Pregnancy by trimester: What you should know
Published on 14 December 2023
How can expectant mothers ensure that their babies are carried to term in a healthy manner? NUH Gynaecologist Dr Pradip Dashraath shares his advice.
While becoming a parent is an exciting journey, it can also be overwhelming. A pregnant woman may experience a spectrum of physical and emotional changes as her body grows rapidly over a full-term pregnancy of three trimesters, with each lasting approximately three months.
“Much of what a woman experiences is due to the changes that happen during pregnancy, including hormones, and the physical effects of the enlarging uterus,” explained Dr Pradip Dashraath, Associate Consultant with the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at National University Hospital (NUH).
While some pregnancy signs may be uncomfortable, there’s no need to be alarmed. Dr Pradip shared that some women may experience more extreme symptoms. “Fortunately, most of these are not harmful, but they can be distressing to the mother,” he said. There are, however, some red flags to watch for. For example, any pregnancy manifestation that prevents the mother from performing her daily activities, or which appears to be worsening, must be brought to the obstetrician’s attention.
Other concerning signs to consult your doctor about:
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Tips for a healthy pregnancyDo:
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Apart from knowing what pregnancy signs to anticipate, you’ll also want to take measures to nurture the health of you and your baby, who will undergo critical growth and developments. These cover everything from getting a balanced, nutritious diet to observing safety precautions which are specific to each pregnancy trimester.
Dr Dashraath also advised mothers-to-be not to skip their prenatal check-ups. These can help to identify concerns about the pregnancy early and seek treatment to prevent them from worsening.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique. If there are any unusual signs or concerns at any stage, consult your doctor immediately.
In consultation with Dr Pradip Dashraath, Associate Consultant with the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at National University Hospital.
