What changes in a woman's body during pregnancy. Chemical changes during pregnancy in a woman. Changes in the body during pregnancy: the nervous system and respiratory organs
Changes in a woman's body during pregnancy are of an adaptive nature and are aimed at creating optimal conditions for the growth and development of the fetus. Consider what these changes are in various organs and systems.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
The concept of the dominant pregnancy (gestational dominant) was put forward: in the central nervous system, a corresponding focus of excitation occurs after the fertilization of the egg and its implantation in the uterine mucosa; in this case, a constant source of afferent impulses is formed from the interoreceptors of the uterus.
In the first months of pregnancy, there is a decrease in the excitability of the cerebral cortex, which leads to an increase in the reflex activity of the subcortical centers, as well as the spinal cord. Subsequently, the excitability of the cerebral cortex increases and remains elevated until the end of pregnancy. By the time of delivery, the excitability of the cerebral cortex decreases sharply, accompanied by an increase in the excitability of the spinal cord, which leads to an increase in spinal reflexes, an increase in the neuroreflex and muscle excitability of the uterus, which is necessary for the onset of labor.
The tone of the autonomic nervous system changes, in connection with which pregnant women often experience drowsiness, tearfulness, irritability, sometimes dizziness and other disorders. These disorders are usually early period pregnancy and then gradually disappear.
ENDOCRINE GLANDS. ENDOCRINE CHANGES
Understanding the complex endocrine changes during pregnancy remains rather sketchy and incomplete. Many of the peptide and steroid hormones that are produced by the endocrine glands outside of pregnancy can be synthesized by tissues in the uterus during pregnancy.
With the onset of pregnancy, the ovaries increase somewhat, ovulation in them stops; in one of the ovaries the corpus luteum functions. The hormones he secretes (progesterone; to a lesser extent - estrogens; relaxin) contribute to the creation of conditions for the development of pregnancy. The corpus luteum undergoes reverse development after the 3-4th month of pregnancy due to the formation of the hormonal function of the placenta; further, the function of the corpus luteum is insignificant. in vivo surgical removal of the corpus luteum before 7 weeks of gestation leads to a rapid decrease in progesterone levels and miscarriage; if removed later, pregnancy may be preserved. The corpus luteum also produces the polypeptide hormone relaxin, which inhibits the activity of the myometrium; after the cessation of the function of the corpus luteum, relaxin is synthesized in the placenta.
Placenta is the unifying body functional systems mother and fetus. It performs the following main functions.
The respiratory function ensures the transport of oxygen from the mother to the fetus and the release of carbon dioxide in the opposite direction. The exchange of gases takes place according to the laws of simple diffusion. The placenta contains enzymes involved in redox processes, breakdown and synthesis of proteins, fats and carbohydrates necessary for the development of the fetus.
With limited permeability, the placenta is able to protect the fetus from a number of damaging factors (toxic products, microorganisms, medicinal substances, etc.) that have entered the mother's body, but not from all, and many of them have a direct effect on the embryo and fetus.
The excretory function of the placenta is to remove metabolic products from the body of the fetus.
The placenta is a powerful endocrine gland, in which the processes of synthesis, secretion and transformation of a number of hormones (Fig. 20) of both steroid (gestagens and estrogens) and protein nature (CG, PL) proceed intensively.
Hormones produced in the uterus during pregnancy.
Hormones specific to pregnancy.
Hormones of the hypothalamus.
Corticoliberin. pituitary hormones.
Prolactin.
somatotropic hormone.
Other peptide hormones.
Insulin-like growth factor I and II.
Parathyroid-like peptide.
Angiotensin II.
Steroid hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.
There is a functional relationship between the placenta and the fetus, which is considered as a single endocrine system - the “fetoplacental system”, which, to a certain extent, has some autonomy. The fetus, placenta and mother are involved in steroidogenesis.
rhinian organism, which complement each other in such a way that the fetoplacental system is able to support the synthesis of all biologically active steroid hormones.
The main hormone of the fetoplacental system is estriol, which is called the protector of pregnancy. It makes up 85% of all estrogen during pregnancy. Its main role is the regulation of uteroplacental circulation, i.e. supplying the fetus with all the vital substances necessary for normal growth and development.
Synthesis and metabolism of estrogen
Estriol is synthesized in the placenta from dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, which is formed in the fetal adrenal cortex and, to a lesser extent, in the pregnant adrenal cortex. 90% of estriol in the blood of a pregnant woman is of fetal origin and only 10% is maternal. Part of the estriol is in the free state in the blood of the pregnant woman and the fetus, performing its protective function, part enters the liver of the pregnant woman, where, by combining with glucuronic acid, it is inactivated. Inactivated estriol is excreted from the body of a pregnant woman with urine. With a complicated course of pregnancy, the secretion of estriol in the urine may decrease, which was previously used as a diagnostic
tic sign of impaired fetal development (with the advent of more specific biophysical methods, this is not necessary).
In a much smaller amount than estriol, other estrogens are formed in the fetoplacental system - estrone and estradiol. They have a diverse effect on the body of a pregnant woman: they regulate water-electrolyte metabolism, cause sodium retention, an increase in circulating blood volume (BCC), vasodilation and an increase in the formation of plasma steroid-binding proteins. Estrogens cause the growth of the pregnant uterus, cervix, vagina, promote the growth of the mammary glands, change the sensitivity of the uterus to progesterone, which plays an important role in the development of labor.
Rice. 20. The content of hormones in the blood at different stages of pregnancy
The mechanism of interaction between the mother's body, the placenta and the fetus is described as the "placental clock theory". Starting from the middle of pregnancy, the trophoblast is able to synthesize corticoliberin, which stimulates the fetal pituitary gland to increase the level of ACTH, thereby increasing the synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone, the main precursor of placental estrogens, by the fetal adrenal glands. High level estrogen by the end of pregnancy stimulates the formation of gap junctions between the cells of the myometrium, contributing to the excitation and labor activity. Synthesis of corticol-
berina regulates the content of estrogen on the principle of positive feedback.
This mechanism, by which the placenta regulates its own metabolism, influencing the fetus, which in turn, by acting on the function of the uterus, possibly triggering labor, has been called the placental clock. We sometimes break this subtle mechanism by untimely induction of labor.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy are shown in Table. 3.
Table 3
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
The second important steroid hormone of pregnancy is progesterone. The concentration of progesterone in the blood with the progression of pregnancy increases significantly. The hormonal function of the corpus luteum, which synthesizes progesterone in the first trimester of pregnancy, gradually passes to the placenta, from 10 weeks the maximum amount of progesterone is produced by the trophoblast. The fetus receives 50% of progesterone, where it is metabolized and used for the synthesis of corticosteroids in the adrenal glands of the fetus. The rest passes through a series of transformations into estriol. Progesterone causes changes in the mother's body that contribute to the emergence and development of pregnancy.
changes. Under its influence, secretory processes occur that are necessary for the implantation and development of the fetal egg. Progesterone also promotes the growth of the genital organs of a pregnant woman, the growth and preparation of the mammary glands for lactation, is the main hormone that reduces the contractility of the myometrium, reduces the tone of the intestines and ureters, has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, causing drowsiness, fatigue, impaired concentration, and in addition, it contributes to an increase in the amount of adipose tissue due to the hypertrophy of fat cells (adipocytes). The metabolite of progesterone, pregnandiol, is excreted in the urine.
The main protein hormones of pregnancy are human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and placental lactogen (PL). HCG is a glycoprotein produced by the chorion even before the formation of the placenta. In its biological properties, it is similar to LH of the pituitary gland, contributes to the preservation of the function of the corpus luteum of the ovary, affects the development of the adrenal glands and fetal gonads, and affects the processes of steroid metabolism in the placenta. CG is detected in the urine already on the 9th day after fertilization, reaches a peak concentration by 10-11 weeks of pregnancy (about 100,000 units), and then its level remains constantly low (10,000-20,000 units). Currently, the determination of CG is used to diagnose early pregnancy and its disorders, as well as to diagnose trophoblast diseases.
PL is a polypeptide hormone, in its chemical and immunological properties it approaches the growth hormone of the anterior pituitary gland and prolactin. It is synthesized in the syncytium of the trophoblast. 90% of the hormone enters the blood of the pregnant woman, and 10% enters the fetal blood and amniotic fluid. PL can be detected in the blood from the 5th week of pregnancy. Long lasting low level prolactin or a sharp drop in the level of the hormone indicate a violation of the condition of the fetus up to its antenatal death.
PL affects the metabolic processes that are aimed at ensuring the growth and development of the fetus. PL gives an anabolic effect, retains nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium in the body; has a diabetic effect. PL, due to its anti-insulin action, leads to an increase in gluconeogenesis in the liver, a decrease in the body's tolerance to glucose, and an increase in lipolysis.
The placenta produces a number of other protein-peptide hormones, such as melanocyte-stimulating hormone, relaxin, vasopressin,
oxytocin. Similar to insulin and insulin-like growth factor, relaxin is secreted by the corpus luteum of pregnancy, placenta and deciidua parietalis. In the first trimester, it is a stimulant for the synthesis of hCG. In addition, relaxin performs following features: relaxation of the uterus, shortening and softening of the cervix, regulation of uteroplacental blood flow, softening of the joints of the pelvis.
Methods for studying specific pregnancy proteins have found clinical application, because they are produced directly in the placental trophoblast and reflect the functional state of the fetoplacental system. The embryo-specific protein is α -fetoprotein (AFP), which is synthesized mainly by embryonic cells and in yolk sac. In embryos, AFP synthesis begins simultaneously with embryonic hematopoiesis, and its concentration in blood plasma increases from the 6-7th week of pregnancy, reaching a peak at 14 weeks. In clinical practice, the determination of AFP is carried out for prenatal diagnosis of anomalies in the development of the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract in the fetus.
