Pregnancy: What should expectant mothers know?  What you need to know about your first pregnancy What you need for early pregnancy.

Pregnancy: What should expectant mothers know? What you need to know about your first pregnancy What you need for early pregnancy.

When a woman finds out that in the near future she will become a mother, she asks a lot of questions. One of the main ones is the following: what can not be done in early pregnancy?

If a woman has already had to deal with such an interesting situation, then for sure she knows the answer to this question. Also, the fair sex should know what to do during pregnancy. Let's try to understand these two points and find out how to behave while carrying a child.

Early pregnancy

To begin with, it is worth saying what time period is called early. Immediately after the fertilization of the female cell by the spermatozoon, the continuous division of the zygote begins. At the same time, the cells move towards the reproductive organ.

Physical activity

What exercises to do during pregnancy in order to maintain your health and protect the baby?

Recently, the following areas have been very common: yoga and fitness for pregnant women. A woman can choose what suits her. Doctors also recommend swimming throughout the entire period. This will help keep the body in good shape and prepare for childbirth. The exceptions are those cases where there is

Taking medications

In early pregnancy, it is very important to eat well and take the necessary vitamins. In most cases, doctors prescribe a woman to take folic acid. It is she who is involved in the formation of organs and tissues, and also helps to close the neural tube in time and correctly.

In addition, the expectant mother needs iodine for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Your doctor may also recommend taking magnesium, iron, and potassium. Many experts prefer to immediately prescribe a complex of vitamins to a pregnant woman, rather than single preparations containing beneficial trace elements.

Hygiene

The expectant mother should carefully observe. It is necessary to wash your hands more often. This will help to avoid intestinal infections and viruses.

It is also necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the genitals. After all, the appearance of bacteria in them can threaten infection of the fetus. Use panty liners if necessary. They will help you feel comfortable.

Proper nutrition

While expecting a baby, you need to eat right. This condition does not only apply to early pregnancy. It is necessary for the entire period of bearing a baby to consume a large amount of vitamins (fruits and vegetables), useful minerals and trace elements.

Drink fresh juices and get plenty of rest. Try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. The baby now needs a lot of oxygen for the proper development and formation of all organs.

Conclusion

Now you know how to behave while expecting a baby. Always remember that it is better to postpone other examinations that can damage a tiny organism for a while. Take care of yourself and always follow your doctor's advice.

In the very early stages of pregnancy, your unborn baby is just beginning to form, so this period is very important for the further course of the entire pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. It is at the very beginning of pregnancy that there is a great risk of catching some kind of infection, which exposes the formation of the fetus to great danger. In addition, without knowing about their pregnancy, many women do not strive to lead a healthy lifestyle and expose the body to the harmful effects of alcohol, smoking and other bad habits, may experience heavy physical exertion or use drugs that are contraindicated during pregnancy. Therefore, it is not surprising that a woman wants to know about the signs of pregnancy in the early stages, and be able to determine it as quickly as possible in order to exclude possible threats to the fetus.

Often there is an increase in body temperature. This is a completely normal phenomenon that should not disturb a pregnant woman. Body temperature may be normal, but the basal temperature in pregnant women is always elevated and should not be lower than 37 ° C. Basal temperature is measured immediately after sleep by the rectal method. This must be done before you get up, otherwise the indicator may be incorrect.

Many women determine pregnancy in the early stages by signs such as nausea, enlargement and soreness of the mammary glands, dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness. These signs do not always indicate pregnancy. The main sign that allows you to determine pregnancy in the early stages is an increase in the blood of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone begins to be produced in all pregnant women, and with each subsequent day its amount increases. The most accurate and early result for the presence of hCG will give a blood test. Pregnancy tests can also quite effectively detect pregnancy from the first day of a missed period.

