Pregnancy Stages

Although each pregnant woman and couple may approach their pregnancy to suit their unique expectations and needs, pregnancy stages are pretty standard for most. Pregnancy is a nine-month process in which a child develops inside a woman's uterus. Those nine months are split into three trimesters of fetal development and often divided even further into weekly stages.

The stages of pregnancy in the first trimester are tied in with hormonal and physical preparation for the pregnancy term. During the first trimester, a woman may notice all of the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy making her sick or moody. Her breasts may begin to swell and become tender. The fetus develops very basically during the first trimester and begins to move a little, although too slightly for the woman to notice.

During the second trimester, a woman can expect to gain 3 to 4 pounds a month and learn the sex of her baby and feel it moving in the uterus. The baby will also be able to, theoretically, hear noises from outside.

The third trimester is a time when the woman's body is preparing for delivery. The baby's bones finish forming and harden slightly, the child opens its eyes, detects light and gains weight rapidly. This can also be a highly emotional time for a woman, especially after the due date has passed.