First trimester of pregnancy- a wonderful time, but be prepared for the fact that it is at this stage that the woman will face most of the difficulties and problems that she is destined to face throughout her pregnancy.
The early period of pregnancy is different for all women. Naturally, you will not have regular periods, but you may continue to have light spotting during the first trimester. It is they who often obscure the picture so much that some women do not realize that they are pregnant for three months or so. About seven days after fertilization, so-called implantation bleeding may begin. This is a physiological vaginal discharge associated with the formation of new blood vessels. However, they are quite rare.
You may also find that you urinate more often. First, the enlarging uterus puts pressure on the bladder. Secondly, due to all the hormonal changes you are experiencing, such as a sharp increase in progesterone levels in the blood, you will consume and excrete more fluid.
Most women notice a change in the shape of the breasts and the appearance of new sensations in them: the breasts swell, they may feel tingling, throbbing or pain. This is due to the development of the mammary glands. Blood flow to the chest increases, and veins become more clearly visible. The nipples swell and rise, the areola (the area around the nipples) darkens and expands. In some women, increased sensitivity and soreness of the nipples appears already at the beginning of pregnancy.
Another typical symptom for this period is fatigue. It appears after the date of the first missed menstruation and usually disappears in the fourteenth to twentieth week of pregnancy. There is a very simple remedy for this ailment: sleep more! If you're at home, take a nap after lunch. If you work, make time for sleep after work. Try to get help with housekeeping. During the first trimester, the optimal duration of sleep at night is approximately ten hours.
Another consequence of increased progesterone levels is frequent pre-fainting and constipation. The weakness is due to the fact that under the influence of progesterone, the smooth muscles of the blood vessels are stretched, which causes stagnation of blood in the legs. In addition to this, blood flow to the uterus increases. This can cause low blood pressure and lead to fainting. They can be triggered by long periods of standing or sitting. For prevention, it is recommended to lie down or perform exercises aimed at increasing blood circulation.
Constipation is caused by progesterone relaxing the smooth muscles of the small and large intestines, slowing down the digestive process. To prevent them, include more liquid (about 6-8 glasses a day) and fiber in your diet and exclude fatty foods and rare meats. Plum juice can work wonders. Walking and light exercise also help. And finally, you shouldn’t waste all your vital energy trying to make a bowel movement. If you are sitting on the toilet and nothing is working, get up! If you sit for a long time, strain, push, God forbid, you will get hemorrhoids. Make it a habit not to rush to empty your bowels as soon as you feel the urge: go to the toilet only when you can no longer hold back. (However, many pregnant women still get hemorrhoids - as a result of hormonal changes and due to an enlarged uterus, which puts pressure on the pelvic veins.) You can ask your doctor to prescribe some medications for constipation - it is possible that they will help. Some doctors advise spending ten minutes in the toilet after each meal. Eating food stimulates the stomach, which, in turn, passes the baton to the intestines, and your body learns to empty the intestines at a certain time every day. This is called the gastrocolic reflex. Finally, you can develop a special diet that includes more fruits, fiber, fluids and less milk, calcium and simple sugars.
What other troubles can happen to you in the early stages of pregnancy? Fungal infections, as well as pain in the sacral region - if the enlarging uterus presses on the sciatic nerve.
At the beginning of pregnancy, women are often plagued by a feeling of lightheadedness and vomiting. In the first trimester, 60-80% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness. You should know: morning sickness, which begins, as it should, in the morning, in the first weeks of pregnancy often continues 24 hours a day. You can try to beat it by eating crackers or drinking juice.
In more severe cases, nausea and vomiting begin six to eight weeks after the last menstrual period and continue with increasing intensity until about the end of the fourteenth week, and then either disappear or lessen. However, these phenomena sometimes extend into the second trimester.
Some of the symptoms that accompany morning sickness include an aversion to certain types of food and smells that previously did not bother you, such as cigarette smoke, coffee, meat, and sometimes salad! Just the sight of such food can cause an attack of lightheadedness. Some women give up everything except one type of food, such as grapefruit, yogurt or crackers.
Nausea is caused by hormonal changes, which somehow affect the stomach lining and acidity levels. With an empty stomach, the feeling of nausea intensifies. To kill it, you need to let your stomach work, i.e. digest something. Sometimes nausea is caused by low blood sugar. If you have diabetes, nausea may be a warning sign, so your blood sugar levels should be kept at your highest level anyway.
Constant nausea accompanied by vomiting is dangerous because it can lead to insufficient intake of nutrients and dehydration of the body. Try to drink more - little by little, but often. Drink fruit juices and, of course, water (drinking milk at this stage is not at all necessary). Cheese, yogurt and calcium-containing foods are highly recommended. If you are vomiting more than three times a day, visit your doctor to make sure you are not dehydrated. Most women have enough “reserves” in the body to support the nutrition of the embryo, despite any nausea. Surprisingly, statistics show that pregnancy accompanied by morning sickness is more favorable than without nausea. Maybe this observation will console you during your next bout of morning vomiting.
Finally, just because you are early in pregnancy does not prevent you from getting the stomach flu or other non-pregnancy related illness that causes nausea. If nausea becomes unbearable, be sure to exclude this type of diagnosis.
During pregnancy, it is extremely important to eat right. It is best to take a referral to a nutritionist and work with him to develop your daily diet. Or make a separate appointment with your doctor or obstetrician to find a diet that suits your needs. You may ask, “Why not just look at a pregnancy book and borrow a standard diet?” The answer is simple: not every pregnancy turns out to be “standard”. Feelings associated with pregnancy, health status, and lifestyle are individual for each woman. Consequently, the optimal diet cannot be the same for everyone.
The main flaw of most modern nutrition systems for pregnant women is that they make too many demands. They are too categorical and peremptory for an ordinary pregnant woman - working, stressed, suffering from bouts of nausea - to follow them. One of my friends, being pregnant, shared with me her great happiness: it turns out that she can drink a cup of real coffee in the morning! She, you see, “read somewhere” that caffeine, even in an insignificant amount, can cause abnormalities in the development of the fetus. However, her doctor assured her that for her personally, a working woman who has to get up early every day, struggle with transportation problems, and fatigue, a morning cup of coffee would not harm her at all. On the other hand, coffee may not be suitable for any other woman who is more sensitive to caffeine.
