The week-by-week pregnancy videos take you on a journey where you may learn what to expect when you are expecting. The video series is divided into 40 videos, one video for every week. Every week is divided into 3 sections:
- The baby
- The mother
- Tips and suggestions for that particular week
Although it is commonly believed that pregnancy lasts nine months, it actually takes up to 40 weeks or 280 days, which are divided into three trimesters:
- the first trimester is from week 1 to the end of week 13
- the second trimester is from week 14 to the end of week 26
- the third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy.
First Trimester of Pregnancy
You are considered pregnant before conception actually takes place.
At first, you won’t be aware of the changes in your body, although the new life just created can make some women nauseous and cause breast tenderness.
The embryo has developed incredibly fast in a short period of time. During week five, the heart will start beating.
Although you can’t feel it, your baby is moving actively in your belly already.
You need to pay special attention to your teeth during your pregnancy because the health of your child is dependent on the health of your teeth.
When you listen to your baby’s heartbeat at the doctor’s or midwife’s office, it will sound like the hoofs of a galloping horse. With this sound, you can be reassured that a miscarriage is unlikely.
Your breasts start to make colostrum – a nutritious, vitamin-rich liquid, which will be your baby’s first meal when he or she enters the world.
Second Trimester of Pregnancy
The second trimester is from week 14 to the end of week 26
Although your baby’s eyes are still closed, he can perceive light from the outside. If you shine a flashlight on your belly your baby will probably move away from the harsh light.
If it’s the first pregnancy the activities of the child may not yet be perceptible, but the movements will get stronger over the next couple of weeks.
You will weigh noticeably more. Changes in your thyroid functions will affect your metabolism.
You are halfway through your pregnancy and more people are noticing it.
Make it a habit to talk to your baby, so he gets to know the sound of your voice even before he is born.
You may start feeling cramps in your legs, a common side-effect during pregnancy.
You may get annoyed at frequent trips to the bathroom which may interrupt your sleep but, due to the pressure from your growing uterus, you can’t avoid this until the end of your pregnancy.
Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Your baby practices sucking and it may cause him hiccups. You’ll feel rhythmic throbbing in your belly.
Your baby’s lungs have developed and when born now, he would be able to breathe independently outside the uterus.
By now, the baby has usually turned itself and is positioned head down. You can feel it, as its movements are now stronger in the upper part of your belly.
If you’re feeling anxious about the impending birth, read about different options and possibilities.
Your baby may descend to your pelvis. You will know it as your weight shifts downwards and breathing becomes easier. But you will still have increased pressure on your bladder and you will be going to the toilet more frequently than before.
Although your baby is physically fit to be born, his immune system is still developing and it strengthens continuously even after birth – your baby will get all the necessary antibodies to fight illnesses from your breast milk.
Even if your baby decides to wait, it won’t be that long before your wait is over and your new life begins.