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What is the danger of a non-developing pregnancy for the expectant mother - the causes of the disease, treatment tactics, possible consequences. Why the fetus does not develop during pregnancy

All expectant mothers look forward to fetal movements during pregnancy, this is the first contact with the baby, which makes the maternal instinct turn on, if this has not happened before. The movements of the future baby not only bring great joy to future parents, but help them to suspect a pathology and immediately contact an obstetrician. When it begins, how many movements normally should be of interest to all pregnant women.

Why does the fetus move?

The movements of a little man in the womb are necessary, they speak of his growth and development. The child begins to move in the first trimester, at about 7 to 8 weeks. By week 10, he has swallowing movements, he can change the trajectory of his movements and touch the walls of the amniotic bladder. But the size of the embryo is still insufficient, it only floats freely in the amniotic fluid, very rarely "collides" with the uterine walls, so the woman still does not feel anything.

Starting from the 16th week, the fetus is already sensitive to sounds, which is manifested by an active motor reaction. From the 18th week, the future baby begins to touch the umbilical cord with handles, knows how to squeeze, unclench his fingers, and touches his face.

Therefore, the fetus is worried in the mother's stomach, which in turn worries the woman when exposed to external factors unpleasant for the baby:

  • strong, unpleasant, loud sounds;
  • a feeling of discomfort in the womb, for example, the mother's hunger;
  • stress experienced by the mother (due to the release of adrenaline, blood vessels, including in the placenta, contract, blood supply deteriorates);
  • oxygen starvation (due to active movements, the placenta is stimulated, its blood supply is enhanced, which provides the child with additional oxygen).

In addition, if a woman takes an uncomfortable position when large vessels are squeezed, the child experiences a lack of oxygen and also becomes active.

First movements

Each woman feels the first movement of the fetus differently at different times. When this happens depends on several factors:

  • gestational age;
  • first or second, etc. pregnancy;
  • time of day (usually in the evening or at night);
  • mother's complexion (thin or full);
  • Times of Day;
  • placenta attachment option;
  • Lifestyle;
  • individual sensitivity (some feel from 15 to 16 weeks);
  • mother's behavior (physically active women simply do not notice movements).

According to statistics, the first fetal movement during the first pregnancy is felt by a pregnant woman at 20 weeks. And with repeated bearing of the fetus, the period of perturbation is reduced to 18 weeks.

But everything is individual, even for an individual woman, the second, third and subsequent pregnancies proceed in a new way each time. If a woman during the second pregnancy began to feel fetal movement at 19 weeks, then during the third pregnancy these periods may change (felt earlier or later).

The rate of perturbations

The rate of fetal movements depends on how long the expectant mother is in pregnancy. The baby is constantly moving, but of course, a woman cannot feel all his movements.

  • At a period of 20 - 22 weeks, the fetus commits up to 200 movements per day,
  • but by 27 - 32 weeks he is already performing about 600 movements... It is characteristic that with the beginning of the third trimester (32 weeks), the amount decreases, which is explained by its weight (the fetus is already large enough) and it becomes cramped in the uterus. There are no "large" movements (turns and overturns in the uterus) and the baby can only make "small" arms and legs.
  • After the 28th week, the average amount is 8 - 10 per hour. The exceptions are the periods of sleep of the child, which is equal to 3 - 4 hours - at this time the baby does not make active movements. The expectant mother should remember certain cycles of the child's activity. The greatest activity is observed from 7 pm to 4 am, and the decrease in activity or the so-called state of rest occurs between 4 am and 9 am.
  • By 32 weeks, the fetus takes its final position, as a rule, this is the head to the small pelvis (longitudinal position, cephalic presentation). But the transverse position or breech presentation is not excluded. Mom should not despair, in order to correct such positions, the doctor will always prescribe the performance of special gymnastics, which contribute to the overturn of the fetus and its reception of the "correct" position - longitudinal, with the head to the small pelvis.

If the child has taken the "correct" position, that is, with the head down, then the pregnant woman will feel movements in the upper abdomen (the child "hits" with his legs). In the case of a breech presentation, movements will be felt below, near the bosom.

Change in the intensity of perturbations

If the baby is well and comfortable in the womb, and the mother does not experience any external or internal stimuli, then the movements are rhythmic and smooth. Otherwise, the nature of the movements changes dramatically, which should alert the woman and require the consultation of an obstetrician.

As a rule, the woman notes the "increased" activity of the baby when she is calm and resting. Conversely, many mothers are afraid that during her vigorous activity, the child does not move at all. This phenomenon is easy to explain. When a woman is at rest, she listens more attentively to her feelings and carefully notes the movements of the child. When she is busy, she does not have time to be distracted from business and she simply does not notice that the baby is moving. In order to dispel her doubts (the child is ill, he dies), the pregnant woman should sit down and relax, watching how he moves.

Doctors very often advise pregnant women to take the bed rest position - on the left side. It is in this position that the blood supply to the uterus is enhanced, which is used in the treatment of chronic fetal hypoxia and for its prevention.

