Most important in the first trimester. Nutrition in the first trimester of pregnancy. harmful products for pregnant women

With the onset of pregnancy, a mass of various emotions and experiences falls on a woman. For some, this is a long-awaited event, for others it is unexpected. In any case, the birth of life is a real miracle. Let's figure out how the beginning of gestation proceeds. Important points in the development of the embryo from conception to 13 weeks. Changes in the body, health, behavior of a woman. Potential risks and complications.

Specificity of the first trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy is counted from the beginning of fertilization of the egg and the formation of a zygote until 13 weeks. Doctors start counting from the date of the first day of the last menstruation. The new cell is provided with a set of chromosomes, which stores the genetic information of the parents. At the same moment, the sex of the unborn child is laid: the male is identified by the Y chromosome, in its absence, the female sex develops.

Then the zygote divides, while moving to the uterus, where it joins its wall. At the place of attachment, the placenta will begin to form - an important organ that provides protective functions for the fetus. After that, the foundations of the organs are laid in the embryo. First, it is formed:

  • neural tube;
  • heart;
  • reproductive system.

After that, the brain, face, limbs develop, fingers and toes are separated. Internal organs, circulatory system, skeleton, joints are formed. From the 8th week of development, the embryo is called a fetus. By the end of the first trimester, the baby begins to move, but the mother does not yet feel this, since the baby is too small. Its weight is 7-15 grams, length is 50-60 mm.

The first trimester of pregnancy is considered the most important stage in the development of a new life, since the main organs and systems are laid. The life and full health of the unborn child will depend on how the fetal body is formed in this period.

Conception and the beginning of fetal development

Conception consists of the following stages:

  1. Fertilization. The moment of fusion of the male sperm and the female ovum. Lasts 1-2 days.
  2. The formation of a zygote takes 26-30 hours.
  3. Crushing takes about 3 days.
  4. Zygote implantation to the uterine wall.
  5. Embryo development.

The second and third stages are characterized by the continuous movement of the egg through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. A corpus luteum is formed in the ovary, which carries out protective functions until the placenta is ripe.

During ejaculation, most of the sperm die in the acidic environment of the vagina, others are not able to pass the cervical mucus, and only the most mobile and strongest reach their goal - the eggs.


In the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus makes a huge leap in development: from a small cell it turns into a formed man

Changes in the body, health, mood of a woman in the first trimester of pregnancy

Many women do not even notice that they are pregnant for the first 2-3 weeks. In the meantime, the corpus luteum is already actively producing the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for the development and preservation of the fetus. The hormone affects not only the reproductive function of a woman, but also the entire body. Namely:

  • slightly suppresses the immune system so that there is no rejection of the fetus;
  • promotes enlargement and swelling of the mammary glands;
  • affects metabolism;
  • relaxes the muscles of the intestinal tract.

The body of a woman in the first trimester of pregnancy adapts to the new condition.Blood volume increases, all internal organs work in an enhanced mode. Hormonal changes also affect the well-being of the expectant mother. Most likely, you will have to experience increased fatigue, irritability, apathy, drowsiness, mood swings. Toxicosis is a frequent companion of the beginning of gestation. It is different for every woman. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite - can manifest itself as mild or severe, requiring hospitalization.

The first trimester is characterized by changes in food preferences: increased appetite, thirst, desire to eat dishes that have not been consumed before, combining incompatible foods, etc. The gastrointestinal tract will begin to work more slowly and with malfunctions. Diarrhea or constipation may occur.
To weaken the signs of toxicosis, you need to revise your diet, walk in the fresh air, and positively tune in to pregnancy.

The psycho-emotional state is characterized by instability. A woman becomes more emotional, vulnerable, touchy, tearful.

Registration at the antenatal clinic: tests, examinations, specialists

Ideally, you need to register with the antenatal clinic after establishing the fact of pregnancy. If mom appears at the appointment before 12 weeks, then she is entitled to a one-time benefit in the amount of 628.47 rubles. (from 01.02.2018). The advantages of early registration include the possibility of timely diagnosis of pregnancy, detection of pathologies and taking measures to preserve the child.

As a rule, only registration takes place in the first trimester of pregnancy. For up to 28 weeks, the woman is encouraged to visit the gynecologist once a month. If there were no preparatory measures for conception, then at the first visit, the doctor prescribes examinations and visits to narrow specialists. Of the required tests, you must pass:

  • total blood, urine;
  • vaginal swab;
  • biochemistry;
  • coagulogram (for coagulation);
  • blood for HIV, hepatitis B and C, PW, group, TORCH infections.

At 11-14 weeks, the first ultrasound scan and a blood test for biochemical markers are performed. It is very important to carry out all the studies on time, since there is a certain scheme for identifying pathologies in a specific period. If performed earlier or later, the screening results will be uninformative. If necessary, consultation with a geneticist and additional examinations. From the obligatory specialists you need to go through:

  • therapist;
  • dentist;
  • laura;
  • ophthalmologist.

