Gestation

Gestation is the period of time between fertilization of an egg and the birth of an infant. In humans, this period of time typically lasts around nine months, or 40 weeks, and is divided into three trimesters. During gestation, the fertilized egg will develop into a fetus, which will eventually emerge as a newborn baby. The first trimester of gestation is when the embryo is most vulnerable and its organs are beginning to form. During this time, the fetus is nourished by the placenta, which also provides oxygen and removes waste. The second trimester is when the fetus’s body begins to take shape and the sex of the baby can be determined. This is also when the fetus begins to move, and the mother may start to feel the baby kicking. The third trimester is when the fetus is rapidly developing and gaining weight. Throughout gestation, the mother's body must undergo changes to accommodate the growth of the fetus. Hormone levels increase, and the uterus enlarges to make room for the baby. During the last few weeks of pregnancy, the mother may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that help the body prepare for childbirth.