What does it feel like in the first trimester of pregnancy? How many weeks are in the first trimester of pregnancy and when does it end? Are there any risks in the study?

According to doctors, the health and proper development of the child depends 50% on how the expectant mother behaves in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is the mother who can prevent the occurrence of many problems. This period of her life is associated with some difficulties and prohibitions. What should you pay special attention to? Which weeks of the first trimester are considered the most dangerous?

Features of the period

The first trimester of pregnancy is the beginning. It consists of 12 weeks. During this period, many organs and systems of the fetus are formed. What does this process look like?

• Cells are in the stage of active division. The fertilized egg moves towards the uterus. It is important that there are no adhesions along its path, otherwise there is a danger of ectopic pregnancy.
• The egg is firmly implanted in the uterus. If there are any inflammatory processes, it may be located near the cervix. This is very dangerous as it can cause placenta previa. When other conditions unfavorable for the development of the embryo appear, the mother’s body rejects and removes it from the body. This phenomenon is called self-abortion.

• Around the 20th day of pregnancy, organs are formed in the embryo. The rudiments of nerves, heart and reproductive system appear. From the fifth week you can already hear his heartbeat. On average, its frequency reaches 110-130 beats per minute.
• Next, the brain appears and actively develops. Because of this, the head grows. At this time, its size is approximately 30% of the entire body.
• The next stage is the formation of the legs. They become more noticeable.
• From week 10, the embryo is called a fetus. At this time, he begins to develop fingers and toes.
• Until the 11th week, the fetus is still actively growing and developing.

First signs

The pregnancy countdown begins on the first day of the last menstruation. For this reason, a woman feels the first symptoms around the middle of the trimester:

If you do not find the problem in time and do not start treatment, you can cause a miscarriage.

Necessary tests

The first trimester of pregnancy is the period when you should undergo a number of mandatory tests. Which ones and how many are decided by the attending physician. Usually this:

• general blood analysis;
• blood test for syphilis and HIV;
• determination of blood group and Rh factor;
• blood sugar test;
• Analysis of urine;
• vaginal smear.

If any results seem unsatisfactory to the doctor, he may order additional examination. In addition to the examinations described above, women will need to visit an ophthalmologist, dentist, ENT specialist and therapist. Don't forget about the first screening.

Screening, or screening ultrasound, is the most important test at 10 to 14 weeks. During this examination, the obstetrician-gynecologist pays attention to two parameters: the level of hCG and PAPP-A or plasma protein-A.

HCG levels begin to rise after the embryo implants in the uterus. If it is too high or, conversely, low, we can talk about pathologies.

If the hCG level is low, this indicates:

• ectopic or frozen pregnancy;
• developmental delay;
• risk of abortion;
• placental insufficiency.

Elevated hCG levels indicate the following problems:

• pregnancy with two or more fetuses;
• developmental disorders at the chromosome level;
• gestosis.

Plasma protein begins to be produced from the moment of conception. Doctors attach particular importance to it at the end of the first trimester. A reduced level of this substance indicates the possibility of having a child with chromosomal abnormalities. The next period for screening is the 5th month of pregnancy.

Toxicosis

You need to know that the beginning of pregnancy is almost always associated with some unpleasant sensations. One of them is toxicosis. Sometimes he torments a woman throughout the day, and sometimes it only happens in the morning. Its appearance is due to the fact that in the first trimester the functioning of the nervous system changes greatly. If a pregnant woman has previously suffered from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the risk of toxicosis greatly increases. However, after 12 weeks it usually goes away.

How to escape from toxicosis? There is no universal way. You can improve your condition by following a few simple tips.

1. Dedicate more time to rest and sleep.
2. Walk in the fresh air for at least 2-3 hours.
3. Ventilate your apartment or house.
4. Eat less, but more often.
5. In the morning, even before getting out of bed, eat a cracker or an apple. After this, lie down for 5-10 minutes and only then get up.
6. Doctors recommend eating protein foods for breakfast, such as eggs or dairy products. You can add whole grain cereals and some fruits to your morning diet.
7. Don't overeat. Large amounts of food provoke nausea.
8. You need to protect yourself from irritating aromas.
9. It is recommended to listen carefully to your body in terms of food.
10. To get rid of nausea, you can drink decoctions of medicinal herbs. However, before doing this, you should consult your doctor.

