All trimesters of pregnancy by week, indicating the most dangerous periods. First trimester of pregnancy symptoms 1st trimester of pregnancy what happens

You can understand the full meaning of the words “Miracle of motherhood” only by becoming a mother. Just imagine what an amazing moment of the birth and development of a new life.

Of course, pregnancy brings not only feelings of joy, but also a certain discomfort. But if you are aware of all the manifestations and physiology of your new position, then you can minimize discomfort and take the necessary measures in time. Let's see what is special about the first trimester of pregnancy, what is possible and what is not allowed during this period.

Signs of pregnancy in the first trimester

Surely you have heard about the main sign of pregnancy - a delay in menstruation. But you also heard about situations when women find out about their interesting position already for a period of 3 or more months, and all this time they had regular periods. Signs of pregnancy are considered in a complex, and do not forget that all sensations and changes have an individual manifestation.

Absence of menstruation. One of the main signs of pregnancy is the absence of regular bleeding. To understand why this happens, you need to find out what menstruation is.

Once a month, a new egg is formed in your body, and if fertilization has not occurred, it, along with the “old” layers of the mucous membrane, leaves the body. But after meeting with the sperm, the egg receives a new task and the process of fetal development is turned on;

Important! But be aware that this process is the exception rather than the norm, and your doctor should be informed about the discharge during your pregnancy.

Calls to the toilet. If you began to notice that the urge to go to the toilet became more frequent, while you began to use liquids many times more than usual, this can be explained. During pregnancy, the uterus begins to grow rapidly and press on the bladder. Consequently, you constantly feel the fullness of the latter and go to the toilet. But you drink more because of the hormonal changes in the body. But more on that later;
Hormonal changes and the reaction of the body. For the first four months, your body is at the mercy of progesterone, it sets up your body for carrying a baby, causing drowsiness and slowness;

Your external activity during this period is reduced to nothing, since energy is needed for internal processes in your body. You felt that you constantly want to sleep, your head is spinning in the morning, up to fainting - congratulations, you are pregnant.

Nausea. Another frequent companion of the onset of pregnancy is nausea in the morning. If you wake up with this unpleasant sensation, run to the toilet at the sight of your usual diet, get annoyed at the smell of fried meat, and instead start eating foods that you didn’t really like before, then it won’t hurt you to take a pregnancy test. Signs on the face;

Irritability. This sign may not tell you anything if you usually had explicit PMS before your period. But there is a reasonable explanation for the irritation during the onset of pregnancy: changes in the body, changes in hormonal levels, physical fatigue and nausea, bouts of hunger and a change in taste priorities, add to everything muscle pain during the growth of the uterus;
Swelling of the mammary glands. Again, the sign is not one hundred percent, especially if you have felt breast swelling before menstruation. If the breast has increased more than usual, the halo around the nipple has darkened and increased in diameter, there are tingling and pain when touched, this may be a signal of pregnancy;
Constipation. Constipation as a sign of pregnancy can be regarded only if you have not experienced this problem before. There is a physiological explanation: the hormone progesterone was also noted in this area: your digestion also slows down, and the intestinal muscles become lazy;
Change in psychological behavior. The sign, of course, is indirect, but it should not be discounted.

You may not yet know about your pregnancy, but already tenderly look at the kids on the playground, or instead of a boutique with the latest season, wander into the department of booties and diapers. Or maybe you are already crying over melodramas or noticing the leaves on the trees? No wonder, for your new position, all this excessive sensitivity is the norm.

Please note that you need to consider all these signs in a complex way and all manifestations are individual.

First trimester of pregnancy: belly

You know that it is difficult to hide a pregnancy from the eyes of strangers, but this is at a later date. The belly does not grow significantly in the first trimester of pregnancy, but you will feel certain changes.

Bloating. You may feel some discomfort in the intestines, flatulence. As a result, bloating (for more information, see the article: Bloating in early pregnancy >>>). To eliminate these unpleasant sensations, you need to review the diet and adjust the stool, since constipation in the first trimester is more than guaranteed (more about constipation during pregnancy >>>);
Pain. There is no need to talk about obvious severe pains in the first trimester of pregnancy, but pulling pains in the lower abdomen from about the 7th week can be caused by a rapidly growing uterus (article on the topic: 7th week of pregnancy >>>);

There may be pain in the sacral area if the uterus presses on the sciatic nerve. All sensations should not be sharp, if the pain does not subside, and you are not able to endure it, you urgently need to contact a specialist.

Dimensions. Changes in girth in the first trimester are not obvious, but if you have a fragile physique, then the tummy can already be seen at the end of the third month. Another nuance is the fat folds in the lower abdomen. Even if you watch calories, you are not immune from such a belt, the body contributes to the appearance of a fatty pad for protective purposes, as if warming the location of the fetus.

Despite the minimal visible changes in your tummy, sleeping on it is no longer desirable. Get into the habit of resting on your back or side.

Pain in the first trimester of pregnancy

Moderate pain in the abdomen or chest is the norm. Another thing is the pain is acute.

Breast. In the first trimester, your breasts can increase significantly in volume, naturally, it will not do without pain. At this time, you need to keep your chest warm and beware of drafts, especially if pregnancy and childbirth are not the first. With an increase in temperature or probing of hardening, we can talk about mastitis. (related article: When does the chest start to hurt during pregnancy?>>>);
Stomach. Moderate pulling pains in the abdomen in the first trimester are allowed. Violations can be signaled by severe acute pain, especially local localization;

During inflammatory processes, you may feel pain in a particular area, for example, the left side with inflammation of the left ovary (learn more from the article what to do if pain is felt in the left side during pregnancy >>>). If pain in the lower abdomen is accompanied by discharge with blood clots, there is a risk of miscarriage. Increasing pain that does not go away is also a signal of danger, for example, an ectopic pregnancy.

