Most first-time mothers are naturally concerned about how the pregnancy is going, whether it is proceeding well, without complications, especially in the early stages. Currently, obstetricians and gynecologists are involved in pregnancy management.

In order to optimally monitor the condition of the expectant mother and fetus, doctors recommend regularly visiting an antenatal clinic.

Registration of a pregnant woman at a dispensary

How can a woman understand that pregnancy is going well in the early stages? It is quite difficult to independently determine the nature of the course of pregnancy in the first trimester. Only qualified specialists can answer this question after conducting an appropriate examination. Therefore, it is very important that a pregnant woman attends an antenatal clinic as early as possible, preferably before the 12th week.

If contraindications for continuing pregnancy are identified, then in the first trimester you can still use gentle methods to terminate it. Timely registration at the dispensary and further regular visits to the obstetrician-gynecologist, according to the established schedule, largely determine the normal course of pregnancy.

The schedule of visits to the antenatal clinic, scheduled by the supervising doctor, must be followed unquestioningly.

Physiological changes in the body of a pregnant woman

How can you understand that pregnancy is developing normally without taking into account the opinion of doctors? To do this, you need to focus on your general condition and feelings. Carrying a child will certainly lead to physiological changes in the pregnant woman’s body. What changes in her body can a woman notice that will indicate a normal course of pregnancy:

• Appearance.
• Performance of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
• Functionality of the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract(Gastrointestinal tract).

Appearance

It will be quite natural for a pregnant woman to acquire a characteristic appearance, which was unusual for her before conceiving a child:

• In addition to the appearance of a tummy, there is a slight increase in the size of the limbs, a decrease in the range of movements in the hip joints, and a change in facial features. Due to the shift in the center of gravity, a woman’s gait and posture changes.


• There is darkening of the skin (pigmentation) in the face, abdomen and nipple area.
• The veins on the lower extremities become more visible. Varicose veins may even appear, which were not typical before conception.
• Due to the enlargement of the abdomen, so-called striae (stripes, stretch marks on the skin) often form on its surface.
• During the period of bearing a child, in some cases a moderate increase in body temperature (low-grade fever) is recorded. As a rule, this is observed up to 4 months and is associated with normal hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman. By the way, an increase in rectal temperature is considered to be one of the early signs of pregnancy.
• The mammary glands undergo significant changes, the swelling and increase in volume of which is simply impossible not to notice. The size of the nipples also increases. In addition, due to pigmentation, the nipples and area around the nipple become dark brown.

Cardiovascular and respiratory systems

As a rule, the first trimester is characterized by low blood pressure, but starting from approximately the 29th week, there is a tendency to increase, which sometimes makes it difficult to diagnose true hypertension. With the growth of the fetus and the enlargement of the uterus, the heart rate also increases slightly (within 84–90 beats per minute).

Hesitation blood pressure and hormonal changes in the female body often lead to disruption of the heart, which can manifest itself as arrhythmias and extrasystoles.

The additional load on the lungs, associated with the fact that you have to provide oxygen not only to yourself, but also to the fetus, leads to the development of shortness of breath. In pregnant women, especially in later, certain difficulties arise with performing normal physical activity. An attack of shortness of breath and rapid fatigue can be observed even when climbing stairs just a few floors.

Nevertheless, all this is considered within normal limits, unless, of course, the pregnant woman suffers from some pathology of the cardiovascular and/or respiratory systems.

Digestive and urinary systems

Quite often, pregnant women's taste preferences change dramatically. Some pregnant women develop a sharp aversion to certain types of foods (for example, meat, cheese, sausages, butter), while others may generally be drawn to inedible things (clay, chalk).

In some cases, there is an increase in appetite, in others, on the contrary, a significant decrease. Also, due to decreased intestinal tone, pregnant women are more prone to constipation. This is normal and does not require correction with medications, except by changing your diet.

Increased stress on the kidneys often leads to frequent urination. In the absence of other symptoms, frequent urination should be attributed to natural physiological changes in the body of a pregnant woman, and not to the clinical manifestation of any disease.

No one is saying that you have to endure any discomfort or, even worse, pain. Any changes in your health should be reported to your doctor. And he will decide how serious this is.

Signs of a normal pregnancy

What you should pay attention to first of all in order to find out that pregnancy, both in the early and late stages, is proceeding normally:

• Weight gain.
• Abdominal enlargement.
• Fetal movement.
• Fetal heartbeat.
• Pain.
• Vaginal discharge.
• The appearance of colostrum.

Weight gain

Fetal development, uterine enlargement, fluid retention, restructuring of metabolic processes - all this naturally causes the progressive weight gain of a pregnant woman. On average, the body weight of the expectant mother during the entire period of bearing a child increases by 10–12 kg, of which:

• About 6 kg are the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid.
• 1–2 kg is due to the growth of the uterus and mammary glands.
• 3–4 kg is an immediate weight gain.

In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman’s body weight remains virtually unchanged. By the end of the 12th week there is some increase, which can be up to 2 kg. In the second trimester, a woman usually gains 300 grams per week. In the third trimester, the increase is already up to 400 grams per week.

A few days before giving birth, the next changes in metabolic processes lead to the fact that a pregnant woman’s body weight can decrease by 1–2 kg.

