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Why menstruation can go during pregnancy. When is spotting during pregnancy not dangerous? How to distinguish spotting from regular periods

The test showed two stripes - clear, bright, convincing. They confirm that a miracle happened and now you will have a child. This news causes a state of euphoria, which, however, pretty soon gives way to anxiety: what to do next? How to behave correctly in the new status, do you need to go to the doctor, when and where to register for pregnancy, what tests and examinations do you need to undergo? Do I need to collect any documents for maternity leave, how long do I need to work, what is a generic certificate, when and how to choose a maternity hospital, whether to conclude a contract? In general, you need a clear guide on further actions, so to speak, step-by-step instructions for pregnancy. This is exactly the instruction we decided to bring to your attention.

Visit to the gynecologist and the first ultrasound.

You need to go to the doctor's appointment without delay as soon as you find out about the onset of pregnancy. The first appointment with a gynecologist will include an external examination, an examination on a gynecological chair, an ultrasound scan and a blood test for hCG.

Based on the results of this express examination, the doctor will be able to accurately confirm the fact of pregnancy (or deny it, because the tests are sometimes "wrong"), determine the term and exclude the ectopic localization of the embryo. In addition, at the first appointment, you will receive information about further medical measures: visiting other doctors - this may be necessary in the presence of chronic diseases, - additional tests, the date of the next visit to the gynecologist and ultrasound.

Correcting the lifestyle

Now it is necessary to revise the daily routine, work schedule and physical activity. The first weeks of pregnancy are a critical period in the development of the fetus: any overload, stress and illness of the expectant mother during this period can adversely affect the health of the baby and the course of pregnancy. Night walks, clubs and noisy parties will have to be postponed until better times. In the first weeks of pregnancy, you should try to visit less crowded places to avoid the risk of infection and injury. Try to get plenty of rest, sleep and walk in the fresh air.

It is necessary to immediately give up overtime work, business trips; if possible, shift the start and end times of the working day to avoid traffic congestion during rush hour. You have every right to all these pleasant changes in the work schedule in accordance with labor law.

In the first weeks, you should temporarily stop playing sports; subsequently, during the normal course of pregnancy, it will be possible to return to sports - of course, adjusted for the "interesting position".

It is useful for a newly minted expectant mother to walk and swim; but from cycling, running, skating and skiing should be abandoned as soon as it becomes known about pregnancy. Try not to make sudden movements or lift weights: the maximum recommended weight is 3 kg, evenly distributed in both hands.

You should also adjust your diet: it is important for a pregnant woman to eat right. It is necessary to give up canned food, synthetic drinks and products with artificial food additives, do not abuse spicy, fatty and fried foods.

We take vitamins

From the first days of pregnancy, expectant mothers are recommended to take folic acid - vitamin B9. This vitamin provides the necessary rate of growth and development of the baby in the early stages, is the main means of preventing missed pregnancies and the formation of malformations of the nervous system and heart of the fetus. In addition, folic acid provides better absorption of iron, which is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. The recommended daily intake of vitamin B9 tablets is 800 mcg.

Another “vitamin of the first days of pregnancy” is E; it is necessary for the body of the expectant mother for the synthesis of the main hormone of pregnancy - progesterone, which ensures normal tone and blood supply to the uterus.

Second ultrasound

The second time ultrasound is performed for a period of 8-12 weeks. Objective of the study: to confirm the prolongation - the successful course and development of pregnancy, to determine the correspondence of the size and development of the fetus to the expected gestational age, to exclude the formation of malformations. Based on the results of the second ultrasound, the expectant mother is recommended to start a regular visit to the gynecologist to monitor the course of pregnancy.

Pregnancy accounting

It is advisable to start systematic medical monitoring of the development of pregnancy no later than 12 weeks; it is better to register early - at the same time as the second ultrasound examination.
Early registration for pregnancy and the beginning of regular medical supervision can significantly reduce the risk of exacerbations of chronic diseases and complications of pregnancy. Women registered no later than 12 weeks receive a one-time allowance equal to half of the minimum wage when they go on maternity leave. When registering with the antenatal clinic, the expectant mother should present a passport, compulsory medical insurance policy and the results of medical examinations for the last year, including the conclusion of the first ultrasound scan and test data. In the future, the expectant mother is recommended to visit the doctor at least 12 times during pregnancy. For periods up to 28 weeks, it is worth going to the doctor at least 1 time per month, from 28 to 37 weeks - at least 2 times a month, and starting from 38 weeks - every 7–10 days. In the presence of special indications, for example, if there is a need for an additional examination based on test results or health conditions, the doctor may recommend unscheduled visits at any of the listed dates.

We hand over analyzes

The referral for the necessary laboratory tests is given by the doctor at the first visit, i.e. when registering for pregnancy. A standard set of studies conducted at week 12 includes:

  • clinical (general) blood test;
  • general urine analysis;
  • blood chemistry;
  • coagulogram - blood clotting test;
  • determination of the group and Rh-belonging of blood;
  • blood test for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis;
  • research for the presence of torch infections: rubella, toxoplasmosis, coxsackie, herpes, cytomegalovirus, papillomavirus, chlamydia, urea and mycoplasmosis, gardnerellosis. These diseases are latent and can pathologically affect the development of the fetus;
  • a smear of flora from the vagina;
  • at the discretion of the doctor, a screening examination for congenital diseases may be recommended - a blood test for alpha-fetoprotein and hCG.

