So, it would not be wrong to state that the beginning of pregnancy is conception while the ultimate stage is the birth of the baby. The entire process of pregnancy gets completed in nine months. In other words, the baby comes to the earth right from the mother’s womb via the vagina within the fag end of 270 days.

However, there may be premature birth. In the same way, the actual date of birth of a baby can get extended beyond the expected day owing to several reasons. Whatsoever it may be, it is of utmost importance that we understand the entire process of pregnancy week by week.

CHILDBIRTH STAGES

The pregnancy week by week stages of childbirth after conception can be divided into four clear stages, viz., pre-labor; labor, delivery and the post-delivery stage.

FIRST STAGE: Pre-labor is characterized by irregular contractions of the uterus. The cervix (uterine centre) starts thinning off, softens up and starts dilating.

SECOND STAGE: Labor is identified by strong and regular uterine contractions.  Each contraction dilates the cervix even as the head of the baby rotates to face and fit through the pelvis of the mother

THIRD STAGE: Finally is the stage of natural delivery. The mother responds to the pelvic muscle pressure and naturally pushes or puts pressure downwards. During this process, the birth canal widens. The mother’s pressure slowly pushes the crown of the baby into the canal. Then the entire head of the baby emerges. It is at this time that the medical personnel turn the shoulders of the baby. With each next contraction, one shoulder emerges. Next, the remaining portion of the baby’s body slides out of the birth canal rather easily. After that, the umbilical cord is cut and sealed off.

The fetus gets oxygen and nutrition from the placenta of the mother through the umbilical cord.

THE FINAL STAGE: The final phase is completed within the next ten minutes or so. As the uterus keeps on contracting, the process expels the umbilical cord and the placenta that were severed earlier.

THE CRUCIAL PHASES

The expectant mother needs to take extra care not to mess up affairs. The initial 16 weeks constitute the crucial phase in the life of the fetus when infant’s physique takes shape. The baby’s internal organs, brain, legs and arms are formed at this juncture. This can be ensured by following these 10 golden steps primarily during the first four months.

1. Always consult the physician for any developments. Keep your physician duly informed of any new developments or complicacies as well. Ardently follow the advice of the gynecologist.

2. Practice positive thinking.

3. Do breathing and light physical exercises.

4. Have lots of fresh food particularly fruits and raw vegetables as salad.

5. Keep yourself involved in creative pursuits.

6. Jot down a diary of the day-to-day developments insofar as the changes of your body and your feelings are concerned. You can also plan out the life of your baby. You will be reflecting on them leisurely in your post motherhood stage. These notes will also help you to face similar situation in the subsequent pregnancy processes.

7. Stay in a comfortable pollution-free environment and simply steer clear of unpleasant situations and irritant people.

8. Don’t do hard labor that may put undue pressure on the abdominal area and which may have an adverse effect on the fetus.

9. Don’t go for self-medication. It can have lots of side effects, and which may jeopardize pregnancy.

10. Avoid X rays, smoking and drinking particularly alcoholic ones.