The therapist and the dentist are passed for the first time when registering, then in the II and III trimesters. Laura and the optometrist visit once if there is no abnormality. If there are diseases, the appropriate doctor will prescribe treatment. It is advisable to visit an endocrinologist, a geneticist, as well as other specialized specialists for whom there are violations or complaints.

What drugs are prescribed before conception and in the first trimester

The diet of the average woman in Russia is extremely poor. During pregnancy, especially in the early stages, the body needs a large supply of vitamins and nutrients. Even at the planning stage, doctors recommend taking folic acid (B9), vitamin E, A, iodine.

Vitamin B9 protects the fetus from possible neural tube defects, E is needed for the placenta, A is necessary for bone tissue and visual organs, iodine is important for the development of the thyroid gland. B vitamins help relieve the symptoms of toxicosis. If necessary, preparations of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, etc. can be prescribed.

Nutrients are best absorbed from natural products, so it is important to enrich the diet with appropriate dishes. But if the doctor considers it necessary to prescribe synthetic drugs, then you should not neglect the advice. Some foods contain too low a dose of vitamins, and it is not possible to eat the right amount.

The main hazards and risks of the first trimester

The entire first trimester of gestation is a critical period, since connections are established between the mother, placenta and fetus. The early term is a difficult, responsible and dangerous phase in development. Malnutrition, alcohol and tobacco abuse, medication, stress and other moments can negatively affect the course of pregnancy. The main risks of the first trimester are:

  • early toxicosis;
  • spontaneous miscarriage;
  • ectopic pregnancy development;
  • freezing of the fetus;
  • cystic drift.

The manifestations of toxicosis in each woman occur in different ways, but it is observed in 50% of pregnant women. From mild nausea in the morning to vomiting about 20 times a day. If the health of the expectant mother does not suffer greatly, vomiting up to 3-5 times a day, then this condition is treated on an outpatient basis. In this case, a woman is advised to have proper fractional nutrition every 2-3 hours, establish a daily routine (sufficient sleep, eliminate cases of work at night, etc.), avoid nervous tension, and positive emotions.
Moderate and severe toxicosis is fraught with dehydration and requires therapy in a hospital

Spontaneous abortion ends in 15–20% of established pregnancies. If we take into account that miscarriage often occurs at a period of 2-3 weeks, when a woman may not know about the fact of conception, then the percentage will be much higher. The main symptoms of interruption are brown or bloody vaginal discharge of varying intensity and cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Medicine has identified the following main causes of pathology:

  • chromosomal abnormalities;
  • fetal malformations;
  • hormonal changes;
  • infections;
  • unfavorable ecology and others.

An ectopic pregnancy is characterized by the development of the fetus not in the uterus, but in the tube. Pathology occurs in 2% of cases and is extremely dangerous for the health and life of the mother. The ectopic is characterized by bleeding from the genital tract of varying intensity, acute one-sided pain on the right or left of the lower abdomen. The most serious complication is that the rupture of the tube leads to death if surgical care is not provided in a timely manner.

Frozen pregnancy is a small percentage, since in some cases it is the cause of miscarriage. Sometimes a woman is asymptomatic for some time. The fact of fetal death is diagnosed by ultrasound, with the help of a blood test for hCG and other tests.

Bubble drift is a pathology that occurs in about 1% of women, characterized by the fertilization of a defective egg without the presence of chromosomes. The fetus does not develop, and the chorionic villi grow in the form of bubbles. It is more common in adolescence and in women after 35, 40 years. Pathology is diagnosed by ultrasound. Treatment is surgical.

Drugs to reduce the likelihood of early termination of pregnancy

Miscarriage is often characterized by a lack of a hormone - progesterone. In modern medical practice, there are two drugs for treating the threat of interruption:

  • Duphaston;
  • Utrozhestan.

Only a gynecologist can prescribe the optimal treatment regimen for abortion. Based on the individual clinical picture of gestation, the doctor may recommend the drug up to 16-22 weeks. After the IVF procedure, a medication is also prescribed until the 20th week of pregnancy. Both drugs must be taken continuously. If pills are missed, bleeding and miscarriage may begin. Cancellation of the drug occurs gradually. If a decrease in dosage is accompanied by spotting discharge, then the doctor returns the previous treatment regimen.
In each specific case, only a gynecologist is able to determine which of the drugs Duphaston or Utrozhestan will be effective

Between the second and third births, I had a miscarriage at 8-9 weeks. This pregnancy was initially accompanied by the risk of miscarriage. The gynecologist prescribed Dufaston on a tablet in the morning and evening. I did not discuss the details of taking the drug with the doctor, so when the pills ran out, and at the same time the money, I did not take the medication for several days. The consequence was severe bleeding with the inability to save the child. As it turned out later, taking such drugs should not be missed a day. After that, the gynecologist forbade getting pregnant for at least a year and prescribed hormonal drugs for therapeutic purposes. Unfortunately, sometimes experience comes at a price. After a year and a half, I got pregnant again and again the threat. History repeated itself, with the exception that the appointed Dufaston was taken clearly on schedule without misses until 22 weeks. The pregnancy ended with the birth of a healthy girl.