It should be remembered that these are average data, which may vary in each specific case. In addition, weight gain, among other things, can be influenced by factors such as individual and constitutional characteristics of the body, as well as heredity.

Fetal movement

The baby makes its first movements at 8 weeks, but they are not yet noticeable to the woman. It is generally accepted that fetal movement begins to be felt at 16–20 weeks. Multiparous mothers are familiar with this feeling firsthand, which is why they record it earlier. motor activity unborn child than first-time mothers. It is also worth noting that due to the lack of fat deposits on the front wall of the abdomen, slimmer girls perceive the baby’s movements more quickly than plump ones.

Make a note of the date you feel your first fetal movement as this will help your healthcare provider determine your expected due date. As a rule, for a primiparous woman it is necessary to add 20 weeks, for a multiparous woman - 22 weeks. The intensity of movements will help you assess the baby's health. Excessive activity is just as bad as a significant reduction or complete cessation of movement.

To monitor the child’s activity, a specially developed test is used, which can be used at home starting from the 28th week. From 9 am to 9 pm it is necessary to count the number of movements and record every 10. Normally, the tenth movement is usually observed before 5 pm. If over the course of 12 hours you notice that the child has moved less than 10 times, then you should inform the doctor about this. If not a single movement is noted for the whole day, then you should immediately go to the hospital.

By the movement of the fetus, a woman herself can understand how her pregnancy is progressing, whether everything is developing normally, or whether she needs to immediately seek help.

Fetal heartbeat

One of the most important signs of a normal pregnancy is the fetal heartbeat. The first signs of the heart of the unborn baby can be determined using a special vaginal ultrasound sensor already in the early stages of pregnancy (3–4 weeks). Features of changes in fetal heart rate:

• At weeks 4–6, your heart rate will be 80–85 beats per minute.
• At 6–8 weeks, the heart rate will increase to 110–130 beats per minute.
• At 8–10 weeks, the heart rate can reach 190 beats per minute.
• From the 11th week until delivery, your heart rate will be between 140 and 160 bpm.

Heart rate can be used to assess the general condition of the fetus. The baby’s heart instantly reacts to any changes that occur to a pregnant woman (stress, various diseases, physical exercise). For example, a heart rate that is too fast may indicate long-term problems with the blood supply to the fetus, which leads to insufficient oxygen and nutrients.

A slowdown in the rhythm will indicate a sharp deterioration in the condition of the fetus, requiring emergency measures up to and including surgical delivery.

Pain

During pregnancy, painful sensations of varying nature, intensity and localization often occur. Most of them are considered a natural physiological process in response to changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman:

• Due to the enlargement of the uterus, its own ligaments, which are attached to the iliac bones, are stretched, and pain occurs in the area of ​​the inguinal folds and above the pubis. This could be due to sudden turns, fast movements, or even just coughing. Such pain does not pose a danger to a woman or child.
• Due to a tendency to constipation, pregnant women often experience nagging pain in the lower abdomen (usually on the left side). To prevent constipation, pay attention to your diet. Your diet should include enough dairy products and foods containing more fiber. In addition, regular physical activity of moderate intensity has a positive effect on intestinal motility.
• Due to some divergence of the symphysis pubis under the influence of the hormone relaxin produced by the ovaries and placenta, pain in the pubic area may be observed. Such changes in the location of the pelvic bones are necessary to facilitate the passage of the baby through the birth canal.

If sufficiently intense and severe pain occurs, you should seek help from a qualified specialist. Take any medications or carry out any manipulations to relieve painful sensations without informing your supervising physician, it is not recommended.

Vaginal discharge

During the entire period of pregnancy, vaginal discharge is observed. And this is a completely normal phenomenon if their character meets a number of parameters. What vaginal discharge is considered normal?

Abundant, transparent, white, without an unpleasant odor and not accompanied by itching or burning in the genital area. At the same time, the following discharges are considered pathological, requiring identification of the cause and special treatment:

• Yellow. It is necessary to undergo appropriate tests to exclude sexually transmitted diseases (for example, gonorrhea).
• Abundant white color, accompanied by itching and burning . Moreover, it has a cheesy consistency. The most common cause of such discharge is vaginal candidiasis or thrush.
• Green. The reasons can be very diverse, but most often associated with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.
• Brown. Under no circumstances should you delay visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist. This type of discharge could be caused by ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, cervical injury, etc.
• Bloody . They are considered the most dangerous of all possible pathological discharges, and if detected, you must urgently see your supervising doctor.

More often bloody issues signal an ectopic pregnancy, the development of a miscarriage, premature placental abruption, damage to the vagina and/or cervix.

Colostrum

For some pregnant women, any changes in the body that they were not warned about cause serious concern. For example, the appearance of colostrum before birth can even cause them to have a panic attack. We hasten to assure you that there is no reason to worry. It is normal to leak colostrum while pregnant. No pathology can be traced here.

In addition, the absence of colostrum secretion before birth is also not considered a deviation from the norm.

If you cannot accurately understand whether the pregnancy is progressing well and normally, you should visit an obstetrician-gynecologist as soon as possible, which will dispel all your doubts or take appropriate measures in a timely manner.

