Pregnancy is the carrying of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, inside the womb of a female. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets. Childbirth usually occurs about 38 weeks after conception. The World Health Organization defines normal term for delivery as between 37 weeks and 42 weeks.

Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last normal period. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters i.e. three stages.

First trimester (week 1-week 12)

During the first trimester, the body undergoes many hormonal changes that affect almost every organ system of the body. These changes trigger symptoms in the very first weeks of pregnancy. The stopping of periods is the first sign that you are pregnant. Other changes include extreme tiredness, swollen breasts, upset stomach, cravings or distaste for certain foods, mood swings, constipation, need to pass urine more often, headache, heartburn, weight gain or loss, etc.

Second trimester (week 13-week 28)

Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy easier than the first. Now new and more noticeable changes happen to the body. The abdomen begins to expand as the baby continues to grow. And before the end of this trimester is over, one will also feel the baby movements. Some of the other changes include body aches, such as back, abdomen, groin, or thigh pain, stretch marks on abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks, darkening of the skin around your nipples, patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip, numb or tingling hands, itching on the abdomen and palms, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face.

Third trimester (week 29-week 40)

In this trimester many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and it is putting more pressure on your organs. Some new body changes include Shortness of breath, heartburn, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, Hemorrhoids, tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrums, belly button may stick out, Trouble in sleeping, baby dropping or moving lower in your abdomen.

As the due date arrives nearer, cervix becomes thinner and softer which is a normal, natural process that helps the birth canal (vagina) to open during the birthing process.

Symptoms Of Pregnancy

• Missed periods
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Changes in libido
• Soreness of the Breasts
• Enlargement of the Breasts
• Frequent Urination
• Strange Cravings
• Montgomery's Tubercules
• Stretch Marks
• Enlarging Uterus
• Colostrum from Breasts
• Enlarged Abdomen
• Braxton Hicks Contractions
• Positive Pregnancy Test
• Ultrasound Detection
• Faintness and dizziness
• Increased vaginal discharge

Pregnancy Diet

Pregnancy Diet includes a well balanced diet with rich and delicious food that provides the essential nutrients to the woman and her baby. A pregnant woman must increase the intake of essential nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, mineral, iron, folic acid and calories. For proteins pregnant women can take fish, egg whites, poultry and beans. Processed and canned fish and raw seafood should be avoided. Carbohydrates can be obtained from foods such as rice, pasta, potatoes, vegetables and fruits. Products such as cheese and yogurt provide calcium while spinach is an excellent source of iron. Citrus fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C while sweet potatoes and carrots along with dark leafy green vegetables provide Vitamin A. Dairy products are a rich source of Vitamin D. Alcoholic drinks should be completely avoided during pregnancy.

Supplements have a very important role to play in the pregnancy diet. Women need to take folic acid supplements together with multi vitamin, iron and calcium supplements. Folic acid is essential in the first three months of the pregnancy. A pregnant woman should ideally eat food every few hours in small meals or portions for the continuous development of the baby.