Second trimester of pregnancy: the size and weight of the fetus, the condition of the pregnant woman, the necessary tests. Second trimester of pregnancy: health, nutrition, problems. Helpful Hints

You are not only used to visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist every 2-3 weeks, but you are starting to look forward to these meetings, as each of them will let you know how the pregnancy is going and whether everything is in order with the development of the child. Traditionally, questions regarding the activities of doctors are as follows:

• At what time in the second trimester do ultrasound?
• Friend in the middle of pregnancy was recommended bed rest- For what?
• Why can't you sleep on your back? Which side is better to sleep on?
• What vitamins increase the need in the second trimester?
• Is it possible to have sex, because the stomach is getting bigger?
• I heard that the doctor can recommend compression stockings, For what?

Antihistamine please! Urgent need!. Medical questions. Pregnancy and childbirth. It’s impossible, because there are no studies on pregnant women, but they are banned almost everywhere, so it won’t be + it’s not profitable for pharmaceutical companies - a small market (pregnant women with ...

Appetite in the 2nd trimester. Nutrition, vitamins, medicines. Pregnancy and childbirth. Appetite in the 2nd trimester. For several days now, I have been observing an increased, it seems to me, appetite. Toxicosis has subsided and everything eaten is beneficial.

Discussion

You etta.. eat when you feel like it, but NOT AS MUCH as you can fit in, you know?:)
The biggest increase is in the 3rd trimester, when the weight is gaining. Well, you too))) you become soyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy)))) breasts, ass, belly)))

I just wanted to ask if there is anyone else here who eats as much as I do. I always want to eat. I am constantly hungry. When there was toxicosis, she lost weight - the doctor scolded, then she began to recover again, scolded. And now, on January 17, she will simply beat me at the reception. And I want to eat. All mothers with many children say to eat as much as they want, like this is good, like this baby eats, but the increase is already serious. Something must be done about this.

Pregnancy and childbirth: conception, tests, ultrasound, toxicosis, childbirth, C-section, giving. Section: - gatherings (14 weeks pregnant and I stopped feeling pregnant). In the second trimester, she stopped feeling pregnant. Lucky :) I have the opposite .. it hurts ...

genital herpes in the first trimester. Medical questions. Pregnancy and childbirth. genital herpes in the first trimester. Hi all! I am in terrible distress. Approximately at the 2nd week of pregnancy there was a rash of genital herpes, now at the 7th week again ...

Discussion

I had 4 times in the first trimester, as soon as I appeared, I smeared with acyclovir, after a day it completely disappeared. In the second semester, I also climbed a couple of times. The main thing is that you have it earlier before pregnancy. Then it's not scary. Now the doctor from 28 weeks before the birth should prescribe Viferon suppositories. In general, pay attention to what provokes it. For me, for example, it comes out from any one-day pads, synthetic underwear and a wet swimsuit.

The second trimester of pregnancy is rightfully considered the most calm, measured and comfortable for the expectant mother. The initial fears, anxieties and fears are already behind, but at the same time, the woman still feels her former lightness and mobility, therefore, without special efforts able to perform the usual work, avoiding only excessive workloads.

Mental communication with the baby, which is comfortably located in the tummy, allows a woman to tune in to the upcoming motherhood, to feel the unity with the emerging new life. A child even in the womb feels all her thoughts, so a calm attitude towards own position and to the surrounding world in general will allow creating the most favorable conditions for the development of the fetus.

An expectant mother pregnant with her first child may ask the question: the second trimester - what is it? What week does this period start and when does it end?

According to the generally accepted classification, the second trimester of pregnancy includes the time from 13 to 26 weeks of pregnancy, that is, the middle of this period. Its main difference from the first trimester is that all the organs of the fetus are already practically formed, and from the third - that the size of the belly of the pregnant woman is still relatively small, the body weight of the fetus is also quite low.

pregnancy calculator

What happens in the second trimester

The main thing that is typical for the second trimester of pregnancy is the further development and improvement of all organs of the fetus, the rudiments of which were formed earlier. By the end of this period, the child looks like a newborn and even has a chance of survival in case of premature birth.

The second trimester is rightfully considered the most comfortable, as a woman begins to feel better than in the first weeks of pregnancy. The likelihood of miscarriage is reduced, so the expectant mother can worry less about possible complications. According to statistical studies, only 25% of miscarriages occur in the second trimester. Such spontaneous abortions are also called late miscarriages. But this happens quite rarely, so the expectant mother should not worry too much.

A great joy in the second trimester for a woman is the movements of the baby. The first movements, which are still barely noticeable, are perceived by the pregnant woman as a sign that the child is alive and makes itself felt in this way.

