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The first symptoms of pregnancy in the first month. First month of pregnancy: symptoms

The first month of pregnancy often remains for the expectant mother a “month of ignorance” about her new status as a “pregnant woman.” So far, there have not been any sharp cardinal changes in either the pregnant woman’s well-being or her appearance, especially since pregnancy initially begins with the fertilization of the egg, its further “journey” to the uterus and its secure attachment there.

The introduction of a fertilized egg into the wall of the uterus occurs 6-14 days after its historical meeting with the sperm. From now on, the formation and development of the unborn child will last for 9 months: first, the egg will turn into an embryo, then into a fetus, and by the end of pregnancy, mom and dad will probably know whether to choose a male or female name for the long-awaited baby.

Signs of pregnancy in the first month

Of course, the most obvious sign that pregnancy has occurred is the absence of menstruation on time. If your period is 3-4 days late, it’s time to buy a pregnancy test. But the test, of course, is not always guaranteed to determine pregnancy, but a blood test for hCG can cope with this with constant success: with the onset of pregnancy, the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin begin to steadily increase.

Other signs of pregnancy in the first month, which may signal a successful conception and “settlement” of the egg in the uterus:

  • elevated: basal temperature increases to 37-37.5 degrees even with the onset of ovulation under the influence of the hormone progesterone. This same hormone remains a full-fledged “master” in a woman’s body even after conception, being responsible for maintaining pregnancy. This is associated with increased basal temperature at the beginning of pregnancy and until the end of the first trimester;
  • enlargement of the mammary glands and increased sensitivity of the breasts, darkening of the areola: the changes that the breasts undergo already at the beginning of pregnancy are also associated with an increase in the concentration of progesterone. Already from the first month, thus, the body is preparing for the upcoming lactation after the birth of the baby;
  • exacerbation of olfactory sensations and taste preferences: suddenly, unexpectedly, a woman begins to react sharply and with disgust to certain odors, which can even cause nausea. In addition, unexpected food cravings may appear, and for some reason a woman begins to crave those foods that she didn’t particularly “like” before;
  • fatigue and constant drowsiness: changes have already begun in the body, now it will have to be completely rebuilt in order to provide the most comfortable conditions for the life and development of the fetus. This restructuring may well be accompanied by increased fatigue and a haunting desire to sleep; such symptoms often make themselves felt throughout the first trimester of pregnancy;
  • mood swings: just a minute ago the woman was laughing boisterously, and now she’s suddenly crying, upset? The reason for this is all the same hormones.

Sensations and pains

In the early stages, a woman does not yet fully experience all the possible “delights of pregnancy” that she has yet to encounter at different stages of bearing a child. However, even now some hitherto unknown sensations may appear, such as the desire to sleep longer and more often, a feeling of haunting fatigue and rapid fatigue. The fact is that now all the body’s forces are aimed at maintaining the pregnancy, and with such changes it is trying to “tell” the expectant mother that from now on it is necessary to save strength and live in a “gentle” mode.

Although toxicosis usually manifests itself somewhat later, in some cases its symptoms are possible already in the first month of pregnancy. Nowadays, no universal remedy has been invented for vomiting, which is how toxicosis manifests itself: some women are helped by lollipops, others by lemon. The set of “general” recommendations for avoiding and reducing toxicosis is simple: irritating odors that provoke nausea should be eliminated; maintain an optimal diet and in the morning, immediately after waking up, before getting out of bed, drink warm tea and eat an apple or cookies.

The first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by a feeling of some discomfort associated with swelling and tenderness of the mammary glands, headaches and dizziness may occur - all these are the results of hormonal changes.

Many accomplished mothers note the presence of nagging pain in the abdomen in the first month of pregnancy, similar to those that occur during the premenstrual period. If the abdominal pain is not severe, does not accompany the woman constantly and does not “degenerate” into cramping, it does not pose a threat. But at the same time, abdominal pain can be a symptom of increased uterine tone and a high risk of pregnancy failure, and also indicate the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, if pain in the abdomen in the first month of pregnancy is constant, accompanied by spotting brown discharge or bleeding, you should consult a doctor, who will make an accurate diagnosis.

Even in the early stages, even though the abdomen has not yet begun to grow, pain in the lower back and in the sacral area is possible, as a result of the softening of the ligaments and spinal discs that support the uterus under the influence of progesterone and the tension of the round muscles of the uterus due to its gradual enlargement.

It is very possible that in the first trimester of pregnancy a woman will notice an increased need to empty the bladder: sometimes the expectant mother has to get up several times a night to go to the toilet “in a small way.” Experts explain the increased frequency of urination by the gradual enlargement of the uterus, which puts pressure on the bladder, and the increased production of fluid by the pregnant woman’s body.

Discharge in the first month of pregnancy

In the first month of pregnancy, discharge in abundance and any qualitative changes do not bother the woman. Although, of course, the possibility of some increase in discharge cannot be ruled out, which may occur due to hormonal changes in the body.

Even at the very beginning of the first month of pregnancy, towards the end of the first or beginning of the second week, a woman may also notice spotting, which is the so-called implantation bleeding. This phenomenon occurs at the moment of implantation of the egg into the wall of the uterus, and we are not even talking about bleeding as such, but about the separation of a certain amount of pinkish discharge.

But the appearance of discharge in the first month of pregnancy in the form of real bleeding - even profuse, even “smearing” - already indicates pathology. Thus, vaginal bleeding may indicate a miscarriage that has already taken place (looks like an ordinary period, perhaps delayed and somewhat more painful) or a high risk of miscarriage (in the presence of spotting brown or bloody discharge).

In addition, an attentive attitude to yourself requires discharge in the first month of pregnancy, which is accompanied by itching and/or burning, has an unpleasant odor, has a green, yellow or gray color, and “unhealthy” foaminess or curdledness. Such symptoms are characteristic of an infection, for which you will have to undergo the indicated tests to determine and select treatment tactics.

Menstruation in the first month of pregnancy

Normally, menstruation stops with the onset of pregnancy. However, you can often find references to the fact that menstruation was still occurring in the first month of pregnancy, and doctors also in many cases classify such cases as normal. The situation in which menstruation is still present in the first month of pregnancy may be explained by the fact that the fertilized egg did not have time to “get” to the uterus. So, if fertilization occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, and the egg is still on its way to the uterus (the “journey” takes from a week to two), no hormonal changes occur in the body. This means that menstruation comes on time, but should not be repeated in the second month.

If your period “comes” in the following months (the literature describes situations where women menstruate before 3-4 months of pregnancy), most likely, we are talking about a hormonal imbalance. Menstruation can be combined with pregnancy, for example, in case of insufficient progesterone production or in case of hyperandrogenism.

Cold

A cold in the early stages of pregnancy is not only undesirable, but even dangerous for the further development of pregnancy, for the formation and development of the embryo. Thus, a cold in the first month of pregnancy, in the first weeks, with a high degree of risk ends in embryo rejection: even before the onset of menstruation, without even thinking about pregnancy, a woman resorts to various types of medications to treat a cold. Uncontrolled and thoughtless use of them ultimately has a detrimental effect on pregnancy: a woman may well mistake a miscarriage for another menstruation.

A cold is no less dangerous in the first month of pregnancy and when menstruation is already significantly delayed and the woman justifiably suspects (or even already knows) about her impending motherhood. The fact is that the active division of embryonic cells, its formation and development begins from the first month, and encountering some infections can cause a “failure” in the normal process of formation of the unborn child, triggering the development of certain pathologies. For the same reason, taking most medications during pregnancy is prohibited, which makes treating colds much more difficult. But it is necessary to treat it, otherwise the risk of fetal abnormalities is high.

As a rule, more and more medicinal herbs are used in the treatment of colds in the early stages of pregnancy, the use of which still requires consultation with a doctor - some herbs also pose a threat.

