A period of three months, especially one of the three divisions of human pregnancy or an academic term. Each trimester represents approximately one-third of the total duration.
From Latin 'trimestris' meaning 'of three months,' composed of 'tri-' (three) and 'mensis' (month). The term was first used in English in the 19th century, initially in academic contexts before being adopted in medical terminology.
The trimester system revolutionized how we understand pregnancy by dividing it into meaningful developmental phases - each trimester brings distinct milestones and challenges. Interestingly, many animals don't follow this neat three-part division, making human pregnancy uniquely compartmentalized in the animal kingdom.
Obstetric and reproductive medicine historically excluded women's input in terminology and care decisions; 'trimester' reflects largely male-defined medical frameworks around pregnancy.
Use clinically; acknowledge that pregnant people's own knowledge and terminology are equally valid to medical language.
Women physicians and midwives developed much reproductive medical knowledge but were systematically excluded from formal medical texts until the 20th century.
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