Headache. At the beginning of pregnancy, your blood pressure may drop, which is likely to be accompanied by headaches (related article: Headache during pregnancy >>>). Do not rush to run to the pharmacy for medicines, try to raise the pressure with a cup of coffee or tea, take a walk in the fresh air or just lie down and relax (for information on whether you can drink coffee during this period, read the article Can I drink coffee during pregnancy >>>.

Vitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy

Although pregnancy is not considered a disease, and as experienced mothers say, this is a special state of mind, but you should not forget about vitamins. The child grows and develops intensively every day, he needs nutrients and vitamins, and since he gets all this from your diet, you need to think over your vitamin menu.

Vitamins for the baby

Folic acid. This substance is responsible for the neural tube of the baby, which is formed in the first month of intrauterine development of the fetus;
Vitamin E. It is simply necessary during the planning period and at the very beginning of pregnancy, it is important for the placenta, which begins to form from 5-6 days after fertilization;
Vitamin A. Without this assistant, one cannot do without the development of bone tissues and visual organs, it is important to ensure a sufficient amount of this vitamin from the second month of pregnancy;
Iodine. The thyroid gland develops already in the second month of intrauterine development of the baby, so enrich your diet with iodine-containing foods.

vitamins for you

Do not forget about yourself, add foods rich in vitamin C to your diet to resist colds and viruses, vitamin E for the skin and vitamin B, which will help overcome toxicosis. Vitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy will help you quickly adapt to a new position and enjoy the delights of bearing a baby.

Trace elements during pregnancy

In addition to vitamins, you need to enrich the diet with useful trace elements that both you and your child will need.

Calcium. If you do not want the baby to completely take the building material from you, then use it in sufficient quantities for both of you, otherwise the nails and teeth will not make themselves felt from the best side;
Iron. The lack of this trace element is fraught with a decrease in hemoglobin and the development of anemia;
Phosphorus. If you want your baby to have strong bones, then eat foods high in phosphorus, such as fish;
Magnesium. This miracle element is responsible for the normal tone of the uterus, muscle elasticity and the nervous system, both yours and your bladder.

The need for vitamins and microelements in your position doubles or even more times, and often just by eating it is not possible to cover the needs of the body. In this case, consider taking pharmacy vitamin complexes designed specifically for pregnant women.

Frozen pregnancy: signs in the first trimester

I don’t want to scare you, but there is a missed pregnancy and it’s worth knowing about it. It is dangerous, first of all, because it can occur asymptomatically, and a woman simply may not guess, especially if a missed pregnancy occurs in the first trimester.

The reasons can be very diverse. Consider risk groups:

genetic predisposition. If you have a missed pregnancy in your family or your husband, you must tell your doctor about this, he will prescribe additional studies, including a consultation with a geneticist;
abortion. When you have a history of abortion, especially for long periods, the risk of fetal fading increases;
certain diseases. Diseases caused by viruses, bacteria or other inflammatory processes, without proper treatment or with a complicated course, can provoke pregnancy fading;
Genital infections. The risk of miscarriage increases significantly when sexually transmitted infectious diseases such as chlamydia or mycoplasmosis are diagnosed.

This question has not been fully studied to this day, and doctors cannot give an exact answer to what causes fetal fading. Pregnant women from the described risk zone should be more attentive to their health and listen to every change in their condition.

Signs of a missed pregnancy.

Loss of strength, lethargy and drowsiness;
Increase in body temperature;
Unreasonable termination of toxicosis in the first months;
Disappearance of breast swelling;
Abundant discharge.

In this case, you cannot independently establish a diagnosis; only an ultrasound examination will give a residual verdict.

First trimester of pregnancy: discharge

The norm in 1 trimeter of pregnancy is the discharge of a transparent or whitish color, of small volume (one-time pads per day are enough) and without a pronounced smell. All other consistencies signal problems to you.

White cottage cheese discharge in the first trimester of pregnancy will tell you about candidiasis. It is necessary to pass an analysis for fungal infections and take the necessary treatment. Learn more from the article Thrush during pregnancy >>>;
A greenish tint with an unpleasant odor signals genital infections;
The yellowness or brown shade of discharge with purulent inclusions is already an inflammatory process caused by staphylococcus aureus or E. coli. Also, you can find useful information in the article Brown discharge during pregnancy >>>;
Saturated brown or bright red in the first trimester is unacceptable: this may be a signal of placental abruption, bleeding or fetal fading.

All of these cases are a cause for concern; you should not postpone a visit to the laboratory.

Colds - first trimester of pregnancy

A common cold in the first trimester of pregnancy can be a real test.

The list of drugs approved for treatment in the first trimester is minimized, the risk of developing pathologies or miscarriage after using potent drugs is very high. Aspirin and its analogues, vasoconstrictive nasal drops, antibiotics and medicinal herbs that can cause bleeding and miscarriage are contraindicated. You can not take hot baths, put cans and soar your legs;
The placenta still weakly protects the fetus from viruses, intrauterine infection is possible, and as a result, a violation in the development of the neural tube and further the nervous system of the baby;
It is easy to confuse a cold and rubella in the initial stages, and if the first does not pose a significant danger to the child, then rubella in the first trimester may be an indication for termination of pregnancy.