There are three degrees of toxicosis. They differ in how many times a day vomiting occurs:

1. Easy. Vomiting no more than 5 times a day.
2. Moderate. Up to 10 times.
3. Strong. About 20 times.

With the latter degree, food is practically not retained in the stomach. This condition requires hospitalization and drug treatment.

Sadly, toxicosis is not the only problem that pregnant women may face.

Constipation

This problem affects almost 70% of all pregnant women. It is due to the fact that the intestines no longer work so quickly.

A balanced diet will help improve the situation. The diet must contain those foods that contain a lot of fiber. These are vegetables, fruits and baked goods made from wholemeal flour.

An excellent remedy for constipation is prunes. You can prepare a medicinal infusion from it. For it you need to take 100 g of prunes and 400 ml of just boiled water. You can add sugar or honey. The decoction must be allowed to brew for 10 hours. Drink half a glass (125 ml) before each meal. Eat prunes.

An alternative to decoction is a glass of cold water, drunk immediately after waking up. You can add honey to the water.

Emotions

The beginning of pregnancy is also associated with emotional problems. A woman may become very irritated, laugh or be sad for no reason. She constantly feels tired. Sometimes there is no desire to have sex.

Here are some tips to help you cope with your emotions:

• you need to rest more during the day;
• it is necessary to receive only positive emotions;
• walk more;
• you can take a shower - it will help you relax;
• Peppermint tea will have a positive effect on the nervous system.

Critical moments

There are very dangerous periods in the first trimester of pregnancy. How many are there in total? Two are the first three weeks and the period from 8 to 12 weeks. At 2-3 weeks, the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterine cavity.

There are factors that can prevent this and even cause spontaneous abortion:

• irregular structure of the uterus (presence of several partitions, the so-called bicornuate uterus);
• myoma;
• a history of abortions that injured the mucous surface;
• scarring;
• stress and increased physical activity.

The second dangerous period is 8-12 weeks. What do you need to know about it? At this time, hormonal changes occur in the body of the expectant mother. There is a risk of pathological growth of the placenta. And this dangerous pathology, in turn, can lead to abortion. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to start treatment on time, as a rule, this is taking hormonal drugs.

In fact, the entire first trimester of pregnancy is dangerous. At this time, the risk of miscarriage or disturbances in fetal development is high.

They can be triggered by several factors:

• use of certain medications;
• infections, for example, herpes, rubella, influenza, etc.;
• frequent stress;
• consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs and tobacco;
• work with increased harmfulness;
• increased physical activity, vibration and other similar phenomena.

So, what you need to know about the first trimester of pregnancy is how long it lasts and what dangers may await a pregnant woman. The first trimester is the period from 1 to 12 weeks. It contains two dangerous periods: 2-3 weeks and 9-12. At this time, a woman needs to be especially attentive to herself and her body. You need to rest more, protect yourself from stress, excessive physical activity and poor nutrition. It is also very important to visit a gynecologist who will give you a referral for tests.

During the first six days after conception, the embryo “travels”, moving along the fallopian tube. Then it enters the uterine cavity and attaches to the mucous membrane of its walls (so-called implantation occurs). For the first six days of life, the embryo lives autonomously, like a chicken in an egg, feeds on its own reserves and is in no way connected with its mother; its heart will begin to work after 23 days. After implantation occurs, a connection arises between the child and the woman through the umbilical cord and the branched chorion, which is formed at the site of attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine mucosa. By the 16th week of pregnancy, the branched chorion turns into the placenta.

At the 5th week, the corpus luteum of the ovary, which produces the hormone progesterone to support pregnancy, reaches its peak, and a real hormonal explosion occurs in the woman’s body. Because of this, the expectant mother is often tearful, irritable, gets tired quickly, and swelling may appear on her face.

In addition, by the 5-6th week, nausea and vomiting often intensify, the breasts become more sensitive and even painful, and the skin around the nipples darkens. The uterus, which before the 9-month wait was the size of a tangerine, is actively growing, putting pressure on the bladder, forcing the expectant mother to run to the toilet more often, and on the rectum, which can cause constipation, and more secretions are released from the vagina.