Another pleasant moment for the expectant mother is the opportunity to find out the sex of the baby during the passage ultrasound and even see your baby in the pictures obtained using an ultrasound machine.

Voting

In most cases, the sex can be determined quite accurately, and only in some cases the baby is embarrassed to demonstrate his features gender.

Fetal development

For the entire second trimester, the fetus changes significantly in appearance. If at the very beginning of this period its weight was no more than 20 grams, and the body length was about 7 cm, then at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby already weighs from 850 g to 1000 g, while the body length is coccygeal-parietal size is 23-24 cm, and in full height- about 35 cm. Thus, from a tiny embryo, he becomes a rather large, strong man weighing almost a kilogram.

If we trace the development of the fetus by calendar months, then in the fourth month of pregnancy the following changes occur:

• The skeleton of the fetus is intensively growing and strengthening.
• The organs of the abdominal cavity develop.
• The kidneys take their rightful place and begin to excrete urine.
• The stomach begins to function gallbladder and fetal intestines.
• The cerebral cortex is intensively formed.
• The adrenal glands begin to produce hormones.

In the fifth month of a fetus's life, the following occurs:

• The fetus begins to move so intensely that the woman feels its movements. As a rule, in first pregnant women this occurs at 19-20 weeks, and in subsequent pregnancies - at 16-18 weeks.
• The glands are active endocrine system: thyroid, pituitary, etc.
• The spleen produces blood cells.
• The skin of the fetus is covered with a special lubricant.

In the body of a six-month-old fetus, the following changes occur:

• During waking hours, the fetus is actively moving, the rest of the time it sleeps. The total duration of sleep during the day is 16-20 hours.
• The fetus can make respiratory movements, but the lung tissue still does not straighten out.
• The mass of the brain is intensively growing. By the end of the sixth month, it reaches 100 grams.
• The higher parts of the cerebral cortex develop. The mental abilities of the baby are formed, as well as a tendency to creativity. Some experts believe that if a woman suffers from depression at this time, then her child may also subsequently develop a tendency to this disease.
• The sense organs of the fetus begin to function.

The placenta also undergoes great changes. Starting from the 14th week, the placenta fully provides the transfer functions nutrients from the mother to the fetus. In addition, this body reliably protects the baby from negative impact toxic substances, mechanical shocks and other factors.

Changes in the body of the expectant mother

In order to ensure the process of growth and development of the fetus, the body of a pregnant woman works in an enhanced mode. The load on all systems increases: endocrine, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, etc.

In the second trimester of pregnancy in female body the following changes occur:

• After the 20th week, the uterus may periodically tone up, and the woman may feel slight contractions, the so-called Braxton-Hicks training contractions. Thus, the uterus performs a kind of exercise aimed at preparing for the upcoming birth.
• Under the influence of certain hormones, the mammary glands continue to increase in size. The skin around the nipples darkens a little, colostrum can be released from the nipples themselves.
• Due to the rapid development of the fetus and an increase in the body's need for nutrients, Iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that in some cases requires medical correction. But you should not prescribe iron-containing drugs for yourself, because moderate anemia in pregnant women is quite normal phenomenon, which can be corrected by rational nutrition. But foods rich in iron (apples, buckwheat porridge) can be consumed without special restrictions.
• Since the enlarged uterus presses on the intestines, a pregnant woman may experience constipation. You can get rid of this problem by eating a sufficient amount of foods containing fiber: fruits, vegetables, cereals.
• Many women may experience heartburn. It occurs most often in the second trimester and can continue until the moment of childbirth.
• The number may increase vaginal discharge at a woman. If this is not accompanied by itching, burning and other unpleasant symptoms, and the discharge has a whitish tint, then you should not worry. Otherwise, you should consult a doctor, because such a condition can be dangerous.
• In the second trimester, some women may experience swelling. Puffiness occurs more often in the third trimester, closer to the time of delivery, so the appearance anxiety symptoms in the middle of pregnancy should alert the expectant mother.
• Women prone to varicose veins veins, in the middle of pregnancy, they may notice that the veins on the legs have become bulging, nodular vascular formations have appeared. In order to prevent the occurrence of vein diseases, it is recommended to move more and change the position of the body as often as possible.
• Pigmentation of the skin may occur in separate areas, mainly in the abdomen, sometimes on the face. After childbirth, the skin color will return to normal, so do not worry about this.

Feelings during this period

In the second trimester of pregnancy future mom can experience a range of sensations:

• The mood becomes more stable, self-esteem increases, and the level of anxiety is markedly reduced. Reason for normalization emotional state is the stabilization of the hormonal status, as well as the fact that the woman is already accustomed to her new status as a future mother.
• It becomes more difficult for a pregnant woman to endure temperature changes, physical and emotional stress. In order to prevent deterioration of well-being due to the impact of these factors, it is necessary to provide yourself with at least a minimum level of comfort, dress according to the season, and also rest regularly.
• Thanks to the appearance of the first movements of the baby in the middle of the second trimester, the woman begins to more clearly feel what is inside her. new life.

