Early pregnancy: what is important to know? A complete plan of examinations during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a physiological process during which a new human body resulting from fertilization.

Pregnancy in women lasts on average 280 days(40 weeks, which corresponds to 9 calendar months or 10 lunar months). Pregnancy is also usually divided into 3 trimesters of 3 calendar months each.

Signs of early pregnancy

In the early stages, the diagnosis of pregnancy is established on the basis of doubtful and probable signs.

Doubtful signs of pregnancy- various kinds subjective feelings, as well as objectively determined changes in the body, outside the internal genital organs: taste whims, changes in olfactory sensations, easy fatigue, drowsiness, pigmentation of the skin on the face, along the white line of the abdomen, nipples and areola.

Possible signs of pregnancy — objective signs from the genital organs, mammary glands and in the setting of biological reactions to pregnancy. These include: the cessation of menstruation in women of childbearing age, an increase in the mammary glands and the appearance of colostrum when squeezed out of the nipples, cyanosis of the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, a change in the shape and consistency of the uterus, an increase in its size.

You can first make sure that you are pregnant at home using a rapid hormone test. chorionic gonadotropin in the urine of a woman (the test is carried out from the first day of the delay of the next menstruation).

Confirm the fact of pregnancy allows.

Changes in the body of a pregnant woman

Numerous and complex changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. These physiological changes create conditions for prenatal development fetus, prepare the woman's body for childbirth and breastfeeding newborn. Menstruation stops, mammary glands increase in volume, nipples darken.

Many pregnant women in the first trimester experience nausea, sometimes vomiting - these symptoms are commonly called. Often there is weakness, drowsiness, heartburn, salivation, taste changes, frequent urination. These disturbances of well-being are characteristic of a healthy and normal pregnancy.

Particularly large changes occur in the female genital organs. The uterus increases with each, the blood supply to the internal and external genital organs increases. The tissues swell, acquire elasticity, which contributes to their better stretching during childbirth. In the mammary glands, the number and volume of glandular lobules increase, their blood supply increases, they become tense, from the nipples. There is a sharp increase in the amount of gonadotropic hormones, as well as estrogens and progesterone, produced first by the corpus luteum (a temporary gland formed at the site of the follicle from which the mature egg came out) and then. Hormones secreted by the corpus luteum (progesterone and, to a lesser extent, estrogens) contribute to the creation of conditions for proper development pregnancy. corpus luteum reversed after fourth month in connection with the formation of the hormonal function of the placenta.

For the management of pregnancy, it is necessary (3-4 weeks after the delay of menstruation), where the doctor conducts an examination and examination of the external and internal genital organs, and, if necessary, additional examinations are prescribed.

Sex organs during pregnancy

Uterus. During pregnancy, the size, shape, position, consistency and reactivity (excitability) of the uterus changes. The uterus gradually enlarges throughout pregnancy. The increase in the uterus occurs mainly due to hypertrophy of the muscle fibers of the uterus; at the same time, there is a reproduction of muscle fibers, the growth of newly formed muscle elements of the mesh-fibrous and argyrophilic "frame" of the uterus.

The uterus is not only a fetal place that protects the fetus from adverse external influences, but also a metabolic organ that provides the fetus with enzymes, complex compounds necessary for the plastic processes of a rapidly developing fetus.

Vagina during pregnancy, it lengthens, expands, the folds of the mucous membrane protrude sharper. The external genitalia loosen during pregnancy.

Lifestyle of a pregnant woman, regimen, nutrition and hygiene

The developing fetus receives from the mother all the necessary nutrients. The well-being of the fetus depends entirely on the health of the mother, the conditions of her work, rest, the state of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Pregnant women are exempt from night duty, heavy physical work, work associated with body vibration or adverse effects on the body of chemical agents. substances. During pregnancy, sudden movements, heavy lifting and significant fatigue should be avoided. A pregnant woman needs to sleep at least 8 hours a day. Walking before bed is recommended.

Pregnant women must be carefully protected from infectious diseases, which pose a particular danger to the body of the pregnant woman and the fetus.

During pregnancy, it is necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the skin. Cleanliness of the skin contributes to the removal of metabolic products harmful to the body with sweat.

A pregnant woman should wash the external genitalia twice a day warm water with soap. Douching during pregnancy should be administered with great caution.

During pregnancy, you should carefully monitor the condition of the oral cavity and make the necessary.