If you just found out about your pregnancy and you have many questions, then this article will help you find answers to them. Also in this article you can watch an interesting video about the development of pregnancy from the moment of conception

If you just found out that you are pregnant, you are probably filled with excitement, joy, fear, unknown and uncertainty. You have many questions: when to go to the doctor; how to behave so as not to harm the baby; what's wrong with him now?happens; what is the stage of pregnancy; when is the due date, etc.

This article was created specifically for you to answer all your questions. We also provide a video in which you can find out how pregnancy develops from the moment of conception. Enjoy browsing and the information you need!

Video: “How conception occurs”

How pregnancy develops from the moment of conception

We will not describe the detailed process and use difficult medical terms. Let's briefly add a description to the video.

So, after the sperm enters the vagina, it begins its movement in search of the egg. After passing through the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, the sperm reaches the ampulla, where it most often meets the egg. This process can take up to 3 hours.

After the union of the sperm with the egg, fertilization occurs - a zygote. After about 1.5 days, the zygote begins to form nuclei.

On day 2 After conception, the egg divides into 2 cells called blastomeres. This process continues for another 12-16 hours, but faster. Each blastomere is divided into two, then two more, and so on.

By day 3 the embryo consists of 6-8 blastomeres. TO 4 days development, the embryo consists of approximately 12-16 cells. INThis period begins the movement of the embryo into the uterus through the fallopian tubes.

On day 5-7 the embryo penetrates the uterine cavity and attaches to its wall. As a result, the woman’s basal temperature rises.

Implantation (attachment) lasts about 40 hours, it is accompanied by may discharge blood, which is mistaken for menstruation. Completed implantation is the beginning of the release of the hCG hormone or pregnancy hormone into the blood (we'll talk about it later). Diameter the embryo now does not exceed 0.5 mm.

On 10th day of conception – primary and secondary villi are formed, which will later become the umbilical cord and placenta.

TO 12th day – implantation of the fertilized egg is completed. On Day 14 – there is a jump in progesterone and estrogen, which provokes the appearance, as well as a delay in menstruation.

During this period, the corpus luteum serves as a source of nutrition for the embryo, which means that the woman’s lifestyle does not have any impact on the development process. This was invented by nature so that a woman who is unaware of pregnancy cannot harm her offspring.

First symptoms of pregnancy

At 5–8 weeks of pregnancy, the corpus luteum of the ovary, which produces progesterone, reaches its peak of development and causes serious hormonal changes in the woman’s body. Because of this, the expectant mother often feels the following changes in herself:

• tearfulness
• irritability
• fatigue
• drowsiness
• sensitivity
• enhanced sense of smell
• swelling.

In addition, at 5–6 weeks of pregnancy, a connection “through the umbilical cord” is established between mother and baby. Most often, it is during this period that she begins to experience pregnancy symptoms such as:

• Thatshit
• vomit
• increased breast tenderness and tenderness
• darkening of the skin around the nipples (areolas)
• increased urge to urinate
• Acne appears on the face and neck
• are becoming more abundantvaginal discharge.

We talked in more detail about how to find out about pregnancy before a delay.

If you don't experience these symptoms, consider yourself lucky. Only a few expectant mothers can enjoy the absence of the above. To make sure your pregnancy is progressing normally, you can take analysis blood to determine the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG begins to appear in the blood immediately after implantation of the embryo in the uterine cavity, and production stops with the end of pregnancy.

With his help in the blood, it is possible to establish the fact of pregnancy after 8-12 days from the moment of conception.

If pregnancy is progressing well, the concentration of the hormone in the blood serum doubles in less than two days. Thus, it is possible to track the development of the fetus over time. In addition, hCG allows you to determine its incorrect location.

When is the best time to visit a gynecologist for the first time?

The first visit is very important; during it, the gynecologist will assess the size of the uterus, examine you on a gynecological chair, take the necessary smears from the vagina, conduct a consultation, give recommendations and directions for tests and ultrasound.

Therefore, it is better to immediately make an appointment with your local gynecologist when you find out about pregnancy. Since in many antenatal clinics and perinatal centers, you can only make an appointment for the next month (due to lack of free seats for recording).

Thus, you will get your first appointment at (approximately) 6-7 weeks of pregnancy. This period is the most appropriate, since at this stage it is already possible to listen to the fetal heartbeat and determine its location. Even if nothing bothers you - O Be sure to visit your doctor before 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Why is this so important? At 11-13 weeksThe first screening ultrasound is prescribed, which allows you to assess the baby’s health. In addition, mommy needs to undergo blood tests, urine tests, smears for flora, and go through specialized specialists, which we will talk about later.

However, if such symptoms exist as: spotting; frequent attacks of toxicosis (more than 10-15 times a day); pain in the lower abdomen and lower back; cramping pain - Don’t wait until your appointment date, contact your gynecologist right away!

It is especially dangerous if before 7-8 weeks such phenomena as: severe pain in the lower abdomen; Rsharp deterioration of condition; apathy; cardiopalmus; pallor skin; increased sweating; dizziness; bloody issues; a sharp decline pressure. If at least a few symptoms are detected, you should immediately call " Ambulance" Unfortunately, it could be an ectopic pregnancy .

How is the gestational age determined: obstetric and embryonic period

During your first visit, your gynecologist will ask you about the first day of your last menstrual period. By counting the days from this date, the gynecologist will determine the obstetric gestational age. It will differ from the embryonic period, do not be surprised. There is a reason for this - to more accurately calculate the duration of pregnancy.