Gynecologist in the 1st trimester

In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, you will meet an obstetrician-gynecologist from the antenatal clinic, who will assess the condition of your body, refer you for additional examinations and consultations, and advise you on how to cope with an anxious state. In addition, the doctor will give recommendations on lifestyle, behavior and nutrition.

First weeks of pregnancy

What health problems can arise in the first weeks of pregnancy?

Fainting

What to do? Lay the expectant mother down so that her head is below the level of her heart, give her a drink of sweet, strong tea, and open the windows in the room. To avoid fainting, your doctor will advise you to walk more (especially before bed), avoid stuffy rooms and smoking companies.

Nausea, vomiting, weight loss

What to do? Consult a doctor, take a urine test for acetone, in the morning, without getting out of bed, eat something “small” (for example, cookies), eat frequently and in small portions throughout the day.

Bloody discharge

What to do? Lie down, calm down and dial “03”. It often happens that bleeding appears on the days of expected menstruation. This usually happens in women who, even before pregnancy, had problems with the menstrual cycle (ovulation did not occur in the middle of the cycle, but shortly before the “period”). In any case, the obstetrician-gynecologist must find out why the bleeding appeared and prescribe treatment.

If the reason lies in hormonal deficiency, you will need to undergo a special examination, and then the doctor will prescribe mini-doses of hormones that are necessary to maintain the pregnancy. If this occurs due to the incorrect location of the branched chorion, which can be determined by ultrasound examination, you will be recommended bed rest and a sedative.

Pain in the lower abdomen

What to do? Lie down, calm down, take a comfortable position, you can insert a suppository with papaverine into the rectum. If the pain does not go away or recurs frequently, consult a doctor.

Early pregnancy

In order for the child to be comfortable and to receive the necessary amount of nutrients and oxygen (all this comes to him through the blood), try to lead a correct lifestyle. Remember that you need to sleep at least 8-10 hours at night, spend more time in the fresh air, for example, take a walk with your husband before going to bed. If you feel sick in the morning due to low blood sugar, try eating a cookie or an apple before getting out of bed. Eat what you want, often and in small portions. Drink herbal tea (mint, ginger), which helps reduce nausea. Do not eat spicy and fatty foods, avoid strong odors, smoky and stuffy rooms. At the beginning of pregnancy, do not limit yourself in your choice of food: you can eat almost anything you want, just not too much.

Try to include more dairy products, meat, juices, fruits and vegetables in your diet. Don't forget about foods that contain fiber and help your intestines work. For the sake of your baby's health, stop smoking and drinking alcohol. It is known that alcohol can harm a child and cause alcohol syndrome, which will then cause mental retardation. Smoking leads to miscarriage; in addition, the baby may be born with a low birth weight.

Infections, working with chemicals or working with a computer in a large volume in the early stages of pregnancy can cause the child to stop developing. This is due to the fact that in the first eight weeks the formation of all organs and systems of the small organism occurs, and any harmful effects can cause heart disease and a disturbance in the development of the central nervous system.

The first trimester is the period of pregnancy from the first day to the 12th week. In the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, the most important events in creating a new life occur. The human embryo is formed, the heart begins to beat, the ears and eyes begin to take shape. From 5 to 8 weeks of pregnancy, the formation of embryonic organs occurs. The embryo becomes more human-like, but the head is even larger than the body. The embryo is in constant motion, but the mother does not yet feel it move because it is too small. At the same time, the rudiments of future milk teeth begin to form. By the end of the 8th week of pregnancy, the embryo changes to a new status, now called a fetus. On average, its height is from 14 to 20 mm, and its weight is approximately 3 g. From the 9th week of pregnancy, the ovaries in girls and testicles in boys begin to develop. However, it is not yet possible to determine the sex of the child. By the 12th week of pregnancy, the legs and arms are already fully developed, which can be clearly seen using an ultrasound.

Starting from the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes changes; the hCG hormone appears, which doubles every 3 days throughout the trimester. The woman also undergoes changes in behavior and eating habits. Many people suffer from headaches, nausea and vomiting in the morning, and women often feel tired.

