Pregnancy month by month: Third month of your pregnancy

Your third month of pregnancy will mark the end of your first trimester, while your baby starts to practise swallowing and moving limbs inside the womb.

The third month of your pregnancy stands to be an important milestone on your road to motherhood. By the end of this month, you will complete the first trimester of your pregnancy and leave behind some of the nagging symptoms like -- morning sickness, nausea, and fatigue. This is an ideal month to sort out all your requirements choice of hospital, detailing a birth plan, planning maternity leave so that you have a healthy and planned pregnancy ahead. Also, some of the most important tests like the NT scan and the triple marker test need to be done now to ascertain fetal wellbeing. Here are all the important tests you need to undergo during your first trimester.

What happens to your body during the third month

Weight gain: By the end of your first trimester you might have gained anywhere between one to three kilos. In some rare cases, it can also go up to four kilos. Although, weight gain during pregnancy is a good sign, excess weight gain can be a cause of concern. In fact, it is wise to follow a proper diet and exercise pattern to keep your weight in check. Here is all the you need to know about weight gain during pregnancy.

Bulging uterus: By the end of your first trimester your belly would be bulging out, slightly. However, it would still not be giving out any clues about your pregnancy. There would be a slight bulge in the belly, just above the pubic area as fetal development is at its peak.

Frequent urination: The bulging uterus would be putting a pressure on your bladder, which would send an urge to urinate more often. Remember, this symptom might be persistent till the end of your pregnancy.

Constipation and heartburn: Due to various hormonal changes and physiological ups and downs, you might also suffer from frequent bouts of constipation and heartburn. The best way to deal with this is to have fibre rich foods that help prevent constipation. In order to tackle heartburn, have six small meals a day, spaced out at regular intervals, to avoid acidity and GERD. How to treat constipation during pregnancy.

Light-headedness: At the end of your third month you might feel light-headed at times. This is because the hormone 'progesterone' sends more blood to your baby in the womb, in turn slowing the process of returning blood to the mother s system, hence the symptom.

Apart from these symptoms, you can also suffer from bouts of morning sickness, nausea, aversion to certain smell and fatigue.

Development of your baby

Joints are formed: The joints in the limbs form, which enable your baby to bend hands and legs at elbows and knees, respectively. Bones and cartilage are also forming, strengthening the skeletal system of the baby.

Teeth buds are formed: Tiny buds of baby teeth are forming under the gums this month onwards.

Swallowing reflex develops: Floating in the amniotic fluid, your baby has also started to swallow it. This practice will help your little one survive once out of the womb while breastfeeding.

Brain-body co-ordination happens: More nerve cells are added to the brain now. The brain also starts to control the movements of the arms and legs, hence more clenching, fists opening, limb movements are noticed in the fetus in an ultrasound.

Congratulations you have completed the first trimester of your pregnancy!

Previous monthNext month

Image source: Getty Images

---

For more articles on pregnancy, visit our pregnancy section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.