So, if a woman has a 28-day menstrual cycle, then the probable day on which ovulation occurred will be considered 14th day after the start of menstruation. Conventionally, it is also the day of conception, and, accordingly, the beginning of the embryonic period of pregnancy. It can be conditional because ovulation can occur either a few days later or a few days earlier. Because of these individual characteristics, gynecologists also consider the obstetric period from the beginning of the first day of the last menstruation.

The difference, as we see, is 2 weeks, therefore, when determining the preliminary date of birth, a deviation from the set due date of two weeks is allowed. For example, if 4 weeks have passed since the start of your last period, then the gynecologist will diagnose you as 4 weeks pregnant. And the embryonic period from the moment of conception will be 2 weeks. Just imagine, you barely noticed your period was late, and you are already 4 weeks pregnant. Besides, you are already starting your 2nd month of pregnancy!

Having calculated the gestational age, the gynecologist will examine you for chair and by touch will determine the size of the uterus in order to understand what stage of pregnancy it corresponds to. So at 6 weeks the uterus will be like a chicken egg, at 8 weeks - like a woman's fist, at 12 weeks - like the head of a newborn. But the most accurate information about the gestational age can be found using ultrasound. The ultrasound doctor will measure the size of the unborn baby.

How is the due date determined?

As for the due date, the gynecologist will determine it thanks to Naegele's formula. To do this, the doctor will subtract 3 months from the first day of the last menstruation and add 7 days. The gynecologist can also calculate the date of birth by adding 40 weeks or 280 days to the first day of the last menstruation.

You can also calculate your due date yourself using the formula provided. If you want to find out what week of pregnancy you are currently in, as well as clarify your due date, we suggest you use ours.

So, for example, the last menstruation was on 04/01/2019, calculating using the formula we get the due date - 01/08/2020.

It is worth considering that this is only an estimated date; labor can begin 10-14 days either earlier or later than this date. Thus, March babies are born, as a rule, later than the due date, since February has 28 days.

Consultation with specialists during registration

Obstetrician-gynecologist

Purpose of the visit:

• determine that the development of pregnancy is not in danger.
• receive directions for the following examinations: general analysis blood; blood type and Rh factor; blood sugar test; analysis for syphilis, HIV infection, antibodies to hepatitis B and C virus, analysis for thyroid hormones. The test result will show whether you have expectant mother anemia, inflammatory changes in the blood. A biochemical blood test will determine whether there is enough protein, glucose and other substances vital for the child in the blood.
• take a general urine test. Changes in its density and composition are characteristic of kidney diseases, diabetes and other things.
• The gynecologist will take a smear from the vagina for bacterial infections and the cervical canal (for sexually transmitted infections);
• undergo an ultrasound at 6–11 weeks. At the first ultrasound, a specialist determines the number of fertilized eggs, confirms or refutes an ectopic pregnancy, and evaluates the process of formation of internal organs and systems. The gestational age is determined and the expected date of birth is calculated. The likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities and fetal malformations is assessed. In addition, an ultrasound is necessary to understand how the embryo is developing, whether the tone of the uterus is increased, and whether there are any neoplasms in it or in the appendages.

7-10 days after receiving the test results, your doctor will invite you to an appointment to discuss them. If everything goes well, the next appointment will be scheduled in a month.

Otorhinolaryngologist

Purpose of the visit: to exclude chronic infections. This specialist is mandatory when registering a woman, and then you will visit him if you have indications for this. According to statistics, about 60-75% of patients have problems with the nasopharynx that are chronic and manifest themselves in the form of rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis and tonsillitis. These diseases are dangerous for both mother and baby, as they can easily cross the placenta and lead to the risk of developing heart, kidney, skin diseases and allergies. Therefore, an examination by a doctor and taking swabs from the nose and throat will allow you not to worry about the condition and be treated correctly and quickly.

Therapist

The therapist will assess your general well-being, order an electrocardiographic test, and measure your blood pressure. Additionally, you will have to contact this specialist if you have a cold or stomach pain. If you have a chronic pathology ( diabetes, hypertension, etc.), you are required to visit a therapist frequently, because he will monitor your physical condition and prescribe corrective treatment.

Oculist

Purpose of the visit: The doctor will assess the condition of the fundus and retina. Based on these data, it is possible to determine the tactics of labor management (for example, in some cases, experts advise avoiding pushing). The ophthalmologist will evaluate your vision and conduct an examination of the fundus and retina. If you have significant myopia or hypermetropia, artificial childbirth is indicated at 38 weeks.

Dentist

In the first and third trimesters, it is necessary to visit a doctor so that he can determine whether there is caries, that is, a source of infection. Already from the 15th week, the doctor can prescribe a course of treatment, if necessary. If you do not ensure sufficient calcium intake throughout pregnancy, your dental health can worsen significantly by the third trimester. Therefore, you need to go to the dentist at least twice.

In addition, the gynecologist may prescribe consultations with specialized specialists (endocrinologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist, surgeon and others) in the presence of concomitant diseases.

Since what week have the baby and mother been “one”?

