urination
Headache
Heartburn
Weight gain or loss
A pregnant mom letting her son touch her belly.