Most women experience increased vaginal discharge. Slightly yellowish, odorless discharge is not dangerous and should not bother a pregnant woman. Also, the appearance of pinkish discharge on the first day of menstruation is considered the norm. The real danger is the presence of bleeding. This applies to both early pregnancy and later. Drawing pains in the lower abdomen, accompanying such secretions, may indicate an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages, as well as the danger of miscarriage. In this case, you should consult a doctor. Timely treatment will help to avoid serious consequences for the health of a woman in the event of an ectopic pregnancy and save the child in the event of a threatened abortion.

In general, in order for an early pregnancy to proceed normally, the following basic recommendations should be followed. During the first trimester, it is best to avoid taking any medications. This can lead to abortion or the development of defects in the fetus. Even medicinal herbs are contraindicated: lingonberry leaf, St. John's wort, tansy, etc. Any nervous tension or experience is highly undesirable for the development of the fetus and can also be the cause of a threatened abortion. You should stop taking alcohol, smoking, using drugs, coffee, malnutrition and malnutrition. Heavy physical activity, in particular lifting weights, falling, hard work, is also dangerous for pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a very important and exciting period in the life of every woman. From the moment when the test shows two strips, until the birth of a child, it will take a long nine months. Every woman wants these months to go well and joyfully, without complications and problems. How can this be achieved?

You need to carefully listen to your body and visit your doctor regularly. What you need to pay attention to and what you need to know so that the experience of pregnancy is only positive.

What symptoms should alert a pregnant woman, especially in the early stages?

First of all, it is pain in the lower abdomen - a fairly common symptom of a threatened abortion in the early stages. Also, attention should be paid to the feeling of heaviness and aches in the lumbar spine. If a pregnant woman experiences this kind of pain, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Another, no less threatening symptom is bleeding. Heavy bleeding is an indicator of a miscarriage. However, at the initial stage of pregnancy, slight spotting is possible. To find out if this is a normal physiological condition, or if it is a threat, an urgent consultation with a specialist is necessary.

What are the reasons for the threat of termination of pregnancy in the early stages?

Unfortunately, early miscarriages are quite common. There are even cases when a miscarriage occurred before you realize that you are pregnant.
It is believed that about half of all fertilized eggs are lost in the first days of pregnancy. Even before the pregnancy test was done. There are many reasons for threatened miscarriage, including the following:
  • genetic (the presence of chromosomal and genetic pathologies)
  • hormonal (violation of the hormonal background of a pregnant woman, the most common is the insufficiency of the hormone progesterone)
  • infectious (cytomegalovirus, herpes, rubella and many other diseases can cause spontaneous abortion)
and many others, such as stress, heavy physical exertion, falls and injuries, overheating, bad habits.

If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with threatened miscarriage, what are her next steps? Need a hospital?

The threat of miscarriage, especially in the early stages, is not a reason to panic. By contacting a doctor in time, you will provide your child with favorable conditions for further growth and development.

The first thing to do is to undergo a complete medical examination, which will be prescribed by your doctor. Treatment inpatient or outpatient is decided individually based on the results of the examination. A pregnant woman with a threat is assigned strict bed rest. Any activity is not allowed.

A pregnant woman should keep not only physical, but also psychological peace. Some women are prescribed sedatives if necessary, as pregnant women are very worried that the baby they carry under their hearts is in danger.

Are there any preventive measures to prevent the threat?

The best prevention of the threat of interruption in the early stages is pregnancy planning. It is necessary to undergo a medical examination in advance and make sure that there are no health problems. This will greatly reduce the risk of interruption. It is also very important to give up bad habits and uncontrolled medication in time. Know, but don't be afraid! Being informed about the possible risks of pregnancy is important, but it is even more important to take care of your mental, emotional and physical health. Most likely, your pregnancy will proceed well, so enjoy all the changes that occur in your body!

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

What not to do 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, move actively, etc. You should look into this more carefully. Due to the change in the hormonal background, it is better to refrain from perming and hair coloring procedures, as a result of which their condition may worsen. If you belong to the category of women who dye their hair all the time, opt for sparing options. The expectant mother is also forbidden to wear synthetic underwear. During pregnancy, you can not:

  • take baths (hot);
  • visit the sauna and solarium;
  • take medication without consulting a doctor;
  • vaccinate against rubella, tuberculosis, mumps;
  • perform X-ray or fluorography;
  • clean the cat's toilet (the cat is a carrier of a disease such as toxoplasmosis).