In the first 6 days after conception, the embryo lives “independently”, feeds on its own reserves and has no connection with you. On days 5-7 after implantation, a connection arises between the child and you through the umbilical cord and the branched chorion (it is formed at the site of attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine mucosa). Accordingly, from this time you need to extremely carefully monitor your diet, as well as the environment in which you are located (tobacco smoke, toxic odors, etc. should be avoided). By week 16, the placenta is formed from the branched chorion, through which the baby will receive nutrients and oxygen for its development.

Toxicosis: when does toxicosis begin and go away?

Toxicosis begins most often in the first weeks of pregnancy. Early often haunts a pregnant woman from 4-5 weeks of an interesting position, especially if her first child is expected. Often the state of general malaise during this period is a consequence of hormonal changes in the body. In most cases, symptoms of toxicosis in women begin to gain momentum precisely from 7-8 weeks of pregnancy.

Toxicosis reduces speed closer to the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, i.e. by 12-14 weeks, when the placenta begins to work at full strength and becomes a kind of barrier between the woman and the child, due to which some problems from direct “communication” between the expectant mother and the baby are smoothed out. In addition, hormonal changes at the beginning of anticipation cease to be news to the body.

What are the dangers of frequent attacks of toxicosis?

If nausea or vomiting occurs 1-2 times a day and you can cope with these troubles yourself, it means we're talking about not about early toxicosis, but about the sign by which pregnancy announces itself. Then you most likely do not need the help of a doctor. It’s another matter if toxicosis is raging in earnest: attacks of vomiting occur about 8 times a day, and any piece of food or sip of water makes you run to the toilet. In this case, you need to see a doctor - vomiting can cause dehydration, which will ultimately have a negative impact on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Of course, neither you nor the baby need these and other problems.

How can you get rid of toxicosis?

Eat often, in small portions, and what you want. Before getting out of bed, eat a cookie or an apple, and have a light snack before bed. Drink herbal tea (mint, ginger), do not eat spicy and fatty foods, and also avoid strong odors, smoky and stuffy rooms. We talked in detail about how to cope with toxicosis in this article.

What to do if you feel dizzy?

Fainting during pregnancy is not uncommon. The expectant mother needs to be laid on a flat surface so that her head is below the level of her heart, give her a drink of sweet strong tea, and open the windows in the room. To avoid fainting in the future, walk more and stay away from stuffy rooms and smoking companies.

If this does not help, you should lie down or sit for a few minutes. After a short respite, you need to easily massage the head and neck area to stretch stiff muscles and increase blood flow to the head. No less effective remedy for dizziness is considered hawthorn fruits, from which you can make infusions, compotes and teas. One way is to grind hawthorn berries and brew them with 300 ml of boiling water. Drink half an hour before meals three times a day.

Why does bleeding appear?

They can occur on the days of expected menstruation and more often in women who had problems with pregnancy even before pregnancy. menstrual cycle(when ovulation occurred not in the middle of the cycle, but before menstruation). Call an ambulance quickly: the appearance of such discharge is a reason for a trip to the hospital. If it turns out that the cause of the events lies in hormonal deficiency, you will need to undergo an examination, and a pregnancy loss specialist will prescribe the necessary therapy for you. If this is due to the incorrect location of the branched chorion, which can be determined during an ultrasound examination, you will be advised to lie down more and take sedatives.

Why does the lower abdomen feel tight?

This is a common occurrence that often accompanies an expectant mother. In no case should you ignore nagging pain, especially in the first trimester; it is better to seek help from a specialist. Among the physiological reasons causing painful pulling sensations are the following:

• Due to contraction and growth of the uterine muscles. Ligaments and muscles adapt to an interesting position, hence the feeling of heaviness and nagging pain. Certain exercises, postures and relaxation will help solve the problem.
• A nagging pain that occurs after conception may be one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Even before the delay, sensations arise that are similar to the pain that accompanies menstruation;
• Nagging pain may also appear due to a rush of blood to the uterine area, as blood circulation begins to increase in it.
• Intestinal disorder. The hormone progesterone helps relax not only the muscles of the uterus, but also other smooth muscle organs, including the intestines; food does not have time to be digested in time, which creates stagnation, leading to nagging pain and flatulence, colic, bloating, constipation, etc.

If the pain does not go away, call an ambulance: it is not safe to endure them. We must not forget that in some cases pain may indicate a spontaneous miscarriage.

First of all, try to sleep at least 8-10 hours, go to bed early and try to rest during the day. All this is necessary so that the future baby is comfortable in your stomach and receives the necessary amount of nutrients and oxygen (and all this comes to him through your blood). Spend more time in the fresh air, for example, take a walk with your husband before going to bed. If you feel nauseous in the morning, eat a cookie or an apple before getting out of bed. This problem often occurs due to the fact that blood sugar levels are low in the morning, and a small “snack” will help you quickly bring it back to normal.

Radical life changes will be needed only if your work involves the risk of contracting infections, if you spend a lot of time in contact with chemicals or with a computer. In this case, you should think about taking a vacation without waiting for maternity leave. The fact is that in the first 8 weeks all the organs and systems of the unborn child are formed and any bad influence(chemicals, radiation, viruses, nicotine, alcohol) can disrupt this critical process. And one more thing: during the first ultrasound examination, the doctor will determine where the placenta is: if it is located normally and there are no problems during pregnancy, then you should not deny yourself sex.

