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Monday, November 5, 2012

Pregnancy facts - Pregnancy Week by Week ( First, Second, and Third Trimester)

  • Picture: Three women show their stages of pregnancy.
  • A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks and is grouped into three trimesters.
  • Symptoms of early pregnancy include the absence of menstrual periods, breast changes, tiredness, nausea, mood swings, or other symptoms.
  • A pregnancy test measures the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine or blood.
  • Symptoms of late pregnancy can include heartburn, difficulty sleeping, swelling of the ankles or fingers, hemorrhoids, and mild contractions.
  • By the end of 37 weeks, a baby is considered full term and its organs are ready to function on their own.
  • As you near your due date, your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth. Most babies "present" head down.
  • Babies at birth typically weigh between 6 pounds 2 ounces and 9 pounds 2 ounces and are 19 to 21 inches long. Most full-term babies fall within these ranges.