The placenta performs important functions of the immunological protection of the fetus. One of the components of this system is a layer of fibrinoid located on the surface of the villi and preventing direct contact between the tissues of the fetus and the mother. Some substances that are on the surface of the placenta in high concentrations (CH, progesterone, steroid hormones), as well as some proteins of the fetus and placenta (AFP, trophoblastic R 1-glycoprotein, etc.).
The placenta plays an important role in the transport of immunoglobulins. Of the five classes of immunoglobulins, only IgG can carry out the transplacental transition. The transfer of immunoglobulins in the mother-fetus system begins only after 12 weeks of pregnancy and is of great biological importance.
Pituitary. The anterior pituitary during pregnancy increases in size by 2-3 times due to the multiplication and hypertrophy of cells that produce hormones:
Prolactin, which contributes to the preparation of the mammary glands for lactation, by the end of pregnancy, its concentration increases by 10 times or more, it is also synthesized by the placenta and is found in amniotic fluid ax (the function of prolactin in the amniotic fluid is still not exactly known, it has been shown that it contributes to the maturation of the fetal lungs);
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), leading to an increase in thyroxine production and an increase in thyroid activity, which is necessary for the proper development of the fetus;
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) promotes an increase in the hormonal activity of the adrenal glands;
Growth hormone (GH), which affects the growth of the uterus and other organs of the reproductive system, and is also capable of causing transient acromegaloid features (enlargement of the limbs, lower jaw, superciliary arches) in some pregnant women, disappearing after childbirth.
The formation and release of gonadotropic hormones of the pituitary gland (luteinizing and follicle-stimulating) are sharply reduced, which causes a decrease in hormone production in the ovaries and a cessation of growth and development of follicles.
During pregnancy, the formation of oxytocin and vasopressin by the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus increases. Oxytocin has a specific tonomotor effect on the myometrium. The accumulation and effect of oxytocin are directly dependent on the accumulation of estrogen and placental serotonin, which block oxytocinase, an enzyme that inactivates oxytocin in the blood of a pregnant woman.
adrenal glands undergo significant changes during pregnancy. Strengthening education:
Glucocorticoids that regulate carbohydrate and protein metabolism;
Mineralocorticoids that regulate mineral metabolism;
Estrogens, progesterone and androgens in the adrenal cortex. An increase in the concentration of corticosteroids during pregnancy is not
causes pronounced clinical manifestations of hypercorticism, which is explained by a simultaneous increase in plasma concentration of binding globulin - transcortin.
The increased function of the mother's adrenal cortex helps to deliver to the growing fetus the necessary amounts of nutrients, salts and hormones that the embryo itself is not yet able to produce.
An increase in blood cholesterol and other lipids is associated with the activity of the adrenal glands.
During pregnancy, insulin secretion increases, which is determined by the physiological needs of the body, as well as the influence of placental lactogen.
Thyroid during pregnancy increases in 35-40% of women due to hyperemia, an increase in the number of follicles and the content of colloid in them. CG has an effect on the thyroid gland similar to that of TSH. In the first months of pregnancy, there is often a slight increase in the function of the thyroid gland (Fig. 21), an increase in the content of protein-bound iodine in the blood, but there are no signs of hyperthyroidism. In the second half of pregnancy, there are no signs of increased thyroid function.
In the parathyroid glands, there is often a tendency to hypofunction. In such cases, calcium metabolism disorders are possible, leading to spastic phenomena (cramps in the calf muscles, etc.).
Rice. 21. Changes in thyroid function during pregnancy
THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
During normal pregnancy, the mother the immune system(Table 4) does not reject the fetoplacental complex, although it has alloantigens of paternal origin, immunologically different from maternal antigens. The existence of an allogeneic fetus is ensured by the development of metabolic immunosuppression in the body of a pregnant woman, inhibition of cellular and, to a lesser extent, humoral immunity is noted. During pregnancy, a unique new
the balance between the specific and nonspecific immunity of the mother, in which the central cell of the immunological adaptation of the mother is not a lymphocyte, but a monocyte. It is the factors of natural immunity that direct a specific immune response along the Th1 (cellular, inflammatory) or Th2 (humoral, immune) pathway.
From the early stages of pregnancy, there is an increase in the number of monocytes and granulocytes in the mother's blood, and the absorption activity of macrophages increases. These monocytes secrete a large number of cytokines, including interleukins - IL-12. The concentration of complement proteins in the blood serum also increases.
Table 4
The immune system during pregnancy
There is a hypothesis that the activation of innate immunity in pregnant women occurs due to the entry into the bloodstream of a number of soluble placental products (Table 5), which have a suppressive effect on lymphocytes and an activating effect on monocytes.
Table 5
Influence of placental factors on the activity of cells of the immune system
During normal pregnancy, systemic immunosuppression mechanisms are activated. Negative side immunosuppression of pregnant women is an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.
METABOLISM
Metabolism during pregnancy is characterized by the following.
1. The number of enzymes (phosphatases, histaminases, cholinesterases) increases and the activity of enzyme systems increases.
2. Protein metabolism: the content of proteins in the blood serum is slightly reduced due to amino acids and albumins; specific proteins of pregnancy appear in the blood.
3. Carbohydrate metabolism: there is an accumulation of glycogen in the cells of the liver, muscle tissue, uterus and placenta. Carbohydrates pass to the fetus mainly in the form of glucose, which it needs as a high-energy material and as a substance that provides the processes of anaerobic glycolysis. An increase in blood levels of cortisol, somatotropic hormone and PL causes a compensatory increase in insulin levels. Pregnancy is a diabetogenic factor, with a latent inferiority of the insular apparatus of the pancreas or a hereditary predisposition to diabetes mellitus, glucose tolerance decreases.
4. Lipid metabolism (Fig. 22): the amount of free fatty acids, cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins, mainly atherogenic (low and very low density lipoproteins), increases in the blood. Fats pass to the fetus in the form of glycerol and fatty acids. In the fetal body, these compounds are used to build tissues;
the role of fatty substances as an energy material is great. The accumulation of lipids also occurs in the adrenal glands, placenta and mammary glands.
Rice. 22. Lipid metabolism during pregnancy
5. Mineral and water exchanges:
The absorption of phosphorus, calcium salts, necessary for the development of the nervous system and the skeleton of the fetus, as well as for the synthesis of proteins in the body of a pregnant woman, is enhanced;
The consumption of iron increases (a pregnant woman should receive 4-5 mg of iron per day) and other inorganic substances: potassium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, cobalt, copper, etc .;
In pregnant women, the excretion of sodium chloride from the body slows down, which leads to water retention in the body, which is necessary for the physiological hydration of the tissues and joints of the pelvic bones; in the regulation of water metabolism during pregnancy important role play estrogens, progesterone, natriuretic factor (promotes an increase in renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, as well as a decrease in renin secretion), hormones of the adrenal cortex (mineralocorticoids), in particular aldosterone, deoxycorticosterone;
The need for vitamins increases due to the need to supply them to the fetus and maintain an intensive metabolism; hypovitaminosis during pregnancy causes the occurrence of many forms of pathology in both the mother and the fetus.
Body weight (Table 6) increases over the entire period of pregnancy by 12-14%, i.e. an average of 12 kg. Normally, weight gain in the second half of pregnancy should not exceed 300-350 g per week. The increase in body weight is due to:
Products of conception (fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid);
Maternal factors (uterus, mammary glands, increased BCC, increased body fat, fluid retention).
In the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, the contribution of the fetus to weight gain is insignificant, but in the second half, the weight of the fetus increases faster. The mass of the placenta increases according to the growth of the fetus, which is reflected in the graph (Fig. 23). The volume of amniotic fluid increases rapidly from 10 weeks of gestation, amounting to 300 ml at 20 weeks, 600 ml at 30 weeks, reaching a peak of 1000 ml by 35 weeks. After that, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases somewhat.
Rice. 23. Dynamics of the mass of the fetus and placenta
Table 6
Distribution of weight gain during pregnancy
The mass of the uterus during pregnancy increases from 50 to 1000 g, the mammary glands also increase due to the growth of glandular elements, fat deposition and fluid retention. BCC increases, as well as the amount of body fat. During normal pregnancy, the total amount of fluid increases by 6-8 liters, of which 2-4 liters are extracellular. Most of the fluid is retained until 30 weeks, however, even in women without clinically pronounced edema, 2-3 liters of extracellular fluid are retained in the last 10 weeks of pregnancy.
THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
During pregnancy, significant changes occur in the cardiovascular system, creating the possibility of fetal development and functionally ensuring the process of childbirth.
The increase in the load on the cardiovascular system of the body of a pregnant woman depends on the following factors.
Mechanical factors - high standing of the diaphragm, restriction of respiratory movements, the transverse position of the axis of the heart, a change in the shape of the chest, an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, a general weight gain;
Hemodynamic factors - capacity increase vascular system, the occurrence of the uteroplacental circulation, an increase in BCC, pulse rate and cardiac output, changes in arterial and venous pressure.
Rice. 24. BCC change during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the BCC increases (Fig. 24), which causes physiological hypervolemia of pregnant women, aimed at maintaining optimal microcirculation conditions in the placenta and other vital organs of the mother during pregnancy and childbirth. The protective effect of hypervolemia allows some pregnant women to lose 20-25% of blood volume without developing severe hypotension.
The volume of blood plasma begins to increase from the 10th week of pregnancy and progressively increases until the 34th week, after which the growth rate decreases. In general, the volume of circulating plasma (CVV) during pregnancy increases by 35-50%, and in multiparous women, the VPV exceeds that of nulliparous women by about 10%. During pregnancy with twins, the increase in VCP is even more significant. Increased plasma volume (total body water)
due to endocrine changes in a pregnant woman, an increase in aldosterone secretion and activity of the renin-angiotensin system, secretion of placental hormones, leading to sodium and water retention. An increase in albumin synthesis also leads to an increase in VCP.
