Stages of Pregnancy: Signs Every Expecting Mother Should Know

For a first time pregnant woman, things would be quite mysterious and confusing over the 40 weeks of pregnancy period. The 9 month period of gestation will be exciting and revealing for some women. Thus one should be familiar with the different signs and manifestations during stages of pregnancy.

Fertility Specialist Dr. Vicente Serra, director of the Maternal-fetal Medicine Unit at IVI Valencia, talks about most common questions women ask during these nine months of their pregnancies in her published article online. These insights provided by her are very helpful in anticipating and understanding the changes brought about by the 9 month period of pregnancy.

The first month is a crucial stage wherein drastic hormonal changes are being experienced by a woman. Some of the signs may include but may not be limited to sensitive to smells and tastes, and urge to rush to the toilet. One of the key signs is tenderness of breasts with the increased flow of blood flow.

Apart from that, morning sickness will likely be experienced by a pregnant woman during the first month. But there is nothing to worry about it, for it may be a good sign according to CBSNews.

The second month of pregnancy involves the development of embryo's heart, webbed fingers and gender is also determined during this stage. Similar to the first month, a pregnant woman would feel physical exhaustion and morning sickness.

The third month will involve in hardening of fetus' bones, skin formation and development of external sex organs. Women tend to urinate more frequently as there is a production of extra fluids and the increasing size of uterus exerts additional pressure. While the fourth and fifth months are in full swing, when to-be-mommies can hear the fetus' heartbeat with an instrument called Doppler. The fetus grows up to 6.5 inches with a developed nervous system that starts to function.

The fourth and fifth month will display signs such as heartburn, constipation, dizziness, nose bleeding and bleeding gums. Such thing is experienced because growing uterus exerts pressure on blood vessels.

Moreover, in the sixth month the fetus grows rapidly and by the end of the month the fetus develops fingers, toenails and pink colored skin. During this month, women find their feet, ankles and hands swell as the body retains fluid to nourish both mother and fetus. Women will increase their appetite as the fetus needs extra nutrients to develop completely.

According to the Net Doctor, the seventh, eighth and ninth month will ensure that the fetus is fully developed. During the said stages, the eyes open, breathing starts, the fetus becomes sensitive to light. Women will be tired completely with shortness of breath. The most uncomfortable experience for some women will be the last three months. Some women develop hemorrhoids and 'Braxton-Hicks' - sporadic uterine contractions, also known as 'false labor.

However, the changes and signs may vary from one woman to another, which is why the regular medical check is necessary and highly advised by experts to assure a safe delivery and healthy baby.