Another common point of most recommendations is “no sandwich food and only organic products.” However, “nothing human is alien” to modern pregnant women. Indulging in the occasional hamburger, candy bar, or bag of potato chips will not cause problems with fetal development. If, stuck in a traffic jam for hours, you munch on something - even if it’s not a sandwich with country chicken fed with natural, organic products - it’s still better than nothing. Let's not forget that most workplaces are completely unsuitable for pregnant women. You can be busy all day, and your lunch break will only be enough for you to quickly grab something at the diner, and you will have to get out of this situation “with minimal losses” (even McDonald’s has salads!).
What to do with recommendations to drink more milk if you are allergic to dairy products? What if you are a vegetarian (many vegetarians do not eat dairy products or eggs)? What if you have other food allergies, or diabetes, or anemia, or are undergoing a course of treatment that is incompatible with any food products? Weight gain is also highly individual. What if you started struggling with excess weight before pregnancy? Or do you generally have digestive problems?
Summarizing all of the above, it can be argued that nutrition during pregnancy is too serious a problem to be solved with the help of books. Age, weight, previous illnesses, characteristics of pregnancy - the food and vitamin diet of a pregnant woman depends on all this. Additionally, your diet may need to change during pregnancy. So see a nutritionist or obstetrician. And try not to worry!
As for weight - yes, of course, you are eating “for two”, but remember: your baby at birth will hardly weigh more than 4.5 kg (of course, cases of children being born weighing more are known, but this still happens very rarely!). You will need to work with your doctor to develop a realistic meal plan and weight management strategy. Do not consider pregnancy as a reason for a gastronomic binge. Too much weight gain will make it difficult to return to normal after childbirth, and may lead to other problems such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, and may also aggravate problems associated with fluid retention in the body.
Gymnastics and exercise are important, but in moderation. Your doctor or obstetrician will be the best judge of what type of physical activity is right for you. Some women are advised to increase activity and loads, while others will have to reduce them. There are good aerobics programs designed specifically for pregnant women. They target the right muscle groups, and the physical activity is properly balanced. One of the main benefits of body shaping during pregnancy is that it will better prepare you for the physical effort you will face during childbirth. Whatever you choose, it is best to do it under the supervision of a coach or aerobics instructor who will be able to select the right exercises and will not allow you to harm yourself in any way.
If something goes wrong during the first trimester, there are two main scenarios: miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
If you notice one of the symptoms discussed below, call your gynecologist immediately, or better yet, call an ambulance.
Miscarriage can be caused by various reasons. Some studies suggest that about 60% of all first trimester miscarriages are due to genetic abnormalities. In this way, your own body engages in “genetic engineering”, getting rid of the malformed embryo. More than 90% of women who have had a single miscarriage go on to give birth safely. My own professional experience shows that a miscarriage in the first trimester is diagnosed precisely as a complication of pregnancy, but not at all as an indicator of infertility. You should wait three to six months before trying to get pregnant again.
The risk of miscarriage increases with the age of the pregnant woman. In women under 30 years of age it is 10%, after 45 it increases to 50%. After two miscarriages, it is better to stop trying to get pregnant and undergo diagnostic tests to understand what is causing the miscarriage. Possible causes of miscarriage at this stage include hormonal deficiency that interferes with the development of the fetus, abnormalities in the structure of the uterus, genetic disorders, and Rh conflict. However, the reasons often remain unknown, and the woman safely carries her third pregnancy. After two miscarriages, there is a 70% chance that the third pregnancy will pass without pathologies.
It is very important that women are aware of the fairly high probability of miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy, are prepared for it and do not panic. Only a small number of women experience miscarriages; If you have had one miscarriage, the likelihood that your next pregnancy will be successful is very high.
The main symptom of a threatened miscarriage is bleeding. However, it is important to remember that not every bleeding indicates a threat of miscarriage. However, although some spotting in early pregnancy is quite common, it is still not normal. Severe bleeding requiring frequent changes of pads for heavy flow should be reported to your doctor immediately. Bleeding, as a rule, is accompanied by other symptoms: colic, abdominal pain, fever, weakness, and sometimes vomiting. There may be clots in the blood. You may also notice an unusual odor. Other types of bleeding are possible: brown immediate or continuous vaginal discharge, or minor bleeding accompanied by sharp pain in the abdomen or shoulders. Finally, if minor bleeding does not stop for more than three days, it is a bad symptom.
Heavy bleeding and colic between the end of the second and the end of the third month are classic symptoms of threatened miscarriage. Sharp pain in the abdomen, not accompanied by bleeding, is also an alarming signal. Bleeding can be so intense that you have to change several pads within an hour, or it can be “bearable” - as during heavy menstrual bleeding. Thick discharge may appear - dark red clots that look like small pieces of raw beef liver. Sometimes there is gray or pink discharge. In the first trimester, the threat of miscarriage may also be indicated by constant minor bleeding or not very severe abdominal pain.
In the hospital, the doctor will be able to tell whether there is really a threat of miscarriage, and if so, how far the process has gone. He will perform a careful examination of the abdominal organs and may prescribe an ultrasound.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fetus does not implant in the uterine cavity, but begins to develop in the fallopian tube. It is very dangerous. If a pipe ruptures, life may be threatened. The classic symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are severe pain in the abdomen or side. The pain may start as a dull pain and become increasingly severe. Pain in the neck and shoulders is also common. Along with pain, you may also have menstrual-type bleeding, but pain is the main symptom.
The problem with ectopic pregnancy is that women often do not realize they are pregnant until these symptoms appear. So if you are trying to get pregnant or are simply not using protection, if you experience strange abdominal pain, consult a doctor as soon as possible!
Women who are most at risk of ectopic pregnancy are those who:
An intrauterine device was installed;
Have suffered any infectious diseases of the pelvic organs;
Have had surgery in the abdominal cavity (adhesions can block the tubes and prevent the egg from moving forward);
Already had an ectopic pregnancy;
Became pregnant through medical assistance when gametes or embryos were inserted into the fallopian tubes.