During pregnancy, there is also an increase in the volume of circulating erythrocytes by 11-40%, but the intensity of the increase in erythrocytes is less pronounced compared to that of the plasma volume. This causes the occurrence of physiological hemodilution in pregnant women and is characterized by a decrease in hematocrit to 0.32-0.36 and hemoglobin concentration to 110-120 g/l.
During pregnancy, there is an increase in the capacity of the vascular system. With a normal pregnancy, there is a decrease in total peripheral blood resistance, which is caused by physiological hemodilution, a decrease in blood viscosity and the vasodilating effect of estrogens and progesterone. With a normal pregnancy in the first and second trimesters, there is a tendency for a decrease in diastolic blood pressure and, to a lesser extent, systolic blood pressure (Fig. 25), resulting in an increase in pulse pressure. In the third trimester, blood pressure in pregnant women returns to normal level. If the blood pressure in a pregnant woman is higher than it was in the period preceding pregnancy, then this indicates either complications (preeclampsia), or the body's response to stress.
Rice. 25. Dynamics of systolic and diastolic blood pressure during pregnancy
The individual level of blood pressure is determined by the interaction of the following main factors: a decrease in total peripheral vascular resistance and blood viscosity, which contributes to a decrease in blood pressure, and an increase in blood volume and cardiac output, which contributes to an increase in blood pressure. With the inadequacy of compensatory mechanisms, such as arteriolospasm and hypovolemia, there is an increase in blood pressure. For a correct judgment about the level and dynamics of blood pressure, it is necessary to know the initial value of blood pressure before pregnancy (for example, for pregnant women with an initial blood pressure of 90/60, pressure of 120/80 means undoubted hypertension). An increase in systolic pressure by 30% relative to the original should be regarded as a pathological symptom. With a normal pregnancy, diastolic pressure should be no more than 75-80 mm Hg, and pulse pressure - at least 40 mm Hg.
Rice. 26. Dynamics of venous pressure in the cubital and femoral veins during pregnancy and the postpartum period
Venous pressure (Fig. 26) in the lower extremities increases from the 5th-6th month of pregnancy (it is especially high in the position of the pregnant woman on her back) and by the end of it exceeds the venous pressure in the upper extremities twice. This is due to compression of the inferior vena cava by the pregnant uterus, which relatively often causes swelling of the legs and varicose veins veins of the legs and external genitalia.
The most significant hemodynamic shift is considered to be an increase in cardiac output (Fig. 27) in the early stages of pregnancy: on the 4-8th week it can exceed its average value in healthy non-pregnant women by 15%, the maximum increase is up to 40%.
Rice. 27. Changes in cardiac output during pregnancy
In the first half of pregnancy, an increase in cardiac output is mainly due to an increase in the stroke volume of the heart by 30%. Later, there is a slight increase in heart rate (HR), which reaches a maximum in the third trimester of pregnancy, when the heart rate is greater than that of a non-pregnant woman by 15-20 beats per minute (i.e. 15%). With multiple pregnancy, the increase in heart rate reaches 20-30 beats per 1 minute. It is believed that tachycardia is caused by a number of factors, including increased secretion of progesterone, starting from the first trimester of pregnancy.
In addition, during pregnancy there is a regional redistribution of blood. Its flow to the uterus by 16 weeks is 400 ml/min higher than in non-pregnant women and remains at this level until the term of delivery.
What are the main hemodynamic parameters during pregnancy, is shown in Fig. 28.
Rice. 28. The main hemodynamic parameters during pregnancy
Blood flow through the capillaries of the skin and mucous membranes also increases, reaching a maximum of 500 ml/min by 36 weeks. The increase in skin blood flow is associated with dilatation of peripheral vessels. This explains the frequent occurrence of a feeling of heat in pregnant women, excessive sweating, some pregnant women may complain of nasal congestion.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
During pregnancy, a number of adaptive reactions occur, aimed at satisfying the increased activity of metabolism. The development of compensatory reactions (they are similar to the mechanisms that contribute to the adaptation of the body to hypoxia) is primarily associated with the activity of the lungs (hyperventilation, respiratory alkalosis), the cardiovascular system (hemodynamic shifts, increased cardiovascular output) and the red blood system (activation of erythropoiesis, an increase in the volume of circulating erythrocytes).
With an increase in the uterus, a gradual displacement of organs occurs abdominal cavity and a decrease in the vertical size of the chest, which is compensated by the expansion of its circumference, increased excursion of the diaphragm. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the frequency of respiratory movements by 10%. All these factors lead to
a gradual increase in tidal volume by 30-40% by the end of pregnancy.
Oxygen consumption by the end of pregnancy becomes more by 30-40%, and during attempts - by 150-250% of the original. Due to the fact that the need for oxygen during pregnancy increases, a pregnant woman is more difficult than a non-pregnant woman to endure hypoxia of any genesis and severity. The physiological decrease in the level of pO 2 in the mother's blood does not affect the saturation of fetal blood with oxygen. This is due to a higher concentration of hemoglobin in the blood of the fetus and a higher affinity of fetal hemoglobin for oxygen.
The main changes in the respiratory system during pregnancy are shown in Table. 7.
Table 7
The main changes in the respiratory system during pregnancy
BODIES
Hematopoiesis is enhanced; increase: the number of erythrocytes, the amount of hemoglobin, leukocytes and blood plasma. ESR during pregnancy increases slightly - up to 20-30 mm / h, which is mainly due to an increase in the concentration of fibrinogen.
During normal pregnancy, changes in the acid-base state of the blood are observed, which is expressed in the accumulation of acidic
exchange products. As the gestational age increases, the phenomena of metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis increase. It is believed that maternal acidosis may be a consequence of primary fetal acidosis due to the predominance of anaerobic glycolysis processes in his body. In most pregnant women, these changes are compensated, and there is no pH shift, which indicates a sufficient capacity of the body's buffer systems when physiological pregnancy.
HEMOSTASIS SYSTEM
Under normal conditions, hemostasis depends on the state of the vascular wall, platelets, coagulation factors and fibrinolysis. During pregnancy, there are significant changes in the system of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Hemostasiological status is characterized by an increase in blood coagulation potential, an increase in the structural properties of the clot, and inhibition of enzymatic fibrinolytic activity. These changes, together with an increase in BCC, prevent bleeding during placental separation, the formation of an intravascular thrombus, and play an important role in preventing pregnancy complications such as thromboembolism and bleeding after the development of DIC. In normal pregnancy, there is an increase in the level of VII (proconvertin), VIII (antihemophilic globulin), X (Stewart factor) coagulation factors (from 50 to 100%), prothrombin and factor IX (Christmas factor by 20-40%) and especially plasma fibrinogen levels The concentration of fibrinogen increases by 50%, which is the main reason for a significant increase in ESR during pregnancy.By 38-40 weeks of pregnancy, the prothrombin index also significantly increases.The number of platelets decreases somewhat due to their increased consumption.
Plasma fibrinolytic activity decreases during pregnancy, becomes the smallest during childbirth and returns to its original level 1 hour after the birth of the placenta.
Changes in the hemostasis system are a unique feature of the gestational process; they are supported by the existence of the fetoplacental complex and, after the completion of pregnancy, undergo
regression. However, in the case of the development of pathological conditions during pregnancy, the hemostasis system universally and nonspecifically reacts to them in the form of the formation of DIC of the blood, the starting points of which lie in physiological hemostatic reactions.
DIGESTIVE ORGANS
Many women in early dates pregnancy, nausea, vomiting in the morning are observed, changes taste sensations, these phenomena gradually disappear. Progesterone helps to reduce the tone of smooth muscles. Due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, intraesophageal pressure also decreases, with increased intra-abdominal and intragastric pressure, heartburn appears. These factors determine the danger of endotracheal anesthesia in pregnant women and women in childbirth - regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents (Mendelssohn's syndrome) occur with a frequency of 1:3000. Mechanical compression of the large intestine by the growing uterus leads to congestion and deterioration of peristalsis, constipation. Pregnant women often develop hemorrhoids, which is caused by constipation and an increase in venous pressure below the level of the growing uterus. There is an upward displacement of the anatomical structures, which makes it difficult to diagnose diseases of the abdominal cavity.
During pregnancy, liver function changes. Laboratory tests give results that are sometimes similar to those in liver pathology:
Alkaline phosphatase activity is doubled (placental alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme);
The level of albumin and the albumin-globulin coefficient decrease.
The amount of glycogen in the liver decreases somewhat, because a lot of glucose passes from the mother to the fetus. The intensity of fat metabolism changes (increased lipemia, high cholesterol, increased fat deposition in hepatocytes). The protein-forming function of the liver is also changing, aimed at providing the fetus necessary quantity amino acids. The synthesis of fibrinogen in the liver increases, the processes of inactivation of estrogens and other steroid hormones produced by the placenta are intensified. Some
women with normal pregnancies have skin changes such as palmar erythema and petechial hemorrhages. They are not considered a manifestation of liver disease, but only a sign of an increase in the concentration of estrogens, and completely disappear by the 5-6th week after childbirth. The detoxification function of the organ is somewhat reduced. In addition, one should take into account the progesterone effect on the tone and motility of the biliary tract, which contributes to the occurrence of cholelithiasis and cholestasis even in healthy women.
URINARY ORGANS
The main changes in kidney function during pregnancy are as follows:
Increase in renal blood flow by 60-75%;
Increase in glomerular filtration by 50%;
Accelerated clearance of most substances;
Decrease in the level of creatinine, urea and urates in the blood plasma;
Possible glycosuria.
The urinary function of the kidneys is based on three main processes:
Glomerular filtration;
tubular reabsorption;
tubular secretion.
