Pregnancy

What is pregnancy?

Pregnancy, also called gestation, is the time when a woman carries a fetus in her womb. It occurs when a man’s sperm fertilizes a woman’s egg. Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks (nine months) from your last period to your due date.

While pregnancy is an exciting time in any soon-to-be parent’s life, proper preparation can help you enjoy this period without anxiety. The experienced obstetricians at Aurora OB/GYN support and guide you through your pregnancy.

What are the early signs of pregnancy?

Most women discover they’re pregnant about four to seven weeks after conception. The clearest sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Symptoms of pregnancy include:

• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Increased urination

Other signs that you might be pregnant are moodiness, cramping, and light spotting. Some women also feel congested or constipated.

What are the stages of pregnancy?

Pregnancy occurs in three stages:

First trimester

The first trimester begins at conception and lasts 12 weeks. Many hormonal changes happen during this time. You can experience nausea and vomiting, heartburn, weight gain or loss, and food cravings.

Second trimester

During the second trimester, the physical signs of pregnancy begin to show. Your abdomen swells to accommodate your growing baby. Meanwhile, nausea and vomiting can start to subside while your fingers, ankles, and feet can swell. The second trimester begins in the 13th week and ends in the 28th.

Third trimester

The final trimester of pregnancy starts at week 29 and ends when you give birth. Pregnancy can become physically uncomfortable as your baby grows and puts excessive pressure on your organs. You can experience a frequent need to urinate, back pain, trouble sleeping, hemorrhoids, and false labor contractions.

How can I stay healthy during pregnancy?

The Aurora OB/GYN doctors provide every pregnant patient with individualized care. Your prenatal care plan can include:

• Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and some medications
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Taking prenatal vitamins and other supplements
• Visiting the office for routine prenatal care
• Staying hydrated
• Eating small meals
• Getting quality sleep

Call Aurora OB/GYN today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about pregnancy.