If you experience the symptoms described above or suspect an ectopic pregnancy, immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance. Your doctor will check to see if your blood levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have increased (an increase in hCG levels indicates pregnancy). You will have an ultrasound to check the condition of your uterus and fallopian tubes. If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, immediate surgery will be required. The post-operative recovery period will take at least a week. Women can usually get pregnant normally after this. It's best to wait at least two cycles before trying again. If you only have one fallopian tube, it will recover after surgery and regular ovulation will resume.
If you have opened this article, then you are a happy woman who carries a little creature under her heart. - this is a very important, exciting and full of unique and new sensations period, which doctors divide into three stages, calling them trimesters. Of course, every pregnant woman is interested in questions: what awaits her ahead, what is possible and what is not possible in the first trimester, what changes in the body are normal and what are not. In this article we will try to answer most of these questions.
Let us immediately note that no two pregnancies are the same. Therefore, it will proceed differently for each woman. Judge for yourself - not all women experience even such an obvious sign as lack of menstruation.
From this moment, the embryonic cells already synthesize human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which, carried by the blood throughout the body, gives rise to hormonal changes in the body. 
After this, the placenta begins to form around the embryo - the organ responsible for the growth, development, and safety of the baby.
Immediately after fertilization, the egg turns into a one-cell embryo, which begins to grow continuously. After 1 month, it will already look like a small tube, from one end of which the head will develop, from the other - the tailbone.
Within a month, the embryo will look like a squirrel with a large head. From this moment on, its growth rate increases, and it begins to grow at a rate of 0.3 cm per day. So, in the period from the seventh to the eighth week, its growth doubles.
During this period, the formation of the heart, which has one chamber, the liver, the brain, and the digestive tract ends.
By the end of the trimester, the embryo will be mature. He will form all the organs and systems that will grow and develop in subsequent trimesters, as well as facial features and fingers. Its dimensions are 5-6 cm. He is already starting to learn with his hands and feet. Starting from the eighth week of the obstetric period, the embryo is called a fetus, since it already looks like a little person. The development of the placenta is also completely completed and it is fully functioning.
It is rare when changes in the body do not make themselves felt in any way, and a woman does not feel them. Every pregnant woman will definitely encounter at least one of the problems listed below.
Many people are familiar with perhaps one of the most unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy -. This is a collective name for such manifestations as nausea and aversion to food. Toxicosis is experienced by 60 to 80% of pregnant women.
It can be mild, or it can prevent a woman from getting out of bed for weeks or even months. Its duration also varies, sometimes it can extend to the beginning of the second semester.
The cause of toxicosis is a restructuring of the hormonal system. As soon as it returns to normal, nausea will no longer bother the pregnant woman. 
If toxicosis is very annoying, then you need to contact a gynecologist who will tell you how to alleviate the condition. Acute toxicosis requires observation of the pregnant woman in a hospital.
Due to the rapid growth of the uterus and stretching of its walls, increased blood circulation in it, and displacement of the pelvic organs, pulling below may be observed.
A woman may experience pain similar to menstrual pain at the very beginning of pregnancy - they are one of the characteristic symptoms of pregnancy.
Sometimes pain in the lower abdomen can be observed with toxicosis. This is how an upset intestine will make itself felt. All of the above pains are easily relieved by lying down or taking a warm bath and are not a threat to either the mother or the baby.
Important! You should immediately seek medical help if the pain is accompanied by heavy bleeding, vomiting, fever, extends to the sacrum, leg, increases, and does not go away for a long time. In this case, pregnancy may be suspected.
In addition, during this period, the expectant mother may be bothered by pain in the mammary glands associated with their growth and enlargement; in the head, provoked by hormonal changes and stress.
In this trimester, weight gain will still be insignificant; for many women it will even be very faintly noticeable. However, your breasts will already be engorged. Your appetite may also increase or you may want to eat one particular food.
However, you should not lean on everything your soul desires in the first weeks of pregnancy; you need to know that in order for it to go comfortably and end without problems, you need to gain a maximum of 12-14 kg over the entire period.
Therefore, it is better to refrain from those foods that can give a big increase in weight, and not to overeat at night. When registering at the antenatal clinic, you should ask what products are necessary for a woman and what pregnant women should not eat in the first trimester. 
Another unpleasant companion to the onset of pregnancy is pregnancy, which is characterized by symptoms such as copious white, curd-like vaginal discharge and burning.
It appears due to a sharp decrease in the pregnant woman’s immunity and hormonal changes. Thrush must be treated. When contacting a gynecologist, he will prescribe special suppositories that will not cause harm, but will allow the expectant mother to get rid of the condition that is tormenting her.
Often pregnant women in the early stages complain of problems that have arisen or, conversely, of frequent problems. Such problems appear due to changes in the intestinal microflora. After establishing normal nutrition, they should leave.
Frequent urge to go to the toilet will accompany the pregnant woman throughout her entire pregnancy. This condition is associated with the growth of the uterus, which begins to put pressure on other organs, and on the bladder in particular. 
The general well-being of a pregnant woman may be accompanied by the following manifestations of the body:
Having learned about pregnancy, the expectant mother should seriously reconsider her diet and take a responsible approach to choosing foods. Remember that everything you eat goes to your baby. Therefore, try to protect it from chemical additives, dyes, preservatives, etc.
The gynecologist, who will monitor the progress of pregnancy, will give practical advice to the pregnant woman regarding the preparation of the daily menu.
Without exception, all recommendations state that a pregnant woman must consume vegetables, meat, cereals, dairy and fermented milk products, eggs, vegetable oil, and wholemeal bread. 
To avoid excessive weight gain and at the same time not limit the child’s intake of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, it is necessary to give preference to nutritious foods and eat often, but in small portions.
In the first half of pregnancy, you need to eat at least four times a day; in the future, the number of meals can be increased to five or six.
There are a number of products that are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. These include:
Please note that not all greens and herbs are beneficial for pregnant women. There is a whole list of plants that have an abortifacient effect. Their use by women carrying a baby is strictly prohibited. 
You should eat less flour, fried and fatty foods, and limit your salt intake. Remember that once you have fed your baby, it may be difficult for you to give birth.
However, you should not go to extremes - sit on food or not eat for days on end. By eating right, you will never gain extra pounds.
Important! Poor nutrition can lead to serious consequences, including the loss of a child or his birth with a low birth weight.
