What a mom-to-be needs to know about the first trimester of pregnancy

What a mom-to-be needs to know about the first trimester of pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy is the period from the first day of the last menstruation to the thirteenth week (obstetric period). During this time, the vital organs of the fetus are being laid, so a woman should be very attentive to her health and well-being.  

From the first days of pregnancy, and better - even at the planning stage of conception, a woman should refuse cigarettes, alcohol, heavy physical work. Obligatory conditions for carrying a healthy baby are proper nutrition, adequate rest and, of course, compliance with all the appointments of the doctor-gynecologist. Special attention should be paid to the prevention of avitaminosis. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals is very badly affect both the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. Therefore, it is desirable to take a specialized vitamin and mineral complex for pregnant women from the first trimester or even before the onset of pregnancy.

Features of the first trimester of pregnancy: what a woman needs

 to know

From the moment of conception, the female body begins to seriously restructure.

First of all, the hormonal background changes,

which entails the appearance of certain symptoms. Usually pregnant women notice:

- Soreness of the mammary glands;

- Frequent constipation;

- Decreased performance;

- Unusual light-colored discharge from the genital tract;

- Increased urination;

- Nausea;

- Heartburn;

- Mood swings.

All these phenomena are considered variants of the norm in the first trimester.

They are associated with the rapid development of the embryo and adaptation of the body

of the future mother to the changes that occur. By the end of the trimester, these symptoms

completely disappear or become less noticeable. What is the cause of such phenomena and

when it makes sense to consult a doctor?

Chest pain

One of the first signs of pregnancy.

Due to the intense production of estrogen and progesterone breast tissue swells,

the skin becomes sensitive.

The future mother should calmly react to the preparation of the mammary glands for

breastfeeding. It is important to immediately purchase a comfortable bra made of natural

material that will not squeeze the breasts and irritate the skin.

Constipation

Constipation is a consequence of increased progesterone levels. It reduces the contractility of

smooth muscles to reduce the risk of spontaneous miscarriage. A side effect of this effect of

progesterone is the deterioration of intestinal motility.

To avoid constipation, you need to eat right and drink plenty of fluids. Try to include in

your diet vegetables and fruits that are a source of fiber - it stimulates intestinal peristalsis.

In complex cases, a doctor's consultation is indicated to choose a safe laxative.

Decrease in performance

Decline of strength - a characteristic feature of the first trimester of pregnancy.

Despite the fact that the term of pregnancy is small, and the baby's size resembles a tiny grain,

the woman's body is experiencing serious stress. He is adapting to a new role, reorganizing his

work to give life to a new person. Many metabolic processes are much more intense, especially

the synthesis of proteins and other compounds necessary for the formation of the embryo.

A woman needs to rest more and exclude heavy work. To improve energy production

will help a good vitamin and mineral complex with B vitamins, designed specifically for

pregnant women. Its reception should be coordinated with an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Discharge from the genital tract

Normally resemble white or transparent mucus. Their number from the moment of

conception increases. If the discharge is abundant, you can use daily pads.

Tampons are contraindicated for the future mom - they can cause the spread of infection.

Frequent urination

Under frequent urination, doctors mean emptying the bladder more than eight times a day.

In this case, the volume of one portion of urine is small. Some pregnant women feel urges

every hour. The causes of frequent urination are several:

An increase in the level of hCG. It stimulates the release of progesterone, relaxing the uterus,

bladder and its sphincter. Decrease in the tone of the latter is the reason for the frequent need

to visit the toilet.

Increased blood flow to the pelvic organs. Since the onset of pregnancy increases blood supply

not only to the uterus, but also to the bladder. Its walls swell slightly. In response, it becomes

more sensitive and begins to react even to a slight accumulation of urine.

Throughout pregnancy, you can not be patient, you need to go to the toilet when you want to.

Otherwise, cystitis or other urinary infections may develop.

Nausea

Nausea is the main symptom of early toxicosis, most often occurs in the morning.

The cause of nausea is a sudden change in the hormonal background and the body's natural

reaction to the development of the embryo. Also, nausea can occur against the background

of vitamin B6 deficiency.

If nausea does not lead to repeated vomiting, does not cause rapid weight loss, a woman can

eat normally, then worry not worth it. With poor appetite, it is important to take vitamin and

mineral complexes to compensate for the lack of useful substances due to malnutrition.

If nausea develops into vomiting, does not pass during the day, it is better to consult a doctor

for the appointment of suitable means to combat this problem.

Heartburn

Heartburn in the first trimester is caused by increasing levels of progesterone.

Reducing the tone of the muscles of internal organs, it creates conditions for the relaxation

of some sphincters of the stomach and the development of gastroesophageal reflux.

As a result, the contents of the stomach periodically thrown into the esophagus.

Hence the unpleasant burning sensation. How to prevent heartburn?

-Eat small portions.

-After eating do not lie down, try to move a little.

-Refuse late dinners.

However, if these measures do not help, do not tolerate discomfort, consult a specialist. Today there are drugs that neutralize the aggressive action of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which are allowed to expectant mothers.

Mood swings

In the first trimester, many women become unusually emotional, sensitive.

Their mood often changes and, unfortunately, the surrounding people do not always

understand the situation, which leads to conflicts.