Despite the frightening size of the list, all tests can be taken in one go - for this you need to know the days of blood collection and the necessary preparation measures. For example, a biochemical blood test should be taken on an empty stomach, and on the eve of a test for RW (syphilis), you should not eat a lot of sweets: non-compliance with these rules can lead to incorrect test results. In the presence of chronic diseases or as prescribed by other doctors, such as a therapist or endocrinologist, the list may expand. In the future, many tests will have to be repeated: for example, urine analysis - at each visit to the gynecologist; general blood test - at least twice per trimester; analysis for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis - once in the second and third trimester; smear on flora - at least once per trimester. Repeated studies for the same infections are necessary, since theoretically the expectant mother can get sick during pregnancy.

Related specialists

Physicians of other specialties are called allied in obstetrics, whose examination helps the gynecologist to choose the correct tactics for managing pregnancy. To monitor the course of pregnancy, examinations by a therapist, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, dentist and ENT are most relevant, however, if you have health problems, you may need to consult other doctors, for example, a nephrologist - a specialist in kidney diseases, a neurologist, a phlebologist - a specialist in venous diseases - or a cardiologist ... Bypassing related specialists should begin no later than 12 weeks and complete by 16 weeks of pregnancy. As part of the examination, an electrocardiogram should be done by a therapist. If necessary, doctors can invite the expectant mother to an appointment again in the second and third trimester of pregnancy or prescribe additional diagnostic tests.

Screening test

At 16-18 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother is recommended to undergo the so-called "triple test", which allows to identify a risk group for the formation of fetal malformations. For this, the venous blood of the pregnant woman is examined for the amount of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and estriol. Changes in the amount of these substances produced by the tissues of the fetus and placenta may indicate the presence of a serious fetal abnormality, such as Down's syndrome. If the test results are positive, the expectant mother is referred for genetic counseling.

Third ultrasound

The next ultrasound examination is recommended for a period of 18–20 weeks; by this time, the formation of the placenta is completed, as well as the laying of the main organs and systems of the fetus. Echography at this time allows you to assess the degree of development of the cardiovascular, nervous and urinary systems of the fetus, the correspondence of the development and size of the baby to the gestational age, determine the place of attachment of the placenta and the level of blood flow in its vessels, and assess the structure of the placenta and umbilical cord. The third ultrasound is included in the recommended volume of screening studies to identify genetic abnormalities and fetal malformations.

Physical exercise

After 20 weeks of pregnancy, when the main "critical" periods have already passed, it is worth discussing with the doctor the possibility of sports that are permissible for this period. Recall that active expectant mothers who played sports before pregnancy need to discuss the correction of habitual physical activity at the very first visit to the gynecologist. If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, dosed physical activity is not only allowed, but also strongly recommended: good muscle tone and elasticity of the ligamentous apparatus makes it easier to tolerate weight gain during pregnancy and the discomfort of labor pains. Stretching exercises such as yoga for pregnant women, Pilates, and body flex are best. Pregnant women can practice swimming, special aqua aerobics for expectant mothers, and even belly dancing. A prerequisite is the complete elimination of sudden movements, load on the press and lifting weights; all of the above exercises are best performed under the supervision of a trainer who is competent in the selection of loads for pregnant women. In the absence of special recommendations of the doctor, you can engage in "permitted" sports for 40-60 minutes 2-3 times a week until the very birth.

Exchange card

This document can be considered a "pregnancy passport": it contains all the necessary medical information about the health of the expectant mother, the characteristics of this and previous pregnancies, the results of analyzes and examinations, the drugs received and the opinions of specialists.

"Exchange" consists of three parts; the first is filled in by the doctor in consultation, the second - by the obstetrician-gynecologist who took the birth, the third - by the neonatologist who watched the baby in the hospital after birth. With the help of this important document, continuity is carried out in the transfer of information about the health of the mother and baby between the antenatal clinic, the maternity hospital and the children's clinic. According to Order No. 30 of 10.02.2003, the exchange card is issued to the expectant mother in the hands of the supervising doctor of the antenatal clinic no later than the 23rd week of pregnancy. From the moment of receipt, the "pregnancy passport" must constantly be in the purse of the expectant mother, along with a general civil passport and an OMS policy: they may be needed in case of an unforeseen emergency hospitalization.

Courses for parents-to-be

It is worth deciding on the choice of courses by the 25th week of pregnancy: the most complete and interesting lecture cycles are designed on average for two months of visits in the mode of 1-2 lessons per week. You can start attending courses earlier: most topics will be informative and relevant even in the first weeks of pregnancy, and many classes include useful physical exercises in addition to lectures. Courses are needed for the correct psychological attitude to childbirth, the acquisition of self-pain relief skills, which include postures, massage, relaxation and breathing techniques, and newborn care.

A standard set of lectures usually includes topics on the characteristics of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, fetal development, the main aspects of medical supervision of a pregnant woman, a woman in labor, a postpartum woman and a newborn in a maternity hospital, breastfeeding, the introduction of complementary foods, the development of a baby in the first year of life, an overview of maternity hospitals in your city. In most courses, in addition to lectures, practical exercises are conducted - obstetric gymnastics and labor trainings, during which they practice the technique of pain relief. It is better to attend classes for future parents with a partner. Such courses can be found at antenatal clinics or maternity hospitals; there are also independent commercial clubs for parents-to-be. When choosing courses, pay attention to the qualifications of teachers (usually lectures are given by specialist doctors and psychologists), gymnastics coaches, the convenience of the location of the courses and the time of classes, the opportunity to attend lectures with your husband and choose specific topics of interest to you.