Sex in the first trimester of pregnancy

Caution in the first weeks of pregnancy has not prevented anyone, so abstinence from marital debt during this period is only welcome.

The protective functions of the body in the first trimester are reduced to zero, so that the susceptibility to various infections increases. In the first weeks of development, the risk of infection of the fetus, not yet protected by the placenta, is very high;
Your body, including the genitals, undergoes significant changes at the beginning of pregnancy, the vagina during this period is more loose and vulnerable, during sexual intercourse there is a risk of damage and erosion in the future;
There is a risk of increasing the tone of the uterus during intercourse.

If you feel great, while there is sexual desire and a corresponding mood, you should not avoid intimacy. Sex in the first trimester of pregnancy can be, only its nature and hygiene requirements change (read the article

50% depends on the nutrition, lifestyle and habits of the expectant mother in the first trimester. What you need to know about pregnancy in this period, and what will help support the development of the baby, identify possible problems in a timely manner and prevent them?

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Fetal development

What happens in the first trimester of pregnancy? During this period, miraculous transformations take place with the baby: at the beginning of the journey, he is only an egg, and by the end of the 12th week he can already move his arms and legs. How does the baby grow during the first 3 months?

1 month

The fertilized egg attached to the uterus and began to grow at an impressive rate - more than a million cells per minute. By the end of the fourth week, when you only noticed the first signs of pregnancy, the embryo had the beginnings of a brain and spinal cord. Tissues are released, from which vital organs will begin to form in the next trimester. The most important thing is that already at this stage the baby's heart is formed.

2 month

At the beginning of this period, the growth of the embryo still does not exceed 10 mm. By the seventh week, the rudiments of teeth appear. The digestive system is actively developing: the stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas stand out.

In the eighth week, the hands and feet appear in the fetus. Now the baby has already formed facial features: lips, bulging eyes, a slightly flattened nose have appeared.

3 month

The little man weighs about 45 grams, and his height can reach 9 cm. He moves his arms and legs, even if his mother does not notice it. The external genitalia are well formed, so during this period it is already possible to find out the sex of the child.

First symptoms

Since the pregnancy countdown starts from the first day of the last menstruation, then the first symptoms usually begin to appear by the middle of the first trimester of pregnancy:

a delay in menstruation by more than one week is a sign that it is time to go for;
an increase in the mammary glands, which may be accompanied by painful sensations;
there was a craving for frequent urination - a growing uterus every day puts more and more pressure on the bladder;
the amount of vaginal discharge increases;
drowsiness, weakness, dizziness and in the first trimester of pregnancy often become companions of the expectant mother.

In addition to the main symptoms in first trimester of pregnancy may manifest. Often this is due to the work of hormones that rebuild the body and prepare the bones and ligaments for the upcoming birth. But the presence of this factor must be announced to the doctor, since pain can be harbingers of more serious diseases that are not related to the position of the woman.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, pain in the lower abdomen or may be felt. This condition does not always mean that there is a serious problem, often this is just a normal reaction to an increase in the volume of the abdomen.

Toxicosis

In the first trimester of pregnancy, some expectant mothers begin to feel nauseous, especially in the morning. By week 12, toxicosis, as a rule, recedes. However, in rare cases, it can continue until the very birth, which indicates severe diseases of the mother or fetus.

Doctors cannot offer effective remedies for, and are advised to simply wait out this difficult period for many pregnant women. However, there are ways to ease the feeling of nausea and make life easier in the first trimester.

Tip #1 Proper nutrition

A diet high in carbohydrates and protein helps digestion and reduces the frequency of vomiting.

Tip #2

Be sure to drink fluids to stay hydrated. Ordinary water can be replaced with juices, fruit drinks or compote.

Tip #3

Often, the sight or smell of specific foods triggers nausea. Identify "irritants" and ask your family not to buy these products until at least the end of the first trimester.

Tip #4

Frequent nausea deprives the body of strength and nutrients, and in the first trimester they are especially important. You can deal with this by changing the power system. Eat small meals when you first feel hungry, but don't overeat. The load on the stomach will decrease, but at the same time you will always be full.

Tip #5

Maintain proper blood sugar levels. Dried fruits, apples, bananas are perfect for this. Do not take this advice literally and abuse sweets: sweets, cookies, chocolate. Not only do these foods raise your blood sugar levels, but they can also cause you to gain too much weight.

What tests to take

Standard tests in the first trimester help to identify maternal diseases and possible deviations in the development of the child. The list of analyzes is issued by the gynecologist leading your pregnancy. As a rule, it includes:

complex express blood test (syphilis and HIV antibodies, hepatitis B and C antigens);
determination of blood group and Rh factor;
in the first trimester, they take a general and biochemical blood test;
blood sugar test;
general urine analysis;
analysis of the microflora of the vagina.

Based on the results of the tests, the doctor can send the expectant mother for additional tests. In addition, you will need to be examined by an ophthalmologist, dentist, otolaryngologist and therapist.

Also, in the early stages, the first fetus is carried out, which can already show whether the fetus is developing normally and whether it has any abnormalities.

Screening and its decoding

The most significant analysis of the initial period is the "double test" or perinatal screening. It is performed when the fetus reaches 10-14 weeks of age. During the examination, doctors analyze two markers:

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) level

This hormone begins to be synthesized in the placenta from the moment the embryo attaches to the uterus. Both increased and reduced levels of hCG indicate violations in the body of a pregnant woman or in the development of the fetus.