A change in activity is possible from an uncomfortable or incorrect body position of a woman, for example, lying on her back or sitting with a straight back. When the expectant mother lies on her back, the pregnant uterus strongly compresses the inferior vena cava (one of the main blood vessels).

When this vessel is compressed, blood flow to the uterus is significantly reduced and the baby begins to experience oxygen deficiency.

So that mommy understands that he is feeling bad, he has violent and frequent movements. It is quite simple to establish blood circulation and eliminate hypoxia - mom should turn on her side.

Also, the child's physical activity changes if the mother is in a stuffy or smoky room. Due to the lack of oxygen, the child reacts to the situation with painful and violent shocks. A woman should leave the room and take a walk in order to regain a comfortable state for herself and the baby.

In addition, the tremors of the fetus change if the mother is hungry. He experiences a lack of nutrients and "calms down", moves sluggishly and reluctantly. But as soon as the pregnant woman has a snack, the baby's joy is expressed in increased activity.

Stirring in pathological conditions

If the child's physical activity suddenly becomes violent, prolonged and gives pain to a woman, this indicates some pathological condition and requires an immediate visit to a doctor:

  • Threatening premature birth

The movements become frequent and violent due to the increased tone of the uterus.

  • Polyhydramnios

In this case, the nature of the aftershocks is fundamentally different. They are rarely felt by a woman, and their strength is insignificant, which is explained by the large volume of the uterus, where the baby rarely touches its walls and the mother does not often feel his movements.

  • Malnutrition

Due to the small volume of amniotic fluid, the child becomes cramped in the womb, he constantly "beats" in the mother's belly, which is characterized by the woman as frequent and painful tremors.

  • Acute hypoxia

With pathologies such as premature placental abruption, preeclampsia and others, the fetus experiences acute oxygen deficiency and reacts accordingly.

  • Chronic hypoxia

Develops in the presence of placental insufficiency, anemia, preeclampsia. Movement is sluggish and becomes infrequent.

  • Diaphragmatic hernia in a pregnant woman

In this case, the mother, when the fetus moves, experiences pain under the sternum.

  • Inconsistency of the scar on the uterus

If a woman has a history of a cesarean section, then if the scar is incompetent, which can lead to rupture of the uterus, she feels pain in the area of ​​the scar when the baby moves.

  • Acute cystitis

With inflammation of the bladder, the pregnant woman complains of frequent, painful urination, painful movement in the lower abdomen.

How the tremors feel

Each pregnant woman describes the sensations in her own way, besides, they change with an increase in the gestational age.

  • For short periods of time (20 - 25 weeks), women characterize them as "butterfly fluttering" or "fish swimming". Other pregnant women talk about "fluttering" or "vibrating the phone" or "tickling". Some describe their feelings in a less romantic way: "gurgling in the stomach, as if the intestines are junk."
  • After 27 - 28 weeks, when the fetus has already grown up enough, its movements become clearer and more specific. A mother-to-be, and even a father-to-be, may feel a kick in the area of ​​the abdomen where the hand is laid. The baby's dissatisfaction is very often expressed with such "kicks" - in the case of an uncomfortable position by the mother or with loud and annoying sounds. But if an unfamiliar hand kisses the mother's belly, the child shrinks in fear and does not want to “kick”.

Count

In order to determine how the fetus is feeling, it is important to count its movements. How to count fetal movements? For this purpose, several techniques are used:

Pearson's method

This method is based on counting movements over 12 hours. Produced from 9 am to 9 pm. During this test, a woman is required only one condition - to reduce physical activity. All movements, even the smallest or weakest, are counted. In the antenatal clinic, the doctor issues a special form or asks you to independently draw up a table of fetal movements, where the time of the tenth movement will be noted. Normally, about an hour should pass between the first and tenth movement. And of course, mom should remember that a rest period is also possible, which should last no more than 4 hours. If this time is exceeded, an urgent need to contact an obstetrician.

To draw up a table, you should take a notebook sheet in a box and line it up as follows. The gestational age is recorded on top. Hours from 9.00 to 21.00 are marked vertically, and days of the week or dates are marked horizontally. From nine in the morning, you should start counting movements. As soon as their number reaches 10, a mark is put in the table at the hour when this happened. Additional information is entered into the table: there were less than 10 movements and how many in total. We continue the counting on the following days, and we must enter the data into the table, with which we need to go to the doctor's office.

Cardiff Method

The basis of this method also consists in counting the baby's movements in 12 hours, the only difference is that the woman herself chooses the hour to start counting. Again, a table is drawn up, where the tenth stirring is recorded. It is considered normal when the tenth movement happened before the 12th hour of the study. Otherwise, see a doctor immediately.

Sadowski method

Counting of fetal movements begins after dinner from 19.00 to 23.00. This method is based on the fact that in the evening and after eating, the fetus increases motor activity. Be sure to record the start time of the count, and the pregnant woman should lie on her left side at this time.

When the fetus makes 10 movements in an hour or less, the counting stops. But if there were fewer of them, continue to count the movements. An unfavorable sign is a decrease in perturbations (less than 10) in 2 hours.

