Understanding The Stages Of Pregnancy And Which Is The Hardest

There are three stages of pregnancy, each one is generally referred to as a trimester. The first trimester covers weeks one to thirteen. The second covers week fourteen to twenty-six, and the third trimester is week twenty-seven to birth, usually between thirty-six and forty weeks.

It should be noted that babies born before week thirty-seven are considered premature. At all stages of the pregnancy, you should have contact with your qualified and reputable obstetrician Sydney. This will help to alleviate any fears you have and ensure that you and the baby are healthy.

The First Trimester

This is often seen as the hardest part of the pregnancy. Part of this is the risk factor. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester, that’s why many people don’t tell family and friends until the second trimester. 

Alongside the worry of a miscarriage, this is also the time when you are likely to get morning sickness, breast tenderness, and feel tired. It’s because of the hormone changes and the massive drain your baby is on your body.

The Second Trimester

In most cases, the second trimester is the best period of your pregnancy. You’re not too big to undertake normal activities and the side-effects of the first trimester will have vanished. The result is pregnant women often appear to glow as they feel able to take on the world.

It is worth noting that the second trimester is not all plain sailing. You can experience back pain, leg cramps, constipation, and heartburn.

The Third Trimester

At this stage, the weight of the baby often becomes harder to carry. They are also larger and likely to be pressing against your lungs and bladder. You can end up short of breath and needing the toilet all the time. Alongside this, you’ll feel tired.

It can become unpleasant the closer you get to being full-term. You’re likely to experience incontinence, varicose veins, and start having problems sleeping. This is the stage where you’ll just want the baby to arrive.

The Hardest Stage

Most women agree that the hardest stages are the first trimester and the last trimester. The middle trimester is generally a time when you feel good and can appreciate the pregnancy.

The first trimester has a lot of stress and it’s never pleasant throwing up every morning. Of course, the last trimester brings the pain and stress of a baby stretching your body as they run out of room.

However, you should note that pregnancy is a personal experience. Some women will sail through the entire pregnancy without any issues, feeling great and delivering a baby almost effortlessly.

Others will find every stage of the journey hard work, feeling sick and exhausted all the time. Although scientists don’t know why the experiences are so different, both are valid, and neither reflects an issue with you.

It’s simply something you’ll do and, one day, look back on with fond memories. Especially when you see your baby for the first time. It doesn’t matter how hard the pregnancy, it’s suddenly all worthwhile.