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Pregnancy Stages and Symptoms

By EmpowHER October 4, 2011 - 4:05am
 
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The 40 or so weeks of pregnancy are divided into three stages or trimesters that are each 12 - 13 weeks long. Each group of weeks brings dramatic changes to the developing baby and physical changes and symptoms for Mom. During the first trimester, weeks 1 – 12, hormone changes bring an end to your period, lack of energy, increase in urination, heartburn and upset stomach, tender breasts, cravings or distaste for certain foods, moodiness, and constipation. At twelve weeks, an ultrasound can sometimes determine the gender of the fetus. Some women report all, some or none of these symptoms. Each woman and each pregnancy are different.

During the second trimester, many women see their morning sickness and tiredness disappear. Normal changes to Mom’s body include enlarged belly, back ache, darkening of skin around the nipples, dark patches of skin on the face, and swelling in the face, ankles, and fingers.

http://www.empowher.com/pregnancy/content/overview-stages-pregnancy

 
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We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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Anonymous

what if you have some of these symptoms butnot all of them

October 5, 2011 - 7:14am
Rosa Cabrera RN Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hi Anon,

By no means does a pregnant woman have to go through all of the symptoms of pregnancy. I, for example, never had nausea/vomiting at any point during my pregnancy. Nor did I have cravings or dark patches on my face. Not only is every woman different, but every pregnancy is unique and symptoms that you may have with your first child, you may not have with your second.

Congratulations!

Rosa

October 5, 2011 - 8:15am
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Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Well according to the symptoms which i read on a previous article, I had a vaginal discharge which was clear and thin, abdominal bloating (which I do get before my cycle starts, but not the other symptoms) light spotting and a slight pain on one side of my abdomen. I just thought it could be possible that we would be. Now i dont know what to do. If I go the rest of the day trying to protect myself, than I will know that it trully is my cycle and it seems to be off, because I usually have it every 28 days now it seems like its coming when its good and ready. I am very discouraged by this!!!!!!

November 2, 2011 - 7:29am
bhanu184

hi
completed 8 weeks today, observiing some bleeding since a week , got my ultrasound done the pregnancy is fine saw the heart beat also but the bleeding continues to be there on n off no cramping no abdominal pain pls suggest how long will this continue and what cn be the reason

October 6, 2011 - 11:45pm
Rosa Cabrera RN Guide (reply to bhanu184)

Hi Bhanu,

Bleeding that occurs in the first half of pregnancy is common (20-30%). of women experience this. Bleeding can occur in early pregnancy due to the following factors:

Some type of infection in the pelvic cavity or urinary tract may cause bleeding.

After intercourse some women may bleed because the cervix is very tender and sensitive. You should discontinue intercourse until you have been seen by your doctor. This is to prevent any further irritation—having normal sexual intercourse does not cause a miscarriage.

With this being said, bleeding in the first trimester is something that should be brought to your doctors attention immediately. Just as it could be something caused by intercourse it could also be a sign of miscarriage. Please contact your doctor and keep us posted.

Good Luck!

Rosa

October 7, 2011 - 10:13am
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Anonymous

Actually this post is use-full one for who wants to be pregnant and who are now pregnant. Some of them didn't know clearly what is happening for them. That' s why they are taking wrong decisions . But this post will help them to go in a right way.pregnancy week by a>

November 8, 2011 - 10:21pm
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Anonymous

anonymous,
hi Ive been getting those symptoms since the beginning of December. I haven't had a normal period since September, just spotting for 2 or 3 days & its gone. I took pregnancy test and they were negative. I was tested for mono & that was negative. also. I'm still feeling the sickness I'm wonder what should I do?

January 4, 2012 - 4:48pm
Rosa Cabrera RN Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hi Anonymous,

If you are feeling ill and have no explanation for it please see your doctor so that the proper evaluation can be made.

Best of luck,

Rosa

January 5, 2012 - 8:04am
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Anonymous (reply to Rosa Cabrera RN)

Hi Rosa,
I actually did see the doctor & still no explanation. my pee test came back negative. I'm still feeling the same symptoms but I'm not sure what it could be.

January 12, 2012 - 3:47pm
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Anonymous

Hi
about 2 or 3 weeks ago i had sex and i think iam pregnant but at the same time i think iam not...the only thing i have gotten is bleeeing and some cramps on my stomach but i really dont know if that is part of pregnancy...am ibpregnant?

January 5, 2012 - 1:35pm
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