What To Expect When You're Expecting

An overview of what is to be expected throughout one's pregnancy, made in order to help prepare expecting women and their families to embark on the journey that which is pregnancy. Also made to help give women a better and more in depth understanding of the changes that occur within the body during pregnancy! (Written by Anna Reynish, HDFS 301)

1. The tell-tale signs that you may be pregnant!

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A missed menstrual period is, perhaps, one of the most notable and most commonly discussed early signs of pregnancy. However, what is important to note, is that there are actually many other various early signs of pregnancy that are discussed less frequently, but can help you determine whether or not you may be pregnant. Women may experience fatigue and drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, emotional mood swings, a feeling of fullness as well as aching in their lower abdomen, changes in their breasts (the breast tissue may feel more 'full'), frequent urination, and even an increase in vaginal secretion. Being aware of these early signs/symptoms is key in determining whether you may pregnant sooner rather than later.

2. Pregnancy feels

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The process of creating a baby human is one that is not only fairly lengthy but one that is accompanied by a variety of emotions that are experienced by both the mother carrying the child and her partner, if the partner is involved. Many pregnancies are indeed planned, but some are completely unexpected. That being said, it is not surprising that studies have found that people exhibit a variety of reactions as well as emotions when first learning that they are expecting. One study for example, found that about 2/3 of couples feel positive about being pregnant from the start, 1/3 feel neutral or confused, and some even feel negative. Not surprisingly unexpected pregnancies were more likely to be linked to negative reactions. Interestingly enough, the length of a pregnancy allows for psychological preparation before having the child. As time progressed, and the couples' participating in the study progressed in their pregnancies, negative feelings had decreased. By the third trimester none of the participants reported negative emotions.

Bringing a baby human into the world is a great feat and so it is only normal to experience a wide range of emotions throughout the process, especially for those that will be experiencing parenthood for the first time (Berk and Meyers, 118).

3. The first trimester

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The first three months of a pregnancy are referred to as the first trimester. Although not visible to us, a lot is happening within the body of an expecting woman.

The first two weeks of pregnancy are known as the 'germinal period'. The germinal period begins with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm in order to create a zygote. Once fertilization occurs, cell duplication takes place, and finally the zygote attaches to the expecting mother's uterine wall.

Next comes the 'embryonic period', a six week period during which the most rapid prenatal changes occur. It is during this period that the foundation for ever major body part and system is laid down. Because of this, the embryonic period is typically the most critical and sensitive period during a pregnancy. By the second month, all of the major organs begin to function and the embryo is able to move.

Towards the end of the first trimester, the embryo becomes a fetus. The fetus rapidly begins to increase in size. The organs, muscles, and nervous system begin to coordinate and act as an organized system. At this point, women begin to report that they can feel their baby kick. The fetus's gender can also be identified.

All of these incredible changes, occur inside of the body of a female expecting during the first trimester (Berk and Meyers, 95-99).

4. The second trimester

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The next three months of a pregnancy are referred to as the second trimester. During these three months, the fetus (developing baby human) continues to grow in size. Women can typically feel distinct movements that their baby is making.

Additionally, a white cheese like substance called 'vernix' is formed. Vernix covers the fetus, protecting it's skin from being in a water born environment. Lanugo, otherwise known as white hair like structures, cover the fetus, allowing for the vernix to stick on. Finally, by the end of the second trimester, most of the brain's neurons are in place (Berk and Meyers, 96-99).

5. Weight gain is normal by the way!

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Believe it or not, during the prenatal period, a developing baby human is growing more rapidly than he or she will at any other point in time! During the prenatal period a developing human is also completely dependent on his or her mother for nutrients. This being said, weight gain during pregnancy is to be expected! You are no longer eating for just yourself, you are now eating for two people. A healthy diet is encouraged as well as a gradual increase in daily calories consumed. Approximately an extra 100 calories a day should be consumed during the first trimester, an extra 265 calories a day in the second trimester, and 430 calories a day in the third trimester. On average, most women will gain from 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy (Berk and Meyers 111-112).