And it’s better, of course, to avoid colds now, knowing that immunity is reduced during pregnancy, and take care. As a preventive measure, you should spend less time in places with large crowds of people, follow a sleep and rest schedule, get enough sleep, avoid contact with people who already have a cold, and eat well.

Temperature

It’s even worse if a cold in the early stages of pregnancy is accompanied by fever: temperature in the first month of pregnancy is dangerous because of its ability to provoke pregnancy fading. In addition, the temperature now can lead to pregnancy rejection, and if the pregnancy is maintained, to pathologies in the development of the child. What complicates the situation is that antipyretics in the early stages of pregnancy, like the vast majority of medications, are prohibited. So what to do?

First of all, do not panic and be sure to seek specialized help. The main way to reduce high fever at this stage should be to drink plenty of fluids - herbal teas, linden blossom or raspberry decoction, weak black tea with lemon and honey. A decoction of 2 teaspoons of raspberry leaves, 2 tbsp. spoons of oregano, 4 tbsp. spoons of coltsfoot, 3 tbsp. spoons of plantain. But, by the way, you should also be “careful” with herbs; some of them, which help at other times, are undesirable during pregnancy.

It should be taken into account that a significant increase in temperature is also accompanied by some other infectious diseases with an inflammatory process occurring in the body. If an increase in temperature in the first month is recorded in the absence of other signs of a cold, you should consult a doctor and take tests to diagnose the disease and choose adequate treatment.

Nutrition in the first month of pregnancy

It is necessary to adjust the diet with the onset of pregnancy, and the sooner this is done, the better it will be for the mother and baby. The main nutritional requirements in the first month are balance and consumption of sufficient quantities of nutrients and nutrients. In general, the daily caloric intake for a woman at this stage is about 2500 kilocalories.

To prevent and eliminate toxicosis that is already present, you should definitely include protein foods in your diet and reduce the amount of animal fats. In addition, now you should give up hard-to-digest foods, fast food products, and semi-finished products. Alcoholic drinks are definitely prohibited; women should be careful with coffee and tea.

It is advisable to eat often and in small portions, preventing hunger from becoming rampant; it is important to avoid overeating. Nutrition in the first month of pregnancy must include the consumption of vegetables and fruits - they will become the main source of vitamins and microelements. But, at the same time, even in large quantities, vegetables consumed cannot fill the increased need for folic acid, which a woman will be prescribed to consume additionally along with vitamin E.

It is also important that calcium-containing foods are present in the diet: cottage cheese, eggs, milk and fermented milk products. A supply of calcium in the body is necessary: ​​in the near future, the baby will “scoop” it from the mother’s body to form bone tissue.

In general, the requirements for nutrition are now common: it must be healthy, nutritious and exclude foods “harmful” to the child in any of their variations.

Sex

Is sex acceptable in the first month of pregnancy? The question is ambiguous, and the opinions of experts on this matter differ: some are categorically against physical intimacy in the early stages, arguing that any careless movement can be harmful, some believe that sex has a place to happen if spouses approach lovemaking responsibly and caution. A clear contraindication to sex is the threat of miscarriage - if the uterus is toned, physical contact can cause a miscarriage.

In general, due to the dramatic changes that are now taking place in a woman’s body, the expectant mother herself is not particularly inclined towards intimacy: headaches, breast tenderness, constant fatigue and a feeling of weakness do not in any way contribute to sexual activity. And a man will have to come to terms with this and find a new approach to a woman: an approach of tenderness, affection and love.

It should be mentioned that in connection with conception and a successfully developing pregnancy, the exact opposite situation may arise: a woman’s libido and the need for sexual pleasures, on the contrary, increase. And this is also normal: you never know how the “pranks” of hormones will turn out.

In any case, in the absence of contraindications, sex in the first month of pregnancy is possible, but only without sudden movements and with caution. In addition, it is better to use a condom during physical intimacy: the vaginal mucosa is now also undergoing changes, becoming loose and easily injured. And, since in the absence of menstruation the self-cleaning function of the vagina decreases, even microdamages can cause the development of colpitis.

Pregnancy is a physiological process in which a new organism develops in the uterus, resulting from fertilization. Pregnancy lasts on average 40 weeks (10 obstetric months).

In the intrauterine development of a child, two periods are distinguished:

  1. Embryonic(up to 8 weeks of pregnancy inclusive). At this time, the embryo is called an embryo and acquires characteristic human features;
  2. Fetal(from 9 weeks until birth). At this time, the embryo is called a fetus.

The growth of a child, the formation of its organs and systems occurs naturally during various periods of intrauterine development, which is subject to the genetic code embedded in the germ cells and fixed in the process of human evolution.

Embryo development in the first obstetric month (1-4 weeks)

First week (days 1-7)

Pregnancy begins from the moment fertilization- fusion of a mature male cell (sperm) and a female egg. This process usually occurs in the ampullary section of the fallopian tube. After a few hours, the fertilized egg begins to divide exponentially and descends through the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity (this journey takes up to five days).

As a result of division turns out to be a multicellular organism, which is similar to a blackberry (in Latin “morus”), which is why the embryo at this stage is called Morula. Approximately on the 7th day, the morula penetrates the uterine wall (implantation). The villi of the outer cells of the embryo connect with the blood vessels of the uterus, and subsequently the placenta is formed from them. Other outer morula cells give rise to the development of the umbilical cord and membranes. Over time, various tissues and organs of the fetus will develop from the internal cells.

Information At the time of implantation, a woman may have slight bleeding from the genital tract. Such discharge is physiological and does not require treatment.

Second week (8-14 days)

The outer morula cells grow tightly into the lining of the uterus. In the embryo the formation of the umbilical cord and placenta begins, and neural tube, from which the fetal nervous system subsequently develops.

Third week (15-21 days)

The third week of pregnancy is a difficult and important period. At that time important organs and systems begin to form fetus: the rudiments of the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, nervous and excretory systems appear. At the site where the fetal head will soon appear, a wide plate is formed, which will give rise to the brain. On day 21, the baby's heart begins to beat.

Fourth week (22-28 days)

this week laying of fetal organs continues. The rudiments of the intestines, liver, kidneys and lungs are already present. The heart begins to work more intensely and pumps more and more blood through the circulatory system.

From the beginning of the fourth week in the embryo body folds appear, and appears rudiment of the spine(chord).

Completed by day 25 neural tube formation.

By the end of the week (approximately 27-28 days) the muscular system and spine are formed, which divides the embryo into two symmetrical halves, both upper and lower limbs.

During this period it begins formation of pits on the head, which will later become the eyes of the fetus.

Development of the embryo in the second obstetric month (5-8 weeks)

Fifth week (29-35 days)

During this period the embryo weighs about 0.4 grams, length 1.5-2.5 mm.

The formation of the following organs and systems begins:

  1. Digestive system: liver and pancreas;
  2. Respiratory system: larynx, trachea, lungs;
  3. Circulatory system;
  4. Reproductive system: precursors of germ cells are formed;
  5. Sense organs: the formation of the eyes and inner ear continues;
  6. Nervous system: the formation of parts of the brain begins.

At that time a faint umbilical cord appears. The formation of limbs continues, the first rudiments of nails appear.

On the face the upper lip and nasal cavities are formed.

Sixth week (36-42 days)

Length embryo during this period is about 4-5 mm.

Starts in the sixth week formation of the placenta. At this stage, it is just beginning to function; blood circulation between it and the embryo has not yet been formed.

Ongoing formation of the brain and its parts. At the sixth week, when performing an encephalogram, it is already possible to record signals from the fetal brain.

Begins formation of facial muscles. The fetal eyes are already more pronounced and uncovered by eyelids that are just beginning to form.

During this period they begin upper limbs change: they lengthen and the rudiments of hands and fingers appear. The lower limbs still remain in their infancy.

