The pregnancy period begins with the maturation and release of the female egg and its successful implantation into the uterus after being fertilized by the male sperm.
On average, it lasts 40 weeks, or 280 days. This period is conventionally divided into three trimesters. Tracking this timeline by weeks and trimesters also makes it much more convenient for the pregnant woman.
Tracking the changes that occur throughout pregnancy using a pregnancy calendar is essential for an expectant mother. The calendar is extremely useful for helping a mother-to-be understand her own body as well as the developing new life.
To help you follow the pregnancy calendar, our team has developed the “Lalu — Pregnancy School” mobile app. Through this app, women can easily monitor changes in both themselves and their baby.
You can briefly explore the calendar through this “Pregnancy Calendar” article on our website, and we recommend downloading the mobile app to your phone if you wish to navigate this crucial period equipped with helpful knowledge.
You can download the mobile app via this link: https://bit.ly/lalu-ilovasi
Signs of pregnancy
A woman's body begins preparing for pregnancy before the next ovulation occurs, and once fertilization and implantation in the uterus take place, early signs of pregnancy start to appear. These signs are caused by several hormonal changes occurring in the body.
Due to these hormonal changes, you may experience early symptoms such as a missed period, light bloody discharge, breast enlargement and tenderness, drowsiness, fatigue, and nausea.
In addition, there are secondary signs that are considered indicators confirming pregnancy. You can learn more about the primary and secondary signs of pregnancy in this article: Pregnancy symptoms
Determining gestational age
Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period. From this date, pregnancy lasts an average of 280 days until labor begins.
An ultrasound examination can also be used to determine gestational age.
Trimesters of pregnancy
As mentioned above, the pregnancy calendar is conventionally divided into three trimesters. In turn, these periods also encompass specific weeks: weeks 1 to 13 make up the first trimester, weeks 14 to 26 the second trimester, and weeks 27 to 40 the third trimester.
The first trimester can also be described as a period of mutual adaptation between the pregnant woman and her baby. This is considered the most delicate phase of pregnancy, requiring the mother to take a responsible approach to her health and the changes occurring in her body. By the end of this trimester, the fetus measures 7–8 cm in length and weighs around 25 g.
By the second trimester, you may begin to experience relief and more pleasant sensations. During this period, morning sickness symptoms virtually disappear, and other discomforts are also noticeably reduced. However, some pregnant women occasionally complain of sharp pains in the pelvis, abdomen, and pubic area. If the pain is severe, does not go away after 30–60 minutes of rest, or comes with bleeding or regular contraction-like tightenings, see a doctor urgently.
The third trimester can be seen as the stage when the body prepares for labor. At the same time, your baby continues to grow and develop, and toward the end of the term, you will begin to feel the signs of labor.
While waiting to be born, your little one performs movements essential for life: sucking, swallowing, breathing, turning their head, and moving their little arms and legs.
Changes in a woman's body during pregnancy
As a new life takes shape within the young mother, alongside the daily growth and development of the fetus, many changes are also observed in the expectant mother's body. In particular, depending on the stage of pregnancy, various changes take place in the digestive system (nausea, vomiting, constipation, and flatulence), sensory organs (changes in vision, taste, and smell), skin (spots, lines, rashes), as well as the circulatory and respiratory systems.
You can learn about the changes specific to each stage of pregnancy in the table below.
Risk factors during pregnancy
Severe complications do not usually occur when a pregnancy progresses normally. However, problems can sometimes arise, so it is advisable for every woman to be aware of high-risk pregnancy conditions.
While monitoring a pregnant woman, the doctor regularly conducts necessary lab tests, screenings, and check-ups to identify and address concerning issues in a timely manner. It is also beneficial for the expectant mother to be attentive to her condition and promptly report any warning signs to her doctor.
Factors such as miscarriage (which is most likely to occur in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy), ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor or premature birth (if a baby is born before 37 weeks, it is considered premature), preeclampsia, low amniotic fluid levels (oligohydramnios), gestational diabetes, and placenta previa can endanger the lives of both mother and baby.
You can learn more about conditions that may put the fetus at risk in this article.
Helpful article: Infections in pregnancy: the most dangerous infections and ways to protect against them
Nutrition during pregnancy
If the pregnancy is progressing normally and the woman experiences no discomfort, she should eat 4 times a day. Half of the daily protein intake should consist of animal protein (meat and fish – 25%, dairy products – 20%, eggs – 5%).
The requirement for plant protein is met through legumes (mung beans, chickpeas, kidney beans), rice, cabbage, and potatoes. Besides sugar, it is advisable to obtain carbohydrates from bread, grains, and fruits.
During pregnancy, it is not recommended to eat raw or undercooked meat, liver or liver pâté; beef and lamb can be eaten if well cooked – they are an important source of iron. Learn more about foods harmful to pregnant women and the fetus in this article: What to avoid during pregnancy
One of the key requirements for a smooth pregnancy and healthy fetal development is good nutrition; meals should be nutritious, varied, and rich in proteins and vitamins, including folic acid and vitamin C. For instance, taking 400 mcg of folic acid daily prior to pregnancy reduces the risk of birth defects.
If you would like to receive weekly information on how to eat properly during pregnancy, download the "Lalu" mobile app.
Pregnancy and physical exercise
A pregnant woman should regularly engage in light physical exercise. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, a tailored set of gymnastic exercises is recommended.
You can engage in physical activities for 30 minutes, 5–7 times a week. To start, it is recommended to begin with 10 minutes a day and gradually increase to 30 minutes. Regular exercise throughout pregnancy is an essential factor in fetal development and in ensuring an easier labor and delivery.
Sex during pregnancy
Sexual intercourse during pregnancy is safe as long as there are no contraindications or limiting factors. However, if a woman is at risk of miscarriage or other complications, it is essential to abstain from sexual intercourse.
Having sex will not harm your unborn baby. Nevertheless, as a precaution, couples should communicate and choose safe positions.
Changes in sexual desire during pregnancy are completely normal for a woman. There is no need to worry about this, but talking to your partner about it can be helpful.
Some couples enjoy having sex during pregnancy, while others feel they do not want to. The most important thing is to talk to each other about your feelings and find a compromise.
Also read this article: Increased uterine tone during pregnancy
