Trimester
A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from conception to the
birth of a baby. This time is roughly divided into 3 periods: the first
trimester, from conception to about the 12th week of pregnancy; the second
trimester, from about 13 to 27 weeks of pregnancy; and the third trimester,
from about 28 weeks of pregnancy until birth.
Each trimester of pregnancy is marked by developmental changes in
the fetus.
- By the end of the first trimester (about week
12 of pregnancy), the fetus has a recognizable human form.
- By the
end of the second trimester (about week 27 of pregnancy), all the vital organs
of the fetus have developed. Also, the mother begins to feel the fetus begin to
move (quickening), usually starting between weeks 16 and 20.
- During
the third trimester (about week 28 until birth), the fetus's size increases and
organs mature.
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