Analyzes and examinations in the second trimester

During the second trimester, the doctor will recommend that the expectant mother visit women's consultation every two weeks. During each examination, the specialist will measure the volume of the abdomen, determine the woman's body weight. In addition, starting from the 16th week, the doctor will measure the height of the uterine fundus.

Additionally, at this time, the following tests will be prescribed in the second trimester of pregnancy, as well as certain types of examinations:

• general analysis blood;
• Analysis of urine;
• analysis for antibodies with a high probability of a Rh conflict between the body of the mother and the fetus;
• ultrasound examination of the fetus;
• tests to determine the level of certain hormones.

The last two types of studies are part of the second prenatal screening, which consists in conducting ultrasound and determining hCG levels (chorionic gonadotropin human), AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), estriol.

By using triple test it is possible to identify possible malformations or disorders in the development of the fetus, including chromosomal abnormalities.

Usually the second prenatal screening prescribed at 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. Upon receipt of results indicating possible violations in fetal development, a woman may be advised to undergo a more detailed examination by a specialist geneticist and perform tests such as a chorionic villus biopsy or late amniocentesis. This will identify possible chromosomal abnormalities.

In the presence of other indications, for example, signs of preeclampsia or disorders in the work of the heart, pregnant women also take other types of tests (ultrasound of the kidneys, cardiography, etc.). It should also be borne in mind that the 2nd trimester of pregnancy is the optimal time to visit the dentist, ENT and other specialized specialists.

Main hazards and risks

The greatest danger to the expectant mother in the 2nd trimester is the following situations:

• Premature termination of pregnancy. This pathology can be classified as spontaneous abortion or premature birth. A fetus born before 22 weeks is considered non-viable, and a child born later has some chance of survival.
• Pathologies of the cervix, in particular, isthmic-cervical insufficiency. IN similar cases premature thinning and opening of the cervix occurs, which greatly increases the risk of miscarriage or childbirth. The main method of treatment is suturing or installing special devices on the neck area. Optimal time for the correction of this pathology - 18-22 weeks.
• Preeclampsia, accompanied by the appearance of edema, increased blood pressure, detection of protein in the urine. Signs of preeclampsia may appear after 20 weeks. This pathology poses a serious danger not only to the fetus, but also to the woman, as it significantly increases the risk of serious complications, up to a heart attack or stroke.
• Intrauterine infection of the fetus due to the presence in the mother's body of pathogenic bacteria, including pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases.

Many pregnant women would like to know more about the so-called critical periods pregnancy. Dangerous weeks second trimester - this is the period from 18 to 22 weeks, when pathologies such as cervical dilatation, defects in the location of the placenta ( malpresentation, placement in the area of ​​a previously operated scar, etc.), infection of the fetus with ureaplasma, chlamydia and other pathogens of infectious diseases.

At this time, it is well palpable through the abdominal wall. The height of the uterine fundus at the beginning of the 2nd trimester is approximately 13 cm (measured from pubic symphysis to the highest point of the uterus), and by the 26th week it rises to 25-27 cm.

The volume of the abdomen increases gradually (by about 1 cm every week), and at the beginning of the second trimester it is 68-70 cm, and at the end of it - 78-82 cm.

Analyzes and medical examinations

In the second trimester, a woman visits her doctor once every three weeks. The day before, she gives urine and blood for analysis, on the basis of which a specialist can judge the condition of the fetus.

At each examination, the doctor measures the woman's blood pressure. If the expectant mother gained too much extra pounds and at the same time she high blood pressure, there is a risk of gestosis. This serious breach, which is characterized by a disorder of the urinary and cardiovascular systems, often manifested by edema and the presence of protein in the urine.

In addition, a doctor observing a woman enters the following indicators into the map: weight, height of the uterine fundus, abdominal circumference. And starting from the 18th-20th week, the examination must listen to the fetal heartbeat with a stethoscope.

Vaginal examination during this period of pregnancy is usually not performed, unless there are special indications.

ultrasound

Ultrasound in the second trimester is usually performed closer to the 20th week. Since all the organs of the fetus are practically formed, the doctor can judge the development of the heart, kidneys, brain, lungs, stomach, gallbladder. Toward the end of this trimester, it becomes possible to assess whether the facial structures are correctly formed, and thus exclude developmental pathology, such as cheiloschisis (it is often said: “ cleft lip”) - a cleft of the upper or lower lip.

Screening

In the period from the 17th to the 19th week, a woman is prescribed a second trimester screening. It includes ultrasound and biochemical analysis blood for hormones. Screening allows you to identify diseases such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, defect neural tube, as well as anatomical pathologies of the fetus.

