When one is learning about life cycles in science classes at school, one may feel that it is only insects that grow in stages. But experience brings wisdom as one grows up. The human baby also passes through various stages in the motherâ??s womb before emerging into the real world. Carrying a growing fetus within her body and giving birth to a full-grown newborn after several months is an extremely significant biological event in a womanâ??s life, considering that she has to undergo a lot of stress and upheavals during the entire stages of pregnancy.

No one can argue that every pregnant woman needs a lot of fortitude to undertake this difficult journey in life. At the same time, whether it is a first-time pregnancy or a second or a third one, each experience is unique by itself.

The stages of pregnancy can be split into three quarters, each quarter representing a period of three months known as a trimesterâ??

During the first trimester, the mother-to-be does not exhibit visible signs of pregnancy, though there are great changes taking place inside the womb, or rather uterus. As a matter of fact, a lot of things begin to happen as soon as conception has taken place, maybe even before the pregnant woman is actually aware that she has conceived! The embryo starts dividing very rapidly at this time and there are constant hormonal changes within the womanâ??s body. As a result, morning sickness is experienced and so also tenderness of the breasts. A few lucky women do not experience these symptoms, but generally most pregnant women find this to be a common event.

The first trimester can be classified as one of the truly exciting stages of pregnancy, because this is when the heartbeat of the growing fetus can be felt! Also, the baby is able to move its tiny legs and arms.

Now follows the second trimester. Among the various stages of pregnancy, many women find this time to be very comfortable. All the discomforts experienced during the first three months disappear. Additionally, activities do not cause any difficulty, considering that the uterus has still not developed to its full size. But other changes do take place. It is possible that Braxton Hicks contractions begin during this time. These are like practice contractions and cause discomfort while sleeping. In fact, the soon-to-be mother may be hard put to find a comfortable position to sleep in! At the same time, the new mother is rewarded as she can now sense the movements of the growing baby. Some women are even able to see the movements!

The last trimester or the final stages of pregnancy brings about a number of changes. Growth of the baby is as fast as it was during the first trimester. As the baby grows in size, so does the pregnant womanâ??s abdomen! The movements of the baby may not be felt as regularly as they were during the second trimester, but there is really no need to get alarmed about it. It is just that the baby has taken up so much space that internal movements are not visible outside!

It is important that the new mother uses this time during the last stages of pregnancy to fortify her health by taking nutritious meals and relaxing a lot. She should try and remain serene at all times. Additionally, she can attend classes on childbirth and breastfeeding to be prepared for both when the time arrives.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/stages-of-pregnancy-everything-curious-moms-want-to-know–753555.html