It is desirable to explain to relatives and people with whom you have to communicate

about the peculiarities of the emotional state in the first trimester of pregnancy and ask to be

softer. In this period for the proper development of the baby is very important to exclude

negative emotions. If you can not do it yourself, you should make an appointment

for a consultation with a psychologist.

The importance of the first trimester of pregnancy for the development of the fetus

The first trimester is decisive in the formation of the health of the child. The danger lies in the

fact that until the fourth or fifth obstetric week, the future mother usually does not know

that conception has occurred. Out of ignorance, a woman may undergo contraindicated

medical examinations or take prohibited medications.

You can reduce the risks to the future child by planning pregnancy in advance and taking

special care from the moment of the intended conception. To ensure that the embryo is formed

correctly, it is advisable to take a quality vitamin complex from the first day of pregnancy.

To make it clear how important the first twelve obstetric weeks are for the baby, let's list

the main changes that occur with him during this period:

5th week. The nervous and cardiovascular systems are laid down. If there is a deficiency of

folic acid, there may be violations in the formation of the neural tube.

Week 6. The baby has a head and chorda, the brain and spinal cord are formed. The circulation

of blood through the tiny organism begins. These processes can not proceed normally

with a lack of iron. 

To get it in the right amount from products is not easy, so doctors often prescribe pregnant

women iron-containing drugs. Also, the baby has already outlined the places where the ears

and eyes will be located.

7th week. The umbilical cord is formed. The supply of nutrients and oxygen, as well as

excretion of metabolic products is significantly accelerated.

8th week. Clearly shaped head, distinguishable facial features. Bone and cartilage tissue

is formed, but to make them more dense, you need calcium. The retina begins to form in the eye. Its development requires omega-3, potassium, vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, B6, C. The fetus already has external sexual organs.

9th week. Only at this stage comes to the end of the formation of the placenta. This means

that now the baby is better protected from unfavorable external factors. Dangerous compounds

circulating in the mother's body, to him practically do not get. The heart becomes

four-chambered. There are eyelids on the eyes.

10th week. The urogenital system begins to work, the kidneys of the embryo secrete urine. Sex

cells are formed in the genitals.

11th week. The main organs of the baby are already formed! Some of them have begun to work,

some will continue to develop and begin to function only after birth. Revolutionary restructuring in the fetus's body will no longer be. Now it needs to grow actively.

Week 12. The fetus makes swallowing movements. His brain is divided into a cerebellum and

two hemispheres. By blood tests, you can determine the group and Rh factor.

The body of the future child changes incredibly quickly. That is why the first trimester is a

complex and critical stage in the development of the fetus. During it, internal organs, groups

of cells and tissues are laid down. Disrupt these important processes can:

- Deficiency of vitamins and microelements in the body of a woman;

- Medications contraindicated for pregnant women;

- Radiation;

- Infectious, viral and bacterial diseases.

How to support the body in the first trimester?

During pregnancy, a woman's need for all nutrients: vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates,

fats, and in vitamins and minerals - increases about two to four times.

Nutrients supplied with food are used to maintain the vital functions of the mother's body,

for the development and formation of the child. In order not to experience a deficit of proteins,

fats and carbohydrates, you need to eat properly. But to get all the necessary vitamins and

minerals from food in the required amount can not be, because their consumption from the

moment of conception increases several times.

Therefore, the future mother should take vitamin and mineral complexes throughout pregnancy.

For this purpose is well suited Pregnoton Mama. It contains an important set of vitamins and

minerals for pregnant women in easily digestible forms.

Pregnoton Mama contains:

- Active form of folic acid, which is absorbed even in those who cannot absorb B9 in its

usual form;

- Iron in liposomal form, which avoids gastrointestinal side effects;

- Omega-3s in adequate amounts;

- And 13 other essential minerals and vitamins.

- More information about this complex is available here.

When is the best time to register for pregnancy?

In the first trimester, a woman needs to register for pregnancy. The optimal time for the first

visit to the gynecologist is the 6th-11th obstetric week.

You should not postpone going to the doctor. He will conduct an examination, give directions

for laboratory tests and ultrasound, recommend the necessary drugs, if there is a need for them.

The future mom when registering should be taken:

- General and biochemical blood tests;

- Blood for STIs, group and Rh factor, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B;

- Coagulogram;

- General urinalysis;

- Smear for infections.

It is also necessary to do an electrocardiogram. According to the results obtained during

diagnosis, you can determine whether everything is all right with the mother, whether there are

no abnormalities in the development of the embryo.

It is important not to miss the first ultrasound. It is carried out at the term of 10-12 weeks. During

the study:

- Clarify the term of pregnancy;

- Check if there are no neoplasms in the uterus;

- Measure the size of the embryo;

- Assess the thickness of the collar space.

Doctors pay special attention to the last indicator, since an increase in the size of the collar

zone can indicate the development of Down syndrome. Then the pregnant woman is sent to

genetic counseling to confirm or deny the presence of a violation.

Future moms who take care of themselves and fulfill the appointments of the gynecologist, are

much less likely to encounter complications during pregnancy. Do not forget to support your

body during this difficult period for him. Take Pregnoton Mama, eat right, have timely medical

examinations and try to worry less!