The kidneys function with increased load, removing from the mother's body not only the products of her metabolism, but also the products of the metabolism of the fetus. Glomerular filtration increases by 30-50%. Characteristic of physiological pregnancy are lower plasma creatinine and urea concentrations compared to the norm for non-pregnant women.
An increase in glomerular filtration with a decrease in tubular reabsorption of filtered glucose may be accompanied by the development of glucosuria even in the physiological course of the gestational process, which is more often observed in the third trimester of pregnancy.
One of the main tests for diagnosing kidney pathology during pregnancy is proteinuria. It should be noted that during physiological pregnancy, the amount of protein excreted in daily urine is increased to 0.05 g/day, and therefore the diagnostic value of this test is reduced.
The change in the concentration and clearance indicators of kidney function is accompanied by an increase in the indicators of the sodium/potassium ratio of urine, the clearance of endogenous creatinine, and osmotically free water.
Tone urinary tract decreases mainly as a result of the influence of placental progesterone, the capacity of the bladder increases slightly. Atony and expansion of the lumen of the ureters disrupt the passage of urine and may cause or exacerbate infectious diseases. Mechanical pressure in combination with the action of progesterone sometimes contribute to hydronephrosis, expansion of the lumen of the ureter (in 86% on the right).
musculoskeletal system
The load on the spine of a pregnant woman increases, the gait (“proud gait” of a pregnant woman) changes. Progressive lordosis with an increasing uterus shifts the center of gravity to the lower extremities. Changes during pregnancy are characterized by serous impregnation and loosening of the articular ligaments, symphyseal cartilage and synovial membranes of the pubic and sacroiliac joints, due to the influence of relaxin produced in the placenta. In this regard, there is a slight increase in mobility in the joints of the pelvis and the possibility of a slight increase in the capacity of the pelvis during childbirth, including due to the divergence of the pubic bones (normally by no more than 1 cm).
LEATHER
Often in the skin of the face, the white line of the abdomen, nipples and areola, there is a deposition of brown pigment (pregnancy mask - chloasma or melasma gravidarum). The cause of pigmentation is melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a polypeptide similar to corticotropin, under its action in zona reticularis adrenal glands synthesize a pigment close to melanin. Estrogens and progesterone
also give a melanocyte-stimulating effect. In the same women, hormonal contraceptives can cause similar changes.
Under the influence of mechanical stretching and under the influence of hypercortisolism, pregnancy bands appear (striae gravidarum) blue-purple color, localized around the navel, in the lower abdomen, often on the thighs and on the mammary glands. These scars (a consequence of the divergence of connective tissue fibers) do not disappear after childbirth, but take the form of whitish scars.
In 2/3 of pregnant women angiomas, telangiectasias, nevi appear, and in 2/3 - palmar erythema. clinical significance they do not have and in most women disappear immediately after childbirth, as a result of hyperestrogenemia.
MAMMARY GLAND
The mammary glands during pregnancy reach full morphological maturity, their size increases due to the growth of glandular tissue. The number of alveoli, lobules, ducts increases. In the epithelium lining the alveoli, the secretion of colostrum begins. These changes occur under the influence of estrogens, progesterone, PL and prolactin. The nipples also grow, the areola are intensely pigmented. Montgomery's glands appear on the areolas - hypertrophied sebaceous glands.
GENITAL ORGANS
The genital organs undergo significant changes, especially pronounced in the uterus.
The size, shape, position, consistency and excitability of the uterus changes. Its weight, equal to 50-100 g before pregnancy, increases to 1000 g (without ovum) at the end of pregnancy. The volume of the uterine cavity increases by 500 times by the end of pregnancy. The dynamics of the increase in the standing height of the uterine fundus is shown in the illustration (see below). After 12 weeks, the uterus extends beyond the small pelvis. Physiological dextrorotation of the uterus is due to the presence of the sigmoid colon in the left part of the pelvis.
The mucous membrane of the uterus, which was in the secretion phase before implantation, undergoes a complex of complex morphological and biochemical changes from the moment the blastocyst attaches and is called decidual - falling away.
Hypertrophy of the nervous elements of the uterus, an increase in the number of receptors, and an increase in the vascular network are observed.
The amount of actomyosin (a complex compound of contractile proteins - actin and myosin) increases, which reduces the motor function of the uterus.
The amount of phosphorus compounds, as well as energetically important creatine phosphate and glycogen, increases.
By the time of delivery, there is an accumulation of serotonin, catecholamines. Serotonin is a progesterone antagonist and a synergist of estrogenic hormones, promotes contractile activity of the uterus. Irregular, sporadic uterine contractions are called Braxton-Gix contractions (described in 1872).
There is hypertrophy of the ligamentous apparatus of the uterus, especially round and sacro-uterine ligaments.
In the cervix, the processes of hypertrophy and hyperplasia are less pronounced. Due to the significant development of the venous network, the neck resembles spongy tissue, becomes cyanotic, edematous, softened. The cervical canal is filled thick mucus(mucus plug), the discharge of the mucous plug is a harbinger of childbirth. The external and internal os of the cervix in primigravidas is closed before delivery, in recurrent
nyh external pharynx in the last months of pregnancy during vaginal examination skips a finger. From 4 months of pregnancy, the lower pole of the fetal egg stretches the isthmus of the uterus and occupies it, the isthmus becomes part of the fetus and is called the lower segment of the uterus. The lower segment is limited by the line of attachment of the peritoneum of the vesicouterine fold from above and by the level internal os cervix from below. This volume of the uterus contains fewer muscles and blood vessels, is thinner, and is usually the site of an incision for a caesarean section.
"NORM OF PREGNANCY"
Considering the above, in last years in obstetric practice, the concept of "pregnancy rate" began to be used. The “pregnancy rate” should be understood as the average statistical indicators of homeostasis and functional tests, characteristic of the uncomplicated development of pregnancy in a practically healthy woman at different gestational ages.
To identify pathological disorders during pregnancy, it is necessary to clearly understand the permissible limits of fluctuations of certain parameters. Previously, the main indicators of homeostasis of pregnant and non-pregnant women were compared, which seems to be not entirely competent, since it does not reflect the functional changes inherent in the gestational process.
Knowledge of physiological changes in the body during normal pregnancy is necessary for a doctor of any specialty, as it allows you to quickly identify pathology that precedes complications of childbirth and the postpartum period or determines them. Ignoring the above changes by a doctor can lead to both underestimation of the severity of the condition and iatrogenic overcorrection in the treatment of complications or critical conditions.
As they say in all articles about pregnancy, first of all, the taste preferences of the expectant mother change. Actually this is not true. Many women during pregnancy give up their favorite foods and begin to actively consume what they have never eaten. Some pregnant women combine incongruous (herring and jam, ice cream and cucumbers, etc.) and enjoy. But there are those who adhere to the usual diet.
One of the most noticeable changes during pregnancy is weight gain and belly growth. Normally, a woman gains about 10-12 kg during pregnancy, of which 4-4.5 kg falls on the fetus, amniotic fluid and placenta, 1-1.5 kg - to increase the uterus and mammary glands, 1.5 kg to increase amount of blood and 1 kg of interstitial fluid. As a rule, the body of the expectant mother also stores the adipose tissue necessary for successful breastfeeding.
Bones, muscles, skin
During pregnancy, a woman's body produces a special hormone - relaxin. It is he who ensures the safe and physiological divergence of the pelvic bones during childbirth, which is necessary for the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.
In late pregnancy, a woman may feel an increase in mobility in the joints, and some expectant mothers even complain of pain in the hands, knees and elbows. these problems disappear.
Many women notice that in the second trimester of pregnancy, the line from the navel to the pubis darkens, turning brown; the areolas darken and increase in diameter. Under the influence of the pigment that the adrenal glands produce during pregnancy, freckles or age spots can form.
While waiting for the baby, the skin on the abdomen is very stretched, stretch marks (stretch marks) may appear. With high skin elasticity, stretch marks may disappear a few months after childbirth. If the elasticity of the skin is reduced, striae remain on the woman's body for life.
Respiratory system
During pregnancy, the content of the hormone progesterone in the blood increases, which provides additional relaxation of the muscles of the walls of the bronchi. This leads to the expansion of the airway lumen, which is necessary to increase the volume of air inhaled by the mother by 40%. Interestingly, 30% of them go to the needs of the fetus, and the remaining 10% are used in the body of the expectant mother.
Heart, vessels and blood
The cardiovascular system, without exaggeration, takes on the main burden during the period of expectation of a child. To deliver all the necessary nutrients to the uterus, hypertrophy occurs, that is, an increase in the left ventricle, an increase in heart rate and an increase in minute blood volume.
Blood pressure in the first trimester may even decrease slightly, which causes lethargy, weakness and drowsiness (pregnant women often complain about them at the beginning of their journey). Somewhere in the middle of the second trimester, each woman's pressure increases by an average of 10 mm. rt. Art. However, in pathological cases, these figures can increase significantly. In such situations, we are talking about preeclampsia - a complication of the second half of pregnancy, fraught with such dangerous conditions as eclampsia. Jumps in blood pressure to high numbers, as you know, can cause or.
A pregnant woman provides food not only for herself, but also for the baby. And despite the fact that the blood of the mother and fetus during pregnancy does not mix, a woman needs increased volumes of this fluid. As a result, during the period of waiting for a child, hematopoiesis increases, the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin increases. By the end of pregnancy, the total amount of blood increases by 40%.
urinary organs
The problem of urgent visits to the toilet is quite acute for almost every pregnant woman. By the middle of the second trimester, the enlarged one exerts noticeable pressure on bladder women. This situation is quite physiological, but it makes the expectant mother "run to the toilet" quite often. Moreover, the more, the stronger the pressure, and, consequently, the more frequent trips to the toilet.
The growing uterus puts pressure not only on the bladder, but also on the intestines. However, in this situation it works not in a plus, but in a minus. Compression of the intestine prevents normal peristalsis, which ensures the movement of food. As a result, constipation occurs - a rather unpleasant condition, especially during pregnancy.