6. The third and final trimester

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The third and final trimester refers to the final stage of pregnancy (the last 3 months of pregnancy). This is the remaining time period until a baby arrives. During this time the developing fetus is growing rapidly in size. Rapid brain development is also taking place when it comes to neural connectivity and organization. The age of viability varies from fetus to fetus however, on average, at some point between 22 - 26 weeks of gestation a fetus (baby human) will be able to survive outside of the mother's womb. During the middle of the third trimester, a layer of fat is added under the fetus's skin.

Finally, towards the end of the third trimester, the majority of fetuses prepare for birth by rotating/shifting into an upside-down position (Berk and Meyers, 96-101).

7. Indicators that birth is near

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Most women give birth towards the end of their third trimester. This being said, there are numerous signs/indicators to watch out for, that signal that birth is approaching.

One of the first indicators that birth is approaching is referred to as 'false labor.' False labor is typically experienced about 2 to 3 weeks prior to actual delivery. During false labor a woman will feel the upper part of her uterus contract. However, unlike during 'true labor' these contractions will be IRREGULAR and will not get closer in time. These contractions may also stop with change in position or body movement, while 'true contraction' continue regardless of change in position or body movement. During false labor contraction women also tend to feel pain in the front, while true labor contraction pain typically starts in the back and eventually moves to the front.

Another indicator that birth is approaching is referred to as 'lightening.' Lightening is the moment in which the fetus will reposition themselves to go through the uterus. This will typically occur about 2 weeks before birth.

The final indicator that birth is approaching is referred to as a 'bloody show.' A bloody show occurs as the mother's cervix begins to open. As the cervix begins to open, the mucus that had sealed the cervix during pregnancy is released and a red like discharge is produced. A 'bloody show' will typically happen just days or even hours before the birthing process, better known as labor, begins (Berk and Meyers, 124).

8. Stage 1 of childbirth: dilation and effacement of the cervix

The first stage of childbirth, 'dilation and effacement of the cervix,' is typically also the longest stage. On average, for a woman who is expecting her first child, this stage may last from 12 to 14 hours. During later births, this stage may last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. As uterine contractions get closer in time and increase in intensity, the cervix begins to dilate, as well as become increasingly thinner (effacement). Thus, a pathway for the fetus to take from the uterus into the birth canal, otherwise referred to as the vagina, is formed. During the final period of dilation and effacement, contractions will typically occur every 2 to 3 minutes and may last for a period of 60 seconds (1 whole minute).

The point at which the cervix opens completely, is called 'transition.' During transition, contractions are at their peak. Transition is also known as the 'climax' of this first stage of childbirth (Berk and Meyers, 124-125).

9. Stage 2 of childbirth: the delivery of the baby

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The second stage of childbirth is the actual delivery of the baby! The delivery stage, on average, lasts about 50 minutes for a woman's first born, and 20 minutes for later births. The infant is finally born during the stage of delivery. During the delivery stage, contractions persist and aid the baby human in going down the birth canal. Along with the contractions aiding the baby, the mother also assists the baby by pushing with her abdominal muscles. The continuous contractions, combined with the mother's efforts, force the baby down the birth canal and FINALLY out into the world (Berk and Meyers, 124-125).

10. Stage 3 of childbirth: birth of the placenta

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The third and final stage of childbirth is the 'birth of the placenta'. After a baby human is brought into the world, the mother will experience a few final contractions and will 'push' with her abdominal muscles. This is done in order for the placenta to detach from her uterine wall, allowing it to be discharged vaginally. This final stage will typically take about 5 to10 minutes (Berk and Meyers, 124-125).

11. For more information on pregnancy and or what you can expect during pregnancy, additional resources are provided:

1.http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/landing.aspx

2. https://www.lvhn.org/conditions_treatments/womens_health/learn_about_pregnancy/during_pregnancy

3. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751721414001195

4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2730905/

5.http://epirev.oxfordjournals.org/content/32/1/5.full