Thus, it becomes clear that each pregnant woman can master the listed methods of counting the baby's movements. The use of these techniques does not require any equipment or medical supervision.

Diagnosis of pathology

A change in the nature and intensity of movements in the unborn baby indicates that he is not well. A terrible sign is the lack of movement for 6 or more hours, which requires immediate medical attention. Methods for examining the condition of the fetus include:

Fetal heart auscultation

Listening to the heart rate is done directly by the obstetrician using an obstetric stethoscope (wooden tube). Normally, the fetal heart rate is 120 - 160 beats per minute. When deviated in one direction or another, they talk about oxygen starvation of the baby, which requires instrumental research methods.

Cardiotocography (CTG)

CTG is rightfully considered an affordable, reliable and most accurate method for assessing the condition of the fetus. CTG is performed from 32 weeks of gestation, and in case of suspicion of intrauterine pathology and in an earlier period (from 28 weeks). With the help of cardiotocography, not only fetal movements are recorded, but also the rhythm of its heart contractions and uterine contractions. The study is carried out as follows: the pregnant woman is placed on a couch, and 2 sensors are attached to her stomach. One is in a well-listened place of the fetal heartbeat (he will record the heart rate), and the other is nearby (records the uterine contractions). The cardiotocogram recording is carried out for at least 30 minutes, but it is also possible to increase the examination time up to 1.5 hours. While taking a cardiotocogram, a woman needs to note every movement of the baby and press a special button. Analysis of the cardiotocogram includes:

  • basal heart rate (norm 120 - 160 beats per minute);
  • the amplitude of variability (tolerance of deviations up or down) of the basal rhythm (the norm is 5 - 25 beats per minute);
  • decelerations (sudden jumps of the curve downward) - normally absent or sporadic, shortened and shallow are observed;
  • acceleration (sudden jumps of the curve upward) - normally should be at least 2 within 10 minutes of the study.

For a more accurate diagnosis of the state of the fetus, CTG is performed with functional tests (without load and with the introduction of intravenous oxytocin).

Doppler ultrasound

An ultrasound examination allows you to assess the size of the fetus, its compliance with the gestational age (with chronic hypoxia, there is a lag in size). The doctor also studies the structure of the placenta, the degree of maturity (signs of aging), the volume of amniotic fluid and its type (these indicators change with oxygen starvation of the baby). With the help of dopplerometry, placental and umbilical cord vessels, the speed of blood flow in them are studied. If the blood flow is reduced, they speak of intrauterine fetal hypoxia.

During the ultrasound scan, the child's movements, heart rate and muscle tone are assessed for 20-30 minutes. If the fetus does not experience discomfort, then its limbs are bent - a sign of normal muscle tone. In the case of unbent arms and legs, they speak of a reduced tone, which indicates oxygen starvation.

Question answer

I have my first child, but 4 hours have passed, and I do not feel fetal movements. What to do?

First of all, you need to calm down. The fetus does not always move actively, for 3-4 hours the absence of movement is allowed, at this time the baby is asleep. Try to hold your breath for a short time, the blood will stop flowing to the placenta, to the child, he will experience mild hypoxia and in response “will be indignant” - he will begin to “beat” with his arms and legs. If this method does not help, observe the baby for another 30 - 40 minutes. In the absence of even the slightest movement, urgently consult an obstetrician.

What movements of the fetus should be before childbirth?

On the eve of childbirth, the baby practically stops moving, which is considered normal. The child is preparing for birth, which is a very difficult process for him and requires a lot of strength, and a decrease in the motor activity of the fetus saves energy before childbirth. But there should not be an absolute absence of movement, the baby, although occasionally, makes movements.

How does cardiotocography and ultrasound with Doppler affect the child's condition? Isn't it harmful?

No, these methods are absolutely safe for both the baby and the mother.

I am going to give birth to my third child, the term is still short, 10 weeks. What and when should there be movements during the third pregnancy?

It is impossible to say for sure in how many weeks you will feel the wiggle. Everything here is individual. Normally, with repeated pregnancy, the mother begins to feel the movements of the fetus from 18 weeks. But their earlier onset is also possible, at 16 weeks. But the nature of the movements may be completely different, unlike the first two pregnancies, and this should not be scared. All children are different, even while still in the mother's stomach.

I have a "bad" CTG, which was performed twice. Do you have to go to the hospital?

Yes, “bad” results of cardiotocography indicate intrauterine fetal suffering and require medical treatment in a hospital. In addition to hospital treatment, you will have CTG repeated and, if necessary, resolve the issue of early delivery.

Sometimes pregnancy is clouded by diagnoses that scare parents. One of these is "intrauterine growth retardation syndrome."

Fetal growth retardation is diagnosed only on the basis of ultrasound. It is determined if the fetus has less weight in comparison with the norms characteristic of its age. In medical practice, special tables are used in which the norms for the size of the fetus are described according to its gestational age (gestational age is the age since fertilization, which is measured in weeks).