The mammary glands should be washed daily with warm water and soap and wiped with a towel. These methods prevent cracked nipples and mastitis. If, then they should be massaged.

maternity clothes should be comfortable and free: you should not wear tightening belts, tight bras, etc. In the second half of pregnancy, it is recommended to wear a bandage that should support the stomach, but not squeeze it.

A pregnant woman should wear shoes with low heels.

Approximate reading time: 10 minutes

Pregnancy is the most crucial period in a woman's life. In order to avoid various situations where something could go wrong, you should clearly know what is not allowed for pregnant women on different terms. The primary task of a pregnant woman is to adjust her diet, establish harmony with the outside world, tune in positively, not forgetting to observe healthy lifestyle life. With such an attitude to her health, a woman will give birth to a full-fledged baby who will give real happiness to the whole family.

What is absolutely impossible for pregnant women: dangerous habits

Cigarettes

Bad habits cause irreparable harm to a woman's body. Today, more than ever, we need to focus on this. Alcoholic drinks, smoking, "passive smoking" will only harm the woman and the fetus. A pregnant woman should avoid places where smokers gather. This is especially common at work when a group of employees retire for smoke breaks. Lately smoking areas in public toilets, where pregnant women so often have to go, have been legalized. The constituent components of cigarettes are still present in the air for a long time even after the smoker has left, especially if the room does not have forced ventilation.

The accumulation of nicotine and tar in the blood increases arterial pressure, which at any time can provoke a miscarriage. In turn, alcohol jeopardizes the work of all internal organs. Even, at first glance, low-alcohol drinks, such as beer or Martini, can cause severe intoxication of the body of the woman herself and the embryo. Alcohol irrevocably destroys groups of vital cells of the brain, hematopoietic organs, the respiratory system, and nerve endings.

What clothes are harmful to pregnancy

Great importance should be given to clothing. During pregnancy, every woman needs to review her wardrobe and change her addictions. You need to start with shoes. It should be comfortable, light, natural materials, correspond weather conditions. It is unacceptable to wear shoes on during the day high heels having too narrow shape and high rise.

Tight clothing adversely affects the health of a pregnant woman. Gotta give up the thong, too tight skirts with belts that are tightly tightened at the waist.

How to sleep pregnant?

Starting from the second trimester, a pregnant woman should not sleep on her back. An enlarged uterus in this position of the body has high blood pressure on the inferior vena cava, as a result of which the blood supply to the embryo and blood stagnation in the mother's peritoneum deteriorates. This is fraught with fading of the fetus and disruption of the internal organs. abdominal cavity women. For the same reason, pregnant women should not sit for a long time.

Vaccinations

Expectant mothers should not be addicted. The following vaccinations may be an exception:

from the flu;
from anthrax;
from rabies;
from yellow fever;
from encephalitis.

Other vaccinations can cause severe allergic reactions and complications.

Working with household chemicals is extremely dangerous for a pregnant woman throughout the entire period. Toxic substances quickly penetrate into the bloodstream and rapidly dissolve, spreading through the bloodstream throughout the body. Equivalent harm is done to the body of a woman and the fetus by means of combating indoor insects and garden pests.

Cosmetics

The danger is cosmetical tools in which hormones and vitamins are added. An excess of these substances can lead to deformities and diseases in developing embryo. These products also include hair dyes, antiperspirants, hair and nail polishes, household chemicals for washing dishes and sanitary surfaces.

Gym

Classes in gym should be discontinued during pregnancy. excessive physical exercise categorically contraindicated for pregnant women at any time.

cat toilet

Can't be cleaned cat toilet. Contact with animal feces is fraught with the transmission of toxoplasmosis to a woman, which can cause the death of the embryo.

Sex

Some women are advised not to have sex during pregnancy. This is purely individual. On later dates sex is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Medications

It is extremely important for a pregnant woman to treat the choice of drugs to overcome diseases. Throughout the pregnancy, a woman may experience respiratory infections, intestinal inflammation, severe migraines and much more. To cope with the disease without the help of pharmacological drugs can be difficult. The attending physician will prescribe in such cases gentle treatment with minimal risk to the health of the woman and the fetus.

What not to do during pregnancy

Some activities that a woman is accustomed to in everyday life can adversely affect the development of the embryo and the health of the expectant mother. Sometimes you don’t even have to think about the dangers that they are fraught with. Particular attention should be paid medicines which should not be taken without consulting your doctor.