To reduce the risk of complications in early pregnancy, you need to follow simple rules:

  1. Correct the daily routine. The night's sleep should be at least 8 hours. If possible, it is useful to arrange a day's rest for 1-2 hours. Introduce daily outdoor walks for at least an hour.
  2. Optimal physical activity. It is better to eliminate strength exercises, running, jumping, lifting weights, swinging the press.
  3. Remove heavy fatty, fried foods, spices, alcohol, soda and other unhealthy foods from the menu. Organize meals based on the principles of balance, correctness, and usefulness. Take vitamin complexes as directed by a doctor.
  4. Be especially careful during the season of colds and infections. Do not visit crowded places. Banal ARVI or ARI can unpredictably affect the course of pregnancy, up to the death of the fetus.
  5. Adhere to a stable psycho-emotional state, avoid stress. Try to experience more positive feelings, do what you love.
  6. In the sexual sphere, take a reasonable approach. If a threat of interruption is diagnosed, then sexual intercourse is prohibited. In cases of a healthy pregnancy, it should be borne in mind that the genitals of a woman during this period are very sensitive to infections and injuries. When abstinence is impossible, then the nature of lovemaking should be changed to calmer ones, with careful observance of the rules of hygiene.

Video: I trimester of pregnancy

The health and full life of the child depends on how a woman prepares for pregnancy and conducts its beginning. The early term is characterized by the formation of important organs and systems. Any unfavorable factors can harm the unborn baby and complicate the period of pregnancy and childbirth. Timely registration in the antenatal clinic, the implementation of medical recommendations, a healthy lifestyle are the basis for joyful motherhood.

From the moment of conception in a woman's body, rapid processes of restructuring and growth begin: having adopted an embryo, the uterus increases in size, its walls are covered with new types of tissues, a placenta is formed, which supplies the baby with nutrition and provides him with protection. A complex process is launched aimed at suppressing the mechanisms of rejection, pregnancy makes changes in the work of all systems.

The beginning of pregnancy


Considering that in most cases the egg is ready for fertilization on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle, and the period of sperm viability lasts up to 5 days, it can be assumed that the difference between the real day of conception and the zero point marked in the exchange card can be from 10 up to 20 days. It turns out that the first two obstetric weeks refer to the period when conception has not yet occurred.

A characteristic sign of pregnancy is the cessation of menstruation, before its expected onset, the woman's sensations differ little from typical premenstrual conditions, which pass without symptoms or are accompanied by mild malaise, pain in the lower abdomen, swelling of the mammary glands, etc.

Pregnancy is detected by a hCG hormone test, which can be done at home using a pharmacy test. A recognizable level of the hormone appears 8-11 days after conception, which corresponds to 3-4 obstetric weeks. To confirm the analysis, you need to contact a medical institution.

The appearance of accompanying signs, as a rule, coincides with the period of delay in menstruation. A pregnant woman may experience nausea, breast tenderness, discoloration of the nipples and colostrum secretion, mood swings, sleep disturbances, decreased performance, slight (up to 37 ° C) fever, heartburn. The woman feels that she is pulling in the lower abdomen, there may be frequent urge to urinate.


What happens in the body of the expectant mother?

The first trimester starts the hormonal change program. The body of a pregnant woman adapts by accepting the embryo and responding to its presence by restructuring processes in the tissues of the uterus. The functional changes occurring during this period, which are associated with preparation for gestation, are manifested with varying intensity at the physiological and psychoemotional level.

In the 1st trimester, pregnancy hormones are produced and the concentration of already existing regulators changes. Such pressure on the endocrine system can provoke adverse reactions. For example, the production of progesterone, aimed at stopping the menstrual cycle and forming the vascular system of the uterus, leads to pressure surges, breast tenderness, and mood swings. The active substances produced in the adrenal glands prevent embryo rejection, weakening the immune system, which leads to the formation of age spots, decreased performance, sleep disturbances, and depression.


The specific pregnancy hormone hCG stimulates hormonal changes and promotes accelerated cell renewal, which has a rejuvenating effect on the woman's body. The scientific picture of changes in the first three months of pregnancy is much more complicated, but the main message is that the feelings of discomfort are natural and temporary, opening up the prospect of a normal pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.

How does the baby develop?

