PREGNANCY

Introduction

Congratulations you’re carrying a “bun in the oven” the beautiful sacred gift of life, now Lets delve into the amazing journey of  pregnancy one of life’s greatest miracles. This article aims to guide,  educate and advise  you  on everything you need to know about pregnancy; the developmental stages of pregnancy, nutrition, what’s  safe and what’s not, weight gain and so much more. The old age saying reigns true knowledge is power in this case power to both mum and baby.

Overview

A “normal” pregnancy takes forty (40) weeks. This is counted from the first day of the Last Menstrual Period (LMP), to the birth of the baby. The period is divided into three stages known as Trimesters; First, Second and Third trimesters.

First Trimester (Conception to 13th Week)

Changes experienced by the mother

Signs of early pregnancy start to manifest, the first sign being your missed period inmost cases, others include:

  •  Morning sickness
  •  (Nausea with or without vomiting)
  •  Cravings towards certain foods
  •  Mood swings
  •  Constipation
  •  Frequent Urination
  •  Heartburn
  • Headaches’ Extreme Fatigue
  • Tender breasts, sometimes with protruding nipples

Development of the baby

Week 1

The first week after the last ovulation, oestrogen will trigger your womb and the uterus to form a lush, blood-rich lining of tissue. Your levels of the hormone progesterone rise and your eggs ripen ready  for fertilization.

Week 2

It’s a potentially life-changing week. You will ovulate, and if egg meets sperm, you will be on your way to this journey called pregnancy!

Week 3

Your baby is a tiny blastocyst –a ball made up of several hundred cells multiplying quickly.

Week 4

Deep in your uterus, your baby is an embryo made up of two layers, and your placenta is developing.

Week 5

Your tiny embryo is growing like fast, and you start experiencing discomforts of pregnancy such fatigue and sore breasts

Week 6

Your baby’s nose, mouth, and ears are taking shape. You may be having morning sickness and spotting.

Week 7

Your baby – still an embryo with a small tail – is forming hands and feet. Your uterus has doubled in size to accommodate the new life-form

Week 8

Your baby is constantly moving, even though you may not feel it.

Week 9

The foetus is nearly one inch long Facial features; the nose, eyes, ears and mouth develop. The eyelids are remain closed (up to the 28th week) to protect the eyes. S/he is starting to look more human. Your waist will probably start thickening

Week 10

Organs and structures are in place and ready to grow. Hands and limbs have form, including toes and fingers form. Major organs and systems, the heart, the nervous system form.  This is among the most critical part of development

Week 11

Your baby’s hands will soon open and close into fists and tiny tooth buds are appearing underneath the gums.

Week 12

The baby’s teeny toes can curl, her brain is growing fast, and her kidneys are starting to excrete urine.

Week 13

The baby has well developed fingerprints, almost 3 inches long.