What not to eat when pregnant

A conscious woman during pregnancy reviews her diet with special 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 drawn to healthy food, but you want to eat more of what you can’t, so it’s 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, salo, 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 cancer.

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

canned food

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

Canned fish

Some seafood

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

raw eggs

May cause salmonella 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 scrupulously 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.
  • Products that can cause allergies, which can result in improper development of the child or even 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 the little man. The measure is important here, a couple of pieces will not hurt anyone, so you are allowed to allow yourself such a treat once a week.

What should 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 the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding. Pregnant women should not eat:

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 a threat of miscarriage, causes insomnia, removes vitamins and microelements from the body. You also need to remove caffeinated foods from your menu, do not drink energy drinks and cola.

It is permissible for black tea lovers to occasionally consume this drink, which should not be strong. The reason for this is all the same caffeine, which, penetrating the placenta, 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 during pregnancy in an enhanced mode. Even if you decide to treat yourself to a glass of beer, this can negatively affect the intellectual abilities and the formation of the unborn baby, especially in the first trimester. Therefore, drinking alcohol is prohibited. Kvass is also better not to drink at this time. These tips for pregnant women in the early stages will help to avoid many unpleasant moments.

What not to do when pregnant

In this special period of life, new habits, rules appear and the perception of the world around us changes. Sometimes a woman thinks she can turn the world around, and sometimes she doesn't even have the strength to brush her teeth. It is important to treat this condescendingly and follow a set of measures that will ensure your safety. According to these rules, it is prohibited:

  • Carry out general cleaning with household chemicals. In extreme cases, you need to protect yourself as much as possible by wearing gloves and ventilating the room.
  • Sitting still at a computer or favorite job. When doing embroidery or other creative process, do not forget to do active physical 15 minutes.
  • Walk in high heels (more than 4 cm). If you don't want varicose veins or flat feet, you can't do that.
  • Sit with your legs crossed. In this position, the veins located in the popliteal fossa are clamped, and blood circulation in the pelvic organs slows down. The result may be fetal hypoxia.
  • smoke. This leads to poor blood supply to the placenta due to its vasoconstrictive action. There is a chance that the baby will be born prematurely or with a small weight.
  • Forget about parties and discos. The smell of cigarette smoke, alcohol and loud music do not contribute to the beneficial course of pregnancy.
  • Hold off on extreme sports. Adrenaline negatively affects the mental activity of the baby, so you should avoid stress, worries and be less nervous. The expectant mother should provide herself with a calm and positive environment.

In the early stages

Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended during the first trimester. This position puts pressure on the uterus, which can damage the embryo. You can be in this position in rare cases, but by no means make it a habit. However, when the tummy has already noticeably increased, it is advisable to listen to the recommendations of doctors and exclude rest on the back. Blood circulation may be disturbed due to the fact that the grown belly will put a load on the deep veins.

In the first trimester, the girl's hormonal background changes, which results in mood swings 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 endorphins are 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 an infection in the partner. It is better to refuse intimate relationships so that there is no abortion. In other cases, the expectant mother is allowed to have sex throughout the entire pregnancy, the main thing is to avoid deep penetration, pressure on the stomach and too long intercourse.

What movements can not be done during pregnancy

While waiting for the 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, make sharp and jerky movements. This can lead to premature birth. You can not do repairs and heavy physical work. Leave the painting of the walls, beating the carpets, washing the windows to someone else or postpone for a certain time.

Video

Reading 8 min. Views 2.4k. Published on 23.10.2018

Today's article will be of interest to those who are concerned about the topic of early pregnancy. How to notice the first signs, when to see a doctor, what tests to take, what to fear - everything that is interesting and important for expectant mothers.

The beginning of pregnancy - what is it like?