The fertilized egg begins to divide while still in the fallopian tube. A few days after conception, it becomes fixed in the uterus, and there the formation of the placenta begins - a unique multilayered organ through which the fetus will breathe and feed until childbirth.

Various types of cells form the simplest tubular or vesicular connections, the design of which becomes more complicated every day. At the 8th week, when all human anatomical systems are already formed, the embryo turns into a fetus. He already has a cardiovascular, digestive, central and autonomic nervous system, the rudiments of the sense organs, head and limbs are formed.


Modern technologies make it possible to observe the child in real mode, take photographs and take video. By the end of the trimester, the weight of the fetus is no more than 25 g, the height is no more than 9 cm, but it already has a human appearance.

First trimester meals

Dietary correction of the diet is not necessary for all pregnant women, it should be done only in cases where changes in the diet help to remove painful symptoms associated with metabolism, for example, with digestive problems, the presence of a risk of vitamin deficiency, in cases where drug therapy is prescribed.

With the onset of pregnancy, there are more reasons to consider recommendations for a healthy and balanced diet, which relate to the frequency of meals, limiting foods high in sugar, salt and preservatives.

Diet revisions are often due to changes in appetite and cravings or aversion to certain foods. An increased appetite, which is caused by the activation of metabolic processes, will require dietary restrictions only if the risk of morbid obesity is established by a doctor. The dynamics of weight change is strictly individual, one cannot succumb to far-fetched fears of extra pounds, most of which will go away at the same rate after childbirth.


Decreased appetite requires more attention, which may require taking supportive medications. Changes in food preferences are a natural sign of pregnancy - the mechanism of instinctive nutrition begins to work, and gastronomic whims reflect the body's real need for certain substances. If a persistent rejection is developed in relation to meat, milk, vegetables or other products important for a balanced diet, they need to find a replacement that is equivalent in terms of the content of useful components.

Taking medications and vitamins

The choice of vitamins, dietary supplements and even more so drugs should not take place at the pharmacy counter, but in the doctor's office, who is familiar with the history of the pregnant woman and the indicators of her condition. In the first trimester, the following can be assigned:

  • a vitamin complex with macro- and microelements, designed specifically for the early stages;
  • monopreparations - folic acid, iron, calcium and others, depending on the characteristics of the diet of the pregnant woman and the results of laboratory tests;
  • Supplements and vitamins to solve problems without medication or to support the body in cases where drug therapy is unavoidable.


It is the responsibility of the woman to tell her what medications she has been taking and to discuss a plan to stop or replace them with the doctor who will manage the pregnancy. The basis for the use of analgesics, antibiotics and other drugs should be medical prescription. It is necessary to strictly adhere to dosages and use only high-quality pharmaceutical products. If there are doubts about the competence of the observing doctor, you can contact other specialists. Self-medication or neglect of prescriptions can lead to irreversible consequences.

Safe behavior

Individual prohibitions and restrictions regarding lifestyle - regimen, diet, physical and emotional stress, external environment - can be imposed by doctors depending on the state of health and well-being of the pregnant patient.

Universal tips for early terms that will protect against miscarriage and child pathologies:

  • do not smoke, do not consume alcoholic or energy drinks, drugs;
  • do not expose yourself to intense physical overload, do not lift weights;
  • do not take hot baths;
  • avoid hypothermia and infections;
  • eliminate stress factors and get enough sleep;
  • eliminate the risks of food poisoning and allergies;
  • avoid contact with toxins that may be contained in production facilities, building materials, cosmetics.


First trimester difficulties

The risk of losing a baby keeps the pregnant woman in suspense throughout the first trimester. Preventive measures aimed at preventing miscarriage should not be underestimated, but an overestimated sense of responsibility is fraught with stress, which exacerbates the situation and is dangerous for the baby. It is important to know that the vast majority of spontaneous abortions are due to genetic, hormonal and somatic abnormalities that do not depend on the behavior and living conditions of the mother.

Toxicosis (morning sickness, heartburn, change in taste)

The term "toxicosis" means a complex of pathological reactions that occur in the process of hormonal changes, starting from the 5th obstetric week. Most often, this condition is manifested by nausea and vomiting, other symptoms are heartburn, indigestion, dizziness, a change in taste, an increase in the tone of the uterus.

Toxicosis with varying intensity occurs in almost all pregnant women and passes after the 1st trimester, when the formation of the placenta is completed, which takes over specific metabolic processes associated with fetal growth.

Mitigation of symptoms of toxicosis, and above all vomiting, is important not only for well-being, but also for the metabolism necessary for the normal development of the fetus. At the first painful manifestations, it is recommended:

  • do not overwork, devote time to good sleep and rest;
  • more often be in the fresh air and ventilate the premises;
  • remove the factors that provoke nausea - smells, food;
  • eat often and in small portions, give up fatty and fried foods;
  • drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration;
  • find foods that relieve nausea.