We would like to warn against willful purchases at the pharmacy. They should only be recommended by a gynecologist. Usually pregnant women are prescribed medications or complex medications for pregnant women.
If the gynecologist has not identified any contraindications, then a pregnant woman can and even needs to keep her body in good shape with the help of morning water aerobics. Experienced instructors will select a number of exercises that are suitable specifically for pregnant women and will not pose a risk for pregnancy.
It is important to know that if you feel uncomfortable doing any movement during this period, then you should abandon it, no matter how useful it may be. There is also no need to do exercises that involve the stomach, with holding your breath, sudden movements, jumps, body turns, or heavy lifting.
Useful in the pool, exercising, doing stretching exercises, strengthening muscles.
Did you know? The uterus is the only organ in the human body that can greatly increase and then contract to its previous size. During pregnancy, its size increases on average from 7 to 40 cm, volume - from 10 ml to 5 l, and weight - from 0.5 kg to 1-1.5 kg.
Proper physical activity will both improve a woman’s overall well-being and help cope with toxicosis and depression. 
Physical exercise is contraindicated if a pregnant woman has:
Women carrying a child benefit from long (at least two hours a day) walking and climbing stairs.
Many women, and even men, are interested in the question in the first trimester of pregnancy: is it possible and what positions will not harm the baby? We hasten to reassure future parents: if the gynecologist does not identify any contraindications and there is no threat, then making love can and should be done.
However, you should avoid positions in which the penis penetrates deeply into the vagina, as well as rough sex. It is worth avoiding lovemaking on days when a woman has previously begun to experience pain. 
The couple also needs to know that during this period the woman may experience a decrease in libido. But this state will not last long.
In the first trimester, a responsible expectant mother must register with an antenatal clinic. Upon registration, an exchange card will be created in her name, in which the results of all examinations and studies, as well as the complaints of the pregnant woman, will be recorded in the future.
The first tests are taken after the first visit to the gynecologist. To find out the condition of a woman’s body, the doctor will write directions for:
done between the 14th week. Right now it is necessary in order to find out whether the embryo has any defects that are incompatible with life or that threaten disability. The first planned ultrasound examination is carried out using a vaginal sensor. The ultrasound specialist must confirm the presence of an embryo in the uterus, examine the uterus, placenta, and pelvic organs and assess their condition, set the due date and calculate the date of birth.
In addition, he measures the cervical-collar area of the fetus, the dimensions of which at a given period make it possible to determine the presence of possible anomalies in the child’s development.
The most common causes of miscarriages are:The causes of ectopic pregnancy can be:
Pregnancy is an amazing state, because the feeling of how a new life is born and developed in you cannot be compared with anything. Many women have a hard time at the beginning of an important and responsible period of 40 weeks. They experience discomfort and feel bad. However, you need to understand that this condition is temporary. And with competent consultations with a gynecologist and your own efforts in the form of rational, regular exercise, walks in the fresh air, and avoidance of stressful situations, these weeks will fly by quickly.
During this period, the main thing is to get used to your new position and take a responsible approach to your body and spirit, on the condition of which the life of another person directly depends.
The first trimester of pregnancy includes 13 weeks or 3 months (hence the name "trimester"). This stage of bearing an unborn child is extremely important. Right now all the vital organs and systems of the baby are being formed, right now the risk of spontaneous abortion is highest. Let's talk about each of the thirteen weeks of the first trimester of pregnancy.
Obstetricians usually consider the duration of pregnancy from the moment of the last menstrual bleeding. Therefore, the first week of pregnancy, paradoxically, is not yet pregnancy. During menstruation, eggs mature in one of a woman’s ovaries; to be more precise, in most cases it is just one egg, which is actively preparing for fertilization. The female body is extremely complex; it prepares for a possible pregnancy every month. Often it is impossible to determine the exact date of conception, which is why experts calculate the gestational age from the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
Of course, you need to start preparing for pregnancy ahead of time, but if the thought of having a baby came to you only with the onset of your period, then now is the time to start leading a healthy lifestyle and eliminate your bad habits.
Days 8-14 of the menstrual cycle correspond to a pregnancy period of 2 weeks. During this period, the body is actively preparing for the maturation of the egg, which will soon be fertilized. Most often, ovulation occurs at the end of this week. A woman’s feelings are purely individual. Some feel the release of a mature egg with mild painful spasms in the lower abdomen, while other women only note an increase in the intensity of vaginal discharge. At this stage, the uterine walls are prepared for the introduction (implantation) of a fertilized egg.
A woman who is hoping to become pregnant during her current menstrual cycle is now advised to avoid sunbathing, overeating, and excessive physical activity.
At this stage, the pregnancy can be called successful, since ovulation has occurred and the sperm has fertilized the egg. Now the future embryo is a microscopic lump of cells that moves along the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity. As soon as this accumulation of cells enters the uterine cavity, it will immediately attach to its wall. This moment is called implantation of the fertilized egg. From this time on, the placenta begins its formation - the most important component of any pregnancy.
There are no delays in the next menstruation yet, so a woman may not even suspect what colossal changes are taking place in her body. Her health remains unchanged. At this stage, it is recommended to lead as calm a lifestyle as possible, since the risk of “launching” a new menstrual cycle is too great.
It is during this week that a woman may suspect pregnancy. On the day when your next menstruation is expected, slight bleeding from the vagina is possible. Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) can already detect the presence of pregnancy. The unborn child is a small black speck, which is several millimeters in diameter. Scientifically, this is called a fetal sac. Ultrasound at this stage of pregnancy records dilated uterine vessels. This is an absolutely normal phenomenon.
A woman can take a home pregnancy test on the first day of her missed period. In most cases, when using a qualitative test, pregnancy is diagnosed.
During this period, it is important to relax as much as possible and not allow possible stressful situations to affect the course of pregnancy.
From the fifth week from the beginning of the last menstruation, the second month of pregnancy begins. From this moment on, doctors officially call the unborn child a proud name - an embryo. In the fifth week, many women go for an ultrasound, although it is not mandatory at this time. The main purpose of an ultrasound examination at this stage is to confirm the presence of pregnancy in the uterine cavity. Now the embryo has grown enough compared to the previous week and it will be quite easy to detect it using an ultrasound machine. The embryo has an elongated oval shape with both head and tail. This week, the main vital organ of the future baby - his heart - begins to actively form and develop. Now the embryonic heart is not at all similar to the heart of an adult; it consists of two channels that are capable of contracting. These channels are called heart tubes.