Healthy eating for women in the first trimester of pregnancy

As a rule, most women suffer from nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy, so it is necessary to create a proper nutrition program for yourself, which will greatly help you get used to the special state of mind and body.

It is important for a pregnant woman to eat healthy food to provide the baby with all the necessary substances and help him develop properly. Such nutrition will give a woman more strength and energy. During the first trimester of pregnancy, it is important to include meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains in your diet. It is also important to drink plenty of water, it will help remove toxins from the body. Women's preferences change greatly, and cravings for unhealthy food appear. Without a doubt, you can pamper yourself, but within reason, because first of all you need to think about your future child.

Vitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy

Of course, it is advisable to start taking vitamins at the stage of pregnancy planning. But often pregnancy becomes an unexpected event for a woman, in which case taking vitamins should begin as soon as such a joyful event becomes known. In this case, it will be better if a doctor prescribes a vitamin-mineral complex for a pregnant woman; he knows exactly which drug is best suited.

The first trimester of pregnancy is the time when the formation of all the vital systems and organs of the fetus occurs, which is why vitamins are essential for a pregnant woman. They also ensure its normal development.

B vitamins are especially important for expectant mothers, primarily vitamin B9 (folic acid). It is folic acid that has a direct effect on the proper formation of the fetus. That is why its use is indicated both in preparation for pregnancy and at its very beginning.

Also, B vitamins can prevent or reduce toxicosis during pregnancy. In addition, vitamin B9 in combination with vitamins B6, A, C, E help prevent the process of abortion.

A pregnant woman also needs vitamin D and calcium: their deficiency can lead to a disease in a newborn such as rickets, or cause the mother to lose teeth.

Tests in the first trimester of pregnancy

Certain tests and examinations help monitor the condition of a pregnant woman and her child. That is why, from the moment pregnancy is determined, the expectant mother is under constant supervision of specialists.

In the first trimester of pregnancy it is necessary to:

• AIDS tests,
• tests for syphilis,
• tests for hepatitis B and C;
• a blood test to determine the Rh factor (if the mother’s Rh factor is negative and the father’s is positive, the pregnant woman will have to donate blood for antibodies once every three weeks);
• blood test - general and biochemical;
• urine test (to be taken monthly to assess kidney function);
• vaginal smear.

In addition to the above mandatory tests, additional tests can be performed: for rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus infections, toxoplasmosis, chlamydial infection.

Ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy is the time when a pregnant woman undergoes her first ultrasound, usually at 10-12 weeks. Ultrasound in the first trimester can be performed in two ways:

• transabdominal,
• transvaginally (i.e. through the vagina, this method is used if it is not possible to obtain a clear image using the transabdominal method).

The main goals of ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy:

• determine the number of fruits,
• determine the exact duration of pregnancy,
• eliminate the risk of ectopic or frozen pregnancy;
• assess the condition of the embryo and its development;
• identify or exclude serious fetal malformations;
• determine the risk of chromosomal pathologies.

In addition, ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy is designed to evaluate the functional activity of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries. If necessary, the causes of vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain (if any are observed in a pregnant woman) can be determined.

Discharge in the first trimester of pregnancy

A woman’s entire life is accompanied by one or another discharge, and pregnancy is no exception. Under the influence of the hormone progesterone, during pregnancy the discharge may become whitish and become somewhat stronger. But they can also remain transparent. A woman should be alert to discharge in the first trimester of pregnancy, accompanied by discomfort (itching or burning), characterized by an unpleasant odor or consistency. This is a reason to consult a specialist.

You should immediately consult a doctor if the discharge changes to a cheesy consistency, acquires an unpleasant odor, and is also accompanied by itching or burning. In most cases, with such symptoms, after examining the pregnant woman, the diagnosis of candidiasis is confirmed, also known as thrush.

This disease in a pregnant woman is subject to mandatory and immediate treatment, since it can be transmitted to the fetus and lead to the development of serious pathologies in the child. Thrush can also cause miscarriage.

Greenish or yellow discharge during pregnancy is usually a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection.