Changes in important organs occur:

  1. Heart. The division into chambers is completed: ventricles and atria;
  2. Urinary system. Primary kidneys have formed, the development of the ureters begins;
  3. Digestive system. The formation of sections of the gastrointestinal tract begins: the stomach, small and large intestines. The liver and pancreas had practically completed their development by this period;

Seventh week (43-49 days)

The seventh week is significant in that it is finally The formation of the umbilical cord is completed and uteroplacental circulation is established. Now the breathing and nutrition of the fetus will be carried out due to blood circulation through the vessels of the umbilical cord and placenta.

The embryo is still bent in an arched manner; there is a small tail on the pelvic part of the body. The size of the head is at least half of the embryo. The length from the crown to the sacrum increases by the end of the week up to 13-15 mm.

Ongoing upper limb development. The fingers are visible quite clearly, but their separation from each other has not yet occurred. The child begins to perform spontaneous movements with his hands in response to stimuli.

Fine eyes are formed, already covered with eyelids, which protect them from drying out. The child can open his mouth.

The formation of the nasal fold and nose occurs, two paired elevations are formed on the sides of the head, from which they will begin to develop ears.

Intensive continues development of the brain and its parts.

Eighth week (50-56 days)

The body of the embryo begins to straighten, length from the crown to the coccyx is 15 mm at the beginning of the week and 20-21 mm on day 56.

Ongoing formation of important organs and systems: digestive system, heart, lungs, brain, urinary system, reproductive system (boys develop testicles). The hearing organs are developing.

By the end of the eighth week the child's face becomes familiar to the person: the eyes are well defined, covered with eyelids, the nose, the ears, the formation of the lips is ending.

Intensive growth of the head, upper and lower horses is noted In particular, ossification of the long bones of the arms and legs and the skull develops. The fingers are clearly visible; there is no skin membrane between them.

Additionally At eight weeks the embryonic period of development ends and the fetal period begins. From this time on, the embryo is called a fetus.

Fetal development in the third obstetric month (9-12 weeks)

Ninth week (57-63 days)

At the beginning of the ninth week coccygeal-parietal size fetus is about 22 mm, by the end of the week - 31 mm.

Happening improvement of blood vessels of the placenta, which improves uteroplacental blood flow.

The development of the musculoskeletal system continues. The process of ossification begins, the joints of the toes and hands are formed. The fetus begins to make active movements and can clench its fingers. The head is lowered, the chin is pressed tightly to the chest.

Changes occur in the cardiovascular system. The heart beats up to 150 times per minute and pumps blood through its blood vessels. The composition of blood is still very different from the blood of an adult: it consists only of red blood cells.

Ongoing further growth and development of the brain, cerebellar structures are formed.

The organs of the endocrine system are intensively developing, in particular, the adrenal glands, which produce important hormones.

Improves cartilage tissue: auricles, laryngeal cartilages, vocal cords are being formed.

Tenth week (64-70 days)

By the end of the tenth week fruit length from the coccyx to the crown is 35-40 mm.

Buttocks begin to develop, the previously existing tail disappears. The fetus is in the uterus in a fairly free position in a semi-bent state.

Nervous system development continues. Now the fetus performs not only chaotic movements, but also reflex ones in response to a stimulus. When accidentally touching the walls of the uterus, the child makes movements in response: turns his head, bends or straightens his arms and legs, and pushes to the side. The size of the fetus is still very small, and the woman cannot yet feel these movements.

The sucking reflex is formed, the child begins reflex movements with his lips.

The development of the diaphragm is completed, which will take an active part in breathing.

Eleventh week (71-77 days)

By the end of this week coccygeal-parietal size the fetus increases to 4-5 cm.

The fetal body remains disproportionate: small body, large head, long arms and short legs, bent at all joints and pressed to the stomach.

The placenta has already reached sufficient development and copes with its functions: ensures the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and removes carbon dioxide and metabolic products.

Further formation of the fetal eyes occurs: At this time, the iris develops, which will later determine the color of the eyes. The eyes are well developed, half-closed or wide open.

Twelfth week (78-84 days)

Coccygeal-parietal size fetus is 50-60 mm.

Goes clearly development of the genital organs according to the female or male type.

Happening further improvement of the digestive system. The intestines are elongated and arranged in loops, like those of an adult. Its periodic contractions - peristalsis - begin. The fetus begins to make swallowing movements, swallowing amniotic fluid.

The development and improvement of the fetal nervous system continues. The brain is small in size, but exactly replicates all the structures of the adult brain. The cerebral hemispheres and other sections are well developed. Reflex movements are improved: the fetus can clench and unclench its fingers into a fist, grabs the thumb and actively sucks it.

In fetal blood Not only red blood cells are already present, but the production of white blood cells - leukocytes - also begins.

At this time the child single respiratory movements begin to be recorded. Before birth, the fetus cannot breathe, its lungs do not function, but it makes rhythmic movements of the chest, imitating breathing.

By the end of the week the fetus eyebrows and eyelashes appear, the neck is clearly visible.

Fetal development in the fourth obstetric month (13-16 weeks)

Week 13 (85-91 days)

Coccygeal-parietal size by the end of the week is 70-75 mm. The proportions of the body begin to change: the upper and lower limbs and torso lengthen, the size of the head is no longer so large in relation to the body.

Improvement of the digestive and nervous systems continues. The embryos of baby teeth begin to appear under the upper and lower jaws.

The face is fully formed, the ears, nose and eyes are clearly visible (the eyelids are completely closed).

Week 14 (92-98 days)

Coccygeal-parietal size by the end of the fourteenth week it increases up to 8-9 cm. Body proportions continue to change to more familiar ones. The face has a well-defined forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. The first hair appears on the head (very thin and colorless). The surface of the body is covered with vellus hairs, which retain skin lubrication and thereby perform protective functions.

The musculoskeletal system of the fetus is improved. Bones become stronger. Motor activity increases: the fetus can turn over, bend, and make swimming movements.

Development of the kidneys, bladder and ureters is complete. The kidneys begin to secrete urine, which mixes with the amniotic fluid.

: pancreatic cells begin to work, producing insulin, and pituitary cells.

Changes in the genital organs appear. In boys, the prostate gland forms; in girls, the ovaries migrate into the pelvic cavity. At the fourteenth week, with a good sensitive ultrasound machine, it is already possible to determine the sex of the child.

Fifteenth week (99-105 days)

Coccygeal-parietal size of the fetus is about 10 cm, fruit weight – 70-75 grams. The head still remains quite large, but the growth of the arms, legs and torso begins to outstrip it.

The circulatory system is improved. In the fourth month, a child’s blood type and Rh factor can already be determined. Blood vessels (veins, arteries, capillaries) grow in length and their walls become stronger.

The production of original feces (meconium) begins. This is due to the ingestion of amniotic fluid, which enters the stomach, then into the intestines and fills it.

Fully formed fingers and toes, an individual design appears on them.

Sixteenth week (106-112 days)

The weight of the fetus increases to 100 grams, the coccygeal-parietal size - up to 12 cm.

By the end of the sixteenth week, the fetus is already fully formed, he has all the organs and systems. The kidneys are actively working, a small amount of urine is released into the amniotic fluid every hour.

The skin of the fetus is very thin, subcutaneous fatty tissue is practically absent, so blood vessels are visible through the skin. The skin appears bright red, covered with vellus hairs and grease. Eyebrows and eyelashes are well defined. Nails are formed, but they only cover the edge of the nail phalanx.

Facial muscles are formed, and the fetus begins to “grimace”: frowning of the eyebrows and a semblance of a smile are observed.

Fetal development in the fifth obstetric month (17-20 weeks)

Seventeenth week (days 113-119)

The weight of the fetus is 120-150 grams, the coccygeal-parietal size is 14-15 cm.

The skin remains very thin, but subcutaneous fatty tissue begins to develop under it. The development of baby teeth continues, which are covered with dentin. The embryos of permanent teeth begin to form under them.