For a pregnant woman, the fifth week of pregnancy is often marked by a deterioration in health. She may experience attacks of irresistible fatigue and drowsiness. Nausea and even vomiting will likely occur.
At this stage of pregnancy, the embryo is similar in size to a small pea. An ultrasound at the sixth week can most accurately determine the gestational age and date of birth of the baby. The uterus begins to increase in size, but visually this will not be noticeable for a long time.
The embryo's heart is already beginning to beat. Heartbeats can be recorded using an ultrasound examination. Now the embryo begins the stage of active formation of the brain and kidneys. The nervous system of the embryo develops at a rapid pace. The neural tube of the embryo closes. The prototype of the unborn child's eyes is already ready and consists of two small depressions on his face. Also, the fetal ears become more similar to the ears of a newborn.
The pregnant woman's body begins to fully sense the presence of pregnancy. From this week, most women begin to experience toxicosis, which will last until the placenta is fully formed, and this is approximately the 12th week of pregnancy. Many women notice a change in the color of their halos; they become darker. This is fine. It is recommended not to load the stomach with heavy food, and in cases of nausea and vomiting, drink as much liquid as possible, preferably mineral water. This prevents the pregnant woman from becoming dehydrated.
This week begins with the beginning of the formation of the so-called mucous plug, which throughout pregnancy prevents infection from entering the uterine cavity. On the eve of childbirth, this same plug begins to gradually leave the woman’s body, this can be considered one of the signs of the imminent onset of labor.
At this stage, the embryo already weighs 5-6 grams, and its coccygeal-parietal size is from one and a half to two centimeters. The liver begins to form special grooves along which bile will move. The formation of the large intestine has completely finished. The endocrine glands of the unborn baby continue to actively develop.
The pregnant woman's uterus has become significantly larger than it was before pregnancy, but this fact is not yet noticeable to others. Due to the fact that the muscular layer of the uterus is constantly under tension, it is quite possible that a pregnant woman will feel some discomfort in the lower abdomen and lumbar region. If the pain is not systematic, but periodic, and there is no bleeding from the vagina, then there is no reason to worry.
End of the second month of pregnancy. Now the unborn baby looks more and more like a person, and not like an embryo. Most of the vital organs of the fetus have already completed their formation by this stage of pregnancy and continue their active growth and development. The eyes of the fetus are covered with a thin film - the prototype of the eyelids. The eighth week of pregnancy forms the phalanges of the bones of the baby’s fingers, every day they become stronger and stronger. The feet and palms of the fetus acquire primitive sweat glands, which over time will become the same as those of adults.
An ultrasound done at this stage is already able to record clear movements of the fetal limbs. The brain is developing and improving every minute. Olfactory receptors are formed in the nasal passages.
In a female fetus, this week the ovaries begin to form, and in them - eggs, which in the future will play a responsible role - procreation.
The uterine cavity of a pregnant woman quickly increases in size, so the woman may feel periodic contractions. At the end of the current week, the bottom of the uterus will be at the level of the upper part of the pubis.
Sudden bleeding is a serious reason to immediately contact a specialist.
At the ninth week of pregnancy, the fetus already weighs 15 grams and its size is about three centimeters. At this stage, the cerebellum is formed in the fetal brain; it is this cerebellum that will act as the coordinator of the child’s movements in the future. The improvement of internal organs, parts of the brain and the central nervous system continues.
The fetal head begins to shrink somewhat in relation to the size of the body. The cervical vertebrae become longer. The spine straightens, and the vestigial tail turns into a tailbone. The fetal eyes are still closed; they will open closer to the 29th week of pregnancy. Now I'm getting earlobes for my fetus' ears.
The liver is developing. It is this organ that performs a very important function during the child’s intrauterine life—hematopoiesis. The fetal blood is saturated with lymphocytes - cells that are responsible for immunity.
In the ninth week, the pregnant woman continues to feel very tired and often falls asleep. The uterus has grown to the size of a grapefruit. The chest swells and when touched, noticeable discomfort appears. It is recommended to avoid clothing that restricts movement, as well as synthetic underwear.
The most critical and dangerous weeks of pregnancy are already behind us. The rest of the time remaining before birth, the fetus will actively develop and improve. All internal organs of the unborn child have already completed their formation.
The thyroid gland of the fetus is gradually included in the work of the entire small organism, and iodine begins to be deposited in it. At this stage, the formation of the fetal immune and lymphatic systems begins. At the tenth week of pregnancy, baby teeth are already developing in the fetal gums.
In boys, the testicles already produce some testosterone.
The fetal heart has already finished forming, now it is actively working, making up to 150 beats per minute. The intestines, rectum, bile ducts, and the oral cavity have also completed their development. However, the liver is still being improved. The baby's stomach is already able to absorb glucose.
From this week the pregnant woman begins to gain weight. This is an inevitable process, so you should not be afraid of it. During pregnancy, weight loss diets are absolutely contraindicated. If everything increases too quickly, then you can arrange a fasting day once a week, during which you will need to eliminate sugar, flour and salty foods.
Many pregnant women are faced with the fact that by the beginning of the tenth week, age spots appear on the skin. This is due to hormonal surges. After childbirth, skin pigmentation will disappear within a few months.
The baby is about the size of a lemon. He is growing and developing his skills very quickly.
The placenta has many vessels that provide the fetus with nutrition and oxygen. The iris of the child’s eyes begins to develop. A little more time will pass and it will become clear what color the baby’s eyes will be.
At this stage, the child is perfectly protected from various types of infections. With the exception of a disease such as rubella. A pregnant woman needs to be extremely careful, since rubella can cause abnormalities in the development of an already formed fetus.
The fetal kidneys begin to work fully. With the help of the placenta, they remove urine secretions, which are formed as a result of ingestion of amniotic fluid.