From the moment a woman finds out about her pregnancy, she is left with a feeling of anxiety about how the pregnancy is going, how the baby is developing in the womb, about the upcoming birth, and so on. How do you know if your pregnancy is progressing normally? This is indicated by a number of direct and indirect signs.

Of course, The best way To find out that the child is developing normally in the womb is not to miss a single scheduled meeting with an obstetrician-gynecologist, undergo a timely ultrasound and take the necessary tests.

This can also be done based on the pregnant woman’s own observations, so doctors usually recommend keeping a diary and recording how the pregnancy progresses week by week, and everything that concerns the woman’s physical condition and moral feelings during pregnancy.

But in general, it is very difficult to correctly assess the course of pregnancy on your own. You may make a mistake and misinterpret the signs of a developing pregnancy or, conversely, a frozen pregnancy.

Signs of a normal pregnancy

From the point of view of the average person, the normal course of pregnancy is indicated by toxicosis and heartburn, frequent mood swings, fatigue, rapid growth of the abdomen, breast enlargement, nipple sensitivity, increased or lack of appetite, the appearance of “training” contractions and the release of colostrum as birth approaches, and things like that.

But how do you know that pregnancy is proceeding normally if, for example, toxicosis does not bother the woman, or by the beginning of the second trimester her body weight has remained the same? There is nothing to worry about if a pregnant woman is seen by a doctor who regularly conducts examinations and monitors how the pregnancy is progressing: monthly until 20 weeks, from 21 to 30 weeks - twice as often, and on the eve of childbirth - weekly.

The specialist takes everything into account:

• heart rate, which increases by 30–50%;
• blood pressure, which decreases by the second trimester due to increased blood circulation between the uterus and placenta;
• a blood condition characterized by a decrease in the level of red blood cells;
• state of the gastrointestinal tract with obvious imbalance;
• a condition of the skin becoming covered with pigment spots (chloasma) in the area of ​​the nipples and abdomen with a dark stripe appearing in the middle.

From a medical point of view, pregnancy is normal if the woman gradually gains weight. Normal weight gain during pregnancy is when a woman gains about 200-1000 g per month and 9-13 kg over the entire period of gestation. Of these, the accumulated amniotic fluid accounts for from 900 to 1300 g, the placenta with membranes weighs about 680 g, the uterus - 1200 g, the mammary glands - about 1 kg, the child in the womb - 3400 g or more. Using various techniques, the doctor will determine by palpation of the abdomen the density of the abdominal wall, the size and parts of the fetus, its presentation and position on the this moment, and will establish the gestational age by measuring the distance from the pubic symphysis to the uterine fundus: at approximately 24 weeks, the fundus of the uterus is in the navel area.

Pregnancy. A look from the inside

How do you know that everything is fine with your baby during pregnancy?

When examining a pregnant woman, the doctor pays attention to details that may indicate the correct development of the baby. How to understand that pregnancy is developing normally, focusing on the condition of the fetus?

• First, calculate the norm based on his height. According to Haase's formula, by the middle of the second trimester the baby's length is equal to the number of months of pregnancy squared, and then to the number of months, which is multiplied by 5.
• Secondly, as the child grows, he should gain weight: by 26 weeks he weighs approximately 1000 g, by 36 weeks - about 2500 g, by 40 weeks - 3300 g or more. Fetal weight is calculated in several ways, usually by adding and dividing into four the size of the woman’s abdominal circumference (in cm) and the height of the uterine fundus.
• Thirdly, from the 16th week (sometimes earlier or later), the pregnant woman feels the first movements of the fetus, the tremors themselves reach their peak by 25-27 weeks, then the activity decreases. If they are recorded every day, then the information about the condition of the fetus will not only be reliable, but also almost complete. This the right way find out that everything is fine with the baby during pregnancy without an ultrasound.
• Fourthly, at the 18th week of pregnancy, the doctor hears the fetal heartbeat through an obstetric stethoscope (it can be detected on an ultrasound as early as 12 weeks). Future mother, placing your palm on your stomach, you will also feel his heartbeat, but a little later - from 22-24 weeks.

Normal laboratory results

A pregnant woman who is registered at the antenatal clinic and regularly visits the doctor monitoring her often hears the phrase “Indicators are normal.” How can you tell if your pregnancy is going well by assessing test results? Of course, it is difficult to understand their meaning on your own, but if necessary, you can always ask a specialist for clarification.

The laboratory carries out the following tests in the first trimester:

• urine test to know glucose and protein levels;
• vaginal smear examination;
• a blood test to determine the Rh factor and group, to identify the degree of resistance to measles and rubella viruses, as well as to test for the presence of HIV and syphilis, and more.

As the fetus develops, hemoglobin in the pregnant woman’s blood “falls”; normally, if it is not lower than 105 g/l, and blood donated “for sugar” (glucose content) should exclude pregnancy diabetes. Hormonal tests (hGT) are performed in the urine. In the third trimester, the same tests are repeated. If any indicators are outside the normal range, then additional research will be required (culture of scrapings from the cervical canal to detect gonococci and chlamydia, tests for tuberculosis, etc.).

To know that the mother and child are healthy, an ultrasound scan is prescribed (in the early stages, at 12 weeks, at 22 and 34 weeks). It diagnoses the presence or absence of pathologies in the fetus, anomalies in the pregnant woman, including excluding the development of ectopic pregnancy. Using these indicators, you can reliably determine how the pregnancy is progressing.