Short-term nausea, heartburn, episodic vomiting 1-2 times a day are not considered a pathology if there is a tendency to decrease by the end of the trimester. The degree of pathological toxicosis is determined by the frequency of emetic attacks:

  • up to 5 times a day - vomiting is provoked by unpleasant odors or food intake, with the correction of the diet and regimen, the symptoms soften;
  • up to 10 times a day - there is an average weight loss of 3 kg per week, an increase in heart rate is observed, acetone is released in the urine, the doctor prescribes drug treatment;
  • more than 10 times a day - it may even occur due to simple physical activity, accompanied by an increase in heart rate up to 120, fever and other symptoms of deterioration of health, this condition requires immediate hospitalization.


A toned uterus - a norm or a pathology?

The degree of danger of increased tone (hypertonicity) of the uterus is established by a doctor who finds out why the pathology has arisen and takes comprehensive measures to eliminate its cause. Drug therapy to reduce smooth muscle tension is carried out adequately to the threat, taking into account the risk of developing congenital fetal abnormalities.

Due to disturbances in the production of hormones, structural pathologies of the reproductive organs, as well as as a result of inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, an increased tone of the uterus during pregnancy may occur at any time, 1 trimester is no exception. Hypertonicity of the uterus is also provoked by external factors - overwork, stress, poisoning or a viral disease.

Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen

If the lower abdomen hurts, periodically there is a feeling of heaviness or petrification, tingling in the lower back, it is necessary to correctly assess the degree of threat. The characteristic features of the norm in this case are:

  • the absence of other pathological symptoms, such as bleeding, lumbar pain, vomiting, or fever;
  • lack of clear localization and reduction of pain after relaxation and adoption of a comfortable posture;
  • the occurrence of pulling pains when standing up or walking.


Discharge and bleeding

Bleeding along with severe cramping pain in the pelvic region is the main symptom of spontaneous abortion. The following types of discharge may indicate a threat of miscarriage:

  • profuse bleeding, requiring a quick change of pads;
  • slight bleeding, accompanied by sharp pains in the abdomen, lower back, shoulders, which indicate hypertension;
  • minor blood spots or blood clots that last for several days.

All these cases require immediate medical attention. An alarming signal of inflammatory processes can be discharge with a curdled texture, white, gray or brownish color, which are accompanied by specific odors. The norm are:

  • unusually abundant clear or uniformly white discharge;
  • scanty spotting brownish or pale pink color.


What conditions require medical attention and hospitalization?

A medical emergency call is required if:

  • profuse bleeding;
  • severe spasmodic pains that radiate to the lower abdomen and lower back;
  • acute localized abdominal pain.

Hospitalization during the first trimester is carried out in order to preserve pregnancy, if there is a tone of the uterus with a threat of miscarriage, pathology in the development of the placenta, and severe forms of toxicosis. Inpatient treatment may also be needed for chronic or infectious diseases that can provoke a miscarriage. Early surgical intervention is carried out only in conditions that are extremely dangerous to the health of the mother.

Pregnancy is a joyous event in the life of every woman who wants to have a baby. In addition, this is also a very responsible and difficult period, which can bring not only joy, but also anxiety.

Pregnancy is known to last 9 months or 40 weeks.

For convenience, the division of this entire period into trimesters is accepted, of which there are only three. We publish a convenient table of pregnancy trimesters by week in this article.

You will learn how the weeks and months of pregnancy are divided into trimesters and what to expect from each trimester, all this should be known to any woman preparing to become a mother.

Very often we are asked - "the first, second, third trimester is how many weeks?" let's figure it out in order.

The beginning of pregnancy is counted from the last menstruation.... Thus, it turns out that the first month of pregnancy begins even before conception. What happens in the first trimester of pregnancy:

  • At 1-2 weeks of pregnancy, ovulation and fertilization of the egg occurs. How to calculate this day, read in a separate section.
  • At 3-4 weeks, the egg descends through the fallopian tubes into the uterus and is implanted into its wall.

If everything went well, the fertilized egg is entrenched in the uterus, then the pregnancy develops further.

Therefore, 2-3 weeks of pregnancy are considered an important moment for its further course..

  • In the following weeks, the embryo grows and develops.
  • Important systems of the body begin to form: nervous, bone, muscle.

  • By week 6, the heart, arms and legs are formed.
  • The embryo is about 6 mm long.

  • At 7-8 weeks, the rudiments of the eyes, chest, abdomen appear in the crumbs.
  • The first senses appear.

  • 8-10 weeks - the child has a face, fingers and toes.
  • The fetus begins to move, but the mother does not feel it yet. The embryo is about 12 mm long.

