The First Pregnancy

By Judy Wellsworth Pregnancy is traditionally divided into three stages which last about 13 weeks each. Different events characterize these three stages and women must be well informed about what's going through their bodies all throughout these stages. 1st Trimester: Conception to 12th week This is the first stage and unquestionably the time when you are most fragile. This is when the baby begins to grow and starts developing its body parts and vital organs. It is also when most miscarriages and spontaneous abortions occur. It is important to have a checkup as early as possible, once you suspect that you are pregnant. Knowing that you are indeed carrying a baby inside you will motivate you to become more cautious of the substances that you eat or drink. Alcohol and caffeine, for instance, should be avoided. You must also begin to take prenatal vitamins at this stage because the fetus needs certain vitamins and minerals at this crucial stage of development. Deficiencies i...

By Terry Ross Pregnancy Stages Month One – from the moment your egg is fertilized your baby’s genetic blueprint is set. Following fertilization the egg turns into a ball of cells and implants itself into the wall of the womb. It starts to grow, becoming no bigger than a grain of rice before it starts to grow a heart and a spinal cord. Pregnancy Stages Month Two – The baby starts to take more of a human form, the head grows, facial features start to form, hands and feet start to develop and its muscles begin to grow. By the end of the second month a heartbeat can be picked up by ultrasound. By week eight the fetus is about 2.5cm long, 10,000 times bigger than at the point of conception. Pregnancy Stages Month Three – In the third month toes and fingers appear, sex organs start to develop and by the end of the month all the vital organs are formed and the baby officially becomes known as a fetus. By week 12 your baby should weigh around 14g and be around 8cm long. Beyond 12 weeks t...