Brown discharge may indicate a frozen pregnancy and the onset of rejection of the fertilized egg when bloody discharge appears. This is a very dangerous sign, indicating a high risk of pregnancy failure in the first trimester. In addition, if there is bloody discharge, cervical erosion can also be suspected.

Sex in the first trimester of pregnancy

The onset of pregnancy changes the couple’s usual lifestyle. This also affects sexual relationships. Many mothers are interested in the question of whether it is possible to have sex in the first trimester of pregnancy, and whether it will harm the fetus.

We hasten to assure you that sex in the first trimester of pregnancy is not dangerous for the baby, unless there are contraindications, which the doctor will definitely voice. Otherwise, sex during pregnancy is even beneficial for both the child and the expectant mother.

Pain in the first trimester of pregnancy

According to statistics, pain in the first trimester of pregnancy worries most expectant mothers to one degree or another. Their character can be completely different. Most often, pregnant women complain of abdominal pain. As a rule, abdominal pain during pregnancy is normal if it is small and short-lived, occurs periodically and goes away quickly enough.

Constant nagging pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by irregular or, which is especially dangerous, regular bleeding, are sure signs of a threatened miscarriage. In this case, you must call a doctor immediately.

Abdominal pain during early pregnancy with brown discharge most often indicates an ectopic pregnancy, which requires urgent surgical intervention.

Also in the first trimester of pregnancy, most women experience pain in the mammary glands. There is no need to be afraid of them. Painful sensations in the breasts of a pregnant woman are caused by the preparation of the mammary glands for the upcoming feeding of the child. During pregnancy, a woman's breasts increase in size and become painful, especially in the nipple area. As a rule, painful sensations disappear during the second trimester of pregnancy.

But you should know that if a woman during a self-examination discovers any lumps or formations in the breast area, she must immediately contact a mammologist.

The appearance of headaches is also possible in the first trimester of pregnancy. According to doctors, they are caused by a surge in hormones and an increase in the volume of circulating blood during this period. Stress, poor posture, changes in daily routine, dehydration, excessive doses of caffeine, poor sleep, and low blood sugar can increase headaches in the first trimester of pregnancy. This leads to the conclusion about how important it is for a pregnant woman to maintain a proper lifestyle, nutrition, work and rest schedule.

Exercises in the first trimester of pregnancy

Regular exercise during pregnancy is the key to healthy mother and baby. In addition, this is a good guarantee for the future: by starting to exercise from the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman will not gain too much weight, which means that it will be easier for her towards the end of pregnancy, and the birth process will be easier. Women who are threatened with termination of pregnancy or any pathologies in its course should consult a doctor.

Exercises that are recommended for the first trimester of pregnancy: walking, swimming, cycling, special aerobics - any workout should be light. You should not get carried away with running; you should cancel horse riding, diving and other active sports. Also, do not get carried away with exercises that require intense participation of the abdominal muscles, as this can cause miscarriage.

With the right exercise program, a woman will feel lighter and more energetic during pregnancy.

Flying during the first trimester of pregnancy

Many women are forced to fly during pregnancy, but during the first trimester you should be more careful. You may decide that the fetus is still too small and the flight will not cause any harm to it, but this is if you do not have problems with pregnancy. Do not forget that it is in the first trimester of pregnancy that the entire body of the future person is formed, so it is important not to expose it to danger. Still, it’s better to wait until at least 13 weeks, when the second trimester begins.

But if you have decided to fly during pregnancy, or circumstances do not require delay, you must approach preparations for the flight with all responsibility. To do this you need to do the following:

• Visit a gynecologist before traveling and consult with him about the flight. He may not recommend flying at all.
• It is necessary to take into account the possibility of nausea or pressure drop. Take all necessary medications with you to the salon. You also need to take care of comfort - comfortable clothes and shoes, an inflatable neck pillow and a small blanket, as there is often a shortage of them on planes.
• It is advisable to take a seat near the aisle, because pregnant women experience a frequent urge to urinate. Plus, if you start to feel sick, you'll get to the toilet faster.
• Pregnant women often have swollen legs, especially if they sit without moving for a long time, so walk around the plane more. If you do not do this, there is a chance to “earn” varicose veins.
• If possible, do not travel alone. Your travel companion will help you with your luggage and also provide support if you feel unwell.