The feeling of carrying another living being in your womb is the most special time of a woman's life. It is a time of physical, mental and emotional transformation for the woman. Anxiety and uncertainty marks the great deal of excitement accompanying these changes. However, worries and having sleepless nights are uncalled for. The nine months of journey would be pleasant if one has a better knowledge and appreciation of these transformations.

The first pregnancy trimester is marked from conception to 12 or 14 weeks from the last normal menstrual cycle. A woman often experiences morning sickness (vomiting and nausea), tiredness, tender breast and frequent urination during this stage. To prevent nausea, it is recommended to take small frequent meals. The expectant mother may have alternate periods of activity and rest. The best exercise at this stage is walking.

Often considered as the "Golden Period" of pregnancy is the second trimester. During this stage, the physically demanding signs and symptoms of pregnancy have subsided. There are better sleep patterns, a paramount sign of advancement in the healthy pregnancy process. It is also during this time that the most joyful moment is experienced by the mother-to-be. The first heartbeat of the baby can be heard; moreover, an ultrasound usually done in around 19 weeks may make one feel the diverse movements of your bundle of joy. The ugly stretch marks, which is a cause for worries for women may become visible. Do not scratch the abdominal area to lessen the chances of pregnancy stretch marks.

The last of the pregnancy trimesters is the time when the fetus becomes too large to move in the uterus. The to-be moms may feel tired and experience shortness of breath due to the increased growth of the fetus. At the end of the third trimester, the fetus usually settles into a head-down position in the uterus. During this time, future parents should be well prepared for the birth of the baby.

Along with the bodily changes, pregnancy also involves lifestyle changes. The woman should give up smoking and alcohol drinking. Low birth weight in babies as well as miscarriages and tubal pregnancies can be caused by cigarette smoke. Alcohol and other toxic chemicals and substances such as paint fumes are detrimental to both the mother and the baby.

The diet or prenatal nutrition is another essential lifestyle change during pregnancy. It is important to eat a healthy diet and increase water intake, about 6 to 8 glasses a day. Vitamins and nutrients found in the food are imperative to the health of a developing baby and the well being of the mother as well as supplemental vitamins. Exercise and getting adequate rest and sleep are also important. To help alleviate swelling, fatigue, and backache, regular activity such as walking, yoga, and swimming should be done.

Giving birth will no doubt be one of the most magical moments of a woman's life and to ensure that your child is strong and happy, it is important you do all you can to have a healthy pregnancy.

Should there be a need to prove who the father of the baby you are carrying is, paternity test can be done after giving birth. DNA material from both the baby and from the alleged father is needed to perform the legal paternity testing and this DNA paternity test is very much close to 100% accuracy.

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