Quite often, if 1st trimester screening shows good results, in the 2nd trimester, only ultrasound is done, biochemical analysis is not examined. However, in some cases full screening however, it is recommended, for example, if the pregnant woman is over 35 years old, were bad results screening in the 1st trimester, a long-term threat of miscarriage was noted, the family already had cases of the birth of children with chromosomal abnormalities.

Starting from the 16th week during the ultrasound, the doctor also evaluates the amount amniotic fluid(index of amniotic fluid).

What does a child look like

In this trimester there is a very active development of the fetus. The weight of the baby at 14 weeks is 40 g, and the height reaches 10 cm, by the end of the trimester, these sizes will increase to 900 g and 36 cm, respectively.

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Just imagine how much your baby will change in just over three months!

Here's what else happens to the fetus during this period:

muscles and ligaments are actively formed;

rudiments of milk and permanent teeth are formed;

the first hairs appear on the head, and the body is gradually covered with fluffy hairs called lanugo;

the baby begins to write, that is, his urinary system is already working and he is able to excrete urine directly into the amniotic fluid;

fully formed fingers and toes;

the sebaceous glands begin to work, and gradually the original (cheesy) lubricant is formed on the skin - protective layer, which protects the skin of the fetus until birth;

the child can suck his fingers, touch his face, umbilical cord;

meconium, the original feces, begins to form in the intestine, which normally leaves the child's body on the first day;

the child is actively moving, and by the 20th week, most mothers already feel mild tremors;

the fetus begins to hear sounds from the outside, later he can even react to them, depending on whether he likes them or not;

in the lungs, the production of surfactant begins - a substance that will not allow the walls of the alveoli to stick together immediately after birth;

the fetus begins to hiccup, there is a version that this is how he trains the respiratory organs.

What happens in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy: sensations

The second trimester is considered the most favorable during the entire pregnancy. Usually, at this moment, toxicosis recedes, which worries many women in the first months. The expectant mother seems to have new strength, she feels cheerful and quite easily tolerates pregnancy in the absence of pathology.

Stomach ache

Unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen may occur after the 20th week of pregnancy. Usually they are associated with the fact that the uterus increases in size and stretches the round ligament that supports the uterus. They do not last long and pass within 3-5 minutes.

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Pain may also occur with physical activity or overvoltage. In this case, it makes sense to change the way of life, playing sports.

The cause of pulling pains may be uterine hypertonicity, women usually say: "The belly is like a stone." In this case, the doctor will recommend resting more often, possibly prescribing antispasmodic drugs, as well as wearing a bandage.

Intestinal upset can cause drawing pains in the abdomen. Then you need to change the diet and carefully monitor the quality and quantity of food consumed.

Lower back pain

The belly of the expectant mother greatly increases in volume, which inevitably leads to a shift in the center of gravity. The spine receives an additional load, and when walking, a woman involuntarily arches it. Toward the end of the second trimester, such pain may become more frequent. In any case, it is better to inform the doctor about it.

As a preventive measure, it is worth refusing to wear shoes with heels, as well as attending special sports activities for pregnant.

Allocations

Vaginal discharge in the second trimester is normal, the only question is what quality they are. If the discharge is clear or whitish, odorless, then you should not worry.

It is necessary to consult a doctor if the discharge has become yellow-purulent, green, curdled and has bad smell. This most often indicates an infection that must be treated before delivery so as not to infect the baby. The second trimester in this sense is favorable in that more medicines which means it will be easier to deal with the infection.

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But any medicine can be used only as prescribed by a doctor!

Nausea

Nausea, which regularly worries the expectant mother during the first trimester, usually disappears by the 14-16th week. However, a little later, after the 20th week, heartburn may appear. This is due to the fact that under the influence of progesterone, the tone of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract decreases and the acidic contents of the stomach are thrown back into the esophagus. To cope with this trouble is quite simple: just change the diet.

Do's and Don'ts in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy

Since the second trimester is the most favorable period pregnancy, you should enjoy it to the fullest. For example, now is the time to start attending any sports classes for expectant mothers (if there are no contraindications), pick up courses to prepare for childbirth, make repairs (if it was supposed to prepare the room for the baby to appear).

Proper nutrition and diets

Question of drafting proper diet nutrition in the second trimester plays a special role - it is during this period that expectant mothers are most likely to gain excess weight. Therefore, several important rules must be observed:

eat fractionally - often and a little bit. 6-7 meals of 200-250 g is the ideal approach to nutrition, which, among other things, will help get rid of heartburn;

for the prevention of anemia, boiled beef, apples, spinach, buckwheat porridge should be included in the diet. As for liver dishes, check with your doctor, because today offal in the diet of expectant mothers causes a lot of controversy among obstetrician-gynecologists, probably it's all about their quality;

Try to eliminate salt from your diet as much as possible. Refuse all pickles, smoked meats, sausages - they very much retain water in the body and become one of the causes of edema, which is highly undesirable throughout pregnancy;

Eat more vegetables and fruits, especially if you need to snack between meals.