Low HCG:

Ectopic or non-developing pregnancy
Retarded embryonic development (Edwards syndrome)
Risk of spontaneous abortion
placental insufficiency

Elevated hCG

Multiple pregnancy
Chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus

PAPP-A - plasma protein-A

The plasma protein of this protein is produced throughout pregnancy, but for doctors it is its level by the end of the first trimester that is important. A link has been proven between a low content of this substance in the mother's blood and an increased risk of the birth of a fetus with chromosomal abnormalities.

When screening, the doctor takes into account the results of two studies and, based on them, draws conclusions about the development of the fetus. Identification of deviations from the norm is not a guarantee of the presence of anomalies, but allows you to timely identify most problems in the development of the fetus.

Early nutrition

During this period, the expectant mother does not yet need more energy. Increasing the energy value of the usual menu costs no more than 100 kcal. At the optimal ratio, there should be:

55% carbs
15% proteins
30% fat.

Why is this ratio considered ideal?

Carbohydrates provide the body with energy for the development of the fetus and the normal well-being of the mother.. Their main sources: cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits, bread in limited quantities (up to 2 pieces per day).
Proteins support the growth of the fetus, as well as the placenta and uterus. From the first months of pregnancy, a woman needs to receive at least 1.5 g of protein per 1 kg of her weight. Pay attention to the quality of proteins: they should equally come from products of both animal and vegetable origin.

Fats ensure the timely development of the brain and visual apparatus of the fetus. Their main source during pregnancy should be oils of vegetable origin, but it is not recommended to abuse fatty meat (lamb, pork).

In the first months of pregnancy, swelling is rare, so the amount of fluid should not be limited. Drink the usual daily allowance - 1.5–2 liters of pure water, juices and fruit drinks. Doctors advise to reduce only, which stimulates the removal of fluid from the body.

Important fact! It has been proven that a significant deficiency of starch and sugar in the first trimester can affect the health of the child. Children of mothers who ate in this way are more likely to have problems with weight and the cardiovascular system by school age than others.

Sports, yoga and gymnastics

Up to 12 weeks, the risk remains, so doctors recommend caution about physical activity. However, you should not completely abandon activity either, because you can replace the gym with walks and light gymnastics.

In the process of charging, the expectant mother can prepare the body for the changes that will actively occur during pregnancy. Special, the form of which begins to change already in the first trimester. A simple exercise will help prepare it and strengthen the muscles.

Close your palms at chest level, tighten them and squeeze as hard as possible. Then relax and repeat a few more times. This exercise does not cause muscle pain and is absolutely safe for pregnant women.

Sports recommended for pregnant women in the first trimester: swimming, gymnastics. You can do them only after consulting a doctor and under the supervision of a trainer.. In case of high uterine tone and the risk of miscarriage (not only in the first trimester), it is better to postpone classes until the second trimester.

But if a woman led an active lifestyle before, then it is acceptable for her, even in the early stages, but only with a reduced load.

When does the first trimester end?

Not many pregnant women know that the obstetric month is different from the calendar month. It is 28 days (the average cycle length for a woman), and it is the obstetric months that calculate the gestational age. Thus, the first trimester ends after the completion of 12 weeks from the first day of the last menstruation.

Watch a video about the features of the first months of pregnancy:

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Aza Mukhadinovna Balova

The first trimester lasts until the 13th week.

All this time, the embryo is developing rapidly, and it is during this period that the risk of miscarriage is especially great. The average weight gain in the first trimester of pregnancy should be about 0.2 kg per week.

However, many expectant mothers are concerned about early toxicosis, so the total increase in 3 months sometimes does not exceed 2 kg.

For the same reason, a woman's body weight sometimes remains the same or even decreases somewhat.

As for the tummy, in some expectant mothers it appears as early as 15-17 weeks, while in others the figure hardly changes until late. In the first trimester, as a rule, there are no changes at all.

The increase in the size of the uterus occurs during the entire period of gestation.

In the first trimester of pregnancy (through the 12th week inclusive), the entire uterus is in the small pelvis, although already at this stage its dimensions are proportional to the head of the newborn. From the 12th week, the uterus is palpable in the lower abdomen, a couple of centimeters above the pubic bone. As the gestational age increases, it rises.

Signs and symptoms of pregnancy

Any signs of pregnancy can be divided into the following groups:

- conjectural, which include a change in the physical and emotional state of a woman (increased irritability, a change in taste preferences, nausea, drowsiness, decreased performance);

- probable, which include a delay in the next menstruation, as well as engorgement and increased sensitivity of the mammary glands. In addition, pregnancy may be indicated by the fact that urination has become somewhat more frequent (especially at night). However, you need to understand that the same symptoms may well be the result of stress or hypothermia.

Some of the signs (for example, a change in the size and shape of the uterus) can only be detected by a doctor during an in-person appointment.

In addition, pregnancy can be determined by the results of a blood test for the level of the hCG hormone.

- reliable signs, which include, say, the movements of the unborn baby, probing his heel or handle through the abdominal wall.

But, of course, this becomes possible already at later stages of pregnancy.

Analyzes and medical examinations

In the first trimester, the expectant mother needs to be tested and undergo examinations:

blood type and Rh factor;
smear on flora, sowing from the cervical canal;
PCR for STIs;
RK, cytology;
blood test (clinical and biochemical);
urinalysis (general);
antibodies to syphilis, HIV, HBs Ag, HCV total;
TORCH complex, TSH, free T4;
coagulogram (APTT, A3, TV, PT (INR), D-dimers, fibrinogen);
Ultrasound + screening of the first trimester;
consultations of the therapist, ophthalmologist, dentist, otolaryngologist.

ultrasound

Ultrasound is able to show the presence of a fetal egg after the first week of delay, that is, already in the second or third week of the conception period.