Maternity leave

A disability certificate for pregnancy and childbirth is issued by an obstetrician-gynecologist who monitors the course of pregnancy for the following periods:

with a normal pregnancy - from the 30th week to 140 calendar days (70 days before childbirth and 70 - after childbirth);
in the case of multiple pregnancies - from 28 weeks to 180 calendar days;
for complicated childbirth, postpartum leave is increased by 16 calendar days and the total duration of the decree is 156 (70 + 16 + 70) calendar days.

Generic certificate

Taking maternity leave at 30 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother can receive another important document. This is a generic certificate intended for additional payment for the services of doctors of antenatal clinics, maternity hospitals and children's polyclinics from the federal budget. The project for the issuance of generic certificates started on January 1, 2006; its goal is to improve the quality of medical care for expectant mothers and babies in public medical institutions.

The certificate consists of three coupons: the first goes to pay for the services of antenatal clinics, the second - the maternity hospital, and the third - medical services in the children's clinic. In the consultation, the certificate is handed out at 30 weeks, subject to registration no later than 12 weeks and visiting one doctor at the antenatal clinic at least 12 times per pregnancy; By agreeing to take the certificate, the expectant mother shows that she is happy with the medical care she received. In case of irregular observation, late registration, medical care on a commercial basis, or in case of dissatisfaction with the level of the provision of medical services, a generic certificate is not issued in the consultation. In this case, the expectant mother will receive a birth certificate already in the hospital. It should be emphasized that a birth certificate is not a mandatory document for planned or emergency hospitalization in a maternity hospital, regardless of which maternity hospital is chosen and on what insurance conditions - under the compulsory medical insurance policy or on a paid basis - the expectant mother will be served.

Fourth ultrasound

The last ultrasound scan recommended for normal pregnancy is after 32 weeks. By this time, the fetus has already formed, occupies a stable position in the uterus, and the doctor, based on the results of the study, can assess its physical development, location, presentation, estimated size by the end of pregnancy, the amount of water, the state of the placenta, blood flow in the vessels of the placenta, umbilical cord and uterine arteries. This data allows you to draw up an anticipated birth plan, determine the degree of risks and the need for additional medical training.

Cardiotocography

It is advisable to conduct this study after 32–34 weeks of pregnancy. The method allows you to assess the well-being of the fetus in terms of frequency and variability, i.e. changes in his heart rate. To do this, within 20-40 minutes, the baby's heart rate is taken using an ultrasonic sensor and recorded on a paper tape in the form of a graph. In addition, the CTG chart shows the moments of the baby's movements and the increase in the tone of the uterus. Changes in heart rate, fetal movement frequency and increases in myometrial tone can be used to assess the risk of fetal hypoxia and premature labor.

Choosing a maternity hospital

This important process should be started no later than 34–36 weeks of pregnancy. When choosing, one should take into account such criteria as the remoteness of the maternity hospital, the dates of preventive treatments ("washes"), the technical equipment of the maternity hospital, the level of comfort of the birth wards, if necessary, the presence of a special medical specialization, the possibility of choosing a doctor and individual management of childbirth, the presence of a partner at childbirth, joint stay of mother and baby in the postpartum ward.

Getting to know the hospital

Having previously decided on the choice of the maternity hospital, after the 36th week, it is worth going to it personally and "looking around". It is better to study in advance the options for the route to the hospital, see where the entrance to the admission department is located, familiarize yourself with the admission rules for admission to antenatal hospitalization and childbirth, find out the time of visits, conversations with doctors and receiving parcels. When planning an individualized management of labor at 36 weeks, it is possible to meet with the doctor and sign a labor contract.

Things and documents in the hospital

This must be done no later than 38 weeks of pregnancy in order to take everything into account, double-check and not fuss at the very last moment. The list of items permitted for admission to the antenatal, maternity and postnatal wards can be asked at the reference office of the maternity hospital or from the insurance agent when concluding a birth contract. The requirements for clothing and personal belongings that you can take with you can be very different in different maternity hospitals, so do not be too lazy to find out the rules in advance in the selected maternity hospital. It is better to collect things separately for each compartment, packing them in plastic bags. From the documents for hospitalization, you will need a passport, an OMS policy, an exchange card, a birth certificate and a birth contract - if you have one; it is better to make photocopies of these documents in advance for the admission department of the maternity hospital. You can immediately take a package with things and documents for childbirth with you, but bags with things for the postpartum department can be handed over to the hospital only after the baby is born, so it is better to pre-label them and provide instructions for relatives.

If you've heard stories like this, you might get the impression that menstruation during pregnancy- a common thing, well, perhaps, a feature of the body. In fact, this is not the case.
But after listening to the revelations of her friends, a young mother, discovering that she , does not worry at all and does not rush to see a gynecologist.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of a fairly large number of "living examples" of this phenomenon. Moreover, mothers say that with all this, the pregnancy was proceeding normally, and the baby was born healthy.

Well if so. This means that they are very lucky. Indeed, in fact, there are no periods during pregnancy and cannot be! This is a dangerous misconception that can lead to the loss of the child and complications with the health of the expectant mother.
Let's see what can cause this phenomenon and why it is so dangerous.