There is a reaction to sound stimuli. From this week we can say for sure that the child began to hear. When strong sharp sounds appear, the fetus begins to actively move.

Fetal position changes. The head is raised and is in an almost vertical position. The arms are bent at the elbow joints, the fingers are clenched into a fist almost all the time. Periodically, the child begins to suck his thumb.

The heartbeat becomes clear. From now on, the doctor can listen to him using a stethoscope.

Eighteenth week (120-126 days)

The child's weight is about 200 grams, length - up to 20 cm.

The formation of sleep and wakefulness begins. Most of the time the fetus sleeps, movements stop during this time.

At this time, the woman may already begin to feel the baby moving, especially with repeated pregnancies. The first movements are felt as gentle jolts. A woman may feel more active movements when she is nervous or stressed, which affects the emotional state of the child. At this stage, the norm is about ten episodes of fetal movement per day.

Nineteenth week (127-133 days)

The child’s weight increases to 250-300 grams, body length – to 22-23 cm. The proportions of the body change: the head lags behind the body in growth, the arms and legs begin to lengthen.

Movements become more frequent and noticeable. They can be felt not only by the woman herself, but also by other people by placing their hand on their stomach. Primigravidas at this time can only begin to feel movements.

The endocrine system is improved: the pancreas, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, gonads, thyroid and parathyroid glands are actively functioning.

Blood composition has changed: In addition to erythrocytes and leukocytes, the blood contains monocytes and lymphocytes. The spleen begins to take part in hematopoiesis.

Twentieth week (134-140 days)

Body length increases to 23-25 ​​cm, weight – up to 340 grams.

The fetal skin is still thin, covered with protective lubricant and vellus hairs, which can persist until childbirth. Subcutaneous fatty tissue develops intensively.

Well formed eyes, at twenty weeks the blink reflex begins to appear.

Improved movement coordination: The child confidently brings his finger to his mouth and begins to suck it. Facial expressions are pronounced: the fetus may close its eyes, smile, or frown.

This week all women are already feeling movements., regardless of the number of pregnancies. Movement activity varies throughout the day. When stimuli appear (loud sounds, stuffy rooms), the child begins to move very violently and actively.

Fetal development in the sixth obstetric month (21-24 weeks)

Twenty-first week (days 141-147)

Body weight grows to 380 grams, fetal length – up to 27 cm.

The layer of subcutaneous tissue increases. The skin of the fetus is wrinkled, with many folds.

Fetal movements become more active and tangible. The fetus moves freely in the uterine cavity: it lies head down or buttocks, across the uterus. Can pull on the umbilical cord, push off the walls of the uterus with hands and feet.

Changes in sleep and wakefulness patterns. Now the fetus spends less time sleeping (16-20 hours).

Twenty-second week (148-154 days)

At week 22, the size of the fetus increases to 28 cm, weight - up to 450-500 grams. The size of the head becomes proportional to the body and limbs. The legs are bent almost all the time.

The fetal spine is fully formed: It has all the vertebrae, ligaments and joints. The process of strengthening bones continues.

Improves the fetal nervous system: The brain already contains all the nerve cells (neurons) and has a mass of about 100 grams. The child begins to take an interest in his body: he feels his face, arms, legs, tilts his head, brings his fingers to his mouth.

Heart size increases significantly, the functionality of the cardiovascular system is improved.

Twenty-third week (155-161 days)

The length of the fetal body is 28-30 cm, weight is about 500 grams. Pigment begins to be synthesized in the skin, resulting in the skin becoming bright red. The subcutaneous fatty tissue is still quite thin, as a result the child looks very thin and wrinkled. The lubricant covers the entire skin and is more abundant in the folds of the body (elbow, axillary, inguinal, etc. folds).

Development of internal genital organs continues: in boys - the scrotum, in girls - the ovaries.

Respiratory frequency increases up to 50-60 times per minute.

The swallowing reflex is still well developed: the child constantly swallows amniotic fluid with particles of protective skin lubricant. The liquid part of the amniotic fluid is absorbed into the blood, leaving a thick green-black substance (meconium) in the intestines. Normally, the bowel should not have a bowel movement until the baby is born. Sometimes swallowing water causes hiccups in the fetus; a woman can feel it in the form of rhythmic movements for several minutes.

Twenty-fourth week (162-168 days)

By the end of this week, the weight of the fetus increases to 600 grams, body length to 30-32 cm.

The movements are becoming stronger and clearer. The fetus takes up almost all the space in the uterus, but can still change position and turn over. Muscles grow rapidly.

By the end of the sixth month, the child has well-developed sense organs. Vision begins to function. If a bright light hits a woman’s belly, the fetus begins to turn away and closes her eyelids tightly. Hearing is well developed. The fetus determines pleasant and unpleasant sounds for itself and reacts to them differently. When hearing pleasant sounds, the child behaves calmly, his movements become calm and measured. When unpleasant sounds occur, it begins to freeze or, conversely, moves very actively.

An emotional connection is established between mother and child. If a woman experiences negative emotions (fear, anxiety, melancholy), the child begins to experience similar feelings.

Fetal development in the seventh obstetric month (25-28 weeks)

Twenty-fifth week (169-175 days)

The length of the fetus is 30-34 cm, body weight increases to 650-700 grams. The skin becomes elastic, the number and severity of folds decreases due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fatty tissue. The skin remains thin with a large number of capillaries, giving it a red color.

The face has a familiar appearance to a person: eyes, eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, cheeks, ears are well defined. The cartilage of the ears remains thin and soft, their bends and curls are not fully formed.

Bone marrow develops intensively, which takes on the main role in hematopoiesis. The strengthening of the fetal bones continues.

Important processes occur in lung maturation: small elements of lung tissue (alveoli) are formed. Before the baby is born, they are without air and resemble deflated balloons, which straighten out only after the first cry of the newborn. From week 25, the alveoli begin to produce a special substance (surfactant) necessary to maintain their shape.

Twenty-sixth week (176-182 days)

The length of the fruit is about 35 cm, the weight increases to 750-760 grams. The growth of muscle tissue and subcutaneous fat continues. Bones are strengthened and permanent teeth continue to develop.

The formation of the genital organs continues. In boys, the testicles begin to descend into the scrotum (the process lasts 3-4 weeks). In girls, the formation of the external genitalia and vagina is completed.

Improved sense organs. The child develops a sense of smell (smell).

Twenty-seventh week (183-189 days)

Weight increases to 850 grams, body length - up to 37 cm.

The organs of the endocrine system are actively functioning, in particular the pancreas, pituitary gland and thyroid gland.

The fruit is quite active, makes freely various movements inside the uterus.

From the twenty-seventh week in the child individual metabolism begins to form.

Twenty-eighth week (190-196 days)

The child’s weight increases to 950 grams, body length – 38 cm.

By this age the fetus becomes practically viable. In the absence of organ pathology, a child with good care and treatment can survive.

Subcutaneous fat continues to accumulate. The skin is still red in color, the vellus hair begins to gradually fall out, remaining only on the back and shoulders. Eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair on the head become darker. The child begins to open his eyes frequently. The cartilage of the nose and ears remains soft. The nails do not yet reach the edge of the nail phalanx.

This week starts more one of the cerebral hemispheres is actively functioning. If the right hemisphere becomes active, then the child becomes left-handed; if the left hemisphere becomes active, then right-handedness develops.

Fetal development in the eighth month (29-32 weeks)

Twenty-ninth week (197-203 days)

The weight of the fetus is about 1200 grams, the height increases to 39 cm.

The baby has already grown enough and takes up almost all the space in the uterus. Movements become less chaotic. The movements manifest themselves in the form of periodic kicks with the legs and arms. The fetus begins to take a definite position in the uterus: head or buttocks down.