During the ultrasound, the doctor can not only confirm the fact of pregnancy, but also exclude the attachment of the fetal egg outside the uterus, determine the number of embryos, calculate the CTE (coccyx-parietal size) of each of them, and establish the location of the chorion (embryo shell).
Starting from four weeks, the heartbeat of the unborn baby is heard.

Screening

The use of complex (ultrasound of TVP + biochemical tests) screening makes it possible to detect Down's syndrome in an unborn child in the first trimester of pregnancy in 85-90% of cases with 5% of false positive results.

Comprehensive screening helps to identify not only the likelihood of a fetal chromosomal abnormality, but also the overall risk of pregnancy pathology.

PRISCA is a program registered for use in the Russian Federation that supports the calculation of risks for screening examinations of the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. The calculation of risks is carried out using a combination of certain markers (in the first trimester, these include the free beta subunit of hCG and PAPP) and ultrasound indicators (thickness of the nuchal space of the fetus, visualization data of the nasal bone).

Screening of the first trimester is carried out in two stages:

ultrasound screening;
biochemical screening. This word refers to the drawing of blood from a vein.

In conclusion, quantitative indicators of risk assessment for trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and trisomy 13/18 (Patau syndrome and / or Edwards syndrome), as well as age risk, are indicated.

What does a child look like

After fertilization, the egg travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.

Embryo implantation is carried out on the sixth or eighth day after fertilization. How does this happen? The fertilized egg settles on the surface of the endometrium and is attached to the wall of the uterus with the help of chorionic villi. Embryo cells are actively dividing.

This period plays a huge role in the development of the unborn child. The formation of the rudiments of the skeleton, as well as the nervous and muscular systems of the body, is already taking place. The future baby, who is not yet very human-like, has a head, limbs, a heart and, oddly enough, a tail. It also has a gill slit. If at the fifth week of pregnancy the length of the embryo is on average 6 mm, then by the seventh week it increases more than twice! Can you imagine how fast the baby grows? Now he has a tiny mouth and nose. The ears are forming. All systems that began to form earlier continue to actively develop. Already at such a short time, the future baby develops skin sensitivity in the mouth area, which is a kind of preparation for the development of the sucking reflex.

By the ninth to tenth week, fetal growth is approximately 20 mm. Gill slits disappear.

On an ultrasound, you can hear your baby's heart beating.

Now the entire surface of the baby's body is sensitive, and he masters new tactile sensations for him, touching everything around him: the umbilical cord, his own body, the walls of the fetal bladder surrounding him.

The child is actively moving. Although the mother still cannot feel it, the baby is too small. Marigolds appear on the fingers and toes.

For a period of eleven to fourteen weeks, the growth of the baby (or rather, its coccyx-parietal size) is about 13 cm, and the weight approaches 100 grams.
The baby feels the taste of amniotic fluid. And now, by his facial expressions, you can understand whether he likes what his mother recently ate. For example, if it was something bitter, the baby will begin to frown and try to swallow less tasteless amniotic fluid.

The limbs are now fully formed. The movements of the child become more coordinated.

Urine is formed with the help of the kidneys.

You can already see the genitals.

Determination of the sex of the child

Already at the end of the first trimester, you can try to find out the sex of the unborn baby. But you need to keep in mind that the accuracy of the predictions that an ultrasound doctor can give is not so great. This is due to the peculiarities of the formation of female and male organs at this stage of development.

However, by the 14th-15th week, the percentage of the probable error in determining the sex is noticeably reduced, and a good specialist who conducts research on an expert-level apparatus will most likely “guess” who will be born to you.

What happens in the first trimester of pregnancy - sensations

In the first trimester, a woman notes the following changes:

increased body temperature and basal temperature;
feeling unwell;
increased sensitivity of the breast;
heaviness in the pelvic area;
nausea, vomiting;
mood variability.

Stomach ache

Sometimes pain in the lower abdomen at the beginning of pregnancy is not a cause for concern at all. In the earliest stages, this may be a sign of successful attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall.

The pain caused by implantation cannot be permanent. If it increases or does not stop within a few days, this is a serious reason to see a doctor.

Lower back pain

Many women who are expecting a baby experience lower back pain.

Back pain in early pregnancy can be both a natural physiological phenomenon and a sign of pathology. Normally, a woman may experience mild discomfort in the lower back, which is due to softening of the ligaments and relaxation of the muscles. In addition, discomfort can occur due to a shift in the center of gravity.

The most common causes of pathological lower back pain in the first trimester include the threat of abortion and infectious diseases of the urinary system.

Be sure to consult a doctor if you have noted any violation of urination and fever. Pain in the back and lower abdomen, especially accompanied by uterine bleeding, indicates a miscarriage.

Allocations

Normally, the discharge should not have a specific smell and color.

If you notice that they have acquired a greenish or yellow tint, have begun to smell unpleasant, or have changed consistency, be sure to consult a doctor. These signs may indicate an infectious process, and timely treatment will help prevent dangerous complications.

Spotting in early pregnancy occurs in 75% of cases and most often indicates natural processes in a woman's body. However, the discharge of blood from the genital tract may also indicate a threat of termination of pregnancy, therefore, if this symptom is present, it is necessary to urgently consult a specialist.

Nausea

Scientists still cannot say for sure why pregnant women develop toxicosis. Most experts are inclined to believe that this condition is due to a sharp change in hormonal levels. As negative predisposing factors, malnutrition, endocrine and neurological pathologies, as well as diseases of the pelvic organs can be called.