Menstruation during pregnancy: can this be

First, let's refresh our knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of a woman.
As you know, once a month, an egg matures in a woman's body, ready for conception. If fertilization has not occurred, in due time it collapses. During this period, the uterus contracts and outward, in the form of bloody discharge, comes out, in fact, what is left of the egg, as well as pieces of the endometrium - the tissue lining the walls of the uterus.

If the egg was fertilized, that is, pregnancy, as they say, on the face, then the essence of the processes taking place changes significantly.
The body prepares a special place for the embryo and works hard to prevent the uterus from rejecting the embryo.

In particular, the female body begins to produce a special hormone - progesterone. This hormone has two main functions. First, it stimulates the growth of the inner lining of the walls of the uterus (endometrium), so that the embryo can penetrate and better attach to them. Secondly, this hormone prevents the walls of the uterus from contracting, which protects the embryo from rejection.

I hope it is clear from here that they cannot go in any way. Well, if they do exist, what is the reason?

Why do menstruation go during pregnancy

As already mentioned, spotting during pregnancy cannot be considered monthly. The cause of the discharge can be various pathologies, a violation of the hormonal functions of the mother's body. Such a phenomenon may be a signal of detachment of the ovum, which threatens a miscarriage.

Let's take a closer look at a few examples.

Often women who find that they have during pregnancy there are periods actually suffer impaired production of progesterone... If this hormone is very small, then at the time set for normal menstruation, spotting with fragments of the endometrium may be observed.

This means that the uterus, as in the usual case, is cleansed, and at the same time it can reject the fetus. This, of course, cannot be allowed. Therefore, with timely treatment, the doctor prescribes drugs for the expectant mother that replace progesterone. In most cases, the threat of miscarriage with this type of disorder is stopped, and the mother calmly continues to carry the baby.

Also, the cause of the appearance of the so-called menstruation during pregnancy can be fetal developmental abnormalities (genetic changes) or ectopic pregnancy.
It also happens that the fetus does not attach very well... For example, if the expectant mother suffers from endometriosis or has fibroids. Having attached to such an unfavorable place, the embryo cannot develop normally, it is poorly supplied with oxygen, that is, a miscarriage may occur.

Another hormonal disorder leading to bleeding is hyperandrogenism... That is, to put it simply, an excess of male hormones. If untreated, this phenomenon often leads to detachment of the ovum, and, consequently, to miscarriage.
With timely treatment, such consequences can be avoided.

Another rather rare phenomenon can be detected in those women who have during pregnancy there are periods.
It so happens that 2 embryos are initially formed, that is, multiple pregnancies. But at the same time, one of them develops normally, and the other, for some reason, is rejected by the body (unsuccessful place of attachment, pathology, etc.). In this case periods during pregnancy are a signal of the process of rejection of one of the embryos.

As you can see, the reasons for such a phenomenon as periods during pregnancy far from harmless. The consequences are even worse.
Therefore, do not listen to experienced advice and do not close your eyes to what is happening. Even if you feel good, do not experience pain and discomfort, but you have bloody discharge, do not hesitate to consult a doctor with a question, why do menstruation go during pregnancy.

And if lower back pains are added to the bloody discharge, something similar to labor pains, the discharge becomes quite abundant, call an ambulance immediately. It may be that going to the clinic on your own will cost you your baby!

As already mentioned, in many cases, especially if it is "prank hormones", with timely referral to a specialist, it is possible to avoid the threat of miscarriage. In other cases, even if nothing can be done, the sooner you notify the doctor that you have menstruation during pregnancy, the more likely you are to avoid health problems and hope for your next, more successful pregnancy.

Alexandra Panyutina
Women's magazine JustLady

Reading time: 7 minutes

A woman in a position changes culinary preferences, lifestyle, attitude towards others. The expectant mother deliberately tries to limit herself from everything that can harm her child. This applies to diet, actions, bad habits. Knowing that it is impossible for pregnant women at an early stage is necessary not only for newly-made parents, but also for loved ones who also want to ensure a favorable course of pregnancy.

What is not allowed during pregnancy

There are many myths and facts about this period of a woman's life: some believe that she cannot cut her hair, paint her nails, actively move, etc. You should take a closer look at this. Due to the change in hormonal levels, it is better to refrain from curling and dyeing hair, as a result of which their condition may worsen. If you belong to the category of women who constantly dye their hair, opt for gentle options. The expectant mother is also prohibited from wearing synthetic underwear. During pregnancy, you must not:

  • take baths (hot);
  • visit the sauna and solarium;
  • take medications without consulting your doctor;
  • give vaccinations against rubella, tuberculosis, mumps;
  • conduct x-rays or fluorography;
  • clean the litter box (a cat is a carrier of a disease such as toxoplasmosis).

What pregnant women should not eat

A conscientious woman during pregnancy revises her diet with particular care, some even hang a list of prohibited dishes in the kitchen. During this period, food addictions or aversion to certain foods are formed. It may turn out that you are not attracted to healthy food, but more want to eat what is not allowed, therefore it is important to study the list of foods that are dangerous to the health of the developing organism.

Action on the body

Products

Fatty, fried, peppery, spicy

They affect the liver, kidneys and gallbladder, which are already displaced during pregnancy.

French fries, lard, steak, chili, Korean salads, adjika

They have a detrimental effect on the entire human body, for example, the carcinogenic additive E211 can contribute to the development of oncological diseases.