Solarium

It is forbidden for pregnant women to visit the solarium. Throughout the entire period, the body actively produces melanin, sometimes it even leads to age spots on skin different parts of the body. Additional ultraviolet light can aggravate the situation. Therefore, going outside in the summer when the sun has increased activity should be applied to the skin protective cream from sunburn.

Aircraft

Air travel is a high risk. At the time of takeoff, blood pressure rises sharply due to the difference in atmospheric pressure and low oxygen concentration in the air. This may cause a miscarriage. Flight time is usually reduced to a few hours. Throughout this period, passengers are in sitting position, they are inactive and do not have the opportunity to go to Fresh air. All these factors are detrimental to a pregnant woman, and it is almost impossible to exclude them until the aircraft arrives at the final destination.

X-ray and fluorography

Pregnant women do not do x-rays and fluorography. These studies provide Negative influence on fetal development. The nervous system, heart, respiratory and hematopoietic organs can be affected. X-rays are especially dangerous in the first trimester, when all the internal organs and the brain are laid.

Conflicts and emotional telecasts

No matter how we all relate to frequent stressful situations surrounding us in the modern world, a pregnant woman, like no one else, needs to avoid them. Conflict situations, in which a woman in position is forced to take part, can provoke severe prolonged headaches, psychosomatic disorders, exacerbation chronic diseases in a dormant state. It is necessary to exclude viewing heavy psychological programs and movies. It also causes stress, which results in an increase in the level of the hormone cortisol in the blood, often leading to premature birth.

Hot shower and bath

It is extremely dangerous to take a hot shower and steam in the bath. This can cause bleeding and miscarriage. Bathing water temperature should not exceed 40°C.

Nutrition and daily routine: all the pros and cons

For some reason, there is an opinion that the period of pregnancy for most women is an unbearable test due to the fact that there are a huge number of prohibitions and restrictions. Actually it is not. The diet will help to correct the observing doctor. Some products really should be excluded, however, they can be replaced with less dangerous ones that will not harm the body of the pregnant woman and the embryo.

A pregnant woman must observe the daily routine. This includes adequate sleep and a balanced diet. Any person who lacks sleep is irritable, unable to concentrate, performs the usual daily activities, experiencing an overpowering feeling of fatigue. Of course, in a pregnant woman, this condition affects the development of the embryo. The fetus is very sensitive to even slight changes in the mother's mood.

Diet is of particular importance during pregnancy. Not everyone is ready to change their eating habits, however, everything that the supervising doctor will recommend is aimed at maintaining the health of the mother and child.

The expectant mother should give up too strong coffee and tea. These are diuretics, they remove fluid from the body along with calcium, significantly increasing blood pressure.

Meat and seafood must be subjected to mandatory heat treatment in order to avoid infection with helminths. Sushi, shellfish and dried river fish are at particular risk.

Table No. 1 provides a list of foods that should be excluded from the diet of a pregnant woman, or reduce their consumption.