Replace "fast" carbs with "slow" carbs. Eliminate sweet pastries, white bread, sweets, white rice, potatoes, sugary juices. Include vegetables in the diet (cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, lettuce, greens, low-fat cottage cheese, bread).

Contraindications

Of course, pregnancy is not a disease, but it is at least reasonable to follow reasonable rules during the period of bearing a baby. Therefore, here is what is recommended to refuse:

smoking and alcohol;

active participation in the repair (pasting wallpaper, painting walls, etc.);

power loads in the gym (twisting, push-ups, lifting dumbbells and squats with them, jumping, etc.);

lifting weights (bags from the store, if possible, let other family members carry them);

long business trips that not only exhaust physically, but also emotionally;

any nervous stress negatively affects the health of the fetus;

tasty, but unhealthy food (except for sauces and smoked meats, mushrooms and nuts are dangerous);

long vacation flights. If you decide to go on vacation, choose non-stop routes that last no more than four hours;

it is harmful to stay in a sitting position for a long time, while crossing your legs. If you work in an office, try to take a break every 40-60 minutes;

during the season of ARVI and flu, avoid visiting crowded places.

The second trimester of pregnancy (the period from 13 to 27 weeks) is the most interesting for the expectant mother. After all, it is at this stage that the baby begins to move. This period is usually accompanied by a sense of physiological comfort and well-being. Nausea at this time no longer appears, and the fetus has not yet reached those sizes in order to put pressure on the woman's organs. But still there are certain problems that arise during this period. Specialists give a woman the necessary and important tips that will help her cope with doubts and difficulties, look great and lead an active life.

1. What should be the food?

Overeating a woman in the second trimester is not worth it. The uterus begins to intensively gain in size, so excessive filling of the stomach and intestines leads to unpleasant sensations. Perfect option- eat fractionally, 5-6 times a day in small portions, and then there will be no problems with digestion and assimilation of products.

Other features of the diet of the second trimester:

• The minimum amount of fatty foods;
• The basis of the menu is carbohydrates (pasta from durum cereals, vegetables, fruits, cereals) and proteins. Meat should be eaten in moderation;
• It is desirable to eat fish more than meat, and the latter should be low-fat, dietary;
• To prevent nutritional deficiencies and disorders in the development of the child from the 4th month, special vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women should be taken.

2. How much fluid can you drink?

According to studies, lack of fluid during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences. In addition to constipation and problems with metabolism, oligohydramnios can also become them. So drink clean water over everyone, even pregnant women suffering from edema, but in this case there should be no abuse. The rate of fluid intake is 1.5-2 liters / day, with edema - a little less, in the heat - more.

3. Should a woman change her lifestyle?

Usually, all the worries about the new position of a woman are already behind, the expectant mother begins to feel joy from her condition. It is very important in the second trimester not to limit yourself in movement, not to close yourself at home, lying in bed. Moderate activity will benefit the heart and blood vessels, therefore, it will help saturate the baby's blood with oxygen. Also, movement is useful for the functions of the nervous, endocrine systems.

Hypodynamia has some disadvantages:

• constipation;
• Poor tone of the muscles of the uterus and abdomen;
• Exchange disorders;
• Overweight gain;
• Incorrect presentation of the fetus;
• placenta problems;
• Weakness of labor activity.

If the doctor does not mind, then a woman from the second trimester can visit the pool, for example, in special groups for expectant mothers.

4. How to dress for pregnant women?

The stomach in the second trimester begins to grow, so skirts, trousers, dresses should not squeeze it, constrain it during movement and in a sitting position. Squeezing the abdomen can lead to impaired blood supply to the placenta, hypertonicity of the uterus, which is harmful to the baby. From this period, it is advisable to buy special clothes for pregnant women made of natural fabrics, soft and comfortable for the body.

5. Are there hygiene features in the second trimester?

Daily hygiene is not worth discussing: a shower must be taken every day, since human skin actively releases all unnecessary substances with sweat and provides respiratory and exchange functions. During pregnancy, it is important to keep the whole body clean. Fine developing pregnancy- you can periodically visit the bathhouse and sauna, but only with comfortable temperature without abusing the steam room. Too much heat can provoke high blood pressure, miscarriage and premature birth. When visiting the bath, you should behave carefully.

