Signs of pregnancy

Pregnancy is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual cycle. Since ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle (about two weeks into the cycle), the beginning of pregnancy is therefore counted from the third week of pregnancy.

Pregnant in the first trimester – pregnancy weeks 1–12

The first three months of pregnancy are considered the most critical. This is because it is during this period that all organs and the complete nervous system are developed. As soon as the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus, it is decided whether the child is a girl or a boy. Between the fourth and eighth weeks of pregnancy, the fetus’s neck and head as well as arms and legs develop, and there are facilities for the internal organs, the brain and the nervous system. By the end of the first trimester, fingers, toes, eyes, ears and nose are fully developed. At the same time, the muscles and nervous system have developed so much that the fetus can make movements in the womb.

Typical signs in the first trimester:

• Fatigue.
• Constipation: Due to the increased production of the hormone progesterone in the ovary, the metabolism is affected, and many women feel tired and constipated.
• Nausea: The infamous pregnancy sickness, which is triggered by the elevated level of hCG in the blood, usually begins in the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy.
• Dizziness due to the greatly increased production of blood for the placenta and fetus.
• Mood swings as a result of the hormonal change.
• Sensitivity to certain smells.

Pregnant in the second trimester – pregnancy weeks 13-28

In the fourth month of pregnancy, the unpleasant symptoms from the first months diminish. All the fetus’s systems are fully formed, and now it is especially about the “finer work”: The metabolic function develops, as does the sucking and swallowing reflex and the breathing movements. The baby is very active in the womb and trains its muscles and nervous system. The heart sounds are also heard clearly during the examination. At the end of the fifth month of pregnancy, the gender can usually be determined with an ultrasound scan. Now begins a phase with further development of the fetus’s movements and perception.

Typical signs in the second trimester:

• The stomach becomes rounder, the breasts grow noticeably.
• The baby’s movements can be felt for the first time. Some women feel a “bubbling” sensation between weeks 16 and 18 of pregnancy, but most first-time pregnant women first feel a “kick” around week 20-22 or later.
• Increased urge to urinate as the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder.
• Heartburn caused by the growing uterus pressing on the abdomen.
• Possibly. production of so-called foremilk, which is triggered by the increased prolactin level.

Pregnant in the third trimester – pregnancy weeks 28–40+

In the seventh month of pregnancy, the fetus opens its eyes and nostrils. The immune system and the bronchi begin to work independently – i.a. the fetus breathes amniotic fluid in and out “to practice”. Thanks to modern medicine, the fetus would have a good chance of surviving a premature birth. From the eighth month of pregnancy, it is primarily the protective fat layer that continues to develop, and the fetus takes approx. 250g per week. As there is less and less space in the uterus, the fetus assumes the typical fetal position with folded arms in front of the body.

Typical signs in the third trimester:

• The stomach and breasts continue to grow noticeably.
• Increased urge to urinate as the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder.
• Back pain, mostly due to the extra weight.
• Sleep problems.
• The first picking roads are coming.