Discussion
Comment on the article "Pregnancy: changes in the body. In what trimester?"
Pregnancy: changes in the body. Many women notice that in the second trimester of pregnancy, the line from the navel to the pubis darkens, turning brown; darken Blood pressure in the first trimester may even decrease slightly, which ...
Discussion
everything is fine with you! sleep is good;) I have been sleeping since the beginning of pregnancy. Now it’s already 13 weeks, and where you put me, lean me, I sleep there;) and the pressure is low (90/60). It's hard only when the weather is changeable and the atmospheric pressure fluctuates. My doctor says that the main thing with coffee is not to overdo it. If you like, you can freshly brewed green tea - there is also a lot of caffeine. Grow in health!
There is no need to be ashamed, especially if the husband does not complain :)
Hold on, everything passes, this too will pass :)
I only felt like a man after 13 weeks.
Some women experience multiple orgasms during pregnancy. During pregnancy and lactation, the external structures of the mammary gland also undergo changes. The nipple and areola increase, their color changes from pink to dark.
Discussion
In the first, B. grew by exactly one size. From 38 to 39. Now the eighth month already, and the paw is the same, I hope that it will remain so.
My 40-41 stayed with me even after 4 full-term pregnancies. It probably increases in those who have not yet matured ...
During pregnancy, the hormonal balance of a woman changes, and blood rushes to the genitals. Some women who previously found it difficult to have an orgasm while "in position" achieve it with ease and more often want sex, to mutual pleasure ...
Stationary, but during pregnancy it can diverge, because the pelvis of the pregnant woman becomes wider. To understand why a solarium can be harmful to the body in general, and even more so for sometimes in the non-solar season, they even advise pregnant women rarely, but to walk ...
Discussion
in the 1st pregnancy +13, 2 days after birth it was -10 kg. The remaining 3 kg went away in a year of breastfeeding (and returned very quickly after they stopped breastfeeding, but they did not bother me). And now I have already gained 15 kg, and I still have to walk for a month and a half .....
I was gaining weight in leaps and bounds. Either nothing, then a kilo in a week. and two months after giving birth, she got into her school jeans, everything else fell off. Everything from nursing lack of sleep and malnutrition. She stopped feeding - after a couple of months she gained her non-pregnant weight. And my girlfriend was alone and so thin, but when she gave birth to her legs, they became like matches. The girl is already 10 years old, but her friend still won’t cross the 50kg line.
The nutrition of a pregnant woman affects not only the state of her body, but also full development and future health As the functional load on the mother's body increases during pregnancy, the ratio of nutrients also changes ...
The second pregnancy of the Italian came during the first. Good news for women who like to bear babies, you can go pregnant if you wish and with a good combination of circumstances for at least a whole year.
IMHO If, during pregnancy, a woman suffers prolonged stressful situations, it all depends, in my opinion, firstly, on the type of nervous system of the woman herself, secondly, on her current state of health and, thirdly ...
Discussion
I am an expert, so my opinion is amateurish, but I have my own experience. The first pregnancy was very nervous, I had to hide the pregnancy, my husband could not get a divorce from his first wife and my father kicked me out of the house. The child was born normal, as I later realized, not even very noisy. The second pregnancy proceeded in absolute peace of mind, there was not even any unrest at work, since I was sitting at home. And the baby was born restless, with-hands-not descending.
The child has the type of nervous system that he inherits from his parents. After all, it often happens that the same parents have completely different children: one is completely calm, the other is hyperactive with scattered attention. That is, what is pledged is pledged. So it doesn't depend on stress. IMHO If, during pregnancy, a woman endures prolonged stressful situations, it all depends, in my opinion, firstly, on the type of nervous system of the woman herself, secondly, on her state of health at the current moment, and, thirdly, on the attitude of the woman herself women to what happened. And since any stress can cause unpredictable consequences for human health (from a headache to a heart attack), it is precisely the peculiarities of the course of these consequences in a pregnant woman that will affect the fetus. The consequences can be different and are known, probably, to everyone. These are mainly vegetative-vascular disorders: increased pressure, panic attacks, palpitations, headaches, lack of appetite, insomnia, depression, etc. This, in turn, can cause (as in a chain reaction) complications during pregnancy and even the threat of miscarriage. It seems to me that mother nature tried to protect the nervous system of a woman from such things during pregnancy. If the pregnancy is desired and the child is long-awaited, then this is such a positive emotion for a woman that she endures many stressful situations much easier. So, I think there will be no pronounced pathologies in a child born to a mother whose pregnancy proceeded in stressful situations, but without complications and consequences for her health. If, as a result of these stresses, the mother's health deteriorated and, as a result, complications arose during pregnancy, then the answer is obvious - there will be deviations, but not necessarily in the development of the child's nervous system. Here, everything will depend on the stage of pregnancy at which these stressful situations that led to the illness of the mother were.
Already from the first weeks of waiting for the baby, the skin of the face of the expectant mother seems to be changing - it becomes even, smooth and silky. During pregnancy, all the defects that cause so much trouble and grief at the usual time disappear. Pimples, black dots on the nose, peeling, feeling of tightness and oily sheen of the skin disappear. The expectant mother owes these pleasant changes to a change hormonal background associated with pregnancy.
The main reason for the appearance of acne, boils, black spots, acne on the skin is an increase in the blood of a woman androgens - male sex hormones. These substances, which are normally present in the blood of both men and women, regulate the acid-base balance of the skin and secretion sebaceous glands. With an excess of androgens, the secretion of the sebaceous glands becomes too thick and clogs their excretory ducts - thus, black dots appear on the skin and small pimples. In addition, with an excess of androgens, the pH (acidity) of the skin is disturbed; this leads to a decrease in barrier function, that is, to the loss of protection against infection. In this case, bacteria penetrate into the formed sebaceous plugs from the surface of the skin, which begin to multiply and cause inflammatory process sebaceous glands. As a result, acne may appear.
During pregnancy, everything changes for the better due to the fact that the expectant mother begins to secrete the hormone progesterone. This substance is often called the "hormone of pregnancy", since it is it that ensures the regulation of all processes aimed at bearing the fetus.
From the first days of pregnancy, progesterone significantly suppresses the production of male sex hormones, since, among other things, they cause an increase in the tone of the uterus - a very undesirable "side effect" for the expectant mother. Hyperandrogenism, or an excess of male sex hormones, is a major risk factor in the development of threatened miscarriage. Therefore, normal hormonal system the expectant mother is rebuilt in the direction of reducing the production of androgens and increasing the synthesis of estrogens.
Estrogens are female sex hormones secreted by the ovaries; they are responsible for such properties of the skin as elasticity, silkiness and smoothness. Due to the predominance of these hormones during pregnancy, in most women, the feeling of tightness and peeling of the skin, as well as an unpleasant oily sheen on the “problem” areas of the face, disappears. Vitamins A and E play an important role in the synthesis of estrogen; they determine the state of elastin and collagen fibers in the structure of the skin, the amount of fluid in the cells of its uppermost layer - the epidermis, and hence its silkiness and elasticity.
It is important that the expectant mother can influence the condition of her skin with the help of a properly selected daily menu: vitamin A is found in nuts, butter, eggs, milk, carrots, avocados and marine fish liver. Vitamin E, which is perfectly absorbed from food, necessary during pregnancy and also affects the health of the skin, enters the body from vegetable oils, olives and olives, avocados, nuts, beans and peas. A lot of vitamin E is found in buckwheat and oatmeal, lettuce and spinach, as well as animal products - kidneys, liver and milk. The inclusion of these products in the daily diet provides a good tone, smoothness and silkiness of the skin of the expectant mother, and also helps in the prevention of stretch marks.
Expectant mothers owe a pleasant complexion to improved blood supply to tissues during pregnancy. During this period, the blood becomes less viscous and moves faster through the vessels. In addition to an increase in blood flow velocity, with a successful pregnancy, there is a greater saturation of blood with oxygen; this happens due to the release of reserves of hemoglobin - a substance that ensures the transport of oxygen to cells. Such a restructuring of blood circulation is necessary for the normal growth and development of the baby, because nutrition and oxygen come to him through the smallest vessels placenta. Improving the microcirculation of blood flow through small-diameter vessels provides not only the full life support of the fetus, but also a good blood supply to the mother's tissues, including her skin. As a result, the skin becomes even healthy color becomes radiant and looks even younger than before pregnancy. The female sex hormones estrogens do not stand aside either: they provide a charming blush on the cheeks of expectant mothers. Estrogens slightly dilate the vessels of the capillary bed, which are rich in facial skin. Therefore, during pregnancy, many women stop using corrector, face tone and blush - they simply are not needed!
There is another cosmetic tool that often remains unclaimed during pregnancy - a corrective remedy for dark circles under the eyes. While waiting for the baby, the body of the expectant mother spends a lot of energy on life support, growth and development of the fetus. To restore strength and replenish the energy reserves of the body, you need good nutrition and, of course, good sleep. The need for rest during pregnancy always increases, so the time of night sleep for the expectant mother is significantly increased compared to what it was before pregnancy. A woman gets tired much faster, goes to bed earlier and sleeps soundly at night, therefore dark circles also remain in the past, because they are satellites chronic fatigue and eternal sleeplessness.
hair during pregnancy
Changes also occur with the hair of the expectant mother, which literally transforms - it becomes thick, strong, shiny and silky.
With the onset of pregnancy, problems such as dullness, greasy hair and dandruff disappear. All these unpleasant phenomena are related to the concept of seborrhea and are caused by an excess of male sex hormones in a woman's body. Since the production of androgens is markedly reduced during pregnancy, the activity of the sebaceous glands of the scalp usually normalizes. These hormonal changes immediately affect the condition of the future mother's hair: dullness and fatness remain in the past.