6. How to prevent stretch marks on the body?

It will not be possible to fundamentally influence the appearance of stretch marks (stretch marks) on the skin of the expectant mother, since they are formed or not only depending on the characteristics skin and belly size. With sufficient skin density, even with large fruit And big belly There will be no stretch marks, but with thin, delicate skin, they will certainly appear. Stretch mark creams for expectant mothers can improve skin elasticity to some extent and reduce the risk of large, large stretch marks, but creams cannot completely prevent stretch marks.

Also, a woman needs to control her weight. The likelihood of stretch marks increases if a pregnant woman gains weight quickly. The skin does not have time to stretch, and as a result, a large number of striae not only on the abdomen, but also on the thighs, buttocks, chest.

7. How much weight can a woman gain during pregnancy?

Doctors “allow” ideally a woman to gain 10-13 kg of weight during pregnancy. In the first three months, body weight increases by 2 kg, then the weight grows by 1.5-2 kilos per month. The first trimester is characterized by a small weight gain, while from the second trimester of gestation, the baby is growing rapidly, like the uterus itself, the volume of amniotic fluid, fatty tissue. The total volume of blood in a woman also increases, and all the numbers in addition form such a large weight gain.

Of the 10-13 kg increase in adipose tissue, it normally accounts for up to 4 kg, no more. Consumption of fatty, high-calorie foods during pregnancy causes an increase in the proportion of adipose tissue, the development of obesity, which threatens problems for the baby. For the pregnant woman herself, obesity is also fraught with various troubles:

• diabetes mellitus;
• Pain in the back / lower back, the development of osteochondrosis;
• Varicose veins;
• arterial hypertension.

8. How to keep weight under control?

When visiting a gynecologist, a woman is offered to familiarize herself with tables with norms for weight gain by months (or by weeks). The doctor will help calculate the rate of increase in the presence of an initial weight deficit, and in this case it is permissible to gain up to 14 kg. On the contrary, for those who were initially overweight, the increase should be limited to 7-8 kg. Too low increases are harmful to the health of the child, since without the adipose tissue of the mother, he will not be able to fully develop (adipose tissue is needed for normal development baby)!

After the birth of a baby in women who had optimal gains, the best course is breast-feeding, since there is an ideal hormonal background for milk production. Trying to lose weight during pregnancy is prohibited, as the baby will not receive the nutrients he needs. Weight control is also important in order to prevent the development of latent edema. Therefore, you need to eat right, do not overeat, if necessary, use infusions of diuretic herbs, on the recommendation of a doctor, do fasting days.

9. Sex in the second trimester - is it possible?

Abandoning sexual activity for the entire duration of pregnancy is difficult, and there is no need for this. Restrictions on sex are only for women with contraindications (for example, the threat of miscarriage). In other cases, keep intimate life can be the entire duration of pregnancy. And yet, you need to behave more carefully in bed, not forgetting about the “interesting position”.

As a rule, problems with sex can only arise by the third trimester, when the stomach has big sizes. In the second trimester, a woman's libido increases due to the characteristics hormonal background. In addition, sex improves blood circulation in the uterus, which is beneficial for the development of the fetus.

Moms take note!

Hello girls) I didn’t think that the problem of stretch marks would affect me, but I’ll write about it))) But I have nowhere to go, so I’m writing here: How did I get rid of stretch marks after childbirth? I will be very glad if my method helps you too ...

10. Is it necessary to apply special care for the mammary glands?

In the second trimester, the breasts increase in size intensively, preparing for the appearance of milk. Some women already have colostrum periodically. Breast care should be regular and correct:

• Take a shower daily, washing your chest with warm water;
• Periodically practice cold and hot shower to optimize tissue blood supply;
• After washing, wipe the mammary glands with a massage mitt or a hard towel (this will prepare the nipples for lactation, making them less sensitive, and help prevent cracks).

You should also buy a bra according to your size, without trying to wear tight underwear on an overgrown chest. A good bra will keep your breasts from sagging and should be worn at all times.

11. What to do about nipples that are inverted or flat?

Some women have naturally flat or inverted nipples, which will greatly interfere with feeding the baby. The baby will not be able to grasp the nipple on its own, so the mother is forced to bottle feed him. But even if you have flat nipples, you can straighten them out a little if you start exercising before giving birth.

Exercise should be done several times a day, starting from the second trimester. After washing, they must be carefully pulled out and scrolled between the large and index fingers. These exercises are done in the absence of the threat of interruption.

There is a connection between the breast and the uterus, and excessive irritation of the nipples can lead to uterine contractions. Therefore, if the uterus often comes into tone, then it is better to postpone the exercises to a later date.