All organ systems continue to improve. The kidneys already secrete up to 500 ml of urine per day. The load on the cardiovascular system increases. The blood circulation of the fetus is still significantly different from the blood circulation of the newborn.

Thirtieth week (204-210 days)

Body weight increases to 1300-1350 grams, height remains approximately the same - about 38-39 cm.

Subcutaneous fat tissue constantly accumulates, skin folds straighten out. The child adapts to the lack of space and takes a certain position: curls up, arms and legs crossed. The skin still has a bright color, the amount of grease and vellus hair decreases.

Alveolar development and surfactant production continues. The lungs prepare for the birth of the baby and the start of breathing.

Brain development continues brain, the number of convolutions and the area of ​​the cortex increases.

Thirty-first week (211-217 days)

The child's weight is about 1500-1700 grams, height increases to 40 cm.

Your child's sleep and wake patterns change. Sleep still takes a long time, during which time there is no motor activity of the fetus. While awake, the child actively moves and pushes.

Fully formed eyes. During sleep, the child closes his eyes, while awake, the eyes are open, and the child blinks periodically. The color of the iris is the same for all children (blue), then after birth it begins to change. The fetus reacts to bright light by constricting or dilating the pupil.

Brain size increases. Now its volume is about 25% of the volume of the adult brain.

Thirty-second week (218-224 days)

The child's height is about 42 cm, weight - 1700-1800 grams.

Accumulation of subcutaneous fat continues, due to which the skin becomes lighter, there are practically no folds left on it.

Internal organs are improved: organs of the endocrine system intensively secrete hormones, surfactant accumulates in the lungs.

The fetus produces a special hormone, which promotes the formation of estrogen in the mother’s body, as a result, the mammary glands begin to prepare for milk production.

Fetal development in the ninth month (33-36 weeks)

Thirty-third week (225-231 days)

The weight of the fetus increases to 1900-2000 grams, the height is about 43-44 cm.

Skin becomes increasingly lighter and smoother, the layer of fatty tissue increases. The vellus hair is increasingly wiped off, and the layer of protective lubricant, on the contrary, increases. Nails grow to the edge of the nail phalanx.

The baby becomes increasingly cramped in the uterine cavity, so his movements become more rare, but strong. The position of the fetus is fixed (head or buttocks down), the likelihood that the child will turn over after this period is extremely small.

The functioning of internal organs is becoming more and more improved: the mass of the heart increases, the formation of the alveoli is almost complete, the tone of the blood vessels increases, the brain is fully formed.

Thirty-fourth week (232-238 days)

The child's weight ranges from 2000 to 2500 grams, height is about 44-45 cm.

The baby now occupies a stable position in the uterus. The bones of the skull are soft and mobile thanks to the fontanelles, which can close only a few months after birth.

Head hair grows rapidly and take on a certain color. However, hair color may change after childbirth.

Intensive strengthening of bones is noted, in connection with this, the fetus begins to take calcium from the mother’s body (the woman may notice the appearance of cramps at this time).

The child constantly swallows amniotic fluid, thereby stimulating the gastrointestinal tract and the functioning of the kidneys, which produce at least 600 ml of clear urine per day.

Thirty-fifth week (239-245 days)

Every day the child gains 25-35 grams. Weight during this period can vary greatly and by the end of the week it is 2200-2700 grams. Height increases to 46 cm.

All internal organs of the child continue to improve, preparing the body for the upcoming extrauterine existence.

Fatty tissue is intensively deposited, the child becomes more well-fed. The amount of vellus hair is greatly reduced. The nails have already reached the tips of the nail phalanges.

A sufficient amount of meconium has already accumulated in the fetal intestines, which normally should go away 6-7 hours after birth.

Thirty-sixth week (246-252 days)

The weight of a child varies greatly and can range from 2000 to 3000 grams, height - within 46-48 cm

The fetus already has well-developed subcutaneous fatty tissue, skin color becomes lighter, wrinkles and folds disappear completely.

The baby occupies a certain position in the uterus: more often he lies upside down (less often, with his legs or buttocks, in some cases, transversely), his head is bent, his chin is pressed to his chest, his arms and legs are pressed to his body.

Skull bones, unlike other bones, remain soft, with cracks (fontanelles), which will allow the baby's head to be more pliable when passing through the birth canal.

All organs and systems are fully developed for the existence of a child outside the womb.

Fetal development in the tenth obstetric month

Thirty-seventh week (254-259 days)

The child's height increases to 48-49 cm, weight can fluctuate significantly. The skin has become lighter and thicker, the fat layer increases every day by 14-15 grams per day.

Cartilages of the nose and ears become denser and more elastic.

Fully lungs are formed and mature, the alveoli contain the necessary amount of surfactant for the newborn to breathe.

The digestive system has matured: Contractions occur in the stomach and intestines to push food through (peristalsis).

Thirty-eighth week (260-266 days)

A child's weight and height vary greatly.

The fetus is fully mature and ready to be born. Externally, the child looks like a full-term newborn. The skin is light, the fatty tissue is sufficiently developed, and vellus hair is practically absent.

Thirty-ninth week (267-273 days)

Typically two weeks before birth the fruit begins to descend, pressing against the pelvic bones. The child has already reached full maturity. The placenta begins to gradually age and its metabolic processes deteriorate.

The weight of the fetus increases significantly (30-35 grams per day). The proportions of the body change completely: the chest and shoulder girdle are well developed, the belly is round, and the limbs are long.

Well developed sense organs: the child catches all sounds, sees bright colors, can focus his vision, and taste buds are developed.

Fortieth week (274-280 days)

All indicators of fetal development correspond to new to the awaited one. The baby is completely ready for birth. The weight can vary significantly: from 250 to 4000 and above grams.

The uterus begins to periodically contract(), which is manifested by aching pain in the lower abdomen. The cervix opens slightly, and the fetal head is pressed closer to the pelvic cavity.

The skull bones are still soft and pliable, which allows the baby’s head to change shape and pass the birth canal more easily.

Fetal development by week of pregnancy - Video

From the moment the sperm and egg meet in the fallopian tube, 1 month of pregnancy begins. It is then that you can notice the first signs of toxicosis. After 7 days, the cells begin dividing. And at the same time, the egg moves into the uterus. After conception, on the eighth day, it attaches to the wall of the smooth muscle organ. Then growth is activated. The most important stage is attachment to the uterus and formation of the placenta. The vessels grow, and the exchange of nutrients and oxygen with the embryo begins. Due to intense hormonal reorganization, there is a large load on the mother's body. During fetal implantation, there may be sudden changes in mood due to sudden changes in the amount of hormones. Towards the end of the month, from the fourth week, the amount of progesterone increases. In this regard, a protective mucous plug is formed in the cervix. The pregnant woman's nervous tension decreases, and her emotional state will return to normal over time. The first week of the menstrual cycle is considered 1 week of pregnancy - for ease of calculation. This is a more practical method than relying on ovulation or timing of conception.

  1. At 1 month, the expectant mother needs rest. But there is no need to stay in bed all the time - a sedentary lifestyle will only increase weakness.
  2. Food and lifestyle should be healthy. Follow a diet, ventilate the room.
  3. Do the exercises. Walk and enjoy life.
  4. To help combat nausea, add protein-rich foods to your diet.
  5. Don't limit yourself to fluids. Give preference to milkshakes, fruit and vegetable juices.
  6. The diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables containing plenty of water. Eat small amounts frequently, every few hours.
  7. Try not to be nervous.

When should you go to the gynecologist?

You should visit a doctor, especially if you have the following symptoms and ailments:

  • pain;
  • pain accompanied by discharge containing blood;
  • with slight or severe discharge, with or without odor;
  • if you feel pain when urinating;
  • heat;
  • severe vomiting (more than 4 times a day).