  • By the end of the first trimester, by 13 weeks, the baby's eyelids have formed, the baby's genitals are distinguishable, and the sex of the baby can be determined.

The first trimester lasts three months or 12-13 weeks. This period is very important for the development of the unborn child. Sometimes at this time, an abortion may occur if there are any pathologies of the embryo or abnormalities on the part of the mother's health.

Let's figure it out together: and why is it being done? Is this examination really necessary?

A great device for relieving the load from the back is a bandage, and how are they different?

Therefore, it is very important in the first trimester to lead a healthy lifestyle, get rid of bad habits, exclude the use of drugs and any substances that can harm the health of the future crumbs.

The body of a woman during this period is actively being rebuilt. The hormonal background is changing. Breasts swell, nipples become sensitive. A pregnant woman becomes more emotional: she is quickly irritated or cries.

Frequent urge to use the toilet appears, because the growing uterus presses on the bladder. Toxicosis may begin.

Immunity is reduced so that the mother's body does not reject the embryo. In the first trimester, a woman should be especially careful about her health.

Get more rest, sleep, walk, eat well, avoid overwork and stress. The health of the unborn child depends on the health of the mother.

Duration 2 terms

At 13 weeks, the main organs and systems of the fetus are already formed, and the fetus takes on the appearance of a little man.

Borderline week 28 can be in the second or third trimester. At 28 weeks, the fetus is already mature enough to survive with proper care.

By the fifth month, the fetus has formed the rudiments of teeth, and a downy head grows. Cilia and eyebrows grow, but they are still colorless, the melanin pigment is not yet produced. Individual convolutions appear on the fingers of the pens - prints.

At 6 months (22-25, 26, 27 weeks), the child's bone marrow functions, and the intensive development of the brain continues. The crumbs' nervous system is already quite developed. He hears sounds from outside. Loud sounds scare him, calm music is beneficial.

In the second trimester, at about 18 weeks, a woman first begins to feel the movement of the baby (many already at 16). This period usually proceeds quite well. Toxicosis passes, hormonal changes are completed and with it sudden mood swings and other early troubles.

The woman's belly becomes more and more noticeable and by the end of the sixth month, back pain may occur due to the increased load on the spine. In this case, the doctor may advise you to wear a special bandage.

In the second trimester, it is important to undergo an ultrasound scan in order to assess the development of the child, to identify the existing pathologies.

Choosing a gift for a newborn? Do help you in your work.

All mothers must know: - how many weeks do they do it, and is it really necessary?

3 trimester. Its dangers

The final stage of pregnancy is the last three months or third trimester.

What week does it start with? Usually it is considered from 28 to 40 weeks of gestation.

Starting at 28 weeks, the baby's lungs are so formed that they are able to inhale normal air. The child is asleep and awake, is able to close and open his eyes.

By the end of 32 weeks, the child's weight reaches 2.5 kg, and the length is 45 cm From 33 to 37 weeks, the lungs have fully developed, the skin is smoothed, it becomes pinkish.

Muscle tone increases, the child can raise his head and turn it.

Reacts to bright light.

From 38 weeks, the baby is fully formed and ready for childbirth.

Labor begins at 40 weeks. However, this does not always happen. Sometimes labor activity can begin 1-2 weeks earlier or later than the prescribed period.

Prolonged pregnancy can have unpleasant consequences, so you need to go to the hospital if the deadline has come and there are no contractions.

Termination of pregnancy in this period can occur with some complications, although it is more correct to call it premature birth. After all, a child after 28 weeks is already quite viable, although it requires special care. Complications of pregnancy during this period include:

  • Problems with placental function
  • High blood pressure in a pregnant woman (pre-eclamsia)
  • Abnormalities of the uterus and cervix
  • Bad habits in a pregnant woman

This period is most often the most difficult for the expectant mother. The discomfort from the growing abdomen increases, the internal organs located in the neighborhood are squeezed. In the third trimester, the following problems may arise:

    Is your pregnancy going easy?

    EasilyNot really

  • Difficulty breathing due to compression of the diaphragm
  • Back pain
  • Swelling and heaviness in the legs
  • Varicose veins in the legs
  • Increased urination
  • Pressure rise
  • Late toxicosis
  • Other ailments

You need to tell your gynecologist about any problems of your body, you need to visit him weekly from now on. Most of these problems resolve after childbirth, but may require supportive care during pregnancy.

Thus, pregnancy is conventionally divided into three periods - trimesters. The table for the trimesters of pregnancy looks like this:

TRIMESTER MONTHS WEEK
1 FIRST 1-4
SECOND 5-8
THE THIRD 9-13
2 FOURTH 14-17
FIFTH 18-21
SIXTH 22-27
3 SEVENTH 28-31
EIGHTH 32-36
NINTH 37-40

This table shows the trimesters of pregnancy by week and month.