Chewing gum, candy, confectionery, chips, croutons, seasoning, sauce

Canned food

Influence the synthesis of proteins, which are the main building blocks of a developing organism

Canned fish

Some seafood

Tuna, mackerel, shark, crab, shrimp, swordfish.

Raw eggs

May cause salmonellosis infection

In the early stages

The development and health of the baby depends on how the first trimester of pregnancy goes, so the expectant mother should carefully approach the issue of her nutrition. It is advisable to give preference only to natural products prepared in compliance with all sanitary standards. At this time, there are no significant changes in the woman's condition, but you still need to limit or exclude the following products:

  • Sweets and flour products. They contribute to rapid weight gain, so in the early stages it is important to adjust your diet in order to feel good at the end of pregnancy and not suffer from edema. This category includes all kinds of confectionery and refined sugar, which do not contain vitamins, but are full of carbohydrates.
  • Foods that can cause allergies, which can result in a child's abnormal development or even a miscarriage. These include red vegetables, fruits, citrus fruits, honey.
  • Beans, beans, peas can cause increased gas formation, which will result in increased tone.
  • Chocolate, being a powerful stimulant, has a detrimental effect on the mental and nervous system of a little man. The measure is important here, a couple of pieces will not harm anyone, therefore it is allowed to allow yourself such a delicacy once a week.

What absolutely can not be eaten by pregnant women

The diet of the expectant mother should not harm the developing body. Some dishes can be limited during this important period of life, their single use will not lead to negative consequences. However, there are foods that need to be blacklisted for gestation and breastfeeding. Do not eat for pregnant women:

What is better not to drink

If a cup of morning coffee has become a daily ritual for you, you should give up this pleasure for the sake of the health of your unborn child. This drink has an adverse effect: it increases blood pressure, provokes the threat of miscarriage, causes insomnia, removes vitamins and minerals from the body. You also need to remove caffeinated products from your menu, you should not drink energy drinks and cola.

It is permissible for black tea lovers to sometimes consume this drink, which should be weak. The reason for this is the same caffeine that penetrates the placenta and can harm the baby. Carbonated water must be discarded due to the content of chemicals and dyes.

Any drinks containing alcohol put a strain on the kidneys, which already work in an increased mode during pregnancy. Even if you decide to indulge yourself with a glass of beer, it can negatively affect the intellectual abilities and the formation of the unborn baby, especially in the first trimester. Therefore, drinking alcohol is prohibited. It is also better not to drink kvass at this time. These tips for early pregnancy can help you avoid many unpleasant moments.

What can not be done by pregnant women

During this special period of life, new habits, rules appear and the perception of the surrounding world changes. Sometimes a woman thinks that she is capable of turning the world upside down, and sometimes she does not even have the strength to brush her teeth. It is important to treat this with condescension and observe a set of measures that will ensure your safety. According to these rules, it is prohibited:

  • To carry out general cleaning with household chemicals. In extreme cases, you need to protect yourself as much as possible by wearing gloves and airing the room.
  • Sit in a motionless position at the computer or work you love. When doing embroidery or any other creative process, do not forget to do active physical 15 minutes.
  • Walk in high heels (more than 4 cm). If you do not want varicose veins or flat feet to develop, you cannot.
  • Sit cross-legged. In this position, the veins in the popliteal fossa are pinched, and blood circulation in the pelvic organs slows down. The result can be fetal hypoxia.
  • Smoke. This leads to a poor blood supply to the placenta due to its vasoconstrictor action. There is a possibility that the baby will be born prematurely or with low birth weight.
  • Forget about parties and discos. The smell of cigarette smoke, alcohol and loud music are not conducive to a healthy pregnancy.
  • Put off extreme sports. Adrenaline negatively affects the mental activity of the baby, so you should avoid stress, anxiety and be less nervous. The mom-to-be should provide herself with a calm and positive environment.

In the early stages

It is not recommended to sleep on your stomach during the first trimester. In this position, pressure is exerted on the uterus, which can damage the embryo. It is possible to be in this position on rare occasions, but at no time should it become a habit. However, when the tummy has already noticeably increased, it is advisable to heed the recommendations of doctors and exclude rest on the back. Blood circulation may be impaired due to the fact that the grown belly will put stress on the deep veins.

In the first trimester, the girl's hormonal background changes, the result of which is a change in mood and emotional outbursts. During this period, for some, intimate relationships are a necessity, while for others they are undesirable. According to doctors, a pregnant woman is allowed to have sex, moreover, it also has a positive result, since endorphin is produced. A nice bonus is the training of the pelvic muscles.

However, there are contraindications in cases where the tone of the uterus is increased, there is a risk of miscarriage or the presence of an infection in a partner. It is better to refuse intimate relationships so that there is no termination of pregnancy. In other cases, the expectant mother is allowed to have sex throughout the entire period of pregnancy, the main thing is to avoid deep penetration, pressure on the abdomen and too long an act.

What movements should not be done during pregnancy

While waiting for a baby, a woman should exclude work that involves lifting heavy objects (more than 3 kg). The permissible weight, in exceptional cases, is 5 kg. It is also contraindicated for pregnant women in the early stages to rearrange furniture in the apartment, to make sharp and impulsive movements. This can lead to premature birth. Do not do repairs and hard physical work. Let someone else paint the walls, knock out carpets, or wash windows.

Video

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Hello dear women, in this article I will tell you about what happens to the body during pregnancy, what you can expect from your body for the next 9 months, we will discuss the heart and blood vessels, kidneys, pressure, stretch marks, dark spots on the face, hormones and restructuring psyche.

