Pregnancy Stages

The pregnancy stages are divided into three trimesters, each three months long. All the stages of pregnancy development have their own unique characteristics, and each individual pregnancy is different as well. With both my sons I had very different pregnancies. With my first son I had a fairly easy pregnancy with only heartburn and mild swelling in the last trimester. With my second son I had bright red bleeding in the second trimester that was very concerning.

Depending on whether it is your first or second pregnancy (or more), your symptoms are very likely to vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. First pregnancies typically show later (I started showing at about 4 months). Second and subsequent pregnancies show earlier because of an already-stretched uterus (I began showing at about 10 weeks with my second and had to begin telling everyone before I planned to tell so they wouldn't wonder!)

Stages of Pregnancy Development
During the different pregnancy stages, the bodies of both mother and baby are growing toward the end result of delivering a vibrant, healthy baby. It's fascinating to realize how rapidly the baby in the womb is developing its body parts and organs.

Pregnancy First Trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy goes from week 1 through week 12. About four to six weeks of this trimester could go unnoticed with many women not even knowing they're pregnant. Many women have morning sickness with nausea and/or vomiting. I had some nausea with my second child, but none at all with my first. Read more about the first trimester .

Second Trimester Pregnancy
The second trimester of pregnancy goes from week 13 through week 27 and is usually the most pleasant of the three pregnancy trimesters with increased energy and appetite and less mood instability. Read more about the second trimester .

Third Trimester Pregnancy
The third trimester of pregnancy goes from week 28 through week 40 or whenever the baby is born. In this pregnancy trimester, insomnia can take hold, especially the closer it gets to a woman's due date, as it becomes increasingly difficult to get comfortable in bed. Also, heartburn and swollen feet can make a woman quite miserable in the pregnancy progression. Read more about the third trimester.

Announcing Pregnancy

If you or someone you know has gotten pregnant after first having difficulties, I would like to hear your story. This would encourage so many women who are trying to conceive and let them know, "If it's possible for them, maybe it can happen for me too." Please share.

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Would I Ever Have Children?  My husband and I had tried for 2 years to have baby, and I did get pregnant twice, but both times I miscarried pretty early on.

Then we went a year ...