Nausea can be aggravated by stress. According to the observations of specialists, this symptom is less often detected in women for whom pregnancy was expected and desired. In addition, physical overwork, lack of sleep and colds can provoke toxicosis. As long as you don't vomit more than three times a day and you're not losing weight, then you don't have to worry.

However, if you are experiencing signs of dehydration, weight loss, or any other symptoms, be sure to contact your OB/GYN.

Do's and Don'ts in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Of course, it is necessary to give up all bad habits and completely eliminate alcohol.

Stick to the principles of fractional nutrition, eating often, but little by little. Even if toxicosis does not allow you to enjoy your favorite dishes, you should never completely refuse food.

Be sure to keep your stool regular. Constipation, which often occurs in pregnant women, can provoke intoxication. Try to get enough sleep, rest more and be less nervous.

You should not completely abandon physical activity, but you should definitely discuss the training program with your instructor. There is no need to think that the absence of external signs of pregnancy allows you to engage in the same mode and go for records.

But now you can and should walk. Hiking will help you keep fit and boost your immune system.

Take folic acid, which helps prevent the development of malformations in the unborn child.

Never take any medications without prior approval from your doctor. Many of them can have a negative effect on the embryo.

Remember that you can't take x-rays right now.

Proper nutrition and diets

The body must receive a sufficient amount of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and trace elements. A balanced diet is an important step towards having a healthy baby.

Try to eat a varied diet, including meat and fish, milk and cereals, fruits and vegetables, herbs and nuts on the menu. At the same time, the daily caloric content of the diet should be increased by no more than 100 kilocalories.

The proportion of carbohydrates should be 55%, fats - 30%, proteins - 15%.

The most dense should be breakfast and lunch. They account for 25-30 and 40% of the total daily calorie content, respectively. Lunch is best in the morning (until 13-30). Do not eat after 19:00.

In summer, try to eat more fruits and greens, in winter - vegetables and nuts.

Be sure to include fiber-rich foods in your diet. This will help you normalize intestinal motility and thereby prevent constipation.

Sport

Not all types of physical activity are allowed during pregnancy. At any time will be useful:

swimming (excluding jumping);
yoga. The instructor should choose a suitable set of exercises for you, since you cannot perform some asanas now;
Pilates, which helps strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area and also improves blood circulation;
fitball exercises that help reduce back pain and normalize blood pressure;
special gymnastics, which can be practiced in groups for pregnant women.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, when all the systems and organs of the unborn baby are laid down, fitness should be approached very carefully. The load when performing any type of exercise can be increased a little later, after the symptoms of toxicosis disappear.

attend classes regularly, preferably three times a week;
observe an interval of several hours between the last meal and training;

The amount of vitamin A that enters the body should be strictly controlled, since both a deficiency and an excess of retinol can adversely affect the development of an unborn child. The daily dose should be 3333 IU.

Lutein has a positive effect on the development of the baby's brain.

Rutin strengthens the walls of capillaries, making them elastic, prevents stagnation of blood in the veins and helps reduce swelling of the legs.

Sex

If the pregnancy is proceeding normally, there is no reason to stop intimate relationships. However, in the first trimester, women often have a decrease in libido, which is associated with increased fatigue, mood swings and bouts of nausea (that is, a general malaise, initially provoked by hormonal changes).

Contraindications

smoking, drinking alcohol;
serious physical activity, active sports;
overwork, stress;
medicines (they can be taken only as directed by a doctor);
x-ray studies.

The 1st trimester of pregnancy is the initial, but very important stage of pregnancy, during which the formation of all organs and systems in the unborn baby takes place.
The first trimester is also quite difficult for mom, since right now she will have to face most of the difficulties of the entire pregnant period.

1st trimester of pregnancy: how many weeks is it, when does it end

The answer to this riddle is simple - the first month of pregnancy in medical practice lasts 6, not 4 calendar weeks, since those 14 days from the start of the last menstruation, when the egg was preparing for fertilization, are also taken into account. This is the period when your unborn baby makes a serious "journey" through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus, which will become his home for the next nine months.

First trimester of pregnancy: what happens

Almost constant companions of all mothers in the first weeks are:

impassable fatigue
nausea
headache and fainting
drowsiness
depression and irritability
thrush

What happens to the child:
In the first three months, the embryo actively develops. On the fifth week, serious processes take place in his body to lay important organs: the liver, kidneys and digestive system. At the sixth week, the baby completes the formation of the heart, which from that moment begins to contract. By the 12th week, the embryo is already completely similar to a little man - its height is 5-6 cm, and its weight is 9-14 g.

Nutrition during pregnancy 1st trimester

The diet and diet in the early stages is best chosen from your individual preferences, especially when toxicosis is raging and all foods in the eyes of a pregnant woman are divided into two categories - it is impossible to eat and acceptable. Fractional nutrition will help to fight this problem - a little bit, but often.

What is useful to eat and drink: boiled meat and fish, vegetable soups, fruits and vegetables in any form, dairy products. You need to give up everything fried, spicy and sour, although it is better to leave pickled cucumber or sauerkraut on the menu - they cause appetite and help smooth out the symptoms of toxicosis.

A healthy first trimester menu should include the following dishes:

Bran flakes, muesli and cereals;
Vegetable soups with light broth and stews;
Salads from vegetables and fruits;
Meat and fish steam cutlets, casseroles
Milk puddings

Tests for pregnant women in the first trimester

The list of mandatory tests and examinations includes:

blood for HIV / AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, TORCH infections, hepatitis B and C, group and Rh factor, hemoglobin;
general urine analysis;
a smear on the microflora from the vagina;
heart electrocardiogram.