Read this article to the end and, having discovered some changes in yourself, you at least keep calm understanding what processes are now going on inside you.

Hormones that change both the body and the psyche

From the very beginning of pregnancy, in the very early stages, as soon as the egg is attached to the walls of the uterus, cardinal changes in the body occur - all systems are preparing to form a new life.

New hormones are being actively produced - pregnancy hormones.

During pregnancy, the following hormones are most active:

  • human chorionic gonadotropin ( may be causing nausea)
  • estrogen ()
  • progesterone ( promotes the growth of mammary glands and uterus)
  • thyroid-stimulating hormone ( stimulates the thyroid gland)
  • a hormone that stimulates cell melanocytes ( synthesizes skin pigment, or darkening of age spots on the skin).

Let's see how the body systems change under the influence of hormones.

Blood volume increases by 45%

The cardiovascular system adjusts to additional load. The volume of circulating blood increases by 35-45%. If the average woman's body is 3500-4000 ml of blood, then by the end of pregnancy it is 5300-5550 ml of blood.

Physiological hypertrophy of the heart occurs. Heart hypertrophy is a natural way to adapt to increased stress. Why? Very simple - the third circle of blood circulation is formed- placental, separate for your baby.

Decreases blood pressure

In the first three months of pregnancy blood pressure goes down.

If before pregnancy you had a slightly low blood pressure, less than 100/80 mm Hg, then in the 1st trimester of pregnancy it may decrease even more and you will constantly want to sleep. Feelings of weakness and slight dizziness may occur.

One of the pregnancy hormones is progesterone has a direct effect on the walls of blood vessels, expanding them, thereby ensuring better blood circulation.In response to vasodilatation, pressure decreases.

If your blood pressure is low, your doctor should prescribe a blood pressure stabilization medication based on natural ingredients, such as tincture of ginseng.

Blood pressure should return to normal after 12 weeks of pregnancy., become the same as before pregnancy, at the level of 120-140 / 70-90 mm Hg.

If, on the contrary, you notice an increase in blood pressure, immediately consult a doctor, this may be a symptom of some complications.

Changes in the tone of the bladder and ureters

Changes in tone predispose to urinary stagnation. And bacteria are very fond of any stagnation..

Therefore, a pregnant woman is at risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Another reason for the development of infection can be compression of the ureters by the pregnant uterus.

To avoid developing any infections, you need to have a urine sample checked during the first months of pregnancy. bacteria in urine ().

Bacteriuria may not appear at all - no symptoms! Only a urine culture can tell if you have latent kidney disease or not.

If bacteriuria is cured in time, then in the future you can protect yourself from infections of the urinary system, in particular pyelonephritis.

Do not listen to the wrong advice, "they say, why drink antibiotics during pregnancy, it is so harmful for the child, you need to drink herbal preparations and use folk remedies."

I have a lot of respect for traditional medicine, but here just such a case when you cannot do without antibiotics... There is an infection in the kidneys that is lurking and is waiting for the right opportunity to fire. And he will shoot very accurately - the development of pyelonephritis, which leads to serious complications, or even worse to sepsis (blood poisoning). Therefore, in this case, prevention is the golden rule!

Small swelling on the legs in the evening is the norm.

The next thing to watch out for is the amount of urine.

The volume of urine depends on the volume of fluid you drink. A healthy pregnant woman excretes an average of 1200-1600 ml of urine per day, while 950-1200 ml of urine is released during the daytime, the rest of the portion - at night.

For a pregnant woman, "running" at night to the toilet is the norm, often "running" is also the norm.

If in the last months of pregnancy there are small swelling on the legs is also the norm! In no case should you reduce the volume of water.

If swelling appeared suddenly and rapidly growing, this is an alarming syndrome- run to the doctor, or even better, call him home!

The most important thing is not to reduce the amount of fluid consumed when edema appears, it can be very dangerous!

Changing taste preferences

At the beginning of pregnancy, many women change their taste preferences, various whims appear (craving for sour and salty foods), aversion to certain types of food (to meat and fatty foods); increased appetite.

You may experience nausea and vomiting in the morning. This is a normal reaction to pregnancy-related changes in the body, but only if vomiting no more than 3-4 times a day and does not cause weight loss.

If vomiting causes a sharp deterioration in well-being and you lose weight at the same time and this is a complication of pregnancy, which is called vomiting of pregnancy. And then you need to immediately consult a doctor.

The medical arsenal now has effective remedies to relieve the symptoms of this complication.

Decreased intestinal tone

Again under the influence of hormones decreased intestinal tone, food passes through the entire digestive tract more slowly than usual so that the body can absorb the maximum nutrients from the food for the baby. And this is what often leads to constipation. You can get a list of Safe Pregnancy Laxatives.

Moreover, the intestines and stomach are pushed upward by the pregnant uterus and compressed. Stomach contents can be thrown into the esophagus and cause heartburn.

For heartburn, I recommend -Rennie. It is a mild, aluminum-free product. Take it 1-2 tablets 1 hour after meals, repeat if necessary. No more than 11 tablets per day. Desirable do not take it longer than 2-3 days.

In fact, proper nutrition during pregnancy can significantly reduce all these inconveniences, I will give you a number of detailed recommendations on this topic.

Already now, you can significantly improve your well-being by simply adding 200 ml to your diet. daily.

