What is pregnancy?

Pregnancy is the process of reproduction, which starts after sexual intercourse or artificial insemination when sperm fertilizes an egg. It happens after one of your ovaries releases an egg, which is called ovulation. 

A full-term pregnancy lasts for around 40 weeks, but you can still deliver a baby after a shorter time. Sometimes, a birth happens earlier than the 40-week mark due to an underlying complication with the mother or baby, but in other cases, it’s due to stress or other factors. 

As your baby grows over the course of your pregnancy, you need various levels of prenatal care. The team at Oasis Women’s Wellness Center keeps close track of your baby’s growth and development and can address any concerns or complications that come up.  

How do I feel throughout pregnancy?

Growing a baby is a complex and remarkable process, and it affects your body and the way you feel in lots of different ways. Perhaps the most obvious from the outside is the growth of your abdomen as it holds the developing baby. 

The ways you feel during pregnancy shift and evolve throughout the three trimesters:

First trimester

During the first trimester, you may notice some symptoms and changes before you even realize you’re pregnant. Symptoms include nausea (also called morning sickness), mood changes, swollen breasts, cravings, and indigestion. 

Second trimester

For many women, the second trimester in pregnancy is more comfortable than the first. You may or may not still have morning sickness. Some symptoms common in the second trimester are the appearance of stretch marks, darkening of the areola, and feeling the baby’s movements. 

Third trimester

The third and final trimester of pregnancy lasts from the 29th week through the 40th, and it’s often uncomfortable. Your symptoms may include heartburn, shortness of breath, swelling in various parts of your body, insomnia, and mood changes. 

How should I maintain my health during pregnancy?

It’s vital to maintain your health during pregnancy and the health of your baby. Starting as soon as you realize you’re pregnant, you should start coming in for regular prenatal visits at Oasis Women’s Wellness Center. 

The team teaches you about foods to eat and avoid during pregnancy, prenatal vitamins, and wellness activities like gentle exercise and pregnancy massages. It’s also important to stop smoking and drinking alcohol for the duration of your pregnancy for the sake of your baby’s health. 

To schedule a prenatal visit or pregnancy test, call Oasis Women’s Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.