Trimester analyzes

Throughout pregnancy, the expectant mother and child are under the supervision of a doctor.

The plans for the management of pregnancy include regular examinations, weighing, measurements of the abdomen by an obstetrician-gynecologist; consultations of other specialists, analyzes and research.

They will help determine if everything is in order with the mother and child, and if problems are found, prescribe treatment on time.


Most of the examinations and tests will have to be done in the first trimester, when registering for pregnancy with your gynecologist.

In the first trimester, tests are taken to assess the following indicators:

  • Blood characteristics
  • HCG level in blood or urine
  • The presence of sugar in the blood and urine
  • General urine indicators
  • Determine the blood group and Rh factor, in the presence of a negative rhesus in the mother, it is imperative to determine the rhesus of the father
  • The presence of infections in the blood (HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis, etc.)
  • Antibodies to ToRCH infections (toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes)
  • Determine the microflora of the vagina by smear and culture on PPI
  • For a period of 12 weeks, the first screening is carried out - a comprehensive examination, including an ultrasound scan and a blood test from a vein. The main task of screening is to identify genetic abnormalities in the fetus.

This survey is optional. However, in some cases, or simply at will, a doctor may recommend it.

In the second trimester, re-examine:

  • General blood analysis
  • Once a month, they donate urine for analysis
  • Second screening at 16-18 weeks
  • Second ultrasound at 18-21 weeks, if the second screening was not done

The second screening includes a triple test. At the same time, the level of proteins is determined - AFP, hCG and estriol. This helps to rule out genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and neural tube defects. The ultrasound examines the abnormalities in the formed organs and systems of the fetus.

In the last trimester:

  • Repeated blood test for infections (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis)
  • A smear for microflora and genital infections from the vagina
  • A urine test is taken more often once every 1-2 weeks.
  • Blood chemistry
  • Last ultrasound and preferably dopplerography

Such tests for trimesters are taken by pregnant women without fail during the normal course of pregnancy. However, when a woman has health problems or complications arise, the doctor will prescribe additional tests and studies, as well as specialist consultations, if necessary.

No matter what difficulties a woman faces in different trimesters of pregnancy, there are always positive aspects.

After all, it is so wonderful to watch how a baby is born, develops and grows. And such a miracle as the birth of a new life overshadows any difficulties that may arise during pregnancy and during childbirth.

Useful video

You can see how the baby develops in the next video. We recommend that you see it, it's something incredible.

A woman, as a rule, learns about the onset of pregnancy only at 5-6 obstetric weeks. This term depends on the degree of manifestation of the symptoms of an interesting situation, on her state of health at this time, on what kind of pregnancy she has and on many other circumstances.

A more experienced woman will feel the changes in her body almost immediately, because once she has already gone through it. The first symptom of pregnancy is often a delay in menstruation. If the future mom's menstruation is not a regular phenomenon, then the next delay at the beginning may not alert her. So, what changes occur in the body of the expectant mother in the first trimester?

Changes in a woman's body

All of them are conditionally divided into objective ones, which are determined by specialists during examinations and examinations of a pregnant woman, and subjective ones, felt by the woman herself. The first of them has already been mentioned above. Already in the first months, the mother's uterus begins to increase in size. This can be detected on an ultrasound scan, visually it is not yet noticeable. Mom's "tummy" appears already at the age of 4 months. Other common symptoms of early pregnancy and their causes are summarized in the following table:

Symptoms Causes
Changes in the mammary glands: swelling, tingling, an increase in size, a feeling of heaviness in them, the appearance of a large number of large blood vessels, pigmentation around the nipples Preparing the body for breastfeeding, hormonal changes
Increased urination An increase in the amount of progesterone and, as a result, an increased need for fluid
Constipation Reorganization of the body
Fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, apathy Increased emotional and physical stress due to upcoming motherhood, nutritional deficiencies
Back pain Hormonal adjustment
Toxicosis: nausea, vomiting, salivation, change in taste The reaction of the maternal organism to the presence of another organism inside it, hormonal changes
Little pressure on the ribs. chest discomfort Increased volume of the uterus

Early toxicosis

The most common symptom during pregnancy is toxicosis. This is not even a symptom, but a whole complex of unpleasant sensations. It appears in the first weeks of pregnancy and often disappears completely at the beginning of her second trimester.

Its manifestations and timing are individual. It is associated with the restructuring of the hormonal background and a kind of protective reaction of the mother's body, which perceives the fetus as a foreign body. Gradually, the female body adapts to the new situation, and its peculiar protest stops.

Observance of some rules will help to cope with this problem:

1. Night rest should be complete and last at least 8 hours.

2. It is necessary to maintain a positive mood, you should not cheat yourself, you need to walk more, listen to pleasant music, do what you love, etc.