Table number 1. What foods should be excluded during pregnancy

Exclude		Not desirable

Alcohol		Fish high in mercury	Tuna and salmon accumulate mercury in themselves. The harm from mercury has been little studied, only vapors are poisonous, but doctors do not recommend that pregnant women eat seafood that is high in this element. Most low level mercury is observed in trout, sprat, sardines, horse mackerel, flounder.
Soft cheeses	There is a high risk of containing Listeria bacteria, which can provoke a miscarriage. Soft cheeses, such as Feta, Brie, blue cheeses, should be discarded during pregnancy and lactation.	artificial sweeteners	Sweeteners artificial origin may adversely affect the development of the embryo. Natural sugar substitutes are considered safe: stevia and sucralose. Contraindicated "Sacharin" and "Sodium Cyclamate"
Unpasteurized milk	Raw milk contains many potential hazards. These can be infections caused by pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms. Some of them do not manifest themselves immediately after penetration into the body, and the diagnosis of the disease that has arisen is very difficult.	artificial sweeteners
	The liver has a high content of retinol, which in large quantities can adversely affect the development of the embryo.		Caffeine, along with other tonic substances, can lead to miscarriage, especially if the woman is in conservation. However, you don't have to cut out coffee completely. It is better to consult a doctor.
Meat, fish, chicken, smoked products	Pregnant women should not eat varieties of sausages produced for retail sale in supermarkets. Such sausages can be made from meat, as they say, "not the first freshness", flavored with a lot of spices and salt. You should also abandon dried fish, sushi, smoked meats. The ingredients used in smokehouses are extremely harmful to anyone, not to mention pregnant women. Fish that has not undergone heat treatment should be excluded for the period of pregnancy and lactation. The meat of the fish may contain Finns of some dangerous helminths. River fish caught in suburban areas carry the risk of phenolic intoxication.	canned food
A raw egg	Raw eggs are contraindicated for pregnant women, as Salmonella can multiply in them, which causes severe gastrointestinal disorders up to prolonged dysentery.	canned pickles	Canned vegetables, due to the high content of salt and spices, can cause an increased feeling of thirst, increasing swelling. Salt consumed in large quantities leads to dehydration, and on early dates promotes miscarriage. Brine from conservation should be excluded altogether. The use of preservation must be agreed with the supervising physician.
	Mushrooms are a little-studied product that is practically not absorbed by the body. Moreover, mushrooms can cause indigestion and even poisoning.	store juices	Industrially produced juices may contain artificial colors and preservatives that can cause allergic reactions.
	It is not worth exposing the body of a woman and an unborn child to the risk of exposure to little-studied drugs that have not passed clinical trials and have not received the necessary quality certificates, which have been dietary supplements over the past few decades. If, nevertheless, there is a need to take such drugs, their use should be coordinated with the supervising physician.		Most spices have a tonic and stimulating effect on the centers of the peripheral nervous system. Adding even a small amount of spices to the food of a pregnant woman can increase appetite, which is not desirable for everyone. Also, in the early stages of pregnancy, spicy spices can provoke a miscarriage.

Folk omens: should they be trusted

IN modern world, despite scientific and technological progress, there are still philistine superstitions, which even highly educated people often succumb to. Folk signs that suggest what not to do to pregnant women came to our time from the deep past, when ancient peoples tracked natural phenomena, worshiped the power of the unbridled elements. Many modern people sincerely believe in folk omens. Perhaps, at this moment, little-studied mechanisms are launched in the body at a subconscious level. If a person believes in signs, they will certainly have an impact.

So, the most common signs for pregnant women:

Do not play with cats - the child will have many enemies;
You can’t tell your friends about your pregnancy at an early stage - they can jinx it;
You can’t sit on the threshold - this is the border with the other world, in which evil spirits prevail;
Eating red berries is dangerous - the child will have too red facial skin throughout his life;
You can’t knit and sew - the baby can get tangled in the umbilical cord, which will complicate the delivery process;
You can not cut your hair - shortens the life path of the unborn child;
You can’t eat secretly and in the dark - the child will be born shy and anxious;
You can’t buy things for a future baby until the moment of birth - things that are not put on immediately after purchase are a haven for evil spirits;
You can’t attend a funeral - evil spirits can inhabit the cemetery in a baby who does not have a guardian angel before birth;
You can’t sit with your legs crossed - a baby can be born with twisted legs or with flat feet;
You can’t hold your hands above your head for a long time (hang curtains, linen) - the baby can get tangled in the umbilical cord and be too active after birth;
It is impossible to use foul language when pregnant - a baby may be born with large birthmarks.

To believe or not to take on faith folk signs is a personal matter for each person. The gullibility of many people instills peace in their souls and reduces anxiety. This has a positive effect on mental state pregnant. Although everything should prevail common sense. For example, when it comes to cutting hair on the head or eating fruits that have a red tint.

During pregnancy, a woman is forced to protect not only her health and life, but also the health and life of her unborn child. She is responsible for the development of the fetus, its growth and vital activity. And therefore, she is forced to adhere to many rules, give up many habits and be especially vigilant and attentive.

What not to eat during pregnancy

The first thing you have to start changing your life is nutrition. It must certainly be useful and complete. This means that the expectant mother must consciously approach the preparation of her diet. On the daily menu without fail should include animal and vegetable proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats. Variety on the table during pregnancy is desirable and even necessary. But now you have to think twice before you eat. First, it is necessary to control weight gain so as not to gain excess; secondly, a lot of things can not be eaten during pregnancy, or you need to at least limit quantitatively.

So, there are categories of products potentially dangerous for the expectant mother and child that can cause severe allergic reactions, lead to contraction of the uterine muscles, cause stool disorders and constipation, thin the blood and threaten the onset of bleeding, disrupt the heart and worsen blood circulation, provoke the appearance of edema.

The list of products prohibited during pregnancy includes moldy cheeses, spicy spices, heavily salted dishes and foods, sushi, raw eggs and meat, alcohol and others. More information can be found in this section.

