The First Trimester
- This is from the time of conception to 12 weeks.
- The commonest symptoms during this time are nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. These can be easily treated.
- The commonest problem during this time is a miscarriage i.e. pregnancy loss. This will present as abnormal vaginal bleeding per vaginum and may be associated with pain. It is diagnosed on ultrasound examination.
The Second Trimester
- This lasts from 12 weeks to 28 weeks
- By this time nausea and vomiting subside.
- The risk of miscarriage is reduced.
- The formation of the major organs is completed by 20 weeks. After that, the fetus is increasing in size.
The Third Trimester
- This lasts from 28 weeks to 40 weeks.
- It is at this time that many important medical issues may surface.
- Anemia may worsen.
- One may develop pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and gestational diabetes which have implications on the health of both the mother and the fetus.
It is during this time that one may go into preterm labor. There is a risk of bleeding during this time mainly due to two causes i.e. abruption and placenta previa.
Manage your pregnancy well with a good lady doctor for pregnancy near you. Seek an appointment now.