Fetus

What happens to the fetus at 1 month of pregnancy? The egg, which has already been fertilized, enters the uterus 3 days after conception. After a week, it is attached to its walls and remains there for the entire remaining period of gestation. After 7 days, the fetus begins to develop on the mother’s resources. The placenta, umbilical cord, and rudiment of the spine are formed. In the third week, all vital organs are formed. The heart is formed, but only by the end of 2 months the structure will become the same as that of the mother. The neural system continues to form into the spinal cord. At week 4, eye sockets form and the development of arms and legs begins. That is, the formation of almost all organs is underway. The baby is 1 month pregnant, by the end of 4 weeks, the size of a grain of rice. That is, the fruit is no more than 5 mm. What does the belly look like at 1 month of pregnancy? This question is often asked by girls who are expecting their first baby. The belly at 1 month of pregnancy is not yet noticeable to others. Many girls do not even realize at this time that they are pregnant.

Feel

What does it feel like to be 1 month pregnant? During this period, the expectant mother feels weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, heartburn, increased appetite and excessive emotionality. Any little thing can bring tears. Laughter may give way to crying. Hormones are to blame.

Main features

Now let's look at the signs at 1 month of pregnancy:

  • Lack of menstruation.
  • Bleeding. About 25% of pregnant women experience light bleeding during the first weeks of pregnancy. This may be a sign that the embryo has implanted in the uterus. However, if there is significant bleeding, cramping, or abdominal pain, call your doctor. Such symptoms may indicate a miscarriage.
  • Drowsiness, fatigue. The body works hard to support the growing fetus. Take a nap or rest during the day. Also make sure you get enough iron (too little can lead to anemia, which can cause excess fatigue).
  • Frequent urge to urinate. The baby is still not big, but the uterus is actively growing, and it is putting pressure on the bladder. Have to go to the toilet often. The main thing is not to limit your fluid intake, reduce your coffee intake (the latter drink activates the bladder).
  • Nausea accompanied by intolerance to certain types of food, or craving for certain foods. You may not want pickles with condensed milk, but tastes will 100% change during pregnancy. According to research, more than 60% of pregnant women experience food cravings. And more than 30% of them are disgusted. A deviation from the norm is the desire to consume elements such as clay, chalk and starch. If such thirst is present, tell your doctor immediately.
  • Heaviness in the chest. Soreness and excessive sensitivity of the breast is one of the early signs of pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes that prepare the breasts for feeding. Heaviness will be felt in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Buy a larger bra size for more comfort. And you can return to lace bras after you finish breastfeeding.

Heartburn, morning sickness and emotionality are minor symptoms

What are the known signs of pregnancy at 1 month? During this period, it produces more of the hormone progesterone. It relaxes muscles, including the muscles in the esophagus, which is normally responsible for holding food acid in the stomach. This muscle relaxation can lead to heartburn. To avoid it:

  • eat small portions;
  • do not lie down straight after eating;
  • do not eat fatty, spicy, fried foods.

Nausea is one of the most universal symptoms of pregnancy, affecting up to 85% of pregnant women. This is the result of changes in hormones in the body. This can continue throughout the first trimester. Some pregnant women cannot start their day without vomiting.

Fatigue and changes in hormones can play a cruel joke. They will make you feel alternately elated and unhappy, moody and scared. This is normal, but if you're feeling overwhelmed, try to find support - if not from your partner, then from a friend or family member.

Pregnancy 1 month: weeks one and two

Now let's look at what happens each week. That is, what changes occur in the body of the woman and the fetus.


3 weeks pregnant

The most important thing a woman can do at this stage is to change any negative habits she has. Quitting bad habits (such as smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs) is important for a normal pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child. It is necessary to start taking prenatal vitamins and also increase the dose of folic acid.

Symptoms and changes in the body at 3 weeks

Despite the symptoms characteristic of this situation, many women may not be aware of pregnancy even in the third week. Not all tests can show reliable results with accuracy.

Now about changes in the body. Even though the baby is growing in size, many women lose weight during the third week due to nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite caused by hormonal changes. Vaginal cramps and discharge are very common. Therefore, although there are not many external changes, it is important to remember that the changes that occur internally are critical, especially in the early stages.

What should a woman eat during this period? Dairy products, greens, vegetables, red meat and legumes are excellent sources of folic acid, calcium, protein and iron, which help develop strong bones, muscles and tissues in your baby. Additionally, eating a healthy diet can help manage mood swings caused by hormonal changes.

Week 3: child development

By the end of 3 weeks, the egg is implanted on the walls of the uterus. The child begins to form. Parameters such as gender and eye color, hair and skin color have already been determined, but the brain, head, spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract are just beginning to develop. The heart begins to beat and the baby's size varies from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

4 weeks pregnant

If pregnancy is confirmed, dietary and lifestyle changes need to be made as these are critical during the fourth week. After all, the fourth week is already 1 month of pregnancy. The first trimester continues. And this is a very important moment in the development of a child. During this stage, the fetus is at high risk: abnormalities may occur in organs and systems such as the child's brain, heart, head, spinal cord, bones, muscles, tissues and teeth. If the expectant mother takes alcohol, then she needs to stop doing so. Then you can increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

4th week of pregnancy: symptoms and changes in the body

During the fourth week, the body produces the pregnancy hormone hCG, which can cause restlessness, vomiting, nausea, fainting, dizziness and mood swings. The breasts become more sensitive. Some women notice that their sense of smell becomes quite acute. Nasty odors tend to cause nausea or vomiting.

Pregnancy during the first weeks can sometimes feel like an ordeal that will never end.

4th week of pregnancy: baby development.

The fetus develops very quickly during the fourth week of pregnancy. Fertilization and implantation have occurred. Additionally, the amnion sac and yolk sac develop during this fourth week. The amnion sac is filled with amniotic fluid. She protects the embryo. The yolk sac produces blood - it helps nourish the embryo until the placenta finishes forming. The vascular network grows and helps transport blood, oxygen and nutrients from mother to baby via the umbilical cord.

An ultrasound at 1 month of pregnancy will show a yolk sac containing an embryo 0.4 mm long - the size of an apple seed. Using the device, you can even hear the fetal heartbeat.

Week 6: symptoms and changes in the body

1.5 months of pregnancy are equal to 6 weeks. Reaching this period is an important point. It marks the halfway point through the first trimester. The child is definitely growing, changing and developing. Pregnancy can be determined with 100% accuracy by the sixth week, since the amount of the hormone released during pregnancy has increased. All tests and analyzes will show positive results.

As the baby develops, symptoms of pregnancy become apparent, including mood swings, strong food cravings, morning sickness, fatigue, weight gain, and breast tenderness. This is due to the rapid growth rate of the child.

Baby development at 6 weeks

After six weeks, the baby experiences visible changes. Arms and legs begin to protrude from the body. Heart rate 100-160 beats per minute (twice as fast as an adult). The blood circulates, the lungs, intestines, liver and pancreas are formed. The baby is about 6 millimeters long and looks like a grain of lentil. In the sixth week of pregnancy, he can make his first movements. Although they are too soft to feel. During the sixth week, it is extremely important to be careful in your food intake. You shouldn't eat for two simply because you're pregnant. You should only consume 300 extra calories per day and try to keep weight gain to a minimum. In addition, you need to divide your meals into smaller portions and eat them throughout the day. This will help control morning sickness, which is much worse on an empty stomach.

Then you will remember this month and look for a premonition of such an important event. Perhaps it was the most unexpected, or maybe you were consciously preparing for it. What happens in a woman’s body during this mysterious month? In most cases, women do not know the exact date of conception of the child, but they can say exactly when the last menstruation began. Therefore, it is customary for obstetricians all over the world to count pregnancy from the first day of the last menstruation. Although for most women the most likely period of fertilization occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. If you count from the first day of menstruation, pregnancy lasts on average 280 days or 40 weeks. In everyday life, we still operate by counting the months of pregnancy.