12. When should I visit a gynecologist?

During pregnancy, visits to the gynecologist are mandatory, they cannot be missed. The second trimester is the time of not too frequent visits to the doctor, usually once every 3 weeks (if there are no pathologies). From the middle of the second trimester to a visit to the gynecologist, a woman takes a general urine test for the timely detection of abnormalities in the kidneys and the diagnosis of preeclampsia. In the period of 21-24 weeks, an ultrasound of the fetus is done, and at the second screening for intrauterine pathology.

13. What problems can occur during the 2nd trimester?

Unpleasant sensations may appear in a woman not only due to toxicosis of the first trimester. Since the work of all organs changes, they are squeezed by the growing uterus, a number of discomfort. Most often it is - sometimes - pain in the stomach, increased gas formation. In order to prevent such troubles, it is important to eat right, not to abuse pastries, salt, spices. . It is better to sleep on a high pillow, and after eating before going to bed, at least 2 hours should pass.

Among other things, many women by the end of the second trimester experience:

• Headache;
• Lower back pain;
• constipation;
• Thrush;
• Anemia.

Many pregnant women at this time experience cramps in the calf muscles for the first time. When they appear, you need to consult a doctor and he will recommend taking calcium and magnesium supplements, since many unpleasant symptoms appear due to their lack.

14. Anemia during pregnancy - how to treat?

Most often, anemia occurs due to an increase in plasma volume. There is an increase in the amount of the liquid component of the blood, and the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin remains the same. But sometimes there is real anemia due to malnutrition, impaired absorption of iron in the intestine or frequent bleeding (threat of interruption, hemorrhoidal bleeding).

If hemoglobin has sharply decreased, then the fetus will suffer from hypoxia. The diagnosis is made by a blood test. Be sure to prescribe preparations containing iron. Prevention of anemia is the intake of vitamins for pregnant women, which contain iron, and a balanced diet.

15. Thrush and how to deal with it?

By the end of the second trimester, thrush (candidiasis) occurs in a huge number of pregnant women. It directly depends on the state of immunity, and in a woman it is greatly reduced so that the body does not "think" of rejecting foreign body- fruit. Reduced immunity is fertile ground for the active reproduction of Candida fungi, which provoke an inflammatory disease. Another factor that increases the risk of developing thrush is a change in hormonal levels, which affects the change in pH in the genitals.

Treatment of candidiasis is a complex process, and the trouble is that effective medicines that can be used during pregnancy does not exist. And it must be treated, even if it does not proceed without symptoms. It is especially important to get rid of thrush before childbirth, because the baby, when passing through the birth canal, can be infected with pathogenic fungi. All drugs are prescribed only by a doctor, and it is better not to use folk remedies for a future mother!

16. What is the cause of constipation and how to get rid of them?

It seems that the uterus is still small and does not special pressure to the intestines. But for many pregnant women, constipation begins to appear in the second trimester. They occur due to progesterone, which has a relaxing effect on muscle tissue.

This effect is necessary for the prevention uterine contractions, but progesterone affects not only the uterus, but also other organs, in particular, the intestines. Therefore, there is a decrease in intestinal tone and a slowdown in its peristalsis.

It is imperative to deal with the symptoms of indigestion and poor fecal discharge. To begin with, you should use active prevention of constipation - eat fresh vegetables, fruits, cook cereals, drink more water. But in the absence of a result, it is better to use not drugs, but harmless candles with glycerin. In severe cases, the doctor will prescribe drugs that are the least dangerous for a pregnant woman.

17. Are there situations when you need to urgently run to the doctor?

Usually, the second trimester is the time when the least number of pregnancy problems are diagnosed. The woman's body is "accustomed", feels normal, the child grows and develops. And yet, situations are not uncommon when pregnancy is accompanied by complications. Urgently contact a specialist, including calling an ambulance, it is necessary in such cases:

• Pain in the abdomen, especially in the type of contractions;
• The appearance of discharge with blood;
• Outflow of amniotic fluid;
• sudden increase in body temperature;
• severe convulsions, sharp pain in any part of the body.

It is strictly forbidden to wait for any acute symptoms! Only a timely appeal for help will help preserve the health of your own and your unborn child!

Moms take note!

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The second trimester of pregnancy is the period from the 13th to the 28th week. The period of 13 weeks is the boundary between trimesters. By this time, the complex processes of the formation of the main systems and organs of the fetus are completed. Outwardly, it looks like little man and begins to develop rapidly. The 2nd trimester of pregnancy ends at 28 weeks. At this time, the fetus reaches such a stage of development that when proper care able to survive outside the womb. A baby born at 28 weeks weighs on average about 1 kilogram with a height of 35 cm.

For a woman, the 2nd trimester of pregnancy is the calmest, because such unpleasant complications as toxicosis and abrupt shifts the mood has already passed, and the birth is still a long time to wait. Therefore, it is in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy that future mothers can fully enjoy their condition.

