Body Changes During The First, Second & Third Trimester

A woman's body will rarely change as dramatically and as rapidly as it will during pregnancy. The nine month journey that a woman and her baby takes will make both internal and external changes to the woman's body. Some of these changes are very pronounced, while others are more subtle. Throughout the trimesters of pregnancy, there are specific changes that will take place to a woman's body.

During the first trimester, body changes tend to be more subtle. The most obvious body change will be the cessation of the period. Beyond that, the breasts will typically begin to swell and often become sensitive. A woman may have a great deal of upset stomach or morning sickness, as well as constipation during the first trimester. She may feel fatigue due to hormonal changes that are taking place. Finally, a woman's body will tend to ache more during the first trimester, particularly in the lower back area.

During months 4 though 6, the second trimester, there are additional body changes. This is the time that a woman will start to feel her baby move inside of her belly. It is also the time where a woman most often physically feels the best. Morning sickness is typically gone, as are many of the aches of the first trimester. Her energy may return sometime during this period, as well. Yet, her baby has not grown so big that she interferes with mom's ability to get around.

During that last stretch of pregnancy, a woman will again become more and more tired. This time the fatigue is due to the growth of the baby, which takes a lot of the mom's energy, rather than just hormones. In addition, a woman will often feel most uncomfortable during the third trimester, which can make it difficult to get enough sleepat night. As the day of delivery approaches, the baby will get bigger and bigger, as will the mom's belly. She may have false contracitons, or "Braxton-Hicks" contractions, as her body is preparing for labor. The biggest change, of course, will come at the end of pregnancy, as she delivers her baby.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.