Roughly speaking, there are norms for each week of pregnancy. The unit of measure for such tables is percentile. And now, if the baby is less than 10 percentiles according to the table, then intrauterine fetal retention is diagnosed.

Causes of fetal growth retardation

A baby can be born small for several reasons. The fact that such is his physiological feature ... Perhaps mom or dad is short and the baby inherited this from his parents. But even in this case, an intrauterine growth retardation is diagnosed at a doctor's appointment.

Such a fact after childbirth is confirmed by the normal state of the child and the compliance of all reflexes of the newborn with the period at which the baby was born. Then the doctors state that the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation was associated with inherited genetics and this condition does not require treatment.

But there are reasons for delayed intrauterine development of the fetus, which can lead to fetal hypoxia, negative consequences of the development of the child after birth, and even the fading of pregnancy. Delayed fetal development is observed when the baby does not receive the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients , which play a major role in his life.

A decrease in the amount of substances and oxygen entering the fetus can be caused by the following factors:

    • violation of the development of the placenta or umbilical cord. The placenta may be located in the wrong place (diagnosis of abnormal placenta previa), be very small or exfoliate (diagnosis of placental abruption);
    • diseases of the mother that can interfere with the intake of essential substances for the normal development of the fetus. Such diseases include chronic high blood pressure, diseases of the cardiovascular system, anemia, chronic diseases of the respiratory tract;
    • plays a huge role in the development of the fetus chromosome set, which he receives from his parents at the time of conception. Sometimes it happens that there is a malfunction or abnormality in the chromosome set. So, for example, a disease occurs - Down's syndrome. Also, developmental pathologies such as kidney or abdominal wall defects can affect the overall development of the baby in the womb;
    • doctors around the world are talking about the negative impact bad habits on the human body. Particular attention is paid to the body of a woman who, at least once, has to bear a child. Bad habits in a woman (even if she gets rid of them shortly before conception) can cause a delay in the intrauterine development of the fetus;

  • transfer during pregnancy of such infectious diseases like rubella, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus can stop or slow down the development of the fetus. That is why it is so important to get vaccinated against infectious diseases even before conception (especially for women who work in hospitals, clinics and with children, because rubella is a childhood disease) and to be careful in choosing a sexual partner during pregnancy, if there is no permanent one;
  • at every step the pregnant woman is told that she should eat for two... And indeed it is. If the baby does not have enough nutrients, then he draws them from the mother's body, thereby worsening her general well-being. But eating for two does not mean that you need to eat everything. Nutrition should be healthy and balanced. During pregnancy, you do not need to be afraid that you will gain weight, you cannot sit on diets. Only if you are diagnosed with a large fetus and the doctor himself prescribes the correct and useful diet in this case. Malnutrition leads to weight loss and developmental delay;
  • medications during pregnancy are nullified for any type of disease. Their use is prescribed only in special cases, when nothing else can be helped. Self-administration of medications can lead not only to the development of pathologies in the fetus, but also to intrauterine growth retardation;
  • multiple pregnancy can cause a lag in the development of one fetus or several at once. This happens because there are not enough nutrients for two or more fruits;
  • intrauterine growth retardation syndrome is often diagnosed in women who live high above sea level... In such areas, there is increased pressure, and the fetus can suffer from hypoxia (lack of oxygen) for a long time, which also slows down development in the womb.
  • often babies are born with low birth weight if childbirth occurs after 42 weeks pregnancy.

The consequences of intrauterine growth retardation

For 9 months, it is common for an expectant mother to worry about the health of her future baby. Scheduled examinations in the antenatal clinic are carried out so that the expectant mother and the doctor have the opportunity to really assess the situation and make a conclusion about the child's health.

Fear of abnormalities in the fetus most often causes these abnormalities. Stress is the first cause of developmental disabilities. The child feels everything. And there is also such an expression “thoughts materialize”. You need to think only positively, and if someone told you that intrauterine growth retardation is a horror, then do not believe it.

For every woman, pregnancy and childbirth take place individually. One with horror recalls 6 hours of the birth of a baby, and the other, half an hour after birth, tells her husband that she wants another child. Likewise with the diagnosis of fetal growth retardation.

Yes, some difficulties and irregularities can arise during gestation and after the birth of a baby. But there are very few unsolvable problems with the level of today's medicine.

The degree of risk with such a diagnosis, first of all, depends on the cause of the phenomenon. So, if it is hereditary (parents of small stature), then the baby may be tiny, but with the normal development of all vital organs.

There is also a difference in the risk of problems depending on the degree of developmental disorder, the timing of pregnancy, when the diagnosis is made, and the period at which the baby is born.

The highest indicator of the degree of risk is reached by children who are born prematurely with a diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation. Children born after such a diagnosis are more likely to develop diabetes mellitus, they are more susceptible to infectious diseases than other children, and it is difficult for them to maintain their body temperature. This is why they are usually placed in special chambers after birth. This is a necessary measure to preserve the vital activity of the baby's organs, since the delay in development speaks not only of a low weight, but also an insufficient degree of development of vital organs.