For the birth of a new life, it is necessary that during the period of ovulation, the spermatozoon fertilizes the egg. Fertilization takes an average of one day. Then the fertilized egg begins to move to the uterus and is fixed (implanted) in it. This takes from a week to 10 days.

As a rule, the reaction of the body to conception begins to manifest itself precisely after implantation. Successful implantation in the uterus of the embryo leads to the production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is a special hormone, whose production is rapidly increasing in the body of the expectant mother for the first three months, after which it gradually decreases. It is this process that causes early pregnancy symptoms, including toxicosis.

The first signs of pregnancy

First of all - dear future mothers, we are all different. And if a friend assures that she felt the embryo “right the next morning!”, And you found out about conception only after three weeks on the strip on the test, this does not mean that something is going wrong with you. It's just that your body reacts in its own way, it knows better.

As a rule, the first symptoms of pregnancy appear after the fixation of the egg, i.e. the second week and beyond.

You can guess about it subjectively, according to the changed physiological sensations. And you can get reliable information using a test or passing an analysis at a clinic.

Physiological changes

There are many subjective symptoms, but it should be remembered that they can all be caused by other reasons. These include:

  1. Delayed menses. The first sign that allows you to hope for a joyful event, especially if a woman has an established cycle.
  2. Feeling of weakness. The beginning of hormonal restructuring is a serious burden on the body, the body needs rest to recover. Dizziness and fainting are possible.
  3. Mood swings. All the same hormones bring chaos to the emotional state of mommy, sometimes from the first week. Calm, just calm, everything will be fine!
  4. Reaction to smells. An increased sense of smell is a very common symptom. But every pregnant woman has her own “favorite” smell.
  5. The amount of saliva increases, usually in the morning.
  6. Morning sickness and vomiting. Hello toxicosis! It often starts after three weeks, and some lucky women do not feel it at all. But sometimes it can start from the first week.
  7. Change in taste habits, increase in appetite.
  8. Increasing the sensitivity of the breast.
  9. Frequent urination. The most interesting thing is ahead, when the growing uterus begins to squeeze the bladder. But the restructuring of the body has already begun, the urinary system is preparing to bear the baby.
  10. Vaginal discharge. If a pregnant woman “smears” at an early stage, i.e. bloody discharge appears, this is not a reason to panic. But you need to see a doctor, he determines the degree of danger. The amount of normal white discharge increases, this is normal.
  11. Unusual sensations in the pelvic region. The increased blood flow can cause a feeling of heaviness and tingling.
  12. Increase in basal body temperature. If a woman regularly measures the temperature in the rectum, then she will notice an increase to 37 0 C, which does not subside.

External changes

Sometimes already in the first weeks you can see external changes:

  • mild swelling of the face, arms, legs;
  • skin rashes;
  • swollen chest;
  • darkening around the nipples;
  • bloating;
  • darkening of the line crossing the abdomen down from the navel.

The reaction of each female body is individual. Someone starts nausea already in the first week, and someone may have a hidden pregnancy, the symptoms of which are not noticeable for a month or longer. Moreover, the symptoms of the first and subsequent pregnancies may differ.

Laboratory methods

All of these signs can be caused by other causes - illness, fatigue, and so on. To obtain an accurate result, laboratory methods are needed based on the detection of hCG in the body of the expectant mother.

Table of methods for determining pregnancy

Method Description How to apply When they spend Accuracy
test strip White stripe with colored area and arrows. Dip in fresh urine, wait 3-5 minutes for the second strip to appear. First day of delay 90%
tablet test Plastic container with two openings Drop urine into the hole, the result is visible in the second 95%
Inkjet test Cassette with strip Substitute under a stream of urine, wait 3 seconds. 2-3 days before expected period 97%
Electronic test Plastic container with screen Substitute under urine, wait 5 seconds. 2-3 days before expected period 97%
Blood test for hCG 6-10 days after the intended conception 99%
Ultrasound of the uterus 4-5 weeks late period 100%

The simplest and most affordable is a test strip. You can do repeated tests with an interval of 3 days. The color intensity of the second strip will darken as the amount of hCG in the urine increases.

