Pregnancy

The Woman During Pregnancy: The Three Stages of Pregnancy

The First Trimester
During the first trimester (dated from the first day of the last menstruation), the woman experiences the early signs of pregnancy. Thus, a lack of menstruation and morning sickness are usually sufficient reason to take a pregnancy test. As mentioned above, simple hormonal pregnancy tests could produce reliable results as early as ten days after the last missed period. If the pregnancy is confirmed, a gynecologist or obstetritian should be consulted. Medical supervision and care should then continue up to the time of delivery. The woman's medical history has to be taken, and a thorough physical examination has to determine whether any problems or complications should be expected. In addition, several tests have to be performed. For example, one blood test will find out whether the woman is Rh positive or Rh negative; another can detect syphilis. All of these measures can contribute to a normal pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.

A pregnant woman should not smoke or drink alcohol, because this could harm her baby.