Pregnancy is the period from conception to birth when the woman carries the fetus in her uterus. The common method to calculate the date of pregnancy is to add 240 days to the date of the first day of the last menstrual cycle. One needs to have a proper knowledge of this stage so that a woman can successfully deliver a healthy baby.

Pregnancy Process

Pregnancy is a result of fertilization. In fertilization, an egg is ovulated and released into the fallopian tubes. It’s the process (post intercourse) in which millions of sperms enter the vagina and one integrates with the female egg to form an embryo. The embryo then enters the uterus to grow and develop over the next nine months. Typically, two forms of pregnancy are witnessed. One is common fertilization which occurs in the fallopian tubes or in the uterus. The other is Invitro fertilization in which the egg is removed from the ovary to fertilize externally with the sperm and then transferred directly to the uterus for pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be detected in several ways. One way is pregnancy test in which existence of a hormone called “Human Chronic Gonadotropin” is measured in the blood or urine. The count of this hormone increases rapidly over the pregnancy period and hence is a common indicator (used by doctors) of this condition. Other way is look for signs which include a missed period, nausea, frequent urination and urgency to urinate. Still other way which women normally use is the home detection urine tests.

Pregnancy Period

Pregnancy period is divided into first, second and third trimester. Each trimester lasts for a period of three months. The features of the first trimester include morning sickness and starting a schedule of healthy food and exercise. During the second stage one can see the increase in abdomen size, feel the fetus movements, improve exercise regimen after medical advice. The third stage is the most difficult with increased volatility in emotions and discomforts in the form of back pain etc..

Pregnancy period diet should include milk, forms of protein, green vegetables, servings of grains and fruits. The diet should be such that it takes care of the nourishment of the child as well as the mother. Also, taking adequate exercise during pregnancy is helpful. One needs to understand all the aspects related to pre and post pregnancy period and the related processes to deliver a healthy child and a healthy motherhood.

Pregnancy is the privilege provided to the females by the creator of the life.

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