What happens in the body of the expectant mother?

So, oddly enough, the first week of future pregnancy occurs during menstruation. During this period, the brain actively rebuilds your endocrine system, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland secrete special hormones that prepare one of the thousands of eggs located in the ovaries for fertilization, and the uterine mucosa for receiving a fertilized fertilized egg. A newly born girl's body contains about 2 million eggs. Their number drops to about 400 thousand by the time they reach puberty. During each cycle, 20 or more eggs begin the process of maturation, but in the second week from the start of menstruation, a “leader” can already be identified among them. This is most often a single egg, located in a special vesicle (called a Graafian vesicle), which protrudes above the surface of the ovary.

By the end of the second week, the Graafian vesicle ruptures, and the egg is released from the ovary into the abdominal cavity. This moment is called ovulation. After ovulation, the egg is captured by the processes of the fallopian tube, where it remains viable for up to 24 hours. Some women experience lower abdominal pain or discomfort on the day of ovulation or the next day. In addition, the day of ovulation can be determined by dividing the menstrual cycle (the time from the first day of the previous menstruation to the first day of the next one) in half - for example, with a 28-day cycle this is the 14th day. Naturally, this method of determining ovulation is suitable only for women with a regular cycle. If the cycle is irregular, then special devices or pharmacy tests that determine ovulation by urine analysis will help you find out when ovulation occurred. You can also use the measurement of basal temperature (i.e. temperature in the rectum).

On the day of ovulation, a jump in basal temperature occurs. It must be at least 0.6°C. If a meeting with a sperm occurs, then pregnancy occurs. In the place where the Graafian vesicle was, a special formation is formed - the corpus luteum. It looks like a small sac of fluid on the wall of the ovary. It rapidly develops blood vessels to produce various hormones necessary to support pregnancy in the early stages, primarily progesterone. The formation of the corpus luteum may be accompanied by pain. The development of early toxicosis of pregnancy is associated with the functioning of the corpus luteum. This is confirmed by the fact that most often early toxicosis passes by the 16th week of pregnancy, when the corpus luteum undergoes reverse development and its functions are taken over by the placenta.

By the end of the first month of pregnancy, the fertilized egg will be implanted into the wall of your uterus. When implantation occurs, the cervix will swell, become softer, and a dense mucus plug will appear in it, preventing infection from entering the uterus. The first changes in your immune system begin to occur - early pregnancy factor (EPF in English) is produced. This substance helps the fertilized egg “deceive” your body and prevents conflict between your immune system and “foreign” fetal cells.

Fertilization process

The fertilization process occurs in the upper part of the fallopian tube. Many sperm are sent to the egg, secreting a special substance that dissolves its shell, and only one manages to break through the defense of the protective layer of the egg. This is the moment of conception. After it, a chemical process begins in the shell of the egg, preventing other sperm from getting inside. The sperm inside the egg dissolves, and its nucleus combines with the nucleus of the egg, resulting in the genetic information of the father and mother. From the moment of conception to the birth of the child, approximately 266 days should pass. The sex of the unborn child is determined by the chromosomal makeup of the sperm. There are two types of sperm - with an X or Y chromosome, and the egg always has only an X chromosome. If a sperm with a Y chromosome penetrates into the egg, then a boy will be born, and if with an X chromosome, then a girl will be born. The “boy” sperm moves faster, but lives less than the “girl” one, so the coincidence of sexual intercourse with ovulation increases the likelihood of the birth of a boy, and the birth of a girl is more likely if sexual intercourse occurs 2-3 days earlier. As a result of fertilization, a one-celled embryo is formed - a zygote.

By the end of the first day after fertilization, the zygote begins to divide. After 30 hours, 2 cells are formed, after another 10 hours - 4, and by 6-7 days after fertilization the number of cells will reach 250, and the shape of the embryo will resemble a hollow ball with a diameter of 0.1-0.2 mm. Your unborn baby is called a blastocyst. At this time, the embryo moves along the fallopian tube to the uterus, the movement continues for three days, and the embryo is free in the uterine cavity for another two days. If the movement of the embryo is slowed down, then an ectopic pregnancy may occur; if it is accelerated, the embryo enters the uterus at a stage of development when its engraftment cannot occur or the fertilized egg attaches too low, which leads to a complication of pregnancy - placenta previa or low attachment; in this case, the placenta either blocks the exit from the uterus or is located too close to the exit. For the first 6 days of life, the embryo is not connected to the mother; it is nourished by the substances that have been accumulated in the egg. From the 7th day after fertilization, implantation begins - the introduction of the embryo into the wall of the uterus. The blastocyst secretes special enzymes that destroy an area of ​​the uterine mucosa. The outer cells of the blastocyst form villi and connect with the blood vessels of the uterus to then form the placenta - the organ through which the fetus will receive oxygen and nutrients. If implantation was successful, then the development of the embryo will now be provided by your organs and systems, and not by the modest reserves of nutrients made by the egg. The implantation period lasts about 40 hours and is a critical period in the development of the embryo. If, in the period of time from fertilization to implantation, a woman is exposed to serious damaging factors - for example, she suffers a serious disease or is exposed to toxins, ionizing radiation, etc. - then the further development of the embryo can only go in two ways. He either finds reserves to correct the damage (then, if there are no unpleasant surprises in the future, there will not even be traces of any influences left), or these reserves are insufficient (then the embryo dies, the pregnancy does not continue, and normal menstruation occurs at the appointed time or with slight delay of a few days). This is the so-called “all or nothing” law, a kind of manifestation of natural selection. Every second woman loses a pregnancy at this stage of its development, without even knowing that there was a conception and she could have a child.

On the 9th day after fertilization (on average, the 25th day of the menstrual cycle), the fertilized egg is placed in a new place, and the mother begins to truly feed and protect her unborn child. At this point, the outer layer of the embryo begins to produce a special hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It is he who gives the mother’s body information that pregnancy has occurred and encourages all organs and systems to undergo restructuring. During the last week of the first month of pregnancy, the fetus becomes an embryo, as we will call it until the 10th week. The embryo consists of three layers of tissue, the development of which will follow different paths. Nerves and skin are formed from the outer layer, bones, muscles, circulatory system, kidneys and genitals are formed from the middle layer, and the respiratory and digestive system are formed from the inner layer. By the end of the first month, the head of the embryo is formed. In the 4th week from the last menstruation, very important extra-embryonic organs (chorion, amnion) are formed. And although they do not form the tissues and organs of the baby, further development of the embryo is impossible without them. After some time, the chorion will turn into the placenta, and the amnion will become the amniotic sac - it will contain the fetus and amniotic fluid. At the end of the 4th week, your baby is 0.4-1mm in size - the size of a grain of sand.

How does a pregnant woman feel?

In the first month, you do not even suspect that pregnancy has occurred. Everything is still exactly the same as it was before. The main work is done unnoticed: the body gradually increases blood volume, forcing the heart, kidneys and lungs to work more energetically. Many expectant mothers recall that even before the delay of menstruation, some changes also appeared in their well-being. About a third of women report tenderness or mild soreness of the mammary glands. In some of them, the breasts “swell” and increase in size. Some experience strange sensations in the lower abdomen, a kind of “premonition” of pregnancy; the moment of implantation is often accompanied by scanty bleeding. There is no toxicosis yet, it may appear a little later, but eating habits are already changing (as people say, “craving salty things”), a metallic taste in the mouth and hypersensitivity to odors may appear. And you no longer like your favorite perfume, your favorite coffee is unbearable, and there is nothing worse than the smell of food in your favorite restaurant.

