PREGNANCY: A GROWING LIFE WITHIN THREE TRIMESTERS
From the moment of suspecting pregnancy to giving birth and holding the baby in the arms, the journey is more like a roller coaster ride. The lows of the phase fade and heighten up at the moment of the baby’s first cry.
While most parents have concerns about the birth and prenatal complexities, home-based care plays a vital role during the pregnancy. According to Statista reports, in the fiscal year 2020, more than 4 million children took birth under the institutional shelters and more than 2 lakhs children came into life at home.
However, in recent years, the institutional delivery trend at hospitals or primary health centers is growing over the facilities at home. This data shows the winning efforts of India in improving maternity care facilities.
THE THREE TRIMESTERS: PROGRESSIVE PHASES OF PREGNANCY
The phase of pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks depending on the complexities of the individual woman. It begins from the first day of the last normal period.
Let’s look at the phases a woman goes through during pregnancy.
The first trimester begins from week 1 to 12 and the body undergoes several changes such as hormonal, physical, and emotional changes thereby affecting every organ in the body. At the initial stage, pregnancy triggers periods as the foremost symptom.
Here are the symptoms observed in the first trimester:
- Swollen breasts
- Mood swings
As per the article published in the Times of India, 20% of pregnancies around the world end up in miscarriages in the first trimester. To mitigate such risks, with the onset of symptoms, your body needs to adapt to the changing environment. The certified health professionals help you to understand and embrace the happy phase through the digital solution, Healpha.
From week 13 to 28, the second trimester owns the journey. It might be comparatively easy as some symptoms start to fade away but other symptoms supersede the old ones. With the growth of the baby, abdomen expansion is a visible change in the body. Within this phase, an expecting mother feels the kicks and tickling of the life growing inside.
Here are the symptoms that are seen in the second trimester:
- Body aches
- Stretch marks
- Dark patches
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (Numbness or tingling in hands)
- Swelling of fingers, face, and ankles.
Welcome to the last trimester that begins from week 29 to 40. In the last phase, some of the discomforting symptoms from the second trimester follow you in this phase as well. The continuous growth of the baby increases the urinating capability of the mother.
The following bodily changes are observed in the final trimester:
- Shortness of breath
- Sleeping troubles
- Cervix thinning
- Baby drooping towards lower abdomen
During pregnancy, it is advisable to visit your doctor at least four times a week. This is where Healpha steps in with pregnancy consultation online. We understand the difficulties of carrying a baby for a prolonged period. Take care of your child at your level of comfort with the advice of expert professionals through Healpha. We endeavor to boost community health.