By the 13th week, the fetus is already actively forming ligaments and muscles, as well as milk teeth. The baby is already actively moving, but until 16 weeks, the expectant mother still does not feel it.

The first hair appears on the head, and the whole body of the baby is covered with fluff, which is called lanugo. Usually, by the time of birth, lanugo disappears completely or remains in a small amount on the ears and shoulders of the child. The skin of the baby is still very thin, through it you can see blood vessels which makes it look bright red. The child still has practically no subcutaneous fat, so the skin of the fetus is slightly wrinkled.

The baby already knows how to empty his bladder and urinates into the amniotic fluid about every hour.

By the end of week 16, the baby weighs about 135 g, and his height is 15-16 cm. He constantly swims in amniotic fluid and changes its position in the uterus.

By 17-20 weeks, the uterus increases so much in size that it becomes noticeable to others. By the 20th week of pregnancy, the fundus of the uterus is 2.5 cm above the navel.

At this time, the fetus has already formed the rudiments of permanent teeth located above the milk teeth. The child has eyebrows and eyelashes, which are still colorless. Melanin, the pigment that gives them color, is formed a little later. The fingers and toes are fully formed, individual prints are already appearing on them. Sebaceous glands begin to work, and a whitish lubricant is released from the epithelial cells of the skin and vellus hair, which covers the body of the baby and performs a protective function.

At the fifth month of pregnancy, the baby's muscles are already so formed that he begins to control his movements: he touches his body and face, sucks his finger. During this period, mimic movements can be observed in the child: he opens and closes his mouth, frowns, opens his eyes, but still does not see anything. The intestines of the child are already sufficiently formed, there are villi in it, through which the absorption of nutrients occurs. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which helps to absorb glucose. When amniotic fluid is swallowed, meconium is formed in the intestines of the child - the original feces, which departs shortly after birth.

By the end of the 20th week, the baby's weight is 350 g, and his height is 20 cm. The doctor can already calmly hear his heartbeat through the abdominal wall with the help of an obstetric stethoscope. Normally, the heart rate is this period is 120-160 beats per minute.

At 21-24 weeks of pregnancy, the baby continues to grow and develop rapidly. The baby begins to move actively. He has already formed his own mode of activity and rest, which does not always coincide with the mother's mode. Intense stirring the child allows the mother to monitor his condition, since a change in the nature of the movements (too sluggish and rare movements, or, conversely, too violent) may indicate any problems during pregnancy.

By the end of the sixth month of pregnancy, the growth of the child slows down a little, but he begins to actively gain weight. Under the skin, brown fat accumulates, which has a high energy value. When brown fat is burned, thermal energy is generated, which is very important for maintaining a constant body temperature of the baby after birth.

Throughout the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the child's brain develops intensively, nerve cells improve. Central nervous system already developed so much that the baby hears sounds coming from outside. So, too harsh and loud sounds can scare him, and quiet calm music has a calming effect.

The baby learns the world with the help of touch: he touches his body, legs and arms, the umbilical cord, the walls of the uterus. Often, the expectant mother hears the baby hiccups - she feels small internal shocks that occur at regular intervals. This is an absolutely normal phenomenon, about which you should not worry.

The baby's bone marrow is already producing erythrocytes - red blood cells containing hemoglobin, which saturates the body with oxygen. This is reliable protection the baby from hypoxia that occurs under the influence of various adverse factors. In addition, the bone marrow already produces white blood cells that fight infections.

By the end of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy internal organs the baby is already almost formed, but the lungs are still immature, although the synthesis of surfactant has already begun in them - a substance that does not allow the lungs to subside on exhalation. But this substance is still not enough for the full functioning of the lungs in case of premature birth, so after birth he may need artificial ventilation lung and intensive care. At this time, the child weighs approximately 900 g, and his height is 34 cm.

The well-being of the expectant mother in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy

In the second trimester, the expectant mother begins to feel much better. All the trouble early toxicosis retreat. In a woman's body, there is an intensive increase in the volume of circulating blood (by the end of pregnancy, a woman's body has about 1.5 liters of blood more than usual). This is necessary for the normal development of pregnancy, since an increase in the volume of circulating blood provides an intensive blood supply to the placenta and fetus, and also prepares the woman's body for blood loss during childbirth. Thus, the load on cardiovascular system women increases significantly, which leads to an increase in heart rate by about 10-15 mm Hg. Art. Arterial pressure rises.

However, the most exciting and memorable moment in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy for every mother is the movements of the fetus: women clearly feel how a new life is developing inside them. Many mothers listen to their feelings for a long time, and the first movements of the child are often described as “fluttering butterfly wings” or “swimming fish”. As the pregnancy progresses, the movements become more and more distinct, it is difficult to confuse them with anything else.