Very often, the first sign of pregnancy is increased fatigue and drowsiness. Nature seems to give a signal to our body: “Stop! Stop! You no longer need to be on time anywhere, you have a completely different task.” There are two more signs of an upcoming pregnancy that you should be wary of. The first is an increase in general body temperature to 37.0-37.5°C. It has already been proven that normal pregnancy can be accompanied by such phenomena, but so can a viral infection. Therefore, it is necessary to visit doctors - a therapist and a gynecologist - in such cases. The same as with the appearance of frequent urination, which, in addition to pregnancy, can also accompany a urinary tract infection. There are quite a few signs of pregnancy, and they appear in a variety of combinations. Some women experience almost all of them; for others, lack of menstruation is the only symptom.

Psychology of the first month

Considering that most often the first month of pregnancy goes unnoticed, the mother does not have any special psychological problems at this time. It is more difficult for women planning pregnancy for a long time. Then the last week of the first month is associated with a severe stressful state of waiting for the result: will pregnancy occur? At the same time, a woman’s body produces many stress hormones that interfere with normal implantation of the embryo and the functioning of the corpus luteum. So it turns out that the more we expect pregnancy, the less likely it is to occur. Remember, you probably have friends who have been unsuccessfully treated for infertility for a long time and only, having given up all hopes, received a sudden long-awaited pregnancy.

Deviations from the norm

In the first month, the following pregnancy complications may develop:

An ectopic pregnancy is a pathology in which the fertilized egg develops outside the uterus. Most often, during an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg develops in one of the sections of the fallopian tube, in rare cases - in the ovary, abdominal cavity or cervix. The conditions for the development of the fertilized egg there are unfavorable, so such a pregnancy is terminated within 4-8 weeks.

In this case, most often the fallopian tube ruptures, which is accompanied by severe internal bleeding. Signs of an ectopic pregnancy are periodically recurring pain in one of the groin areas, scanty dark bloody discharge from the vagina, a feeling of lightheadedness, and dizziness. When a pipe ruptures, there is a sudden sharp pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, pallor, cold sweat, and possible loss of consciousness. The only treatment is emergency surgery.

A corpus luteum cyst is a blister measuring up to 6-8 cm, which forms in place of the corpus luteum. Such formation requires additional observation and usually goes away on its own by 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. In very rare cases, a corpus luteum cyst ruptures, which requires surgery as bleeding occurs. After removal of the corpus luteum cyst, pregnancy most often continues to develop safely.

What to do?

You need to start taking vitamins if you have not already started doing so when planning your pregnancy.

The main vitamin for both future parents is folic acid (vitamin B9). It ensures the necessary speed of growth and development of the unborn child, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing congenital defects in the fetus, in particular the nervous system, as well as malnutrition and prematurity. Malformations such as cleft lip and cleft palate can also be a consequence of vitamin B9 deficiency in pregnant women. To prevent developmental disorders, multivitamins should contain at least 800 mcg of folic acid. Women who already have children with similar problems are prescribed 4 mg of pure folic acid per day (4 tablets). A natural analogue of folic acid - folate, found in green leafy vegetables, beans, asparagus, citrus fruits - unfortunately, is very poorly absorbed from food.

In addition to folic acid, multivitamins for the expectant mother should contain vitamin E. This vitamin contributes to the normal production of female sex hormones in the early stages of pregnancy. The recommended dose of vitamin E at this stage of pregnancy is 1500 IU per day. If you live in an iodine-deficient area and do not use iodized salt, your multivitamin should contain 150-200 mcg of iodine per day. Instead of multivitamins, you can take folic acid, vitamin E and iodine supplements separately. When choosing vitamin preparations, do not forget to consult your doctor.

Necessary medical measures

Usually, a normal first month of pregnancy does not require any medical supervision.

To make sure that you are pregnant, you can do a test at home. These systems are freely sold in pharmacies. They are based on the determination of human chorionic gonadotropin, which is secreted by the chorion of the fetal egg. This hormone enters the blood of the expectant mother and is excreted from there along with the urine.

To be fair, it should be noted that it is better to carry out this test against the background of delayed menstruation, when the level of human chorionic gonadotropin is quite high. At home, hCG is determined in the urine; in the laboratory, this hormone is also determined in the blood; in addition, the laboratory will show the amount of hCG. The amount of this hormone can be used to judge how pregnancy is developing. With an ultrasound scan using a vaginal probe, by the end of the first month you can see the fertilized egg and the corpus luteum. But if nothing worries you, the doctor will schedule your first ultrasound examination at 12-16 weeks. Currently, especially in the presence of complications in previous pregnancies, ultrasound is often prescribed earlier - at 9-10 weeks, to make sure that the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus (uterine pregnancy), and to measure the cervical fold, an increase in the thickness of which allows one to suspect defects fetal development.

Household affairs

Already at the stage of pregnancy planning, it is worth reconsidering your views on many everyday problems. The main condition is to ensure good rest. Listen to yourself: if you want to lie down and sleep during the day, then that’s what you should do. This is more important than keeping the house clean or preparing dinners. Moreover, even after a short sleep, necessary tasks will no longer seem so burdensome. Rest always gives you a chance to do any work faster and with pleasure. There are no restrictions on physical activity yet, if it is familiar to you.

According to obstetric terms, 1 month of pregnancy begins on the 1st day of the last menstrual cycle, since it is on this day that the egg begins to mature, which will subsequently undergo ovulation and, after 14 days, will be fertilized. The idea that it begins immediately after fertilization is false. In other words, for the first two or three weeks, the woman is actually still not pregnant, but if the mature egg is successfully fertilized by a male reproductive cell (sperm), then these weeks will begin to count towards the period of bearing the fetus.

The first 4 weeks of pregnancy bring with it significant changes in the condition of a woman’s body. An important period is the fusion of sperm and egg. If this process occurs under favorable conditions on the part of the female body, the fetus will have a high chance of developing normally. As soon as the fusion has occurred, active hormonal changes begin in the body of an already pregnant woman.

1 month of pregnancy and hormones

During this period, a woman suffers from changes in taste preferences, drowsiness, and increased fatigue. These changes are directly related to the active secretion of new hormones in the woman’s body. The active production of the hormone progesterone begins, which provokes the necessary clogging and complete closure of the cervix. It also affects nervous excitability, which explains changes in a woman’s psychological state. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone thanks to which a woman can determine pregnancy using a test, since the test reacts specifically to it. These two hormones lead to dizziness and nausea.

1 month of pregnancy - signs of its onset

During the first 2 weeks, there are practically no signs of pregnancy, despite the fact that significant changes are already occurring inside the body. However, already in the third week and thereafter the following signs appear:

  • excessive salivation;
  • pain and;
  • change in color of the nipple area, it darkens;
  • dilated blue veins appear on the chest;
  • frequent urination;
  • drowsiness and increased weakness;
  • bloating;
  • heartburn;
  • increased appetite;
  • nausea and vomiting.

If pregnancy occurs, symptoms may either appear or remain hidden. For example, two pregnancies in the same woman may be accompanied by different symptoms.

1 month of pregnancy - when to see a doctor

In the first month of pregnancy, the fertilized egg is especially sensitive to all unfavorable factors, so a pregnant woman should monitor her condition especially carefully and consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear:

  1. In the lower abdomen there is acute pain in the genital area, severe vomiting and nausea, which causes abdominal pain.
  2. Discharge of any intensity appeared, with or without odor.
  3. Appeared in the form of blood.
  4. Particularly frequent and painful urination appeared.
  5. High body temperature, fever.

In this case, the doctor may prescribe inpatient treatment.

Fetus in the first month of pregnancy

The first month of pregnancy is an amazing stage in the formation of the fetus. Already in this period, all internal organs are formed, the placenta and umbilical cord are formed, the notochord is the rudiment of the spine. During this period, the embryo grows and actively develops, its size increases, and it changes its shape. Already from the third week, the spinal cord and brain are formed, and the first weak heart contractions begin. Already by the 21st day, the outlines of legs and arms are formed, dimples - future eyes. By the end of 1 month the fetus reaches 4 mm.