Many babies who have been diagnosed with developmental delay in the womb, after a while, do not differ at all from their peers who were born with normal weight.

Children with this diagnosis are prone to obesity and high blood pressure ... But this does not mean that their existence will be reduced to a life on drugs and in hospitals. This only suggests that you will need to pay a little more attention to their nutrition and physical activity. But what's wrong with a healthy lifestyle, proper diet and regular moderate exercise?

Fetal growth retardation: how to prevent?

The best prevention of fetal growth retardation is pregnancy planning ... When planning a pregnancy, a couple must undergo a full examination of the body in six months and treat all chronic diseases. Treatment of caries and the genitourinary sphere should also not be overlooked. Quitting bad habits for at least six months is the best option to prevent this diagnosis.

Regular visits to antenatal clinics after being registered for pregnancy (and this must be done no later than 12 weeks), plays an important role in preventing negative consequences in the diagnosis of fetal growth retardation in the womb. The earlier the disease is detected and treated, the more likely it is to avoid negative consequences in the development of the fetus during gestation and after birth.

A pregnant woman must have a properly built work and sleep mode ... Adequate sleep during pregnancy (10 hours at night and 2 hours during the day) is a good prevention of intrauterine growth retardation. If you cannot sleep during the day, then rest in a horizontal position and with your eyes closed for 2 hours should be present in any case. Daytime rest helps to improve blood circulation between mother and child, gas exchange and transport of nutrients to the baby.

Being in the fresh air, moderate physical activity in the form, complete and proper nutrition with a full range of vitamins and minerals (a frequent doctor's recommendation when making such a diagnosis is the use of foods with a high carbohydrate content) not only improve the mood of the pregnant woman, but also improve the well-being of the fetus in the womb.

The diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus should not be a sentence for future parents. An important role is played by the cause of such a violation, but the seriousness of the reason is not a reason to refuse the birth of a baby. There are no obstacles that cannot be overcome. Believe me, the happiness of motherhood is incomparable.

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Let's talk today on the website for mothers about a frozen pregnancy.

Pregnancy is in most cases a joyful event. But sometimes it happens that you have to part with her. Coming certain condition in the female body, which is called in medicine. It may arise all women, regardless of age, regardless of the timing of pregnancy. Most often occurs in the first three months.

For a frozen pregnancy, it is characteristic that the fetus stops developing, dies. The confluence of various circumstances and factors leads to pathology of pregnancy.

Frozen pregnancy: common signs

The state of health and general well-being requires special attention from the pregnant woman. This does not mean at all that you need to look for certain symptoms, which may indicate an abnormally developing pregnancy. It is enough just to know the signs of a frozen pregnancy.

At some point, the mother-to-be realizes that something is wrong, compared to how it was before. In particular, toxicosis abruptly stopped: was and suddenly was gone. For some reason, the chest has ceased to be painfully sensitive. There is a decrease in basal temperature. Woman stops hearing wiggling baby in the later months of pregnancy.

According to the listed symptoms, the onset of a frozen pregnancy is determined. And then pain of a cramping nature, bloody discharge, smearing may follow. The process of expulsion of the fetus from the body will begin- fetal detachment and subsequent detachment will occur.

How to identify a missed pregnancy?

Every woman has a unique body. It happens that the pregnancy has stopped, the fetus has stopped developing, and the woman does not feel anything... In her opinion, the pregnancy is proceeding normally.

If the expectant mother has certain doubts, then it is better for her to immediately contact a medical institution. A gynecologist will dispel all doubts.

The diagnosis of "missed pregnancy" is made on the basis of the tests performed.

  • The most accurate result gives Ultrasound, where the doctor can see with his own eyes whether the child's heart is beating, whether everything is in order with him.
  • Sometimes it helps hCG analysis... Human chorionic gonadotropin is a special hormone responsible for ensuring that the mother's immune system does not harm the unborn child. The level of the hormone in the blood is determined. If the pregnancy is frozen, it will be lower than that of a normal pregnancy.
  • And the last option is examination by a gynecologist, he feels the belly of the pregnant woman, comparing the sizes of the uterus and the fetus. If there are contradictions, this can judge the fading of pregnancy.

Main reasons

Why does a normally developing pregnancy freeze? Unknown. In medicine, only certain reasons that increase the likelihood of pregnancy fading.

1. Genetic failure

One of the main ones is genetic failure violation of the development of the embryo at the genetic level. Medicine is powerless in such cases.

And from two other reasons, a woman can be insured.

2. Infectious diseases

Separately, you need to tell about infectious diseases. Various infections provoke the occurrence of a frozen pregnancy at all stages. Infection rubella or chickenpox has a significant negative impact, leading to the formation of fetal abnormalities. In the near future, there is only one outcome - termination of pregnancy.

But you can play it safe here too.... You need to know exactly about all childhood diseases, especially infectious ones. The fact of the disease was not recorded anywhere? Is a woman at risk because the job is related to raising children? Better then get all the necessary vaccinations.

