Pregnancy calendar helps to control the progress of a baby’s development and the overall health of a mother. Counting pregnancy weeks and knowing the developmental markers of the fetus throughout pregnancy will be useful for every woman, who is expecting a baby.
Let’s take a closer look at how to track your pregnancy cycle and the tools that you can use for it.
Stages of Pregnancy
The pregnancy can be broken down into three stages or trimesters each of which lasts for about 13 weeks. Every trimester is characterized by some developmental changes in the fetus as well as hormonal changes in the mother’s body.
First Trimester (Weeks 1-13)
Fetal development is majorly experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy. In this stage, the fertilized egg buries itself in the uterine wall and the formation of the major organs begins for the baby.
During the 9th to 13th week, the baby’s face and head form with outgrowths of limbs, the formation of eyes, ears, nose and genitals. There is a reduction in the probability of miscarriage after the first trimester of pregnancy.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14-26)
The second trimester is numerous number of times regarded as the most comfortable period of pregnancy for many women. The chances of a miscarriage are reduced, and the baby stays in the womb and starts to develop.
The baby might make some movements that will be felt. The skeletal system begins to form and become more obvious.
Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40)
The third trimester is therefore the last three months of the pregnancy period. The baby grows and develops still further in the womb ready for delivery.
Techniques to Monitor Pregnancy Cycle
Following your pregnancy cycle is the identification of changes in your own health, the progress of the baby and certain events.
Here are some methods to help you keep track of pregnancy.
Pregnancy Calendar
One of the significant helps for pregnant women is a pregnancy calendar which you can mark every week of pregnancy.
Holds data concerning fetal development, the changes occurring in the woman, and relevant milestones. Pregnancy calendars can be found on the Internet or you can download one of many pregnancy applications for mobile phones.
Prenatal Appointments
Ancillary prenatal checkups are crucial to observe the mother’s and baby’s condition. Thus, the baby’s growth, tests, as well as any issues will be monitored and discussed with a healthcare provider. Take a record of your appointments and any instructions or recommendations that your healthcare professional has given you.
Ultrasound Scans
Maternal prenatal care involves a lot of checkups that are considered important in monitoring the baby’s growth. These scans make it possible to see the baby and evaluate the growth, development, and positioning of the baby.
Commonly, the first ultrasound is done between 6-8 weeks of pregnancy to confirm pregnancy, and another is done at 18-20 weeks to rule out any major birth defects and if needed a third ultrasound is done later in the third trimester.
Foetal Movement Tracking
Movements that your baby has can be encouraging as a way of monitoring and ascertaining that everything with the baby is okay. Begin feeling the baby’s movement at around 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Be vigilant about the motions of the baby like kicks, rolls, and flutter. Thus, if you observe a marked change in the motor functions of your baby, you should consult your paediatrician.
Weight and Belly Measurements
Today weight and belly measurements can be used frequently to monitor the growth of the baby. During the prenatal visits, your healthcare provider will also monitor the following measurements to determine whether the baby is growing properly.
Symptom and Health Monitoring
Maintaining a record, particularly in the form of a diary, of the episodes, and moods can help keep you more conscious of a shift. It is also important to document any symptoms that seem strange and discuss them with your hired healthcare provider. That is why this journal can become a useful reference while attending prenatal appointments.
Tools and Apps for Tracking
Several tools and apps are available to help you track your pregnancy cycle efficiently. Here are some popular options:
Pregnancy Tracking Apps
Mobile apps such as “What to Expect,” “BabyCenter,” and “The Bump” offer comprehensive pregnancy tracking features. These apps provide weekly updates on fetal development, personalized advice, and reminders for prenatal appointments.
Wearable Devices
Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, can monitor your physical activity, sleep patterns, and heart rate. These metrics can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.
Journals and Planners
Keeping a physical journal or planner dedicated to your pregnancy can be a useful way to track milestones, symptoms, and appointments. Writing down your experiences can also be a therapeutic activity.
The general computation of your pregnancy calendar is helpful for a successful and healthy pregnancy. Therefore, tracking pregnancy by identifying the various stages of pregnancy and its specific means of tracking and the important landmarks to be observed would give a clear picture of tracking pregnancy successfully. Additionally, use the available mobile tools and applications, be transparent with the doctors and listen to your inner signs to face this amazing process with confidence and without stress