Against the background of improved blood supply and nutrition of epidermal cells, the scalp during pregnancy ceases to be irritated and flaky. Many women notice that dandruff, which previously could not be dealt with with the help of various means, disappeared on its own almost from the first weeks of the “interesting situation”. The result, as they say, is obvious: the hair grows faster, does not split or fall out, easily fit into the hair and stays clean longer. Such pleasant changes occur as a result of improved nutrition of hair follicles against the background of hypermicrocirculation - acceleration of blood flow in the capillaries of the scalp.
Nails during pregnancy
Much less problems during pregnancy and with a manicure. An increase in the production of female sex hormones has a positive effect on the balance of vitamins and minerals in the body of a future mother. The nail plates become even, transparent and shiny, stripes and ugly white dots disappear, associated with a lack of calcium and iron in the body.
Positive changes concern not only the nail plates themselves, but also the cuticle, nail bed, as well as the adjacent skin of the fingertips. Improving microcirculation and nutrition of the skin of the nail bed contributes to the appearance of natural pink shade nails and getting rid of hyperkeratosis, which is the main "culprit" of increased keratinization of the cuticle and the formation of burrs around the nails. As a result, the hands and nails of the future mother look healthy and well-groomed - often without much effort on the part of the "hostess".
breast during pregnancy
An increase in the size and shape of the breasts is another pleasant change associated with the onset of pregnancy. The mammary glands undergo a number of characteristic metamorphoses, which all pregnant women pay attention to.
External changes and changes in well-being usually appear already on the fifth or seventh day from the moment of conception. Expectant mothers pay attention to slight aching sensations in the chest, accompanied by a feeling of fullness. Touching the mammary glands during this period may cause a slight feeling of discomfort, and the nipple and areola area may become especially sensitive.
Soon, the unpleasant sensations pass and external, more pleasant changes appear, which also cannot go unnoticed. The breast increases in size, becomes dense to the touch; the shape of the breast, the shape of the areola and the size of the nipple may change slightly. The skin on the nipple and areola becomes denser and acquires a brighter color; sometimes the skin of the nipple darkens. These changes are associated with the release of progesterone by the corpus luteum of the ovary in the first days after fertilization, and in later periods with a similar hormonal function of the placenta. Thus, the body prepares for the upcoming lactation - breastfeeding.
By the end of the first month, discomfort in the mammary glands gradually disappears, but external changes can persist throughout the entire pregnancy. The breast becomes fuller, increases by one or two, and sometimes even by three sizes, the shape of the mammary gland becomes rounded and more feminine. In order for the breasts to remain beautiful after pregnancy and feeding, it is necessary to carefully care for them during these periods. For this purpose, you can apply contrast douches and other hardening procedures, apply stretch mark cream on the skin of the chest daily and use a special underwear for pregnant and lactating mothers.
Movement during pregnancy
During pregnancy, not only the appearance changes, but also the manner of movement. Proud posture, feminine gait, smooth gestures are characteristic of a woman in an "interesting position". The new role subconsciously makes the expectant mother move more smoothly and carefully, so angular movements and sharp gestures disappear from everyday life. Especially noticeable are changes in the posture and gait of a woman; they are associated with a shift in the center of gravity relative to the spine due to the growth of the pregnant uterus. As the duration of pregnancy increases, and with it the load on the dorsal spine, the expectant mother involuntarily straightens her shoulders and throws her head back.
Pleasant concessions
In addition to changes in appearance, the very style of life of the expectant mother is changing and, as a result, the attitude of those around her. During pregnancy, even the strongest and most purposeful business woman can give herself a break, feel tender, fragile, weak. Friends, relatives, and just the surrounding people begin to treat the expectant mother with increased attention: you want to take care of her, protect her from stress and worries, everyday problems.
The expectant mother has every right to refuse boring duties, harmful work and labor overload. An employee in an “interesting position” has every right to refuse to work seven days a week and at night. And business trips with all their “charms”: stations, trains, planes, changing time zones and dubious hotels can be conceded to non-pregnant colleagues. And perhaps the best part is that during pregnancy, a woman really has the right to these concessions: it is even supported by the relevant articles of labor legislation.
The same applies to household chores, which - to be honest - not all women love! In this area, the expectant mother also relies on many pleasant indulgences. A pregnant woman should not clean with household chemicals, inhale dust and washing powder, stand at a hot stove or ironing board for a long time, carry heavy grocery bags. All these unpleasant duties can be with a pure heart pass it on to the rest of the family.
Pregnancy - perfect time to implement long-delayed ideas for cultural leisure activities. This is where the masses are to be expected. positive emotions necessary for a pregnant woman. It is possible that attending a fashion exhibition or a jazz music concert does not have a direct impact on the spiritual development of the child, however, the indirect positive effect of cultural leisure activities is obvious: the expectant mother relaxes, rests and enjoys, which means that all this benefits the baby.
While waiting for the baby, you can finally pay attention to yourself. This time can be used in different ways - the main thing is that the activity is enjoyable. Someone begins to visit spas and beauty salons more often, someone finally decides to go in for sports or health. During pregnancy, even the busiest women find time for a full medical examination, visit a dentist, ophthalmologist, neuropathologist, cardiologist and other specialists. Many during pregnancy for the first time begin to visit the pool, do gymnastics and walk in the fresh air.
The future mother has wonderful opportunities for self-education, expanding the range of interests and acquiring new useful skills. During this period, many women experience increased Creative skills. It is during pregnancy that many women master knitting and embroidery, singing, belly dancing, begin to practice yoga, learn to make funny toys for the baby with their own hands. Someone is enthusiastically engaged in the re-organization of the house and the design of the children's room, someone is fond of photography or learns a foreign language during maternity leave.
And what great opportunities for shopping provides interesting position! After all, this is a real reason to update the wardrobe, and not just once, but several times during pregnancy! This is the purchase of dowry for the baby and furniture for the nursery, the choice of a stroller, playpen, carrying, toys, a high chair and a lot of wonderful things that are so nice to look at, compare and buy. Nothing lifts the mood and self-esteem of a woman like high-quality and successful shopping - especially if the purchases are really necessary and no one will reproach the customer for extra spending.
A pregnant woman is given a seat in transport, skipped a line at the cash desk, and helped to carry bags. And most importantly - everyone, even complete strangers, begins to smile at her. And this is not at all surprising: the expectant mother carries a new life in herself, which means that she herself is a symbol of life and pleasant changes!
Description1st week
In most cases, women do not know the exact date of conception, but they can tell exactly when the last menstrual cycle began. Therefore, in most cases, the countdown is from the first day of the last menstruation, since the egg begins to mature in the ovary, preparing for the upcoming fertilization.
2nd week
Fertilization occurs - the fusion of male (sperm) and female (oocyte) germ cells, as a result of which the set of chromosomes inherent in man is restored and a qualitatively new cell is formed - a zygote (a fertilized egg or a single-celled embryo). Fertilization involves 1 oocyte and 300 million spermatozoa.
3rd week
The embryo growing inside you is still very small - the size of a pinhead. In fact, this is just a group of cells, but they multiply and grow very quickly. Theoretically, such an embryo can already be seen with the naked eye (its length is 0.15 mm), although the group of cells still does not at all look like a fetus, and even more so a child.
How your body is changing
You still do not notice any changes in yourself. Too early! Some women at this stage do not even know they are pregnant. After all, not a single menstrual cycle has been missed yet.
Even on early stage pregnancy there are many changes going on inside you. The ovaries are located in the abdominal cavity near the uterus and fallopian tubes. On the wall of the ovary, a mature egg is formed from the follicle (ovulation occurs), and at this moment the end fallopian tube opens to the ovary, covering the place where the egg is formed - the stigma.
During sexual intercourse, an average of 2 to 5 ml of seminal fluid enters the vagina, and each milliliter contains an average of 70 million spermatozoa. Thus, during ejaculation (ejaculation), from 140 to 350 million spermatozoa are formed, but only about 200 of them reach the place of fertilization of the egg (its connection with the spermatozoon) in the fallopian tube.
How are you changing
Some women notice when they ovulate. They feel mild spasms or pain, sometimes they have increased vaginal discharge. Sometimes during the implantation of a fertilized cell, women notice a slight bleeding.
The time has not yet come for other changes. Your breasts are not yet enlarged, and morning sickness will begin to bother you only after a few weeks.
4th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby is still very small. At this age, its growth can be from 0.36 to 1 mm. In other words, it is less than half the letter "o".
How your body is changing
So far, your pregnancy is completely invisible to the eye. You have not gained weight, your figure has not changed either.
How your baby grows and develops
The fetus is at a very early stage of development, but big changes are already taking place. The implanted blastocyst sunk deeper into the lining of the uterus and the amniotic cavity began to form. Here the placenta and the vasculature containing maternal blood will form.
Various layers of cells begin to form. These layers, also called germ layers, will develop into various parts of your baby's sex and organs over time. There are three main germ layers - ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The ectoderm will develop into the nervous system (including the brain), skin and hair. The endoderm will become the lining of the intestinal tract, liver, pancreas and thyroid glands. The mesoderm will produce the skeleton, connective tissues, circulatory system, urogenital system, and most of the skeletal and smooth muscles.
How are you changing
You are probably still waiting for the onset menstrual cycle at the end of this week. When it doesn't, pregnancy is the first thing you think of.
5th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby is still not grown up, his height is 1.25 mm.
How your body is changing
So far, nothing is happening in your body. significant changes. Even if you have already realized that you are pregnant, those around you will not notice it for a very long time.
How your baby grows and develops
This week, the baby's heart is just beginning to form, the central nervous system(brain), muscles and bones. During this week, the basis of his skeleton will form.
How are you changing
There are many changes going on in you. Some you already know about, others can only be identified with the help of tests.
6th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby is now 2-4mm from crown to tailbone. This is the so-called “sitting height”, and is used instead of “standing height” (from the crown of the head to the heels), since the knees of the child inside you are tucked up to the chest and its full height is very difficult to measure.
