How Long is a Pregnancy

How Long is a Pregnancy?

Typically, pregnancy lasts for 40 to 41 weeks. Of those weeks, at least two of them in the beginning you are not really pregnant. The doctor calculates your due date according to your last menstrual period. But for all intent and purposes you can say that pregnancy lasts for 9 months.

The Three Trimesters

There are three trimesters of pregnancy. The first is calculated from when you conceived to twelve weeks or the first three months. The second trimester of pregnancy is from week thirteen until week twenty eight. This will be months three through six. The final or last trimester of pregnancy is from the twenty eighth week until the baby is born. So from six months on you will be in your third or final trimester of pregnancy.

The First Trimester

During the first trimester of your pregnancy you will be experiencing many changes in hormones. You may feel fatigued, experience nausea or vomiting and your emotions will be heightened. You may cry easily one moment and be laughing the next. Your breasts will begin to feel swollen and tender, especially around the area of your nipple. Your bathroom habits may change as you might become constipated during this period and feel the frequent urge to urinate.

You will experience cravings for certain types of foods and absolute repulsion towards others. You can also have heartburn and indigestion as well. Some women feel dizzy, while others feel perfectly fine.

To combat the nausea, heartburn and indigestion, you can eat smaller meals more often. Perhaps six small meals a day will suit you. Be sure you are drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and if you are involved in an exercise program, it should be okay to continue as long as it is not too strenuous. Walking or swimming is an excellent form of physical activity during pregnancy.

If you smoke, now is the time to quit and you should avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeine and diet soft drinks during the whole of your pregnancy. Also be sure you are getting the proper amount of rest.

The Second Trimester

Some of the problems that plagued you during the first trimester such as morning sickness and nausea will soon abate during the second trimester of pregnancy. One of the most exciting events during this time is feeling the baby quicken or move inside of you. This will make you feel that all the misery of the first trimester was well worth it the first time you feel your baby kick and move about in your body. You should begin to feel more energetic, your complexion typically glows, though you will still feel the need to frequently use the bathroom. The baby is growing rapidly now and the umbilical cord is thickening in order to carry the nourishment and oxygen that baby needs to survive. Keep to a light fitness program and eat a nutritious diet so that you and the baby will stay healthy. Continue to rest whenever you feel tired and pamper yourself a little; you deserve it.

The Final Trimester of Pregnancy

As you enter the last third of your pregnancy you may experience pressure that is uncomfortable. There are lap bands you can utilize that will lift the baby up and off the organs that she may be pressing upon. It won’t hurt the baby and you will feel a bit more comfortable. Your belly will be getting large and the baby is growing quickly. You may be having sonograms that give you a clearer picture of what your baby looks like now. Practice some deep breathing exercises to calm you and to provide a good supply of oxygen to the baby.

You may be feeling a bit anxious about the birth at this time, but going to birthing classes may help to ease your disquiet. As you move further along towards your due date, typically women are feeling so uncomfortable that their fears surrounding the birthing process subsides as they are looking forward to meeting their new baby and getting their bodies back. Avoid lifting heavy objects, stay off your feet as much as you can and get plenty of rest as you will need it; not just for the birthing process, but because it will be the last peaceful sleep you will have for some time to come.

Having a baby is both a frightening and exciting time for the first time parents. Forty weeks may seem like a long time, but it will go quickly and before you know it, you will be cradling your brand new baby in your arms.

Thank you to Francine Hunt for this “How Long is a Pregnancy” article.