Discharge during pregnancy in the first trimester

Very often, in the first three months, expectant mothers have vaginal discharge of a different nature and shade. Mucus discharge of a whitish hue, which is aggravated by the influence of the pregnancy hormone - progesterone, is considered the norm.

You should urgently consult a doctor if:

Dark yellow, yellow, yellowish or brown discharge. They may indicate the presence of a sexual infection or the fading of the fetus.
White discharge of curdled consistency. They are a sign of thrush, which can cause pathology in the fetus.
Spotting or spotting, which may be a sign of a miscarriage.

Sex in the first trimester of pregnancy

But at this stage, the opponents of sex are often women who, against the background of a hormonal surge and constant malaise, no longer want to have an intimate relationship. This problem can only be solved on an individual basis. Psychologists recommend that caring daddies do not despair and wait a little - when the expectant mother "gets used" to pregnancy, she will definitely remember her husband, who needs her affection.

Sports during pregnancy first trimester

Of course, you should give up training with increased physical activity, active running and rocking the press. But cycling, swimming, yoga or gymnastics - these activities will even be useful for the expectant mother.

First trimester of pregnancy: do's and don'ts

Categorical "no" first trimester:

alcohol, cigarettes, coffee and soda;
prolonged exposure to the sun;
physical exercise;
stress;
toxic substances;
medicines without a doctor's prescription.

tranquility,
complete rest,
outdoor walks,
sleep and healthy eating.

Pregnancy 1st trimester: what you need to know

At this stage, it is not necessary to give up work and travel, if they are planned. With good health and the absence of medical contraindications, flights by plane are allowed, so you can safely go to hot countries - this will not harm either the baby or the mother.

It is important to remember that during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, any colds and medications are dangerous. Even with a banal runny nose, you should immediately visit a gynecologist and get qualified recommendations without self-medicating with the use of even those drugs that are sold without a prescription.

The rules of the first trimester: calmness and following all the recommendations of the gynecologist, proper rest and sleep, elimination of stress and overwork, healthy nutrition and a full drinking regimen.

And do not forget, bearing a child is not a disease that needs to be treated, but a wonderful condition given to a woman by nature. Enjoy it, and then the pregnancy will pass for you as one happy moment.

It is widely believed that it is imperative to take vitamins for pregnant women in the 1st trimester, because a growing child needs a lot of useful substances for full formation and development. This information has long been perceived as an unconditional truth. However, are vitamins so harmless?

A pregnant woman needs an increased intake of nutrients into the body, since the baby takes most of the trace elements and minerals. To make up for the deficiency, you need to take vitamins. It is desirable to ensure their intake from food. But it is not always possible to establish good nutrition. In this article, we will tell you which vitamins are necessary and how to choose the “right” vitamin complexes.

If we take into account the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the question of whether vitamins are needed for the first trimester of pregnancy can have two radically different answers. The question of the need to take multivitamin complexes is decided individually in each case, based on data on the state of health, the results of laboratory tests, as well as on the usefulness of the diet of a pregnant woman.

With insufficient intake of nutrients from the food of the expectant mother, you should enrich your daily diet with fresh vegetables and fruits, meat and dairy products, or start using vitamin preparations.

There are such minerals and vitamins for pregnant women that absolutely everyone needs in the 1st trimester:

The rest of the vitamins should be taken only as directed by a doctor.

What is the body's need for additional vitamins during this period?

During the bearing of a child, serious changes occur in the body of a woman. The formation and growth of the fetus requires significant costs from the mother's body. To replenish resources, it is necessary to ensure the intake of nutrients from food. In the absence of good nutrition, it is recommended to take vitamins and mineral complexes for pregnant women in the first trimester, which will maintain the condition of the woman and take part in laying the baby's organs.

In order to understand what is the need for vitamins during the period of bearing a child, you need to remember some facts:

Regardless of whether there is an intake of nutrients into the female body from the outside, the fetus will still take the amount of vitamins that it needs, using maternal reserves.
The child receives trace elements not from food, but from the organs and tissues of the mother.
With a lack of vitamins, it is the woman who begins to have health problems - teeth are destroyed due to a lack of calcium, fragility of blood vessels occurs with hypovitaminosis C, skin elasticity decreases if there is not enough vitamin E.

Therefore, the use of vitamins is necessary first of all for a pregnant woman, and it is desirable that they come from food.

What can't be done without

Any expectant mother who cares not only about her health, but also about the normal development of the baby, is interested in what vitamins they drink in the first trimester of pregnancy and whether they should be taken at such an early stage. Consider the best vitamins for pregnant women, which doctors advise to use after the onset of conception.

Iodine

Since iodine is heavily excreted from the body during pregnancy, it should be supplied from outside. Its deficiency causes pathologies of intrauterine development of the baby. Iodine is required for the formation of the thyroid gland, and also serves as a means of preventing cretinism that occurs when there is a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

Vitamin E

Thanks to the action of vitamin E, the metabolism in the body of a pregnant woman is normalized. This substance allows you to save pregnancy and reduces the likelihood, in addition, it takes part in the formation.

Doctors recommend drinking vitamin E, along with folic acid, as it is involved in the normal development of the child. At the planning stage, tocopherol allows you to regulate menstruation, and also improves the functioning of the entire reproductive system.

Vitamin A

Taking vitamin A in the first trimester of pregnancy should be strictly prescribed by a doctor, since exceeding the permissible dosage can do more harm than good. In a normal and controlled amount, vitamin A takes part in the formation of the visual analyzer, and also provides skin elasticity.