The pregnant woman finally begins to let go of toxicosis. Now another problem appears - increased sweating. More active work of the sweat glands is associated with the circulation of more blood in the body. Stretch marks may appear on the chest and thighs. Stretch marks will become lighter after childbirth, but they will not go away completely. Therefore, starting this week, in order to reduce the risk of their appearance, use special creams and oils.
This week marks the first mandatory ultrasound examination of the fetus. An ultrasound takes measurements of all the long bones of the fetus, and based on fetometry, the child’s weight is determined. At this stage, the ultrasound specialist determines the most accurate stage of pregnancy, and therefore the expected date of birth. However, the most important thing that attention is paid to during the examination is the width of the collar space, as well as the bones of the child’s nose. The collar space is normally approximately 1-2.3 millimeters. If the value is greater, then there is reason to assume that the fetus has a disorder such as Down syndrome. It is at the twelfth week that this disease is diagnosed, because according to the law, termination of pregnancy for medical reasons is possible only before this period. From now on, this will be called artificial childbirth, which causes more harm to the mother’s psyche than during an abortion.
Of course, although ultrasound is a formally mandatory examination during pregnancy, any pregnant woman has the right to refuse it. However, rumors that ultrasound harms the fetus are nothing more than a myth.
The first third of pregnancy is coming to an end. A calmer period in all respects awaits ahead. This week your baby's ribs begin to form. His head is no longer pressed to his chest, which means that the cervical vertebrae have become much stronger and stronger. From this week, the psycho-emotional development of the fetus develops, it is able to distinguish cold from heat, light from darkness, reacts to loud sounds with restless movements, but the pregnant woman does not yet feel this.
The thyroid gland now produces insulin on its own. In girls, sex cells multiply, and in boys, the prostate gland is already formed.
The pregnant woman feels quite normal, because there is no toxicosis anymore, and her stomach is still small, which makes it possible to lead an active life. From this week, a woman may begin to experience cramps, especially at night. It is recommended to increase foods rich in calcium and potassium in your diet.
The first trimester of pregnancy is one of the important periods for the future baby and mother. During this period of time, fetal development occurs rapidly. The first weeks of pregnancy are of great importance, during which the baby’s internal organs and immune system are formed.
For the convenience of assessing the condition of the fetus and the expectant mother, obstetricians conditionally divide the entire gestation period into trimesters. In total, pregnancy lasts 3 trimesters, in each of which important changes occur. The most responsible are the 1st and 3rd - the beginning and end of the entire period of bearing a baby. According to the observations of specialists, most pathologies and complications of gestation occur during this time.
The expectant mother should be attentive to the condition of her body. Knowing the number of the current gestational week, pregnant women cannot always answer the question of what trimester it is. The first trimester of pregnancy is how many weeks? A similar question can be heard from the lips of a woman carrying her first child. In obstetrics, the first trimester is called weeks from 1st to .
Having learned how long the first trimester lasts by week, women are often interested in the main events of this period. One of the first things to note is the formation and development of the placenta. This unique organ is the link between the maternal body and the fetus. It directly delivers oxygen and nutrients to the baby. The hormonal levels in the female body change, which causes a change in the appearance of the pregnant woman.
The 1st trimester of pregnancy begins from the moment of fertilization. However, in practice, women often cannot say the expected date of their last sexual intercourse. Given this, doctors are forced to start counting from the first day of the last menstruation. In this way, the obstetric period is determined.
The first trimester is the period of fetal formation. It consists of 12 weeks, each of which is characterized by its own changes. Let us highlight the main processes occurring with the future baby at this time:
The early stages of pregnancy are rich in new sensations that a woman has never had to experience before. One of the common symptoms that accompany the first trimester is nausea. It appears towards the end of the second month of gestation and is associated with changes in hormonal levels in the female body. In general, the change in sensations experienced by a woman during the first trimester of pregnancy can be described as follows:
Throughout the first trimester, vaginal discharge has a thick consistency. Due to this, their volume may decrease. This is due to hormonal changes in the female body. The reason for this is progesterone. Under the influence of this hormone, a kind of plug forms in the cervix, as obstetricians call it.
In its consistency, it resembles a clot of mucus that completely covers the entrance to the uterine cavity. In this way, the reproductive system protects the fetus from the possible impact of pathogenic microorganisms penetrating into the vagina from the outside. The release of the mucus plug occurs on the eve of childbirth or during the first stage of delivery.
Every expectant mother should imagine what dangers accompany the first trimester of pregnancy, what you need to know in order to avoid possible complications. With the onset of gestation, a woman is forced not only to change her usual lifestyle, but also to make adjustments to her diet. There are a number of restrictions for pregnant women, neglect of which can lead to disruption of the process of intrauterine development of the fetus.
In order for the first trimester of pregnancy to pass without “incidents,” the expectant mother must lead a healthy lifestyle and follow a number of rules. Doctors recommend that pregnant women take more walks in the fresh air in the early stages. This will help strengthen the immune system and saturate the body with oxygen. It is important to pay special attention to rest. Frequent nausea, vomiting, and headaches leave an imprint on the well-being of a woman who cannot sleep for a long time. It must be remembered that sleep has a positive effect on the nervous system and allows you to quickly restore strength.
For almost the entire 1st trimester, a pregnant woman’s body gradually gets used to its new position. Given this, the expectant mother should be attentive to her well-being. Giving up bad habits is one of the first conditions for a successfully developing pregnancy process. We must also not forget that during the first trimester the pregnant woman’s immunity is weakened, so the risk of infection increases many times over. A cold in the 1st trimester can disrupt the process of fetal formation.
Excessive physical activity and sports training are contraindicated throughout the entire gestation period. However, this does not mean that it is necessary to completely eliminate physical activity. Habitual running and gym classes can be replaced by walking. In this case, you need to be careful when choosing clothes. The belly in the first trimester of pregnancy is almost invisible, but you should not wear clothes with a belt or tight jeans. They will disrupt blood flow in the pelvis.