Deviations from the norm during pregnancy

Doctors are convinced that a complicated previous pregnancy does not always affect all subsequent ones. This means that each new pregnancy has its own course, and if the woman last time suffered from toxicosis or the uterus was in good shape, now this may not happen. In any case, the course of pregnancy is considered successful when there are no obvious abnormalities.

Not everything is in order if a pregnant woman has bright red bloody issues- this indicates a threat of miscarriage. Dark-colored blood clots, which mainly appear after examination using medical instruments in a gynecological chair, indicate a loose surface of the vagina or cervix, which is not normal. In general, bleeding from the vagina is an alarming symptom, as is sharp and prolonged pain in the abdomen, ribs, and lower back.

Severe vomiting, dizziness, headache, loss of consciousness, decreased vision and hearing point to infection or pathology. Constant danger to the life of the fetus changes in blood pressure: Labor may begin prematurely. The resulting convulsions often lead to placental abruption and loss of the child.

If fetus long time does not make movements, his heartbeat is weak or completely absent t - you need to urgently consult a doctor so that, after undergoing examinations, you can understand whether pregnancy is developing or not.

Finally, a normal pregnancy lasts about 280 days, and if this period is violated, we are talking about premature birth, and the child is born premature.

How can you tell if your pregnancy is progressing normally? When any changes in the condition of the mother and child occur in a timely manner and do not cause inconvenience, and are not associated with critical situations, there is no doubt about the favorable outcome of bearing the baby.

What changes occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times in life! For a successful pregnancy, you need to lead the healthiest possible lifestyle. Stick to healthy image life is important, since not only your well-being and mental state, but also the health of your unborn baby depends on it. Try to eat healthy, stay physically active and take care of your emotional state. You may need to make certain changes to your lifestyle. By making these changes in your life, you will significantly improve your health and the health of your unborn child.

Steps

Follow your doctor's orders

Choose the right doctor and clinic. Your doctor will monitor you throughout your pregnancy, so find a clinic and doctor that you like. Ask your physician or friends to recommend a good obstetrician-gynecologist. An obstetrician-gynecologist manages the pregnancy until the birth itself. And don’t think that you should be seen by the first doctor you make an appointment with. You can see one doctor and make an appointment with another for your next appointment. Choose the doctor with whom you feel more comfortable and in whom you are confident.

• Ask your doctor about his experience and methods of pregnancy management used.
• You can also choose a doula and midwife, especially if you are interested in home birth or a specific type of birth, such as water birth.

1. Make sure you have regular prenatal care. Frequent and regular visits to your OB/GYN, family physician, or certified midwife will keep both you and your unborn baby safe throughout the pregnancy process. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, or suspect that you might be, start seeing a specialist. If pregnancy is confirmed (usually confirmed by ultrasound), your obstetrician-gynecologist will monitor you. You can start seeing your regular primary care physician, but as your pregnancy progresses, you will likely need to start seeing an OB/GYN. So, if your pregnancy is progressing normally (in the opinion of your doctor), your visits should be scheduled according to the following schedule:

   Make sure you get regular physical activity. It seems that with growing weight, morning sickness and muscle pain, it is very difficult to continue to lead an active lifestyle and exercise. However, by maintaining physical activity during pregnancy, you will ensure the health of not only yourself, but also your unborn baby. Regular exercise will help easy birth, will help you lose weight faster after childbirth, recover faster physically and stimulate the healthy growth of the baby in the womb. Try to do 30 minutes of light exercise every day, such as swimming, cycling, lifting light dumbbells and yoga. Walking can also be good exercise.

   Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep during pregnancy is essential for the full development and growth of the baby. Set a goal to get at least eight hours of sleep at night, and try to go to bed shortly after lunch. Going to bed at the same time every day (preferably before midnight) promotes deeper, more restful sleep.

   • Sleep on your left side to relieve pressure on your lower back. It is not recommended to sleep in other positions as you risk cutting off your circulation.
   • Do not use pregnancy pillows without consulting your doctor.

2. Watch your weight. It's true that you will gain weight during pregnancy, but the weight gain can have a significant impact on your health and the health of your baby. Individual set weight will depend on your initial weight and BMI (body mass index) before pregnancy. To determine your ideal gain, you need to first calculate your BMI. Discuss with your doctor what weight gain is normal for you. Here are the approximate values ​​for what weight gain should be depending on BMI.

   Visit your dentist regularly. Dental care is especially important during pregnancy because the body produces more estrogen and progesterone than usual, each of which (with high level), can cause gingivitis and gum disease, which causes bleeding, sensitivity and constant swelling. Try to visit your dentist every 3-4 months during pregnancy to monitor your oral health. Take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly.

   Make sure you are getting enough iron. The body needs iron to make blood cells, both yours and your fetus's. Most prenatal supplements contain iron, but as with most nutrients, it is best to consume iron in its natural form, found in foods rather than in supplements.

   • Red meats, spinach, and iron-fortified whole grains (such as whole grain breads and cereals) are rich in iron. Try to eat at least one serving of these iron-rich foods every day.

3. Take fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for baby's brain and eye development. Since omega-3 fatty acids are found in high amounts in fish such as tuna, sardines, salmon and anchovies, you can eat fish or take fish oil supplements to reduce your intake of mercury, which can accumulate in these types of fish. Can take up to 300 mg fish oil daily.

