Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the time when one or more offspring grow inside a woman’s uterus. It usually starts after conception, when a sperm cell joins with an egg cell. This can happen after vaginal intercourse or through special medical procedures called assisted reproductive technology. A pregnancy can end in different ways, such as a live birth, a miscarriage, an induced abortion, or a stillbirth.

Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from the start of the last menstrual period, which is just over nine months. During this time, the developing baby changes a lot. In the early weeks, it is called an embryo, and later it is known as a fetus. Common early signs of pregnancy include missed periods, tender breasts, and morning sickness.

The period of pregnancy is divided into three parts called trimesters, each lasting about three months. The first trimester is when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus and begins to grow. The second trimester is when the mother might start feeling the baby move. By the third trimester, the baby is almost ready to be born. Prenatal care, such as regular check-ups and healthy nutrition, is very important to keep both the mother and the baby safe and healthy.

Terminology

Associated terms for pregnancy are gravid and parous. Gravida means how many times a female has been pregnant. The term parity is used for how many times a female carries a pregnancy to a viable stage. Twins and other multiple births count as one pregnancy and birth.

A woman who has never been pregnant is called a nulligravida. A woman who is pregnant for the first time is called a primigravida, and a woman who is pregnant again is called a multigravida or multiparous. A pregnancy is considered term at 37 weeks. It is preterm if it is less than 37 weeks and post-term at or beyond 42 weeks.

Demographics

About 213 million pregnancies happened in 2012, mostly in the developing world. Pregnancy rates and the ages at which they occur vary by country and region. This is influenced by cultural, social, and religious norms, access to contraception, and education levels. The total fertility rate (TFR) was highest in Niger and lowest in South Korea.

Teenage pregnancy means pregnancies among girls and young women aged 10 to 19 years. These pregnancies can have health risks for both the mother and the baby. Teenage mothers and their children may also face social challenges.

Diagnosis

Pregnancy usually starts after a man and a woman have sex, but it can also happen with special medical help. We can learn about pregnancy by looking at a woman's symptoms or by using pregnancy tests.

Pregnant women often notice changes like tender breasts, feeling sick in the morning, and missed periods. Other signs include special markings on the skin, such as a dark line on the belly, and changes in the cervix. Some women also feel tired, have headaches, or notice changes in how much they want to eat. Pregnancy tests look for a special hormone made by the placenta, which helps confirm that a woman is pregnant. Ultrasound imaging can also help check on the baby's health and development.

Timeline

The chronology of pregnancy is usually measured from the start of a woman's last menstrual period. This means a woman is seen as pregnant two weeks before conception occurs. Sometimes, doctors measure from when the embryo was conceived instead.

Pregnancy has three parts, called trimesters. Each lasts about three months. The first trimester is the first 12 weeks. The second trimester is weeks 13 to 27. The third trimester goes until childbirth.

To guess when a baby might be born, doctors count 40 weeks (about 280 days) from the start of the pregnancy. This is just a guide. Many babies are born a little earlier or later.

Physiology

Pregnancy happens when a woman’s egg joins with a man’s sperm. This usually occurs after sexual intercourse, but can also happen through special medical help like in vitro fertilisation. If a woman has a working female reproductive system, she can become pregnant.

After the egg and sperm join, they form a tiny ball of cells called a zygote. This ball of cells moves to the uterus where it attaches and starts to grow. Over time, it develops into a baby. Pregnancy usually lasts about nine months, after which the baby is born during childbirth. Most births happen naturally, but sometimes a cesarean section is needed if there are problems.

Management

Main articles: Prenatal care and pre-conception counseling

Prenatal care helps keep both the mother and the baby healthy during pregnancy. It means having regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. During these visits, the provider checks the mother’s blood pressure and weight and listens to the baby’s heartbeat. They also talk about any symptoms the mother may have and explain what to expect.

Good nutrition is very important during pregnancy. Eating balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins supports the baby’s growth. Certain nutrients, like folic acid, are important to help prevent problems at birth. Healthcare providers can give advice on the best foods and any supplements that might be needed. Keeping a healthy weight during pregnancy is also important, and providers can help decide how much weight to gain based on the mother’s starting weight.

Complications and diseases

Main article: Complications of pregnancy

See also: High-risk pregnancy

Many women face health problems during pregnancy. Sometimes, pregnancy can cause bleeding, infections, or high blood pressure. It can also lead to nausea, vomiting, or skin changes. Women with conditions like diabetes may need extra care. Support is important for both mothers and fathers during these times.

Birth control and abortion

Main article: Birth control

Main article: Abortion

Main article: Assisted reproductive technology

Family planning and the use of contraception help people decide when to have babies. This supports important goals of the United Nations.

Modern medicine has ways to help couples have children when it is hard for them to do so naturally. These include medicines, special procedures, and techniques to create embryos outside the body before placing them in the uterus.

Society and culture

Further information: Reproductive rights and Reproductive justice

Many countries have laws to help protect pregnant women and their babies. These laws might stop pregnant women from doing very hard work, like lifting heavy things or working late at night. They might also give women time off from work when they’re expecting a baby. For example, in Norway, mothers can take about eight months off with full pay, while in the United States, paid leave depends on the state.

In some places, people are treated differently during pregnancy based on their race or background. For example, in the United States, babies of some racial groups can face higher risks during birth than others. This is an important health issue that people are working to improve.

Transgender people

Main article: Transgender pregnancy

Being pregnant can be a tricky experience for transgender people. While the medical care during pregnancy is usually the same, transgender individuals may face extra challenges, such as discrimination or a lack of understanding from healthcare providers. This can make it harder for them to get the support they need.

Culture

In many cultures, pregnant women are treated with special care and respect. However, they may also feel pressure to meet certain expectations. Pregnancy often comes with traditions and customs, like baby showers, which are celebrations for the upcoming arrival of a new baby. These traditions can have roots in religion, medicine, or long-standing cultural practices.

Arts

Pregnancy has been a subject in art and literature for centuries. Ancient cultures made figures that may show pregnant women, and many artworks through history have depicted pregnancy, especially in religious contexts. Famous stories and books, such as Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, also explore the experiences of pregnant women.