The Three Trimesters Of Pregnancy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Thursday, May 13, 2010, 11:48

The whole period of Pregnancy is a delicate phase but the first three months are the most critical. The extent of it differs according to body type. The general symptoms are tiredness, nausea, gastric problems etc. The pregnancy period is divided into three trimesters – First three months, second three months and last three months.

First Trimester

The first three months is of utmost importance and you will witness a lot of bodily changes. The baby transforms from a group of cells to a 6 cm long foetus. In the first trimester, your body needs the right kind of diet. Your diet should include a lot of proteins, calcium, iron, omega 3, carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Protein - Egg white and milk
Calcium – Milk, cheese and yogurt
Carbohydrates – Rice, jaggery
Iron – fish, dates, almonds

Drinking 2 liters of water daily is advisable, so that your body can eliminate toxins.

This time because your body undergoes a lot of changes, specially hormonal, you are bound to feel tired. The best way to overcome this is free hand exercises. 30 minutes of exercise, thrice a week, will make you feel fresh. The best form of exercise is walking. Stroll a distance of 1km everyday. Swimming is also a good option. It distresses you, raises your stamina and strengthens your muscles. Yoga, is advised for relaxation.

Mood swings is a common feature. Hormonal changes is the sole culprit. Aroma therapy and meditation is the solution.

Second Trimester

At this stage you can be much more relaxed. The risk of abortion does not exist anymore. The nauseatic feeling which troubled you in the first month, will disappear. You can now feel the baby move. This alone will brighten your mood. But this stage comes with it's own set of symptoms -

Cloasma – Brown or yellow marks may appear on the face, This happens due to increase in the levels of estrogen. It disappears after delivery.

Back Pain – As the belly and the breast develops in this stage, the pressure on your back doubles. It is advisable to take physiotherapist sessions.

Pigmentation – The skin may get darker. This the result of increase on MHS hormone. These hormones, increases the melanin levels.

In the second trimester, you should gain 5 kilos of weight. This is the stage when your babies muscles develop. Thus, a lot of protein intake is advisable. Meat, fish, eggs and milk should be included in your regular diet. Green vegetables and fruits are inevitable.

This stage sees an increase in metabolism rate. The tiredness and nausea will vanish making you less stresses. But exercise is till the priority. Right exercises increases the endorphins and the progesterone, which helps you relax.

Third Trimester

Your due date is not far, you are very excited and troubled with wild thoughts. Like the first three month, the last three months are also very critical. The common problems are sleepless nights, breathing problem and body ache. The tiredness should not be pampered at this stage. A lot of stretching exercises is needed, as due to weight your body tends to get cramps. Breathing exercises and meditation is of utmost importance to relax your senses.

The Four Most Important Things To Follow -

Swimming

Swimming and aquaerobics is a good exercise to enhance blood circulation. In the water it is likely you won't feel the weight and thus it is easier to do some under water exercises.

Walking

Walking is the best form of exercise. Start with slow and steady walk, you will pick up speed with time. Walking helps to get your joints and ligaments flexible. If not regularly try and go for a walk three times a week.

Eat

This stage demands you to eat more calories. With a huge belly, you may feel full after nibbling on a small amount. The solution is. Eat in intervals. Avoid eating seafood, unpasteurized cheese, liver and pate. Avoid spicy food, you may suffer from acidity. Consume less salt as it retains liquids in your body.

Foods rich in calcium like milk, cheese and dry fruits should be a part of your diet. Green vegetables rich in folic acid is advisable. Fiber rich fruits and water should be a part of your evening meal.

Motherhood, is the boon to a women and to take care of it is our duty. At this stage it is normal to get a lot of advices but remember all depends on your body type. Before including anything in your diet, before any decision, consult your doctor. Don't fall prey to any superstition and welcome what God has gifted your womb with. A girl child can give you as much happiness and prosperity as a boy.