Course of pregnancy

A newborn on the way? Congratulations! One thing is certain: you are in for an exciting time at the start of your pregnancy. 9 months is a long time, with a rollercoaster of emotions, many emotional moments and growing anticipation. Here is an overview of how the expectant mother's body changes, how the unborn child develops and what happens in the individual phases of pregnancy.

Pregnancy is divided into 3 major stages. These are called trimesters:

• 1st trimester: Pregnancy week (WT) 1-12
• 2nd trimester: Pregnancy week (WT) 13-28
• 3rd trimester: Pregnancy week (WT) 29-40

This division helps to categorize the development of the child and the physical changes in the mother. Each trimester has its own physical, emotional and developmental characteristics.

In this article, you can find out what to expect during pregnancy and what the most important milestones are.

Even if no tummy is visible on the outside, the mother's body now has a lot to do to adjust to the pregnancy. In this early phase, the release of pregnancy hormones leads to pregnancy symptoms in some women, such as

• nausea
• extreme tiredness
• sensitive breasts
• slight pulling sensations and abdominal cramps
• Mood swings
• Hunger attacks and cravings
• Changed sense of smell
• Bloating and constipation

This is normal and some women suffer more than others.

Cell division begins in the womb after fertilization. The embryo develops in week 4 of pregnancy and can be seen on ultrasound from week 8 at the latest. By the end of the first trimester, all vital organs have developed. The baby is already around 5 cm long. The heart beats at up to 160 beats per minute and the first movements are practised, even if they cannot yet be felt.

For many women, the 2nd trimester is the most pleasant phase of pregnancy. The belly is now growing continuously. During this phase of pregnancy, your baby's development progresses in leaps and bounds:

• The fetus's brain and nervous system develop from around week 13.
• The organ functions mature: kidneys, intestines and lungs are flushed with amniotic fluid through swallowing and breathing movements.
• The baby can already perceive light and pressure. The baby also reacts to external noises.

From around the 18th week of pregnancy, many women can feel the first movements of the baby. The sex of the child may already be determined by ultrasound.

In week 24, the embryo is around 30 cm long and weighs around 700 g. The unborn child now reacts to sounds with movements, can laugh, cry, recognize light sources and also feel pain.

At the end of the 2nd trimester, it is approx. 37 cm tall and weighs around 1200 g.

In the last trimester of pregnancy, the belly grows significantly and everything becomes increasingly difficult. The weight of a pregnant woman increases steadily - usually 11 to 18 kilograms in total.

The uterus begins to press on the internal organs. This can cause symptoms such as:

• heartburn
• urinary urgency
• shortness of breath
• Sleeping is often only possible in the lateral position due to the growing baby ball.

With the lungs fully matured, all organs are ready to function by the 9th month. Due to the increasing lack of space in the abdomen, the baby's movements become less and less noticeable. Instead, the child assumes the typical fetal position and draws its legs and arms to its body.

Towards the end of pregnancy, the baby is usually between 2,800 and 4,200 grams and is on average 48 to 54 centimetres tall.

After around 40 long weeks, it is ready to see the light of day.

Every pregnancy is individual and every expectant mother experiences the nine months differently. Some changes occur earlier or later, sensations and mood swings vary greatly from woman to woman.

The most important thing is to trust your body and listen to yourself. If you are unsure or worried about anything: Get support and advice from your midwife, gynecologist or obstetrician.