All You Need to Know About Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an amazing, life-changing experience. For nine months, you will grow a human being inside of your body. It’s a process that is both thrilling and terrifying all at the same time. If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions.

There is so much to learn about pregnancy and all of the changes that come along with it. You have to be health conscious, not only for yourself but also for your baby. You’ll have to make many decisions, including choosing the Best prenatal vitamins for you. The Best pregnancy vitamins will have a balance of all the vitamins that you need and you should start taking them when you first find out you’re pregnant.

Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

You’re probably wondering what will happen to your body and how it will feel to be pregnant. Every woman is different, but there are some common symptoms that most women experience during pregnancy. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

1. Missed Period

This is usually the first sign that you’re pregnant. If you have a regular period and suddenly it stops, there’s a good chance you’re pregnant.

2. Nausea

Many women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, especially in the morning. This is often called “morning sickness.” However, some women feel sick throughout the day.

3. Breast Changes

Your breasts will become larger and may be tender to the touch. You may also notice a darkening of the skin around your nipples.

4. Fatigue

You may feel exhausted during pregnancy, even if you get enough sleep. This is normal and is caused by the increased levels of hormones in your body.

5. Frequent Urination

As your uterus grows, it puts pressure on your bladder, causing you to have to urinate more often.

6. Spotting

Spotting is light bleeding that occurs when the embryo implants in the uterus. It’s usually a pink or brownish discharge and should not last more than a day or two. If you experience heavy bleeding, contact your doctor right away.

7. Food Cravings or Aversions

You may find that you’re suddenly craving certain foods or repelled by foods you used to like. This is normal and should pass after a few weeks.

8. Mood Swings

Pregnancy hormones can cause mood swings and feelings of irritability. Again, this is normal and should pass after a few weeks. Contact your doctor if you find that your mood swings are severe or you’re having difficulty coping.

Pregnancy Milestones by Trimester

Pregnancy can be divided into three trimesters, each about three months long. Here’s what you can expect during each trimester:

1st Trimester

Your baby’s major organs and systems develop during the first trimester. You may experience some symptoms, like fatigue and morning sickness. Your belly will start to grow as your baby grows. You’ll likely have your first prenatal appointment during this trimester.

2nd Trimester

During the second trimester, your baby continues to grow and develop. You’ll probably feel movement (called “quickening”) around this time. Your belly will continue to grow, and you may experience skin changes, like stretch marks. You’ll have more prenatal appointments during this trimester.

3rd Trimester

During the third trimester, you probably feel a lot of movement now. You may also be experiencing some Braxton Hicks contractions, which are false labor pains. Your belly is huge, and you may have difficulty sleeping and moving around. You’ll have regular prenatal appointments during this trimester.

Some many common symptoms and changes occur during pregnancy, which varies from woman to woman. Many milestones occur during each trimester of pregnancy; by knowing what to expect, you can better prepare yourself for the journey ahead.