Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Logo
Stanford Health Clinics
Stanford School of Medicine
Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health
Clinical Specialties Find A Doctor Health Library For Patients & Visitors For Physicians & Health Professionals Jobs & Volunteering News, Events & Classes Directions & Parking Espanol
Home Contact Us Site Index About Us Kids Make a Gift Search
 
Critical Care Transport Services
Metabolic/Biochemical Genetics Clinic
Pregnancy Services
Obstetricians
High-Risk Newborn
High-Risk Pregnancy
Normal Newborn
Pregnancy & Childbirth
“I can’t wait to hold my new grandbaby”
Weekends No More Deadly For Births, Say Packard Researchers
Becoming Parent Series
 

Pregnancy & Childbirth

Pregnancy

Picture of expectant mother holding her bellyA pregnancy is divided into three phases, called trimesters. Each trimester has its own significant milestones. The first trimester is the most fragile period, during which all major organs and systems are formed. Most birth defects and miscarriages occur during the first trimester. During the second and third trimester, the fetus is fully formed and grows and matures rapidly. The trimesters are divided as follows:

  • first trimester: 0 - 12 weeks

  • second trimester: 12 - 24 weeks

  • third trimester: 24 - 40 weeks

(However, some authorities use the 42 weeks method divided by 3 trimesters with the 1st trimester, 0 - 13 weeks; the 2nd trimester, 14 - 28 weeks; and the 3rd trimester, 29 - 42 weeks.)

 

Listed in the directory below, you will find additional information regarding the three phases of pregnancy, for which we have provided a brief overview.

 

If you cannot find the information in which you are interested, please visit the Pregnancy & Childbirth Online Resources page in this Web site for an Internet/World Wide Web address that may contain additional information on that topic.

 

Anatomy: Fetus in Utero

 

The First Trimester (0 - 12 Weeks)

 

The Second Trimester (12 - 24 Weeks)

 

The Third Trimester (24 - 40 Weeks)

 

The Pregnant Mother

Hormones During Pregnancy


Weight Gain During Pregnancy


Nutrition During Pregnancy


Exercise During Pregnancy


Work and Pregnancy


Sex During Pregnancy


Sleeping During Pregnancy




The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.


Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.


Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 497-8000


Copyright 2008 Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. All rights reserved.
Legal Notices & Disclaimers