What not to do during pregnancy

But with the exception of some food products restrictions during pregnancy are not exhausted. Now a lot of things cannot be done from what is in ordinary life poses no great danger. Doctors do not recommend expectant mothers to wear weights, walk in high heels, smoke and stay in smoky rooms, sunbathe for a long time and visit solariums, get nervous and freeze, and perform hard physical work. Regarding many prohibitions, there is not only medical, but also folk point vision: is it possible to dye and cut hair, raise hands, knit and embroider, go to church, take medicine, have sex and much more - here you will find answers to all these questions.

If you've heard stories like this, you might be under the impression that menstruation during pregnancy- a common thing, well, perhaps, a feature of the body. Actually it is not.
But after listening to the revelations of her friends, the young mother, discovering that she had , does not worry at all and is not in a hurry to be examined by a gynecologist.

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

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

Menstruation during pregnancy: is it possible?

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

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

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

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

Why do periods occur during pregnancy

As already mentioned, spotting during pregnancy cannot be considered monthly. The reason for the discharge may be various pathologies, violation of the hormonal functions of the body of the mother. Such a phenomenon may be a signal of detachment gestational sac that threatens miscarriage.

Let's look at a few examples in more detail.

Often women who discover that they have menses during pregnancy actually suffer disruption of progesterone production. If this hormone is very small, then at the time set for normal menstruation, spotting with fragments of the endometrium can be observed.

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

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

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

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

As you can see, the reasons for such a phenomenon as menses during pregnancy far from harmless. Even worse consequences.
Therefore, do not listen to the advice of experienced people and do not close your eyes to what is happening. Even if you feel well, do not experience pain and discomfort, but you have spotting, do not hesitate to contact your doctor with a question why do periods occur during pregnancy.

And if to spotting pain in the lower back is also added, something similar to contractions, the discharge becomes quite plentiful, immediately call an ambulance. It may turn out that an independent trip to the clinic will cost you a child!

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

Alexandra Panyutina
Women's magazine JustLady

Ultrasound diagnostics is planned standard procedure examinations during pregnancy. Ultrasound is considered one of the most reliable and safe procedures. It allows diagnosing fetal malformations during fetal development, determining the condition of the child and the “womb-placenta-fetus” system. Thanks to ultrasound diagnostics, the obstetrician-gynecologist who leads the pregnancy has the opportunity to intervene in the processes occurring in the mother's body, and thus save the life and health of her and the child.

However, the question of the safety of this type of research continues to haunt the minds of future parents. How safe is the procedure for the baby? How often should you do it? How many ultrasound procedures can be performed without health consequences? There is a lot of reliable information about ultrasound, but a lot of speculation. It's time to figure out which is which.

Ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy, today, is the most informative study. It allows you to diagnose the development of the fetus, check all its systems and readiness reproductive organs mother for childbirth

What is the method of ultrasound research based on?

The method is based on the analysis of the difference between the signals of the probing and reflected ultrasonic waves. With the help of a special ultrasound sensor (transducer), an ultrasonic wave of 3.5 MHz is sent to the organ under study. Reflecting from various media and changing its frequency, the ultrasonic wave returns and is absorbed by the receiver of the ultrasonic sensor. The information is then sent to a computer which is integral part diagnostic ultrasound machine, which processes the received data. The ultrasound operator can see structures of different echogenicity on the monitor ( amniotic fluid, bones and tissues of the fetus, etc.) and interpret the result. The reliability of the information depends on the accuracy of the ultrasound machine and the experience of its operator.

The frequency of ultrasound procedures during pregnancy

How many times can an ultrasound diagnostic procedure be prescribed during the period of bearing a child? According to the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 457 dated 12/28/00, the algorithm for examining a pregnant woman includes 3 scheduled screening ultrasounds:

the first screening in the period from 12 to 14 weeks is carried out to clarify the gestational age, its fertility and to check whether the size of the child and TVP (thickness collar space) regulations;
a second screening between 20 and 24 weeks is done to diagnose possible pathological processes in the system "womb - fetus - placenta", the place of attachment of the placenta, the condition of the child in the womb and his gender are determined;
the third screening in the period from 32 to 34 weeks is carried out to clarify the presentation of the fetus, confirm the place of attachment of the placenta, as well as to confirm or remove suspicions of pathology and anomalies in the development of the child. A comparative analysis of the size of the child and normative data is carried out, and the quantitative characteristics of the amniotic fluid are also evaluated.

