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If I'm so happy ...why do I feel so bad?

It's the cry heard from many mothers-to-be everywhere as they face their first pregnancy.

As expectant mom and baby adjust to each other's needs, the rollercoaster of emotional and physical changes become a natural part of the cycle.

It begins with the earliest signs of pregnancy - which may include a missed period, or light spotting - as the fertilized egg embeds into the uterine lining to become an embryo.

While your body's hormones kick in to sustain the pregnancy, fatigue or tiredness, nausea or morning sickness (which may occur at any time of day) are all early symptoms of hormonal changes.

These may make pregnancy nutrition needs a bit of a challenge. However, the first trimester (weeks 1 -12) sees the embryo beginning to develop a rudimentary heart, lungs and central nervous system. So now is the time to begin taking folic acid and calcium supplements to help avoid complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

By the second trimester (weeks 13 - 26) the fetus is growing by leaps and bounds and typically measures about 7 inches long.

By this time, you may actually feel the first kick!

It's a milestone for many women, who report the experience as having made the pregnancy truly "real" for the first time. Movement may also be seen during an ultrasound exam.

By the third and final trimester, (weeks 27 to birth) kicking becomes stronger. By this time, the classic ligament aches, back pain or sleeplessness of pregnancy are readily apparent to all expectant moms.

Finally, expect your almost-newborn to experience another growth spurt just before birth, putting on an extra two pounds of weight in the last few weeks, and growing to approximately 20 inches in length before labor occurs.

Elsewhere on the Web, discover more detailed information on the weeks and months leading up to the big day with expert advice on what to expect at each trimester, facts on fetal development and growth, plus helpful tips on coping with physical and emotional changes during each stage of your pregnancy ...

Your Developing Baby - American Pregnancy Association - Beautifully illustrated, fact-filled guide - browseable by trimester or week-by-week, featuring a due date calculator, early pregnancy symptoms, overviews on fetal development, fetal movement & kick counts, free newsletter.

Your Pregnancy Week by Week - WebMD guide with detailed information on the first four weeks of pregnancy include related advice for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, what to expect during labor and birth, and further tips on nursery setup.

A Week by Week Pregnancy Calendar - Comprehensive guide with an in-depth look at what happens - from week 1 through 40 - including Flash media slideshow, links to related articles and resources to further information.

Your Body Changes - Extensive guide to physical & emotional changes experienced by the mother-to-be with quick tips on relief of cramping, tender breasts, sleeplessness, and related symptoms.

Hair And Skin Changes During Pregnancy - A brief discussion on glandular and hormonal changes affecting skin texture or color, hair loss, weight gain or breast changes with tips & advice on vitamin therapies & related treatments.

Emotions During Pregnancy - A good discussion on the rollercoaster of emotions - from joy to despair - experienced during pregnancy with advice on coping with hormonal and physical changes, relationships with loved ones what else to expect during the first, second and third trimesters.

also see -> Baby's First Year | Baby Names | C-Sections

Complications | How to Get Preganant | Labor | Multiple Births

Natural Childbirth | Nursery Set-Up | Nutrition

Postpartum Depression | Ultrasound