3. Medicines

A frozen pregnancy can lead uncontrolled drug use.

In the early stages of up to 10 days, pregnancy is difficult to notice. A certain time will pass, and only then the woman realizes that a new life has settled in her body. Until that moment, she took medications and in no serious way changed her measured life. That is why the medications taken can affect the baby. The teratogenic effect on the fetus sometimes depends not even on the amount of medication taken, but on the timing of pregnancy.

To be on the safe side. If you are not using contraception, then it is better to carefully study the instructions for the medicines - is it possible for pregnant women? If it is not exactly written, then it is better to consult a doctor, and not endanger your future life.

What's next?

The consequences of this phenomenon are difficult not only psychologically... Naturally, our health also gets it.

When diagnosed as "missed pregnancy", doctors sometimes simply do nothing. They are biding their time... Nature will do everything herself.

Only if the natural process of expulsion of the fetus, i.e. miscarriage, does not come at a certain time, doctors remove it on their own: under general anesthesia, the uterine cavity is cleaned (in the early stages) or causes a medical miscarriage (in the later stages).

If there was a miscarriage, and something remained in the uterine cavity, and ultrasound confirmed, scraping out the uterine cavity.

Unfortunately, termination of pregnancy, even in the event of freezing, is a serious shake-up of the female body. A frozen pregnancy is a serious danger, and here you need to be attentive to yourself. What happens if you don't notice a frozen pregnancy and think that everything is all right, and the miscarriage never happened? The tissues of the dead fetus begin to disintegrate, toxins are absorbed into the woman's blood. And then there are inflammatory processes with all the ensuing consequences.

Don't blame yourself! What to do next?

Frozen pregnancy is not a sentence or punishment. It just happened. In no case do not blame yourself and execute... And don't think that there will be no children in the future. You just need to be more careful about your next pregnancy.

It is advisable to withstand a period of several months.. It has long been proven that a healthy mother is a healthy child. And, of course, it will not be superfluous to check the health of your partner. Almost everything in our time is effectively treated.

Prevention of a frozen pregnancy

You don't need to do anything on purpose. It is enough just to lead a lifestyle that will benefit, first of all, the child and the pregnant woman. Smoking and drinking is contraindicated. They say that the risk of this process in a woman's body increases in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed and the number of cigarettes smoked. Harmful and hard work of the expectant mother increases the risk.

A preventive measure against a frozen pregnancy is strengthening immunity... Do I need to take vitamins, dietary supplements? Yes, to some extent. But sometimes it is enough that a pregnant woman will eat right. Do not adhere to certain diets, do not limit yourself to food, and do not eat for two. You need to eat well.

Necessarily surrender blood for hormones. The lack of the main hormone of pregnancy, progesterone, is indicated by menstrual irregularities, previous miscarriages. But if you planned and simply did not have time to do the above, then in this case, you should not panic. The doctor will definitely prescribe antiviral therapy.

After such preparation, it is highly likely that the next pregnancy will pass without any complications and end with the birth of a child. Do not worry about trifles, and you will succeed!

Approximately every tenth woman in a position is diagnosed by a doctor with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). The specialist determines the presence of deviations characterized by a discrepancy between the size of the baby and the standard indicators at a particular week of development. How dangerous this pathology is in reality and how it threatens the child, it is important for every mother to know, because absolutely no one is immune from such a phenomenon.

What is ZVUR?

Symmetrical form of pathology

With a symmetrical shape, a uniform decrease in the mass, size of organs and growth of the fetus is observed. This pathology most often develops in the early stages of pregnancy due to fetal diseases (infection, chromosomal abnormalities). Symmetrical intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus increases the likelihood of having a baby with an inadequately formed central nervous system.

Diagnostic measures

If this pathology is suspected, a woman is recommended to undergo a full diagnostic examination. First of all, the doctor collects the patient's anamnesis, specifies the previously transferred gynecological diseases, the features of the course of the previous pregnancy. Then a physical examination is carried out with the obligatory measurement of the circumference of the abdomen, the fundus of the uterus, the height and weight of the woman.

Additionally, ultrasound examination, Doppler sonography (assessment of blood flow in arteries and veins) and cardiotocography (continuous recording of fetal heart rate, its activity and directly uterine contractions) may be required. Based on the results of the tests performed, the specialist can confirm the diagnosis or refute it.

What kind of treatment is required?

To determine the subsequent tactics after confirming the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation, the causes of the pathology, the form and degree of the disease should be taken into account. The basic principles of therapy should be focused on improving blood flow in the uterus-placenta-fetus system. All therapeutic measures are carried out in a stationary environment. First of all, a woman needs to ensure peace, good nutrition and good long sleep. Monitoring the current state of the fetus is considered an important element of therapy. For these purposes, ultrasound is used every 7-14 days, cardiotocography and Doppler blood flow.

Drug treatment includes taking angioprotectors to protect blood vessels, tocolytics against muscle tension of the uterus ("Papaverin", "No-shpa"), fortifying agents. In addition, all women, without exception, are prescribed drugs that reduce neuropsychic arousal (motherwort tincture, valerian) and improve blood flow in the placenta (Actovegin, Curantil).