For the entire first trimester of pregnancy, nutritionists advise completely eliminating fatty and difficult-to-digest foods from the menu. In this case, the basis should be protein foods. If familiar foods provoke attacks of nausea, you can replace them with cottage cheese, chicken eggs, and porridge. Changed hormonal levels often cause constipation, so the menu for the 1st trimester must necessarily contain foods high in fiber:
Meals should be frequent and small. A pregnant woman can safely consume her favorite foods and dishes. However, some need to be limited:
The pharmaceutical market offers a large number of vitamins for expectant mothers. The complex of minerals and vitamins is selected taking into account the gestational age, so before using the drug you should consult your doctor. It must be remembered that the best vitamins for pregnant women, 1st trimester, are those that do not cause side effects and are well tolerated by the expectant mother. Among the most popular:
Almost the entire pregnancy, the first trimester in particular, is accompanied by examinations and tests. These measures allow timely identification of possible deviations, which, in the absence of attention from doctors, can develop into complications and pathologies. The first trimester of pregnancy is the time when a woman becomes registered. In this case, the pregnant woman undergoes the following specialists:
Among the mandatory tests in the first trimester:
Doctors rarely prescribe ultrasound in the early stages. 1st trimester – the period when the fetus is just forming, not all organs and systems are yet functioning. Given this feature, the study is carried out at the end of the first trimester. Ultrasound is part of screening - a comprehensive examination that is aimed at diagnosing pathologies and anomalies of fetal development. It is carried out from the 11th to the 13th week of gestation. The main parameters assessed by ultrasound, their normal values are shown in the table below.
The first trimester of pregnancy is a period during which there is a high risk of developing intrauterine anomalies and developmental pathologies. To diagnose them at an early stage, the concentration of hCG and PAPP-A is determined. Human chorionic gonadotropin reflects the development of pregnancy, and plasma protein A indicates possible genetic diseases. The norm values for these two substances are shown in the table.
The development of pregnancy in the 1st trimester begins from the moment the male and female reproductive cells meet, which leads to the formation of a zygote. The fertilized egg, containing a full set of chromosomes and a supply of nutrients, immediately begins to divide and simultaneously moves through the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity. At 5-6 weeks, the embryo reaches the uterine cavity, where it is implanted into the mucous membrane (endometrium) of the uterus. At the site of attachment, the formation of the placenta begins, a special organ that provides nutrition, respiration and support for the vital functions of the fetus throughout pregnancy.
From the 5th week until the end of the second month of pregnancy, the formation of the primary organs of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems occurs. During this period, the neural tube of the fetus closes and the formation of the nervous system begins. The primary processes of hematopoiesis and blood circulation begin in the vessels. The thyroid gland and genitourinary system develop. The rudiments of limbs and fingers are formed. During this period, the embryo is actively growing. If at 5 weeks its length is 1.5-2.5 mm, then by the end of the 8th week it increases several times to 8-13 mm.
The beginning of the third month is characterized by the development of the brain, bones, limbs and joints. By the end of the 12-13th week, the fetus has already formed all the main internal organs, the basis of the skeleton and partially facial features. He can already make spontaneous movements thanks to the development of the cerebellum. Some organs are already beginning to function - the heart and urinary system.
The 1st trimester of pregnancy can occur in different ways. In most cases, the first weeks are asymptomatic, almost unnoticed by the expectant mother. The first sign of pregnancy is usually a delay in the onset of menstruation. However, even before this, the following symptoms may appear:
Weight in the 1st trimester of pregnancy does not change noticeably, since the size and weight of the fetus is still extremely small. The uterus does not increase significantly. Only very thin women may experience noticeable changes in abdominal volume by the end of the first trimester.
As soon as a woman finds out about her situation, it is better for her to immediately contact a gynecologist. This period is very important and involves certain risks. When you first contact the hospital, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive examination, which is necessary to assess the condition of the expectant mother and fetus, follow-up and eliminate possible risks. First of all, the woman will be asked to undergo laboratory tests. The list of necessary tests in the 1st trimester of pregnancy includes:
An important indicator in the 1st trimester of pregnancy is the TSH level. The secretion of the hormone TSH during different periods of pregnancy has different indicators. In the first trimester, monitoring TSH levels is important, as it takes part in the stimulation of the corpus luteum, the formation of internal organs and systems of the fetus. The TSH norm in the 1st trimester of pregnancy is from 0.1 to 0.4 µMD/ml. With further development of pregnancy, this figure increases.
Another important type of diagnosis and research is pregnancy ultrasound in the 1st trimester. During the entire period, according to the plan, it is necessary to conduct three ultrasound examinations - at the beginning, in the middle and before childbirth. In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, an ultrasound should be done at 11-13 weeks. Ultrasound allows you to clarify the duration of pregnancy, assess the development of the fetus, and examine the chorion, from which the placenta is subsequently formed.
An additional study is screening during pregnancy in the 1st trimester; it is carried out as a complex diagnostic procedure. Screening is mandatory for pregnant women over the age of 35, if there is a threat of spontaneous abortion, with hereditary diseases or occupational risks. Perinatal screening is a complex of instrumental and laboratory tests - ultrasound, biochemical and genetic blood tests. This is the most informative and detailed type of diagnosis, which allows you to identify all risk groups for fetal development. First trimester screening provides the following information:
These and other indicators make it possible to conduct a high-quality detailed assessment of fetal development, identify the presence of abnormalities and promptly prevent their development.
The development of pregnancy in the first trimester can occur with some unpleasant and painful symptoms. Some of them are considered normal, others are an alarming sign that requires special attention and referral to a specialist. The most common ailments include:
Pregnant women, despite all precautions and preventive measures, are not immune from common diseases. And every expectant mother needs to know why certain pathologies in their condition are dangerous, how to avoid diseases and treat them safely for the fetus.
A cold during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is not a critical or extremely dangerous condition, but in such a situation it is important to consider some questions and aspects:
Sore throat during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is a dangerous disease, as it is always associated with an inflammatory and sometimes even purulent process in the throat and larynx. Improper treatment of sore throat can lead to complications and spread of infection to other organs. Self-treatment of the throat during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is not recommended, since it is quite difficult to determine the type of sore throat and select medications without the help of a specialist. How can you treat a sore throat during pregnancy in the 1st trimester? Doctors recommend using drugs to treat sore throat, which have a local antiseptic effect and are not absorbed into the blood. These include:
Some types of sore throat cannot be cured without the use of antibiotics, but this decision must be made by a doctor based on the results of examination and diagnosis. During the 1st trimester of pregnancy, antibiotics are used with caution; the consequences can be extremely undesirable. As an antipyretic during pregnancy in the 1st trimester, you can use Paracetamol and Panadol, as prescribed by a doctor - Nurofen, Ibuprofen.