Avoid unhealthy foods and drinks

1. Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol is strictly prohibited for pregnant women, since its consumption entails a whole range of congenital malformations and complications. Alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth, increases the likelihood that the baby will later have developmental disabilities, and leads to fetal alcohol syndrome. Avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy to avoid these risks, and if necessary, if you experience alcohol dependence, consult a specialist or psychologist.

   • If you drank alcohol without knowing you were pregnant, don't worry - the sooner you give up this bad habit, the less likely you are to experience the complications described above.
   • Some doctors and women believe that it is acceptable to drink one small glass occasionally alcoholic drink. Discuss this issue with your doctor.

2. Limit your caffeine intake. You may love coffee, tea and sodas, but if they contain caffeine, they can be harmful to the developing fetus. Research shows that consuming caffeine during pregnancy is associated with a higher chance of miscarriage and complications during childbirth.

   • It's best to eliminate caffeine from your life altogether, but some doctors believe that consumption of up to 200 mg (equivalent to one cup of coffee) per day is safe.
   • Whenever possible, try to drink decaffeinated coffee, tea, and soda. Products containing caffeine (such as chocolate) are okay in moderation as the levels are low.

3. Avoid eating raw or semi-cooked foods. Several foodborne illnesses, including toxoplasmosis and listeriosis, are often found in raw and undercooked meats. These diseases can be quite dangerous for the developing fetus, so it is better to avoid foods that may contain them.

   • Try not to eat shellfish raw fish(such as sushi or sashimi), raw or cured meats and raw eggs.

4. Don't eat fish, which accumulate mercury. Heavy metals such as mercury and lead are incredibly harmful to the fetus and can even cause death in large enough quantities. Some types of fish are particularly high in mercury, making them dangerous to eat during pregnancy. These include swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tuna and tilefish. However, fish such as canned tuna, salmon, halibut and cod are safe to eat during pregnancy.

   • During pregnancy, limit your consumption of all types of fish - even safe ones - to once or twice a week.

5. Avoid unpasteurized cheeses. While a dish of soft cheeses may seem appealing, unpasteurized cheeses can contain bacteria, which can lead to a number of birth complications. As a result, it is better for pregnant women to abstain from them altogether.

   • Among the most famous unpasteurized fresh cheeses are brie, feta, goat cheese, camembert and blue cheese. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss and Havarti, are safe to eat.

Change your lifestyle

1. Try to get all the necessary vaccinations before conception. If you are planning a pregnancy, get all the necessary vaccinations in advance. It is recommended to do this at the clinic to which you are prescribed - they will probably have a history of the vaccinations you have had. This way, your doctor can determine whether you need vaccinations and, if so, which ones.

   • Vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella, as well as vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (DTP) must be given strictly before pregnancy.
   • You can also get vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy.
   • If you have any questions or concerns about immunizations, talk to your doctor.

2. Quit smoking. It is generally recommended to avoid any kind of smoking as it is harmful to the lungs. This is especially true for pregnant women - whatever you smoke ends up in your baby. Nicotine and tobacco enter the bloodstream, thereby increasing the likelihood of stillbirth, miscarriage or prematurity. Eliminate all types of smoking from your life, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars.

   • Some studies show that babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy grow up to be chronic smokers themselves.
   • Also avoid secondhand smoke.

3. Stay away from all illegal drugs. Drugs in any form - especially street drugs - are incredibly dangerous for a developing fetus. Using recreational drugs is almost 100% guaranteed that your child will have a birth defect or condition, as they significantly affect your body and brain function, and therefore your child. In addition, mothers who are addicted to drugs and continue to use drugs during pregnancy may actually pass on their addiction to their child. Then the newborn becomes drug dependent and also suffers from withdrawal symptoms, just like an adult.

   • If you suffer from drug addiction, then find out about addiction recovery programs and consult a narcologist for advice.
   • Continue to live drug-free after the birth of your child for the sake of your own health and the health of your child.

4. Try not to visit saunas, baths or steam rooms. An increase in body temperature to very high levels can be dangerous for the fetus, studies show a relationship high temperature bodies with developmental disabilities and defects. While warm showers and baths are fine, spending longer periods of time in extremely hot conditions can cause serious problems, especially in the first trimester.

   • Avoid any place where the temperature reaches above 38 degrees Celsius, and if you must be there, limit your stay to 10 minutes and no more.

5. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins. Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins is especially dangerous for pregnant women, even if they pose no risk to non-pregnant women. Cleaning solvents, strong chemicals, heavy metals (like mercury and lead) and some biological substances (like asbestos) are associated with complications and birth defects.

   • If you work or live in a place where you are likely to come into contact with such toxins, do everything you can to prevent it permanently. Change your lifestyle if necessary.

6. Try not to clean up the cat's litter box. Cat feces can spread a dangerous infection called toxoplasmosis, which is very dangerous for pregnant women. In the mother, the disease may occur without visible symptoms and pass on to the fetus undetected, causing serious brain and eye defects in the growing baby. If you have a litter box, stay away from it and let someone close to you take responsibility for cleaning it regularly.

   • While you are pregnant, your cat's litter box needs to be cleaned very thoroughly, at least once a day.
   • If you must clean your cat's litter box, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.