In the presence of special acoustic equipment at the 6th week, it is already possible to listen to the baby's heartbeat.
How your body is changing
By this time, you may have gained or lost some weight. If you were nauseous and weren't eating enough, you most likely lost weight. You've been pregnant for a month now, which is long enough to notice some changes in your body. If this is your first pregnancy, the abdominal cavity is unlikely to have changed in any noticeable way. But you may notice that your favorite clothes have become a little tight at the waist. It is possible that the weight does not build up in the waist, but in other places - in the legs or in the chest.
If you now see a gynecologist, he will notice an increase in the size of the uterus. Perhaps you yourself "feel" it.
How your baby grows and develops
The embryonic period has begun, which lasts from the 6th to the 10th week of pregnancy. This period of child development (4-8 weeks) is extremely important. In that critical period the embryo is most susceptible to the effects of any factors that can affect its development. Most birth defects originate from this time.
The germ layers - ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm - continue to develop. Gradually, they begin to turn into various organs and tissues of the child. The size and shape of his body entirely depend on the formation of these organs.
The ectodermic germ layer will soon become the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, skin, hair, nails, tooth enamel, pituitary gland, mammary glands, sweat glands and sensitive epithelium of the ears, nose and eyes.
The mesoderm germ layer will develop into muscles, cartilage, blood vessels, kidneys, genitals, and spleen. The endodermic germ layer will later become gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, bladder, tonsils, thyroid, parathyroid, tonsils, liver and pancreas.
As a result of this rapid growth, the formation of the body occurs - the head and lower back appear. Around this time, the hemispheres of the brain and optical vesicles of the eyes begin to form. The rudiments of limbs are visible. The chambers of the heart formed and it began to contract. The heartbeat can be heard with ultrasound.
7th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby is now growing at an amazing rate! At the beginning of the 7th week, its growth from crown to tailbone is 4-5 mm. And by the end of this week, it will be the size of a pea - 11-13 mm.
How your body is changing
Although you probably dream of showing your pregnancy to the whole world, the time has not yet come - your figure has not changed much. But that moment will come soon.
How your baby grows and develops
He has the beginnings of legs in the form of short fins. The rudiments of the arms become longer and are already divided into two segments - the shoulder and the forearm. Hands and feet have carpal membranes in which fingers begin to develop.
The baby's brain grows and develops. The heart is divided into right and left chambers.
The heart protrudes from the body. By this time, it has already been divided into left and right chambers. The rudiments of bronchi appeared in the lungs - channels through which air enters the lungs of a person.
The hemispheres of the brain also grow, eyes and nostrils develop.
The intestines are developing, an appendix has appeared. The pancreas, which produces the hormone insulin, appeared. This gland partially protrudes into the umbilical cord, but later it will return to the child's abdominal region.
How are you changing
Changes happen gradually. Outsiders are unlikely to notice that you are pregnant unless you yourself tell them about it. You gradually and evenly gain weight, but so far have added no more than a kilogram.
If your weight has not increased, or even vice versa, you have lost the same kilogram, you should not worry. This is also in order. In a week everything will fall into place. You may still be suffering from nausea and other early pregnancy symptoms.
8th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
At the 8th week of pregnancy, your baby's length from crown to tailbone is 1.4-2 cm, that is, he is no longer the size of a pea, but a bean.
How your body is changing
Your uterus is getting bigger, but not yet big enough to be noticeable, especially if this is your first pregnancy. By now, you have probably noticed some change in the waist line, and the clothes are already clearly tight.
How your baby grows and develops
Your baby continues to grow and develop rapidly during these weeks. Eyelids appeared on the face. The tip of the nose stood out. The inner ear and auricles are formed.
The valves of the aorta and pulmonary artery are already present and working in the heart. The channels leading from the trachea to the functioning part of the lungs, called the bronchi, branched out like the crown of a tree. The main artery of the body has become longer.
Elbows are already visible, arms and legs are noticeably lengthened. The arms are bent at the elbows and cover the heart. The rays of the fingers will soon become the phalanges of the hands. The same rays are also visible on the legs.
How are you changing
Before pregnancy, your uterus was the size of a fist. When the fetus is 6 weeks old, it already looks more like a grapefruit. As your uterus grows, you may feel cramping and even pain in your lower abdomen or sides. Some women feel tension or contractions in the uterus.
The uterus contracts throughout pregnancy. If you don't feel it, don't worry. However, if contractions are accompanied by bleeding from the vagina, this may indicate a threat of miscarriage.
9th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
The length of the baby from the crown to the tailbone is 2.2-3 cm. This is already the size of an average olive.
How your body is changing
Every week your uterus gets bigger as the baby inside it grows and is already a little bigger than a grapefruit. Your waist has grown a little.
How your baby grows and develops
At this time, the organs and systems of your child continue to form. This process is called organogenesis. If you could look inside the uterus, you would notice many changes in the baby.
The arms and legs of the child lengthened. The hands are bent at the wrists and are near the heart. The fingers have become slightly longer and thicker in places where pads soon form. The feet are noticeably longer. Legs are already clearly visible, fingers have formed on them. Length from crown to tailbone 25 mm.
The head gradually acquires its usual shape, the neck develops. Eyelids almost close eyes. The auricles are already clearly visible.
Your child begins to change the position of the body and limbs. These movements can be detected by ultrasound.
In general, the child is already more like a human being, although extremely small. So far, it is impossible to determine whether it is a boy or a girl. The external sex organs (genitals) are still very tiny, and they will not be "examined" for a few more weeks.
How are you changing
Most women are very keenly interested in their weight during pregnancy and weigh themselves periodically. As strange as it may seem, gaining your body weight is essential for the normal development of your baby. Even if the weight gain is still small, your body is still changing.
Changes in your body - an increase in the uterus, breast tissue, blood volume and lymph fluid - give the greatest weight gain. To ensure the life of the fetus, your body accumulates nutrients, and this increases the volume of blood and lymph. One of the reasons for the accumulation of fats in the body is the preparation for feeding the baby with milk.
10th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
At the 10th week of pregnancy, the length of the child from crown to tailbone is in the range from 3.1 to 4.2 cm.
From this time, it is already possible to measure the weight of the child. Previously, it was too small to capture changes from week to week. But now its weight is already about 5 g, and in size it looks like a small plum.
How your body is changing
Changes occur gradually, and you still do not notice a noticeable weight gain. If you've been thinking about trying on maternity clothes, it's too soon.
How your baby grows and develops
The end of the 10th week is the end of the embryonic period of development and the beginning of the fetal period. It is characterized rapid growth fruit of three germinal petals. During the embryonic period, the child was most susceptible to external factors that could affect its development. Most congenital malformations could only develop up to and including the 10th week.
By the end of the 10th week, the formation of the organs and systems of the child is in full swing - he begins to look more and more like a person. Although the critical stage has already been passed, not all problems are behind us. Further development can still be affected by malnutrition and drug use.
11th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
By this time, the length of the child from the top of the head to the tailbone lies in the range of 4.4-6 cm, the weight is about 8 g. It resembles a small lemon in size.
How your body is changing
If there are big changes going on in your child right now, little is changing in you. You are almost at the end of your first trimester. Your uterus expands as the baby grows in it. It already fills almost the entire pelvic region, and it is easy to feel it in the lower abdomen above the articulation of the pubic (pubic) bone.
So far, you do not feel the movements of the child. If it seems to you that the baby is moving, then this is either the formation of gases, or the age of pregnancy is greater than you thought.
How your baby grows and develops
The fruit grows at this time very quickly. Over the next three weeks, its length from crown to buttocks will double. As can be seen from the photo, the head makes up almost half of the entire torso of the child. Now he begins to raise his head, the chin is separated from the chest, the neck is gradually developing and strengthening. Fingernails also appear. The external distinctive features of the genitals are more and more clearly manifested. The final formation of the male or female fetus will be completed in three weeks.
At the stage of the embryo, sexual characteristics are practically indistinguishable, and the development of the embryo into a male or female fetus is determined by the genetic information embedded in it at the time of fertilization. If the egg is fertilized by a male sperm, you will have a boy, if a female - a girl. The process of sexual differentiation is accompanied by the release of appropriate hormones, which lead to the formation of male or female genital organs.
How are you changing
Some women experience changes in the hair and nails of the hands and feet during pregnancy: some notice accelerated growth of hair and nails, others notice hair loss. Don't worry, it doesn't mean anything bad. These phenomena are explained in different ways.
Some doctors are sure that such changes during pregnancy are associated with increased blood circulation, others see the cause in hormonal changes, and others explain them by a change in “phases” in the hair or nail development cycle. In any case, do not panic. This is temporary and there is little or nothing you can do to counter it.
12th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby now weighs between 8 and 14 g. It measures approximately 60 mm from crown to tailbone. Baby's size has almost doubled in the last three weeks! Fetal length is now a more reliable indicator of development than weight.
How your body is changing
During these 12 weeks, your weight may not have changed, but it could have increased by a couple of kilograms. If you suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy, you could even lose about a kilogram.
The average weight gain during pregnancy is 11.4-15.9 kg. The fastest weight gain is at the end of pregnancy. If over the past 12 weeks you have added from 1.8 to 3.6 kg, then this is quite normal.
By the end of week 12, your uterus is too big to fit in your hip bones. You can feel it over the pubic bone (pubic articulation). The uterus has the remarkable ability to stretch during pregnancy. She will return to her previous size a few weeks after giving birth. And now it is growing upward, filling the hip area first, and then the abdominal area.
Before pregnancy, the uterus is almost firm. Its volume is only 10 ml and even less. During pregnancy, it turns into a relatively thin-walled muscular sac that contains the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid. By the end of pregnancy, its volume can reach 5-10 liters. Thus, its capacity is increased by 500 and even 1000 times!
