Pregnancy Guide: Monthly Guide to Pregnancy

03/01/2012 | 03:43 PM

Being pregnant is a stage progression for you and your baby. Knowing what to expect as one month flows into the next can help minimize the stress of pregnancy and bringing new life into the world.

9 Months Pregnant

Monthly Guide to Pregnancy

If you’re reading this and you’re pregnant, congratulations! This can be a very exciting time in your life and the life of your child. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything that’s going on, relax! Your body knows what it’s doing and will prepare the ideal environment for your baby to grow and develop. It will take care of everything for you. That said, it’s helpful to know what’s happening inside your body. Here’s a quick overview.

1 Month Pregnant

Many new mothers do not even realize they are pregnant during the first month. That said, there are some important signs. If you feel nausea, increased urination or have a missed period, it may be time to buy a home pregnancy kit. You may notice that your level of energy has fallen. You are tired and find it difficult to stay up in the evenings. The fatigue occurs because your body uses huge amounts of energy to manage the development of your baby. And it needs energy to transform into the ideal environment for your baby’s growth. (read full article)

2 Months Pregnant

The second month of pregnancy marks the beginning of acute changes in your body. Because the size of your uterus is increasing, you will feel the need to urinate frequently and as a consequence, you will feel thirstier than before carrying a baby. The best way you can handle this situation is to listen to your body’s needs and go to the toilet as frequently as you have to. Another aspect that might be difficult this month is the morning sickness. Not every woman has to fight against it, but if you are among the sensitive ones, try to stay away from everything that causes discomfort, nausea or aversions. Eating a fresh lemon, or drinking water with a few drops of lemon juice can help with the nausea. (read full article)

3 Months Pregnant

With the third month of pregnancy, the existing symptoms often continue, as well as some new ones: constipation, bloating and headaches. To ease constipation or diarrhea, make sure that you have a diet rich in fibers, vegetables, fruits and proteins. The headaches may be eased by consuming large volumes of fluids and by getting as much rest as possible. This month is the last one before the calmer ones start, so try to think positively. (read full article)

4 Months Pregnant

By the fourth month of pregnancy, your belly’s size is increased enough to show you are carrying a baby. You may find that you regain your appetite during this month. The main inconvenience that will likely occur is a vaginal secretion called leucorrhea. It has a creamy whitish substance with a specific smell. This substance is called leucorrhea. The cause of this secretion is the increased hormones and blood flow to the vaginal area. Some pregnant women choose to change their underwear multiple times a day. As long as the secretion is white, not yellow or green and it does not have an unpleasant odor, there’s nothing to worry about. Its appearance is completely normal and it comes as an effect of intense modifications your body goes through to be able to give birth. (read full article)

5 Months Pregnant

The fifth month of pregnancy is considered the border between the first and the second half of your pregnancy. By now, many of the big emotional changes and mood swings wiIl have died down. The morning sickness and fatigue should have subsided. But as your baby continues to grow, the extra weight you are carrying can affect your back, generating back pain. Try reducing the time you stand, and make sure you gets lots of sleep, even 8 to 10 hours per night. Some doctors specifically recommend that pregnant women sleep on the left side. Sleeping on the left side improves circulation to the heart and allows for the best blood flow to the fetus, uterus, and kidneys. Also, your body might start to retain water which will manifest through swollen feet and ankles. To help avoid this, make sure you stretch frequently. (read full article)

6 Months Pregnant

The most significant event that affects you this month is the beginning of the Braxton-Hicks contractions. These are from the contracting and relaxing of your uterus. They are harmless and your body’s way of preparing for labor. This is an ideal time to start the Kegel exercises. They will contribute to your vagina’s restoration after childbirth, and help it regain its original elasticity. Some women find that the growing pressure on the uterus because of the baby’s growing size causes them to leak urine when they laugh or cough. Kegel exercises will also help this. (read full article)

7 Months Pregnant

While the other symptoms may continue, such as swollen feet, constipation and bloating, your breast and vaginal secretions will increase in volume this month. The breast secretion is called colostrum and the vaginal one, leucorrhea. Their increase is normal, but you may need to take some cautions such as wearing bras with absorbents or carrying an extra pair of clean underwear. Also, your body needs lots of time to recover from the baby’s growing size. Try to avoid tiring activities, lifting weights and standing too much. It is beneficial for you to sleep a few hours during the day and up to ten hours during the night. (read full article)

8 Months Pregnant

Being eight months pregnant means feeling swollen and heavier than ever. Physical activities might become difficult for you and your joints may feel overburdened. This month, it’s important to continue your Kegel exercises, make sure you get plenty of rest, and work on your breathing and relaxation exercises. Your nutritional needs are higher this month, so make sure you eat foods rich in iron, magnesium and calcium. And it’s important to spend a bit of time figuring out whom you want in the hospital with you for the birth, just in case labor comes early. (read full article)

9 Months Pregnant

Being nine months pregnant means you are bigger than ever before. Many of the inconveniences that you experienced during the past eight months will continue, such as tender and swollen breasts, frequent urination, fatigue and others. You may also experience increased energy and the desire to prepare, clean and tidy the home. This is fairly common and is called nesting. More importantly, it’s crucial that you spend some time this month preparing mentally and physically for the upcoming birth. Learn breathing techniques and make sure you know all the signs of labor. This is a hugely important day for you and your baby. If you want to do it right, preparation is vital. (read full article)

Conclusion:

During the nine months of pregnancy, your body goes through remarkable changes as your baby grows and develops. Morning sickness, fatigue, swollen ankles, breast tenderness, vaginal and breast secretions, and joint pain are all common and perfectly normal. Luckily for every symptom there is, if not a cure, a way of alleviating the inconvenience. And some women find that pregnancy is one of the most special times of their lives as they prepare to bring new life into the world.