The mammary glands are preparing for feeding

In them, the number of lobules, adipose tissue increases, blood supply improves. The mammary glands increase in size, the nipples become coarse, the vascular network becomes clearly visible.

Colostrum is excreted - a thick yellowish liquid. Sometimes "stretch marks" may appear on the chest. No creams or medications should be used as they are not effective. Leave all activities for later - the period after feeding.

The uterus enlarges, its position changes

By the end of pregnancy, the weight of the uterus increases 500 times, and the volume - 1000 times.

The blood supply to the external genital organs is enhanced, the amount of vaginal discharge is significantly increased.

Starting from the 14th week, the uterus may begin to contract from time to time... At first, contractions are weak and irregular, you may not even pay attention to them. From the 30th week onwards, contractions become frequent and violent and are called "Braxton-Hicks contractions." They do not at all mean an imminent birth, but they speak of the approaching date for the birth of a child.

The position of the uterus changes according to the gestational age.

  • At week 14, the belly begins to protrude forward and the uterus stretches over the junction of the pubic pelvic bones (at the level of the thighs).
  • By the 20th week, the upper part of the uterus reaches the level of the navel, it begins to press on the lungs from below.
  • By the 30th week, the uterus reaches the ribs, making breathing difficult.
  • At the 34th week, the lumbar curvature of the back increases, this is due to the severity of the uterus.

Weight gain - 12 kg per pregnancy

Healthy woman by the end of pregnancy should gain an average of 12 kg with fluctuations from 8 to 18 kg, of which:

  • fruit weight is 2800-3400 grams
  • weight of the placenta with fetal membranes (baby seat) - 680 grams
  • amniotic fluid volume - 900 grams
  • per uterus - 1130 grams
  • the volume of blood is - 1600 grams
  • breast weight - 900 grams
  • fat tissue weight 4000 grams
  • liquids in the lower extremities - 900-1300 grams
  • extracellular fluid - 1000-1500 grams

That's the kind of arithmetic!

Dark spots may appear on the face

Some women develop brown spots on their face (called chloasma).

Sun exposure can make these stains more intense, so be sure to apply sunscreen before going outside.

Do not try to remove them during pregnancy - a waste of time and money.

Also, keep in mind that blemishes can be masked with fake tanning products or tanning powder, which will give your face a naturally tanned look and make age spots invisible against dark skin.

In the first months after the birth of a baby they brighten and then disappear.

Hair growth will increase

Increased blood flow and increased nutrient levels also result in improved skin cell nutrition. Improved skin nutrition can cause hypertrichosis - increased hair growth.

Hair can appear in places where it is completely unnecessary, for example, on the face in the lips, on the chin, on the cheeks. Hair can also appear on the shoulders, legs, back and abdomen.

Most of this hair disappears six months after giving birth. but some may stay longer.

What to do in this case?

It is best not to use a depilatory cream during pregnancy. Firstly, all the chemicals in the cream can be absorbed through the small blood vessels, which is unfavorable for the child, and secondly, the skin may not perceive them, and the result will be zero.

It is also better to postpone electrolysis or waxing until the baby is born, as this is a rather painful procedure that can provoke the threat of termination of pregnancy.

I advise you to pull out the hair on your face with tweezers (in no case should you shave them off!), And on your legs, arms, shave with a razor. These are the safest methods.

New moles and papillomas may appear

New moles may appear on the skin, and existing moles may enlarge and darken. If you have a mole that begins to change during pregnancy, be sure to consult your doctor.

If the mole grows quickly, it should be removed at the hospital.... Pregnancy has no contraindications for such an operation.

In addition to moles, papillomas may appear, these are small formations on the skin. If you already have them, they can get bigger.

Don't worry about this. There are safe ways to remove them that do not require pain relief or hospitalization. They can be removed both during and after pregnancy.

Stretch marks may appear on the skin

Stretch marks are areas of stretched skin that are reddish in color. Usually appear on the abdomen, chest, thighs, or buttocks.

Despite popular belief, stretch marks may not appear for everyone! And it depends on individual characteristics and hormonal levels.

After childbirth, stretch marks turn white and become invisible, but they will never completely disappear. Until now, no reliable way to get rid of stretch marks has been found. Women have tried a variety of lotions, but they often proved to be useless.

Stretch marks can be made less noticeable after childbirth by connecting a good program to strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve skin turgor.

Conclusion


Finally, I want to say one more thing - from the first day of life you are inextricably linked with the child, you feel fear and he receives fear hormones through the placenta, you feel joy - the body secretes the hormone of joy, it is also transmitted to the child.

Scientists have established and recorded in the photographs an amazing fact: the child, almost synchronously with the mother, smiles or makes a "grimace of sorrow", repeating her facial expressions (and hence the state!). Therefore, you experience every scandal, all your tears together! Remember this and try not to get emotional.

Thank you for reading this long article to the end. I know it was not easy :)

But now you are armed with knowledge and you will not be taken by surprise! Well, do not forget to subscribe to new articles, share with your friends if you liked the article. And thanks again for your attention!

  • Threesome
  • When sex can hurt pregnancy
  • Pregnant sex trimester by trimester
    • 1st trimester
    • 2nd trimester
    • 3rd trimester

    • Despite the assurances of doctors, many expectant mothers are still wary of intimate life during pregnancy: the maternal instinct "turns on" before the baby is born, and the woman intuitively seeks to protect the child from all, even illusory, dangers.

