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You’ve missed your period. You are beginning to feel slightly different. You get an odd kind of sensation in your mouth. You find an extra amount of saliva collecting in your mouth that you feel uncomfortable about and want to spit out frequently. Every time you eat, you want to throw up . . . 

Hey!!! You are showing of pregnancy.

This article is to give you an idea of what changes to expect as you advance progressively in your pregnancy.

A full-term pregnancy is a period of nine months and nine days. This entire period of nine-month-nine-days is actually broken up into trimesters. A trimester is a three-month or twelve-week term.

The first three months of your pregnancy is known as the first trimester. It’s the first twelve weeks of the nine-month period. The foetus or the embryo, as it is known in its initial stages, begins to appear and grows at an extremely slow pace. The skeleton of the baby minute in size is formed in the first month and grows at a slightly faster pace from the second month onwards. During this stage, the body goes through several hormonal changes; with the result some may experience nausea, vomiting, frequency of urination, unique food cravings, fatigue, and tenderness in the breasts as the size of your breasts increases. The heart, lungs, and the brain of the baby begin to form. In the second month, even the limbs which look like stubs begin to appear and so does the stomach, liver, spine and the central nervous system. By the time you reach the end of the first trimester, you baby is about three inches in height and an average of about four ounces in weight. The pregnant woman should listen to her body during this period; as the baby’s crucial formation stage is during this trimester. And therefore adequate rest is important.

The next three months ‘fourth, fifth and sixth’ is known as the second trimester. The baby is fully formed and now starts to grow systematically in this trimester. The discomfort that you experienced during the initial months is no more or rarely felt.  You are now well adjusted and in the most comfortable period of pregnancy; where you begin to enjoy the movements of the baby within you. Lactation begins to set in. From the fifth month, as the baby grows bigger to roughly weigh about 1 pounds, the baby’s movements begin to get a little more noticeable a timid tapping, light heart beat of the foetus; the foetus actually beginning to respond to loud noises around him or her and the baby develops a sense of touch. The baby can now even suck his thumb and can open the eyelids during this stage. This is the time to protect your baby against harsh loud sounds quarrels, fighting, angry outbursts etc.

From experience, I’ve found this period, the best time to actually relax, catch up on reading and listen to your favourite music. My choice was definitely country-music; and my two girls are now country music buffs. 

In the sixth month, as the uterus grows and begins to push aside organs like the stomach which may cause digestive problems. The heart and other internal organs work at a slightly higher capacity; so try and avoid additional strain wherever and whenever possible. Eat good nourishing food, take your recommended supplements on time and stay aware to support your system, your baby and you. You may notice dark patches on your face or on your abdomen. Do not worry. This is just a temporary phase and will disappear in time.

The last three months seventh, eighth and ninth is the third trimester. During the seventh month it’s exciting when you feel the baby’s kicks as it tries to stretch and shift its position in the womb. The baby undergoes changes and by the eighth month the baby’s face takes on a new freshness; and he/she continues to gain weight.

In the eighth and ninth month, the size of your abdomen increases to take the shape of your baby’s growth. During ninth month the baby’s weight gain is about pound per week. As the uterus enlarges and reaches up to the costal arch, the displacements of the organs are more prominently felt during this period. Here you may actually notice and experience physical discomforts like varicose veins, edema, stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen, breathlessness and backache as your enlarged abdomen pushes the backbone. Try and give yourself enough time for a regular practice of asanas and pranayams, as you get ready for the delivery of the baby.

As the baby forges ahead, entering the pelvic cavity during the ninth month, the mother-to-be experiences a certain kind of uneasiness. At 40 weeks the baby is at full term and is now getting ready to move out of its cocoon the mother’s womb. There are irregular contractions of the muscles which in turn pushes the baby’s head forward.

Monitor this stage carefully . . . You are now ready for delivery.

Tips that will enable you to enjoy your pregnancy and will keep you fit and healthy during the different trimesters:

- Plenty of fresh air, exposure to mild sun for a natural dose of Vitamin E.
- Walk that extra mile. It will work wonders; though do not stress or tire yourself.
- Keep a fixed time to practice your asanas and pranayams. Besides providing flexibility to your body, it will also ensure an adequate supply of oxygen to the foetus through deep breathing.
- As the skin stretches, gently rub the skin with a coarse cloth rather than scratching it, which may have a tendency to leave permanent marks on the skin.
- Precautions should be taken against lifting of heavy weights
- Standing for a long time should be avoided. This could cause varicose veins.
- Eat regularly and frequently and eat nourishing food maintaining a well-balanced diet.
- In the last few weeks, the baby spends most of its time within the womb in strengthening itself. It is natural for the mother to gain additional weight of at least pound per week. Therefore, do not neglect on your supplements that are recommended by your doctor specially the iron and calcium; drink plenty of water and keep your system clean and free from toxins, as the baby continues to extract antibodies from the mother.

Keep healthy, stay fit and enjoy your pregnancy!!


Joyce d’Souza is a regular contributor of Yogic Arcles to Six Senses Yoga Society.  She is a trained instructor of Yoga, and a Yoga Therapist having studied Yoga at the Gurukul and at University level.  Joyce lives in India.