3. Drink at least 6 glasses of water, juices, fruit drinks, fruit drinks a day.

4. Eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid foods that cause nausea.

5. Eat often and in small portions.

6. Maintain blood sugar levels with cookies, dried fruits, apples, bananas, etc.

7. Adhere to the diet of the correct ratio of carbohydrates (55%), proteins (15%), fats (30%). Carbohydrates provide energy for mom and baby, so you need cereals, vegetables, fruits, some bread. Proteins form the tissues of a new organism; they should be supplied daily in an amount of one and a half grams for each kilogram of mother's weight. Fats contribute to the development of the baby's brain and visual apparatus; vegetable oils should be their main source.

Formation of the fetus

Every expectant mother really wants to know what happens during this crucial period with her baby. During the first three months of intrauterine life, his weight increases by 45 grams, and his height - by 9 cm.During this time, the baby has:

  • The heart is forming.
  • The rudiments of the brain appear.
  • The stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas are differentiated.
  • The main features of the face are manifested: nose, lips, protruding eyes.
  • The hands and feet are determined.
  • The genitals are formed, sometimes even at the end of the trimester you can see the baby's sex on an ultrasound scan.
  • The rudiments of the teeth are laid, a swallowing reflex appears.
  • On ultrasound, barely noticeable movements of the arms, legs, head turns are noted.

Complications of the first trimester of pregnancy

The expectant mother also needs to know about the dangers that may accompany pregnancy at this time:

1. Ectopic pregnancy. This is a serious problem for a woman when the embryo does not enter the uterus but is attached to the fallopian tube. You can determine it using ultrasound. The sooner this pathology is detected, the less the threat to the woman. Surgical removal of the epididymis together with the embryo in case of an ectopic pregnancy is mandatory.

2. Threat of miscarriage. In 60% of cases, this problem is caused by the presence of genetic pathologies in the embryo. The female body instinctively rejects such an embryo. In other cases, miscarriage is caused by abnormalities in the maternal body, caused by various factors. These can be hormonal pathologies, improper structure of the genital organs, the consequences of previous abortions, some chronic diseases of the genital organs and of a general nature.

If you detect a threat of pregnancy failure (spotting, sharp pains in the lower abdomen and lower back), you should immediately consult a doctor.

3. Colds and viral infections. All colds during this period are dangerous for a pregnant woman. During this period, all systems of the fetus are formed, and the mother's illness can cause pathological abnormalities in the child. It is difficult to find medications that do not harm the baby. And if mom's fever rises, then she can also cause a miscarriage. Self-medication during this period is more dangerous than ever.

4. Decreased immunity, which is often characteristic of the onset of pregnancy, can provoke thrush. Many conventional medications against it during this period are dangerous for the baby.

Discharge during pregnancy in the first trimester

Discharge is a common occurrence for a woman at any age. An interesting position in this sense is no exception. Already at the end of the first week of pregnancy, when the embryo is introduced into the wall of the uterus, rather strong bloody discharge from the vagina often appears.

They usually coincide with your expected period. And at first, a woman, still not knowing about the onset of pregnancy, identifies these discharge with menstruation. But they quickly end, and the woman begins to suspect about her changed position.

In the first trimester, discharge is required; it can be abundant, transparent or the color of an egg white. This phenomenon is due to the fact that the hormone progesterone produced increases the secretion of the mucous membrane of the uterus and vagina. A mucous plug forms in the neck, which serves as additional protection for the baby from infection. If the discharge of leucorrhoea is not accompanied by increased itching, discomfort and unpleasant odor, then there is no cause for concern.

Cases when you need to urgently consult a doctor about changes in the nature and consistency of leucorrhoea:

  • They have a cheesy appearance, are accompanied by an unpleasant odor, itching, burning. These symptoms are usually associated with thrush or candidiasis. This is dangerous with the risk of infection of the fetus and the development of abnormalities in it. Sometimes thrush even leads to a pregnancy failure.
  • Greenish or yellow discharge is a sign of various infections. With a brown discharge, a frozen pregnancy or rejection of the ovum can be suspected.
  • Bleeding or even bloody "daub" in the first trimester is equivalent to the "SOS" signal. These phenomena indicate the risk of spontaneous abortion. Often, there are also strong pulling, cramping pains in the lower abdomen or lower back. Light discharge mixed with blood may indicate cervical erosion.

The first trimester of pregnancy, lasting 12 weeks, is a crucial stage for the expectant mother. She should register with the antenatal clinic as early as possible so that specialists can monitor her health and fetal development. We'll have to go through a series of examinations. It will be necessary to revise the daily regimen, diet, make adjustments to your plans, perhaps there will be several more weeks of combating toxicosis and much more. A positive attitude during this period is necessary more than ever. Ahead are months of waiting for the baby, childbirth and his birth. But before that, at least six months.

gastroguru 2017