The first screening is carried out for a period of 12-14 weeks. It makes it possible to clarify the exact time of conception, compare the characteristics of the development of the embryo with the standards, exclude genetic abnormalities

Reasons for prescribing additional ultrasound procedures

In addition to screenings, additional diagnostic ultrasound examinations may be prescribed, referral for confirmation / clarification of the pathology detected earlier or by other methods, to monitor the condition of the mother and her baby and control the treatment process, if any, up to an early ultrasound examination. Reasons for ultrasound are quite weighty:

burdened heredity;
chronic diseases of the mother that can affect the development of the baby (diabetes, phenylketonuria, GB, etc.);
when exposed to future mother pathological and harmful environmental factors (radiation, poisonous substances, infections and intoxications);
as a monitoring procedure for previously identified abnormalities during pregnancy.

Most expectant mothers are wondering how long does the ultrasound procedure take, and how long will the fetus be exposed to ultrasound? The time required to complete the procedure depends on the type of study:

standard ultrasound - 10 minutes;
the duration of 3- and 4-dimensional ultrasound is from 30 to 50 minutes.

Ultrasound in the first weeks of pregnancy: benefits and harms

The reasons for prescribing an ultrasound in the early stages are:

the presence of bleeding;
pain in the lower abdomen is sharp or pulling.

No reliable data on harmful influence Ultrasound in early pregnancy for the formation or development of the embryo, or any long-term consequences. However, it is worth remembering that ultrasound is a medical diagnostic procedure. And it is carried out strictly according to indications. In the process of ultrasound, the fetus (its body and brain) are exposed to ultrasound radiation, you should not do this again.

How harmful is it to frequently conduct ultrasound diagnostics?

The harm of ultrasound during pregnancy has not been proven. No developmental effects have been found. Of course, no doctor or scientist will give a 100% guarantee. Because it is difficult to set up a pure experiment, i.e. exclude the influence of other factors (examinations, treatment of the underlying disease, the influence bad habits). It is also required to trace the consequences of the impact of the ultrasound factor on several generations.

That is why they talk about relative safety or safety in comparison with other methods. Any medical procedure, any intervention should be carried out only if there is no other way out, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Of course, the embryo is exposed to radiation directed at it, and although the effect of such exposure has not been identified, it is better not to experiment. With respect to any medical procedure need to come from next rule: when obtained from a procedure (with this case ultrasound) benefit, theoretically superior possible harm, then it must be carried out.

The baby in the womb reacts to external factors, during ultrasound, he often shows activity, waving his arms. However, harm or pain symptoms from ultrasound not proven

If you wish to conduct an additional ultrasound, you should remember that none, including ultrasonography does not provide 100% reliable information about the child's condition. The reliability of the information is quite high, but still it is a probabilistic indicator. Carrying out volumetric (3- and 4-dimensional) studies, all the more so, should be carried out strictly according to indications, because. the time of exposure to ultrasound waves on the fetus during these procedures is much longer than with standard ultrasound. The desire to capture one's own is not yet born child or to clarify the sex of the baby is not a justification for an additional ultrasound procedure.

Myths about ultrasound diagnostics

Ultrasound examination is a breakthrough in the technique of non-invasive, painless diagnosis. How many ultrasounds are needed during pregnancy?

3 screenings are considered normal in Russia, but in some cases additional procedures may be prescribed.

It is not necessary to refuse a sufficiently accurate and informative study, listening to the following unproven considerations:

Ultrasound diagnostics negatively affects the genome. Ultrasound allegedly deforms the structure of DNA, causing mutations and developmental anomalies in future generations. There is no data to support this theory. Experiments on mice led to the rejection of this hypothesis.
It is believed that the baby experiences pain when exposed to ultrasound, because. some children actively respond to the study by waving their limbs. It is not known what the fetus is responding to: ultrasound, transducer pressure, maternal anxiety, or maternal discomfort caused by full bladder. If you pat your stomach, your baby will most likely respond and push back. This does not mean that your actions caused him suffering.

An examination should be ordered by a specialist, diagnostics should be carried out by a master of his craft with the help of high-quality equipment. It minimizes possible risks and maximizes the undoubted benefit of ultrasound. The answer to the question: "How often can I do an ultrasound during pregnancy?" - comes down to a simple recommendation: no more often than the obstetrician-gynecologist who leads the pregnancy prescribes.