A reliable result will give a laboratory blood test for pregnancy in the early stages, but it is not carried out in all clinics. If it is necessary to dynamically monitor the patient's condition, the doctor writes out a referral for hCG analysis.

When to See a Doctor

A delay of 2-3 days is not a reason to see a doctor. Even the most experienced gynecologist during this period will not be able to say anything definite. But postponing a consultation with a doctor for 2-3 months is at least unreasonable.

The doctor will be able to confirm the conception from about 3-4 weeks. In addition to determining pregnancy, a visit to the doctor in the first month will help to avoid possible complications.

The gynecologist examines the woman, while he can approximately determine the term of conception. If something is bothering the expectant mother, it is necessary to describe in detail to the attending physician all the symptoms. The gynecologist will expertly explain everything that is important to know in the early stages.

Examination of a pregnant woman

The doctor starts an exchange card and registers the woman in the antenatal clinic. The expectant mother undergoes a detailed examination to get a complete picture of her health in early pregnancy, identify possible problems and, if possible, get rid of them. The patient must visit:

  • therapist;
  • otolaryngologist;
  • dentist
  • ophthalmologist;
  • cardiologist;
  • endocrinologist.

In addition, the following tests are required:

  • total urine;
  • bacterial culture of urine;
  • total blood;
  • blood biochemistry;
  • blood type and Rh factor test;
  • tests for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, AIDS;
  • blood for TORCH-infection (rubella, herpes, etc., which can cause pathologies of fetal development);
  • blood clotting test (coagulogram);
  • smear for cytology;
  • smear for sexually transmitted infections;
  • feces - for the presence of worms.

Benefits of early registration

The first month is a dangerous period of pregnancy, when the embryo is still vulnerable, and it can be affected by mother's illness, excessive stress and other negative factors. Medical advice will help minimize the risks.

A visit to the doctor will help to identify an ectopic pregnancy in time, before the situation threatens the woman's health. If the first signs of toxicosis appear, the doctor can help to mitigate them.

You should visit the gynecologist at least once a month if nothing bothers you. The doctor should be aware of any manifestation of the patient's ill health.

Risks in early pregnancy


The main threat of this period is the danger of spontaneous interruption. According to statistics, there is one early miscarriage in five pregnancies. Therefore, a woman who wants to safely carry and give birth to a child must take care of her health.

Possible causes of miscarriage:

  • congenital pathologies of the reproductive system;
  • hormonal disruptions (progesterone deficiency);
  • pathological condition of the cervix (isthmic-cervical insufficiency);
  • genetic pathologies of the fetus;
  • physical overstrain, a sharp jerk;
  • injury;
  • influence of certain medications.

Symptoms of threatened spontaneous abortion

Qualified medical assistance can prevent miscarriage in most cases, provided that the pregnant woman consults a doctor in time.

Signs of threatened miscarriage:

  • a sharp deterioration in health;
  • vaginal discharge containing blood;
  • bleeding;
  • lower abdominal pain;
  • intense vomiting.

Immediately after the onset of alarming symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his recommendations - up to hospitalization and bed rest.

The need for medical supervision

The first weeks after conception are a very important stage in the development of the future little man. Dear future mothers, do not rely only on your health - absolutely healthy women also have problems. And arguments like: “Our great-grandmothers gave birth in the field, and nothing” sound frankly stupid.


Only a gynecologist will competently tell everything about pregnancy in the early stages, notice possible violations in time and correct them. Feel free to ask questions, ask about all the moments that concern you, report the slightest health problems. will show any deviation, if any. And before the examination, just be frank with the lead doctor.

Conclusion

Take care of yourself, do not let yourself be nervous, follow the doctor's recommendations - and in 9 months you will take your infinitely beloved baby in your arms. Happy pregnancy and easy childbirth!

How did you know you were already pregnant? What tests were used? Write to us, because your experience can help those who are just getting ready to become a mother.

And the Its Kids team wishes all expectant mothers a happy pregnancy and easy delivery!