40 weeks: How a pregnancy progresses
Plus/minus two weeks: It is well known that a baby does not necessarily arrive on the doctor's calculated due date. The window can easily be up to two weeks, so not every pregnancy lasts exactly 40 weeks - anything between 38 and 42 weeks is considered completely normal.
Regardless of the due date, babies in the mother's womb develop more or less at the same pace: characteristic developmental milestones can therefore be observed week by week during pregnancy.
The stages of a pregnancy:
Three trimesters:
Pregnancy is divided into three thirds, or trimesters. At the end of each trimester a thorough ultrasound examination is performed to closely assess the baby's health and developmental progress.
Embryonic phase:
The first ten weeks of pregnancy are referred to as the embryonic phase. During this time the foundations for the skeleton, all internal organs and the nervous system are formed.
The fetal phase:
From the 11. week of pregnancy the baby becomes a fetus: all important structures are present; from now on it grows and continues to develop its body, nervous system and organs until birth.
The critical three months:
In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy the risk of miscarriage is relatively high, since the body usually reacts immediately to possible damage and risks during this time and may terminate the pregnancy prematurely. Many expectant parents therefore wait until the 4. month to announce the news.
The most important questions about pregnancy
How do I cope with pregnancy?
For every woman, pregnancy brings profound changes in her life. This applies not only to her body, but also to her relationship with her partner and friends, her job, and possibly her housing and living situation.
The good news: Pregnancy lasts long enough to adjust to these changes. The first weeks and months may be marked by uncertainty and doubt, but by the time they feel the first gentle fetal movements, most women enjoy their pregnancy and look forward to the changes the baby will bring.
When do I inform friends and family?
The closest family circle is often informed immediately after a positive pregnancy test. Many women wait until after the 12th week of pregnancy before telling the wider circle of acquaintances and their employer. The chance of a miscarriage decreases significantly after the first three months, so announcing the pregnancy is now a relatively safe matter.
By the way: There is no legal obligation to inform your employer about a pregnancy by a certain point in time. As a rule, however, it is easier for everyone involved if your boss knows as early as possible.
What can I do for my health during pregnancy?
Your doctor and, if applicable, your midwife will ensure during your pregnancy that you meet your additional nutritional needs. You will probably need to take folic acid and iron supplements, and perhaps magnesium in the final months.
In addition, the usual health advice applies to pregnant women: a balanced, fiber-rich diet with plenty of vitamins, eating regularly and drinking enough fluids, regular exercise, plenty of fresh air and sufficient sleep. You should completely avoid cigarettes and alcohol. Also listen to your gut. Your body will probably signal very clearly what it needs during pregnancy.
What risks are there for my baby?
Every pregnancy is different and every baby develops with different genetic traits. It is never possible to exclude damage to the baby in the womb 100%. In principle, doctors keep existing risks well in view, and you can also do a lot to keep the risk of harm as low as possible:
Alcohol and nicotine:
Alcohol and nicotine are neurotoxins that can permanently damage the development of the fetus and lead to malformations, growth disorders, or preterm birth or miscarriage.
Bacterial infections:
Listeriosis, caused for example by undercooked or raw foods, usually goes unnoticed, but during pregnancy it can cause severe developmental damage to the baby.
Viral infections:
In particular, the rubella virus is dangerous for the unborn. An antibody test for rubella is part of the basic prenatal screening at the beginning of pregnancy.
Parasites:
Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that is mainly found in cat feces. Many people are immune to toxoplasmosis, but if the mother has no antibodies, contact with the parasite can severely damage the baby in the womb.
Genetic defects:
Genetic abnormalities during the baby's development cannot be controlled and sometimes cannot be reliably diagnosed. Women with high-risk pregnancies have the options of prenatal diagnostics available — but this often also means having to consider the possibility of terminating the pregnancy in a worst-case scenario.
Where would I like to give birth?
Hospital:The majority of pregnant women choose to give birth in a hospital. On the delivery ward there is usually a doctor and an attending midwife available. Many women appreciate the extensive medical care options in case of complications, but some find the "sterile" hospital atmosphere disruptive during childbirth.
Birth center:An alternative to the hospital is birth centers, where the delivery is attended by one or more midwives. Women usually give birth there on an outpatient basis in a calm, pleasant atmosphere. In case of complications, the mother-to-be is typically transferred directly to the nearest delivery clinic.
Home birth:Especially for the second or third delivery, some women prefer to give birth in the familiar atmosphere of their home. If there are no health objections, there is nothing against a home birth. However, because of the difficult liability situation, it is no longer easy to find a freelance midwife to attend a home birth.
Who will support me during the delivery?
Today it is generally assumed that the father of the child will be present in the delivery room. However, many men are unsure whether they can really withstand the birth or provide the right support for their partner. In any case, the man should have the opportunity to decide freely — and to change his mind at the last minute. Sometimes women prefer to bring their best friend or their own mother for support. Trust your gut when deciding who makes you feel most comfortable. In general: less is more during childbirth, since you will be fully occupied with yourself.
Pregnancy symptoms
What helps with nausea and other symptoms?
The classic accompanying symptoms:
Around the sixth or seventh week of pregnancy most women become truly aware of their pregnancy for the first time. Namely when the notorious pregnancy symptoms appear: tiredness, nausea, constipation, sensitivity to smells, irritability or a feeling of 'being under the weather' are now part of the daily routine for many expectant mothers. Contrary to what the classic term 'morning sickness' suggests, nausea and vomiting do not occur only in the morning, but unexpectedly and at any time of day - although they are particularly common in the morning.
Pregnancy side effects are individual:
Which symptoms occur and how severe they are varies from woman to woman. Some feel almost nothing of the massive hormonal changes that cause the pregnancy symptoms. Others suffer from nausea and vomiting as late as the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. Many women, by the way, experience different or differently severe side effects in a second pregnancy than in the first.
There is no miracle cure:
Unfortunately, nausea, tiredness and constipation cannot be avoided, only alleviated at best. One consolation is that strong pregnancy symptoms are basically a good sign: they indicate that the body is doing everything it can to maintain the pregnancy and protect the embryo. Plenty of rest and some exercise in the fresh air are usually a good combination in the first, strenuous weeks. To combat nausea, it can help to eat a little something before getting up. In cases of very severe symptoms or distressing constipation, homeopathic or allopathic medications can help. And with a bit of luck, everything is over after a few weeks anyway.
Birth preparation - is it necessary?
Many women attend a childbirth preparation course in the second half of their pregnancy. These courses are offered by midwives, maternity clinics or birthing centers and include, for example:
Tips on pregnancy and pregnancy-related complaints
Light exercises for relaxation or to, for example, relieve back pain
Information about childbirth
Exercises for birth preparation, e.g. breathing exercises, movement exercises, partner exercises, etc.
Depending on the type of course, the woman participates alone or together with her partner.
'Hechelkurse' - this term is often used for childbirth preparation courses. In fact, childbirth preparation is only secondarily about breathing techniques and working with contractions: once labor starts, many women act on the spur of the moment and rely on the instructions of the attending midwife.
The courses are more for preparing for the difficult-to-assess birth situation. Women learn what to expect during childbirth and what options are available. Many pregnant women also use the familiar group to raise problems or fears 'among themselves' and to seek support.