It is best to get this substance from food than from drugs, however, when using it, it is important to remember that the presence of fats is required for its absorption, since the vitamin belongs to the fat-soluble group.

Folic acid

Perhaps this is the most important vitamin that you should definitely take in the first trimester of pregnancy. B9 plays an important role in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus, participates in hematopoiesis and allows the full laying of the internal organs of the unborn baby to occur.

Obstetrician-gynecologists advise drinking folic acid not only from the first days after conception, but also at the family stage. Moreover, vitamin B9 will be useful not only for the female body, but also for.

A lack of folic acid can lead to the following consequences:

difficulties with maintaining pregnancy;
congenital disorders;
mental retardation;
developmental pathology of the brain and spinal cord.

Vitamin C

The lack of this vitamin in the early period of bearing a child leads to a decrease in the immunity of the mother, which poses a threat to the development of the fetus. It also increases the elasticity of the vascular wall and protects it from fragility.

Vitamin D

Other vitamins

In some situations, in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended to drink a course of B vitamins, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and chromium. However, such a decision should be made only by a doctor if it is necessary to strengthen the mother's body and create favorable conditions for the formation of the organ systems of the unborn baby.

Overview of the most popular vitamins

There is a list of the best vitamins for pregnant women. The choice is based on the correctness of the composition specifically for expectant mothers, as well as on the positive feedback from patients.

Popular multivitamins for pregnant women:

Elevit Pronatal. The complex contains 12 vitamins and 7 minerals. It contains folic acid and iron in the required concentration, so you do not need to take them additionally. However, iodine is absent in the composition. Multivitamins are recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers. More about the drug
Alphabet for pregnant women. The drug is presented in the form of colored tablets, the color of which depends on the content of a particular element. The complex contains vitamins, as well as iodine, iron and calcium compounds.
Materna. Contains 10 vitamins. In addition to them, the drug contains folic acid and iodine in a concentration that covers the daily requirement of the body of a pregnant woman in these trace elements.
Pregnacare. The complex includes 11 vitamins and 5 trace elements, including folic acid and iron. However, the iron content is not enough, so it should be taken separately, like iodine, which is not included in the composition.

It is difficult to decide on the best vitamins for pregnant women in the 1st trimester, because the choice depends not only on the composition, the price also plays an important role. Listen to your doctor's advice and choose the remedies that he recommends to you.

What foods contain vitamins necessary for the first trimester of pregnancy

With good nutrition, you can replenish the daily intake of vitamins without the use of additional drugs.

What vitamins do foods contain:

vitamin A - butter, liver, egg yolk, carrots, spinach, green onions;
vitamin C - rose hips, cranberries, currants, citrus fruits, sea buckthorn;
vitamin D - chicken eggs, cottage cheese, cheese, seafood, butter;
vitamin E - nuts, cereals, legumes, sunflower seeds, broccoli, spinach;
vitamin B 1 - liver, wheat bran, oatmeal;
vitamin B 2 - white cabbage, peas, almonds, tomatoes, beans, veal, liver, egg yolk;
vitamin B 6 - bananas, pork, carrots, wheat bran, beans, cabbage;
vitamin B 12 - dairy products, liver, chicken eggs, greens.

Dosage and instructions

A woman should receive the following amount of vitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy:

vitamin A - 800 mcg;
vitamin C - 70 mg;
vitamin E - 10 mg;
vitamin D - 10 mg;
vitamin K - 65 mcg;
vitamin B 1 - 1.5 mg;
riboflavin (B 2) - 1.6 mg;
pyridoxine (B 6) - 2.2 mg;
cyanocobalamin (B 12) - 2.2 mcg;
folic acid - 400 mcg.

Vitamins needed in the first trimester of pregnancy should be taken according to the instructions in compliance with the recommended dose once or twice a day throughout the course.

Is there a danger in taking vitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Very good , if useful substances enter the body of the expectant mother from food, since the use of multivitamin complexes at an early stage of pregnancy is not always justified, and in some cases may pose some danger. If there is a need to drink vitamins, then carefully read the composition before buying and give preference to products of well-known pharmaceutical companies, so you will reduce the likelihood of impurities of various substances in preparations.

Toward the end of the first trimester, the formation of a child's place begins, and the placenta is finally formed at week 16. It is this organ that is a kind of filter that does not allow harmful substances to pass through the bloodstream to the child or reduces their concentration. Therefore, at the beginning of pregnancy, without indications, you do not need to take vitamins of industrial production, it is better to give preference to fresh vegetables and fruits.

What threatens an overabundance of vitamins?

There is evidence that taking vitamins in the 1st trimester of pregnancy can cause premature aging of the placenta. This applies specifically to multivitamin complexes. Therefore, some doctors advise to abandon even special prenatal vitamins and pay attention to the diet, try to ensure the intake of the necessary trace elements from food.

But this statement does not apply to some vitamins. Folic acid should be taken from the first days of pregnancy, as well as at the planning stage. The same applies to vitamin E: when taking it in the first trimester of pregnancy, you must follow the daily dosage and follow all the doctor's recommendations.

A rare but possible consequence of an overabundance of vitamins is hypervitaminosis. For example, with an increase in the daily intake of vitamin A, destruction of bone tissue and cartilage, osteoporosis, and the formation of calcifications in internal organs occur.

Reception of various vitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy should be carried out only after consulting a doctor. Exceeding the dosage can also lead to pathological conditions, contrary to the popular belief that only a lack of vitamins in the diet is dangerous.