    Meanwhile, sex during pregnancy can even be ... useful! Let's take a look at this difficult question!

    I still want to. And that's okay!

    Psychologists say that a woman's sex begins ... in her head. Relaxation and the right attitude are almost the main components of a successful intimate life. Surprisingly, many women believe that during pregnancy, sexual desire should weaken and ... it really disappears!

    ” The suggestibility of pregnant women in general can play a bad joke with them; It is known that the first childbirth is most painful for women, whom close friends constantly told how difficult and painful it was for them. Lack of breast milk often occurs in mothers, to whom relatives explained that “all of us in our family had no milk”. And even nausea during the first trimester is stronger in those expectant mothers who are convinced that there must certainly be vomiting until exhaustion - and without that, what a pregnancy!

    Finally, some pregnant women believe that their enlarged belly is depriving them of their sex appeal. They carefully look for confirmation of the husband's cooling and fixate on his failures (yes, men are also out of shape!)

    ” In fact, neither women nor their husbands have any prerequisites for a decrease in sexual desire during pregnancy.

    Threesome

    Yes, but what about the child? After all, he also becomes an involuntary participant in your intimate life! Some women still seriously fear that sex can traumatize the baby, but this is not at all the case. The amniotic fluid reliably (very reliably!) Protects it from any shock and shock. Contrary to popular prejudice, the classic "missionary position" does not even hurt the child, since it is impossible to "crush" the fetal bladder during sex. The choice of position is solely a matter of your convenience and preference.

    So, a healthy pregnant woman and her child are not in danger of having sex, but there can be a lot of benefits!

      Emotional satisfaction. The enjoyment of intimacy during pregnancy can be especially complete. There is no need to protect yourself, there is no fear of an unplanned pregnancy (as happens if you do not plan it) and the stress associated with the desire to get pregnant (if you just wanted to). Everything is already good, you are pregnant!

      Great workout for your pelvic floor muscles. But the pelvic muscles are the "workhorses" of pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, this "training" will prevent possible problems with urinary incontinence after childbirth.

      Improving the blood supply to the child. Sexual arousal increases the blood supply to the genitals, and therefore, at the same time, the baby. By the way, it is the increased blood supply to the uterus during pregnancy that is "responsible" for the bright and intense (yes, yes!) Orgasms of pregnant women. Well, don't miss this opportunity!

    When sex can hurt pregnancy

    And yet, sometimes you have to give up sex. All these situations are associated with one or another pathology of pregnancy. The most common ones are:

      or a low-lying placenta;

      uterus;

      isthmic-cervical insufficiency ( short cervix, dilatation of the cervical canal).

    ” In a word, if there are prerequisites for termination of pregnancy, problems with the placenta, leakage of amniotic fluid, there is one prescription: rest and only rest! Including sexual.

    There are two more points worth mentioning. The first of these is sexually transmitted infections. We will not talk about the moral side of the issue, but if you are not confident in your partner, it is better not to have unprotected sex, but to use reliable (very reliable) barrier contraceptives, that is, condoms.

    ” Any suspicion of having a sexually transmitted disease is a good reason to temporarily stop having sex.

    If you and your spouse do not have other partners, then using condoms is not necessary, although many pregnant women still believe otherwise. There are simply no “infections” that your vaginal environment cannot cope with. You have long ago exchanged every conceivable bacteria and are used to each other!

    The second point, which can also affect your well-being: although the body has completely rebuilt from the ovulatory cycle to pregnancy, some women continue to live in a "cyclical" mode.

    ” On days when a woman could have menstruation without pregnancy, slight bleeding or pulling pains in the lower abdomen may appear. Sex is undesirable these days.

    Pregnant sex trimester by trimester

    1st trimester

    Most couples in the first weeks do not even know that they will soon become mom and dad, so their intimate life does not undergo any changes. Exceptions are couples who have had difficulty conceiving. At the time of implantation of the ovum, it is better to declare a sexual moratorium. In the middle of the first trimester, toxicosis can become an obstacle to personal life. Nausea and increased sensitivity to odors are not the best background for making love! In addition, a woman's body is still adapting to a new status: you may experience drowsiness, sudden mood swings.

    ” Although a healthy woman has no contraindications for an intimate life, first of all listen to yourself and your desires.

    2nd trimester

    Many couples remember these months as the best time to have sex! Nausea recedes, many expectant mothers stop feeling sleepy, but sexual desire is only growing. A small tummy does not interfere with the use of any position, and the loose and moist mucous membrane of the vagina guarantees "tight contact" even for mothers who have given birth many times.

    3rd trimester

    Of course, a grown tummy can become an obstacle to personal life (well, that's a reason to diversify it!), But most mothers are worried about something else: will sex provoke premature birth?

    ” Indeed, orgasm and labor pains have something in common - the contraction of the muscles of the uterus. However, a few seconds of orgasm cannot provoke labor in a healthy pregnant woman, if the baby is not yet ready to be born!

    Another thing is sex on the expected date of birth. Here, an orgasm can really become a trigger that starts the process of childbirth, which many couples, by the way, use.

    ” And finally - universal advice that we can safely give to all pregnant women: if you have any doubts about your health and the well-being of your child, consult your doctor!

    Feel free to ask directly if sex will harm you now (believe me, you cannot surprise or shock the doctor with this). If there are any contraindications, the doctor will definitely tell you about them in detail.

    We wish you a pleasant and ... very pleasant pregnancy!