Depending on the severity of the pathology, the results of treatment may vary. usually responds well to therapy, the likelihood of further negative consequences is minimized. For more serious pathologies, a different approach to treatment is required, while its results are rather difficult to predict.

Abortion

Early delivery, regardless of the gestational age, is recommended in the following cases:

  1. Lack of fetal growth for 14 days.
  2. A noticeable deterioration in the condition of the baby inside the womb (for example, a slowdown in blood flow in the vessels).

Pregnancy is maintained up to a maximum of 37 weeks in the event that, thanks to drug therapy, there is an improvement in indicators, when there is no need to talk about the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation.

Consequences and possible complications

After birth, babies with such a pathology may have deviations of varying severity, their subsequent compatibility with ordinary life will largely depend on their parents.

The first consequences appear already during delivery (hypoxia, neurological disorders). Delayed intrauterine development of the fetus inhibits the maturation of the central nervous system and its functions, which affects all systems. In such children, the body's defenses are usually weakened, in a more mature age there is an increased likelihood of cardiovascular ailments.

Children under five years of age are often diagnosed with slow weight gain, psychomotor developmental delay, improper formation of internal organ systems, and hyperexcitability. There is a high risk of diabetes during adolescence. Such children are usually prone to obesity, they have problems with blood pressure. This does not mean that their daily existence will be reduced to taking medications and living in hospitals. They will simply need to pay a little more attention to their own diet and daily physical activity.

Some children who have been diagnosed with grade 2 intrauterine growth retardation and have received appropriate treatment do not differ from their peers. They lead a normal life, play sports, socialize with friends and receive an education.

How can IUGR be prevented?

The best prevention of this pathology is planning an upcoming pregnancy. In about six months, future parents should undergo a comprehensive examination and treat all existing chronic diseases. Quitting addictions, eating a balanced diet and daily dosed physical activity are the best options for preventing IUGR.

Attending antenatal clinics on a regular basis after registration plays an important role in the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation. Treatment of a pathology detected in a timely manner minimizes the risk of negative consequences.

Pregnant women should have a well-structured work and sleep schedule. Proper and proper rest means 10 hours of sleep at night and 2 hours during the day. This mode improves blood circulation and transport of nutrients between mother and baby.

Daily walks in the fresh air, dosed physical activity not only improve the overall well-being of the pregnant woman, but also normalize the condition of the fetus inside the womb.

Conclusion

You should not ignore such pathology as intrauterine growth retardation, the consequences of which can be the most sad. On the other hand, parents should not take this diagnosis as a sentence. If it is delivered in a timely manner, the future woman in labor will take all the necessary measures to eliminate its cause and follow all the doctor's recommendations, the prognosis may be favorable. There are no obstacles in the world that cannot be overcome. It is important to remember that the happiness of motherhood is incomparable!

” №8/2014 02.06.16

Of course, all future mothers are looking forward to the first movements of the fetus. Many women from this moment are truly aware of the fact of their pregnancy. At this stage, many questions arise regarding the activity of the fetus in the mother's tummy. We will answer the most popular ones.

1. The baby begins to move before you feel it

The first movements of the fetus begins early, already at 7-8 weeks of pregnancy. It was at this time that its first muscles and the rudiments of the nervous system were formed. From about 10 weeks of pregnancy, the baby begins to move more actively in the uterus, sometimes bumping into its walls. However, he is still very small, and these blows are very weak, so the expectant mother cannot yet feel them.

2. "As if a fish swam": during the first pregnancy, fetal movements are felt later

The first movements of the fetus will be soft and as if tickling - as if a fish had swam. The expectant mother will be able to feel the tangible shocks a little later. If the pregnancy is the first, the first fetal movements can be seen at 18–20 weeks, and with repeated pregnancy, at 16–18 weeks (the woman is already familiar with this sensation, she more accurately and earlier determines the fetal movement).

In general, the manifestation of the first movements of the fetus is very individual and depends on how sensitive the expectant mother is, as well as on her physique. For example, thin women can feel fetal movements earlier - even at 15-16 weeks, and larger moms - sometimes later than 20 weeks.

Women who lead an active lifestyle, who work a lot, usually feel the movements of the fetus later, since with high employment they usually listen less to their inner feelings.

3. From the 24th week, the fetus already "communicates" with the mother with the help of movements

Fetal movement is an indicator of a normal pregnancy, good growth, development and well-being of the baby. At first, when the expectant mother only felt the first movements of the fetus (18–20 weeks), the movements may not even be felt every day. From 24 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother already feels how the fetus changes position, moves its arms and legs. The motor activity of the fetus increases gradually, and its peak falls on the period from the 24th to the 32nd week of pregnancy. At this time, she becomes one of the indicators of the normal development of the baby, the child begins to "communicate" with the mother with the help of movements, react to the sounds of her voice and emotional state. From the moment of "growing up", when the baby began to actively move, he "speaks" to his mother, thereby informing her about his anxiety, joy, pleasure, or his well-being.

