If you are pregnant, taking care of your health is key to the well being of your growing baby. Prenatal care means finding the right doctor for you as well as going to all of your prenatal medical checkups.

Pregnancy Signs

Pregnancy causes lots of physical changes in the body. Here are some common ones:

• Your breasts will grow

• Acne

• Mood swings

• Nausea and vomiting

• Backache

• Fatigue

Along with the signs of pregnancy you will need to learn about the stages of your pregnancy as well, so that you can follow your baby's development. It will be fascinating to watch the changes that occur in your body when you are pregnant. There are three stages to your pregnancy, first trimester, second trimester and finally the third trimester. Each trimester brings with it unique developmental process and changes and excitement as your baby grows inside you.

First Trimester

The first trimester is from 0-12 weeks and you will see your body make numerous changes as it adjusts to the growing baby inside. Remember that the process and changes are normal and that most of the discomforts that you are experiencing will go away as your pregnancy progresses.

Second Trimester

The second trimester is from 13-28 weeks and is the most physically enjoyable stage of pregnancy. If you've had morning sickness it will now start to dissipate, but you will now to start to notice changes in your skin, stretch marks may being as your belly grows. You may also see that your skin pigmentation may change on your face and/or abdomen; this is due to the surge in hormones and should clear up after you give birth.

Third Trimester

Now you are in the home stretch! As your baby continues to grow, your body will prepare for the delivery of your baby. You will start to feel more and more uncomfortable as you continue to gain weight and you may experience some false labor contractions during this time as well. This is a good time to take some childbirth classes and breastfeeding classes as well. You may notice that your hair is growing faster on your arms, legs and face, this surge in growth is because of the increased hormone stimulation of hair follicles. Your hair may even feel coarser, but the good news is that most of this excess hair will disappear within six months after you give birth.

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