ARVI during pregnancy in the 1st trimester requires special attention, since viral infections can cause a number of complications. At later stages, the fetus is protected by the placenta, but in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, ARVI is quite dangerous, since the placenta has not yet formed. The decision on how to treat ARVI during pregnancy in the 1st trimester should be made by the doctor. Only a specialist can help you choose effective and safe medications.
Treatment of ARVI during pregnancy in the 1st trimester should be aimed at both combating the viral infection and protecting the fetus from possible negative consequences. Depending on the symptoms of the disease, you can use the remedies given above for runny nose, fever and sore throat. Antibiotics are ineffective against acute respiratory viral infections and influenza; it is necessary to use special medications for treatment. The following can be used as antiviral drugs during pregnancy in the 1st trimester:
Despite the availability of information about medications against influenza during pregnancy in the 1st trimester, you should not self-medicate. ARVI during pregnancy in the 1st trimester can have dangerous consequences. Due to possible oxygen starvation of the fetus, disturbances in its development may occur.
Women suffering from allergic reactions should take into account the fact that the stress on the immune system during pregnancy can lead to new manifestations of allergies. Many antihistamines should not be taken during pregnancy in the 1st trimester due to possible negative effects on the fetus.
If during the 1st trimester of pregnancy the allergy resumes, intensifies, or appears for the first time, you should consult an allergist. As a rule, during this period it is not recommended to take antihistamines of the first (Suprastin, Diazolin, Tavegil) and second (Claritin, Cytrizine, Astemizole). Third generation antiallergic drugs that do not have cardiotoxic effects are suitable for pregnant women. These include Desloratodine, Levocetirizine, Fexofinadine. However, you cannot prescribe such drugs yourself; they can only be taken on the recommendation of a doctor.
Often during the 1st trimester of pregnancy, women develop thrush. This factor is due to hormonal and immune processes occurring in a woman’s body. It is quite difficult to answer the question of how to treat thrush during pregnancy in the 1st trimester without special diagnostics. At a later stage, in the 2-3 trimesters, women can take oral medications for thrush. In the first trimester, treatment is complicated by the fact that the placenta has not yet formed and there is a high risk to the fetus.
Treatment of thrush during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is prescribed by the gynecologist who monitors the woman. As a rule, topical medications are used for therapy to normalize the vaginal microflora. These products include Pimafucin or Clotrimazole suppositories, Natamycin vaginal tablets/suppositories.
Herpes refers to a viral infection. Once a herpes virus infection has entered the bloodstream, it is constantly present in the body, appearing only during periods of exacerbation. Various factors can provoke herpes on the lip during pregnancy in the 1st trimester - hypothermia, emotional or physical stress. Considering the fact that a woman’s immune system is weakened at the initial stage of pregnancy, manifestations of herpes are likely even with a mild cold.
How to treat herpes during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is decided by an immunologist. If it is not possible to contact a specialist, then you can contact a gynecologist or therapist. Treatment of herpes during pregnancy in the 1st trimester includes drugs for external use in the form of ointments (Gerpevir, Zovirax) and in the form of tablets for oral administration. An effective substance against herpes is acyclovir; many drugs have been created on its basis (Acyclovir, Valtrex).
If a woman has herpes that is not sensitive to acyclovir during the 1st trimester of pregnancy, then other antiviral drugs can be used. But their appointment should be made by a specialist, taking into account the state of health and the duration of pregnancy.
During the early stages of pregnancy, it is very important to identify medications that can be taken for various conditions. Many drugs are strictly prohibited in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Antiviral, antibacterial, antipyretic, and antihistamines have already been mentioned. For example, many people wonder how to treat pain during pregnancy in the 1st trimester, or what sedative medications are allowed during this period.
The state of her own health, well-being and development of the unborn child largely depend on the correct balanced nutrition of a pregnant woman. Nutritional features during pregnancy in the 1st trimester are determined by the formation and formation of the internal organs and functional systems of the unborn child, as well as the increased load on the woman’s body. A balanced menu during pregnancy in the 1st trimester should include foods from five groups - proteins, fats, cereals and baked goods, dairy and fermented milk products, vegetables and fruits. In order for the body to receive everything it needs for the development of pregnancy in the 1st trimester, it is important to optimally select the balance of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Recommendations for nutrition in the 1st trimester of pregnancy concern both the composition of the diet and the method of preparing food.
Answering the question of what is possible and what is not possible in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, it is worth noting the following aspects:
For drinks, preference is given to non-carbonated water, green, herbal teas, freshly squeezed juices (in a 50/50 ratio with water). During the 1st trimester of pregnancy, you should exclude coffee, carbonated drinks, factory juices, and kvass. Caffeine is especially dangerous in early pregnancy (it increases the risk of miscarriage), so it is better to avoid any foods and drinks that contain it.
In addition to what you can eat and drink in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, it is important to listen to your body. If you feel disgust towards a certain type of product, you don’t have to force yourself, no matter how healthy it may be.
If the mother is healthy and follows doctors’ recommendations, then the first trimester of pregnancy proceeds without acutely noticeable changes. Minor ailments caused by hormonal changes, implantation and fetal growth are considered normal. However, a woman who wants to maintain a pregnancy and bear a healthy child must constantly monitor her condition and feelings.
The most dangerous risks of the 1st trimester include:
You should immediately consult a doctor if symptoms such as severe cramping pain, serous or bloody discharge, severe weakness and dizziness, significant changes in blood pressure, severe toxicosis, and an increase in body temperature to 37.7 degrees appear. A timely visit to a gynecologist and examination will help eliminate dangerous conditions that, if self-medicated, can lead to serious consequences.
As for normal everyday aspects, pregnant women in the 1st trimester can lead a normal lifestyle if their well-being and health state allows them to do so. Questions related to routine activities and needs often arise:
Attention! This article is posted for informational purposes only and under no circumstances constitutes scientific material or medical advice and should not serve as a substitute for an in-person consultation with a professional physician. For diagnostics, diagnosis and treatment, contact qualified doctors!
Number of reads: 1815 Date of publication: November 29, 2017