In turn, the fetus is very sensitive to changes in the emotional state of the expectant mother. For example, when she is excited, worried or happy, the baby may move more actively or, conversely, calm down for a while. Fetal movements can vary in quantity and intensity even during the day. And this is normal.

4. If there is no movement, the baby can just sleep

Starting from the 24th week of pregnancy, the baby should move on average 10-15 times per hour. If the baby does not make itself felt for 3-4 hours, it is possible that he is just sleeping. In this case, the expectant mother needs to eat something sweet and lie on her left side for half an hour. If these simple steps do not help, it is worth repeating them again after 2-3 hours. If the baby still does not make itself felt, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

After 32 weeks of pregnancy, the number of fetal movements gradually decreases due to the fact that the baby is growing up, and he simply does not have enough free space. But their intensity and strength remain the same or grow. This becomes especially noticeable by the time of childbirth.

See your doctor immediately if:

  • no fetal motor activity for 12 hours or more,
  • the fetus was overly active for several days, and then abruptly subsided,
  • you notice only rare and weak fetal movements (this may be caused by a lack of oxygen - fetal hypoxia).

5. How to count fetal movements? 2 special tests

It is recommended to count the number of fetal movements for every expectant mother, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy (after the 28th week) - there should be at least ten of them during the day. There are 2 fetal movement tests to assess fetal activity

"Count to ten"... On a special card (you can take it from your doctor or he will tell you how to draw it up), the number of fetal movements is noted daily, usually from 28 weeks of pregnancy. The essence of the fetal movement test is that the expectant mother counts fetal movements for 12 hours, for example, from 9 am to 9 pm. If the fetus makes less than 10 movements per period, this is a reason to consult a doctor for an examination.

There is another way to count fetal movements - Sadovski technique... They spend it like this: in the evening after dinner, the woman lies on her left side and counts the movements of the fetus. In this case, you need to take into account everything, even the smallest movements of the fetus. If 10 or more fetal movements are noted within an hour, this indicates that the baby is feeling well. If the fetus has moved less than 10 times in an hour, then its movements are counted for another hour. The evening time for this assessment method was not chosen by chance. It is in the evening, especially after dinner and the associated increase in glucose, that the highest activity of the fetus is noted. If the number of fetal movements is less than 10 times in 2 hours, this should be considered as a sign of a violation of its condition and additional research should be carried out.

6. Fetal movements may be a little painful

Sometimes the baby's movements hurt the mother-to-be. In this case, she needs to change her body position (lie on the other side, walk, etc.). After that, the discomfort should go away. If for a long time, for several hours, fetal movements remain painful, the expectant mother should definitely inform the doctor about this, as this may be a sign of problems during pregnancy (for example, with oligohydramnios). In addition, most expectant mothers note some soreness in the hypochondrium, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy - and this is not a deviation from the norm, since the uterus has risen high enough for the baby to “reach” these areas as well.

7. Smart baby: why are fetal movements too active?

The baby can move too actively, as already mentioned, when the emotional state of the expectant mother changes, in addition, this is how he can react to external noises (from about the 20th week of pregnancy, when the hearing aid is formed and the bones in it began to ossify to conduct sound ). Therefore, if the expectant mother comes to the apartment where the renovation is underway, or watches a movie with strong noise effects in the cinema, then, most likely, she will feel quite frequent shocks in her tummy.

8. What is the expression of oxygen starvation of the fetus?

There is a widespread belief that increased fetal activity is a sign of oxygen deprivation, but this is not always the case. Indeed, at the initial stages of fetal hypoxia, the baby's restless behavior is noted, which consists in the frequency and strengthening of his movements. However, with a prolonged or increasing lack of oxygen, the movements of the little man weaken, or may even stop altogether. Therefore, anxiety should be caused by rare (less than 10 per day), weak fetal movements (especially after 30 weeks) or increased activity after a "quiet period", which requires urgent consultation with a doctor. If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, he will send the expectant mother for an ultrasound or CTG (cardiotocography), with which you can figure out why the baby is behaving this way. And if necessary, the doctor will prescribe treatment to normalize the condition of the fetus.

It is very important to listen to the sensations in your tummy and notice how often and intensively the baby moves. Then you can feel the changes in the nature of his movements and consult a doctor in time to make sure that everything is in order with the baby.

9. The little "astronaut" is always on the move

At the 20th week of pregnancy, the fetus makes about 200 movements per day, and in the period between the 28th and 32nd weeks, their daily amount reaches 600. Naturally, the expectant mother does not feel all the baby's movements, but only a small part of them. So, after 28 weeks, the frequency of movement of the fetus, according to the woman's sensations, is 4 to 8 times per hour, with the exception of periods of sleep (3-4 hours in a row). During the third trimester, a pregnant woman may notice that her baby has certain sleep and wake cycles. Children are usually most active from 7 pm to 4 am, and the period of "rest" occurs more often from 4 to 9 am.

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