Definition of Pregnancy

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Weeks 0 to 13 are known as the first trimester of pregnancy. The babyâ€™s development is greatest during this stage, and by the end of week 13 it will be fully-formed. Some of the common discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness will be most pronounced during these early weeks.

Weeks 14 to 26 make up the second trimester. During this time, the baby continues to develop and grow, and the mother may start to gain significant amounts of weight as extra fat is laid down as energy reserves. This is also the time when the babyâ€™s movements in the uterus can be felt, and s/he may begin to develop patterns of activity.

The third trimester runs from week 27 to the birth of the baby. It starts to lay down its own fat stores, going through rapid growth phases in preparation for birth. The lungs are also maturing, and senses such as hearing, taste and sight are developing. The woman may find it more difficult to get comfortable at night, with backache, frequent urination and practice contractions known as Braxton Hicks a more regular feature.

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