The weight of the uterus also changes. If before pregnancy it is approximately 70 g, then after childbirth - 1100 g.
The growth of the uterine wall in the first few months of pregnancy is stimulated by two hormones - estogen and progesterone. Later, the walls of the uterus stretch and become thin under the pressure of the growth of the baby and the placenta.
How your baby grows and develops
After the 12th week, new organs are no longer formed, but existing ones continue to grow and develop.
At 12 weeks, you can hear your baby's heartbeat with a special device (not a stethoscope) called a doppler. It amplifies the sound of the heartbeat enough to be heard.
The child's skeleton, which began to develop earlier, is now in the phase of ossification - the formation of bone substance. The fingers and toes have separated, the nails continue to grow. Individual signs of hair appear on the body. External genitalia of sufficient size to confidently determine the sex of the child.
The gastrointestinal system (small intestine) is already able to contract and push food through itself. It can actively absorb glucose and sugar.
The pituitary gland at the base of the skull begins to produce many hormones. Hormones are biologically active chemical substances produced in some parts of the body and affecting others. Hormones are classified into growth hormones, corticotropic hormones (ACTH), prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
The nervous system continues to develop. Your baby is starting to move, but you may not feel it until a month or two later. Local stimulation of the fetus can cause him to squint, open his mouth, move his fingers or toes.
The volume of amniotic fluid is steadily increasing. Now it is 50 ml. So far, this fluid resembles the plasma (non-cellular part) of your blood, except that it has a much lower protein content.
How are you changing
You may feel much better. During this period, the nausea of pregnant women usually begins to pass. The belly is not too big and you probably feel quite comfortable.
You may or may not wear maternity clothes. If this is your first pregnancy, then you still have time to wear regular clothes. If the pregnancy is not the first, then the stomach usually appears earlier, and it's time for you to switch to looser clothes.
Not only the stomach becomes larger, but also the chest. It may itch for a while. You may have noticed that you also put on weight in your legs and possibly your hips.
Some skin changes may also occur. In many women, the skin becomes noticeably darker in the middle part of the abdomen, sometimes a longitudinal dark brown stripe appears.
13th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby is growing very fast now! Its length from crown to tailbone lies in the range of 6.5-7.8 cm, and its weight is 14-20 g. It resembles a peach in size.
How your body is changing
Your uterus has grown quite significantly. You can already feel it in the lower abdomen, about 10 cm below the navel. At the 12th and 13th weeks, the uterus fills the hip region and begins to grow upward into the abdominal region. It feels like there is a soft, smooth ball inside you.
By now, you've probably put on weight already. If you were tormented by morning sickness of pregnant women and made you disgusted with food, then the weight did not increase or even slightly decreased. But if you feel good, then as the child grows, your weight will inevitably increase.
How your baby grows and develops
Around this time, the embryonic period ends and the period of fetal development begins. It is characterized by the rapid growth of the tissues and organs of the child, which have already formed during the previous two weeks.
During this period, congenital malformations, as a rule, are not formed. However, drugs and other harmful effects, such as overvoltage or radiation, can destroy some important fetal cells at any time during pregnancy. Avoid such influences.
Active growth of the fetus begins from this week, and ends with the 24th week of pregnancy. Compared with the 7th week, the length of the fetus has doubled. Changes in fetal weight are most significant from the 8th to the 10th week of pregnancy.
An interesting feature is noted - there is a gradual slowdown in the growth rate of the child's head compared to the body. If during the 13th week the head is about half the length from the crown to the buttocks, then at the 21st week it will be only a third of this length. And by the time of birth, the baby's head is about a fifth of the body! Thus, the body begins to grow faster than the head.
The face of the child begins to acquire familiar human features. The eyes, which first appeared on the sides of the head, converge closer together on the face. The ears are in a normal position on the sides of the head.
The external genital organs are already developed enough to distinguish a boy from a girl.
The intestine originally developed as a thickened umbilical cord on the outside of the body. Now he begins to be drawn into the body of the fetus. If this does not happen, the intestines will remain outside the body until the very moment of childbirth, such an anomaly is called an omphalocele (hernia of the umbilical cord). This is a very rare occurrence, occurring in one case out of ten thousand. The child undergoes a surgical operation, and subsequently he becomes completely healthy.
How are you changing
You've lost your waist! Ordinary clothes are tight - it's time to switch to loose-fitting clothes for pregnant women.
14th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Now the length of the fetus from the crown to the tailbone is 8-8.9 cm, and the weight is about 25 g. It is about the size of your fist.
How your body is changing
Now loose clothing for pregnant women is already a must. Some women try to get out of the situation by not fastening the buttons or zippers on their trousers, or by using rubber bands or safety pins instead. Others wear clothes one size larger, but this saves them for a while. Very soon you will become even more. You will enjoy your pregnancy more and feel much more comfortable if you switch to loose-fitting clothes.
Usually, women who are not pregnant for the first time complain that the stomach appears earlier, is located lower, and they become “even fatter than last time.” Almost all women notice similar changes in themselves with each new pregnancy.
It really depends on how your previous pregnancy went. Remember what kind of belly you had. Your skin and muscles have been stretched to accommodate your uterus, placenta, and baby. The skin and muscles on the abdomen never return to their previous state after childbirth. In the next pregnancy, they quickly adapt to stretching under the pressure of the uterus. This explains the fact that the belly appears earlier and becomes larger than last time.
To verify this, try standing up and looking down at your belly. Below the navel, you will notice a "hanging" fold of skin. It is not noticeable when you are lying down, but as soon as you get up, it is right there. And no tricks can get rid of it. This "extra" skin causes many women to do plastic surgery to remove it.
How your baby grows and develops
By this week, your baby's ears have moved from the neck to a normal position on the sides of the head, the eyes have moved closer to the middle of the face, and the neck continues to stretch. The chin no longer rests on the chest.
Sex differences are becoming more and more obvious. The external genitalia continue to develop. It is now even easier to distinguish a boy from a girl from them.
15th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
At the 15th week of pregnancy, the length of the fetus from the crown to the tailbone is 9.3-10.4 cm, and the weight is about 50 g. It is similar in size to a handball.
How your body is changing
Now you can already feel the uterus at a level of 7-10 cm below the navel. Your pregnancy is not yet so conspicuous to strangers if you wear a normal outerwear for the street. But it is no longer possible to hide it if you put on a swimsuit.
It's still too early to feel the movements of the baby, but in a week or two you will feel them!
How your baby grows and develops
Your child's rapid growth continues. His skin is still very thin, through which you can see the blood vessels. Thin hairs, the so-called vellus hair (lanugo hair) cover his entire body.
At this time, the child can already suckle his thumb. This is usually clearly visible on ultrasound. The eyes continue to move towards the middle of the face, but are still widely spaced.
The auricles continue to develop, they are now more like normal ears. In general, the child acquires more and more familiar human features.
The bones are already formed and are becoming stronger due to the accumulation of calcium (the process of bone formation is called ossification). If X-rays are taken now, it will be possible to see the skeleton of the child.
16th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
This week, the length of the fetus reaches 11-11.5 cm, and the weight is about 80 g.
How your body is changing
Your baby is growing, and the uterus and placenta are getting bigger. Six weeks ago, the uterus weighed 140 g, and now its weight is about 250 g. The volume of amniotic fluid in which the baby swims increases to 250 ml. You can feel the uterus at a distance of 7.5 cm below the navel.
How your baby grows and develops
The baby has a cute fluff on his head. The umbilical cord leaves the abdomen. Now it is attached to the body of the fetus lower than before. Well formed nails. The legs are longer than the handles. The kid is already moving them. When conducting an ultrasound on the monitor screen, you can see the movements of the fetus. Perhaps you already feel them. And if not, don't worry. Usually, the first movements, or movements, of the fetus occur between the 16th and 20th weeks of pregnancy: it is different for all women. In addition, one child may be more active, and the other less. Even one mother different pregnancies the timing of the first movements is different.
What do baby's first movements look like? Many compare these sensations to air bubbles or flutter. Often you do not even immediately realize that it is a child moving. And only a few days later it dawns on you that your baby is making itself felt.
17th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
By this week, the length of the baby from the crown to the tailbone is 11-12 cm. In two weeks, its weight has doubled and is now about 100 g. Now the baby is the size of an open palm.
How your body is changing
The bottom of the uterus is located at a distance of 4-5 cm below the navel. When your husband hugs you, he feels how your stomach has changed. Pregnancy has already become visible to the naked eye, and it's time for you to buy maternity clothes - loose and elastic.
By this time, you have put on weight from 2.25 to 4.5 kg.
How your baby grows and develops
From this week, the fetus begins to form a fatty layer, or subcutaneous fat, which is involved in energy production and the metabolic process.
At the 17th week of pregnancy, water is 89 g of the total weight of the fetus, fat - 0.5 g. A full-term newborn has 2.4 kg of fat per 3.5 kg of total weight.
This week you may already feel the movements of the baby, and if not, then it will happen soon. So far, he does not move every day, but with an increase in the duration of the movement, he will move more and more often.
The first movements of a child are a great joy for a woman. In addition, this indicates that the pregnancy is proceeding normally. And if you had pain or bleeding before, then the movements of the baby will delight you doubly.
How are you changing
With the development of pregnancy, the bottom of the uterus takes on a spherical shape. The uterus grows stronger in length - up than in width, becoming oval shape. It has already filled the small pelvis and is growing further, rising to the stomach, soon it will reach the liver. Increasing in size, the uterus shifts internal organs up and to the sides.
The uterus is not fixed firmly in one place, but does not float freely either. It is held in the pelvic cavity with the help of ligaments in the lower part and in the neck area.
When you stand, the uterus touches the anterior wall of the abdomen, in this position it is easily palpable. When you lie down, the uterus moves towards the spine and vena cava.
Round ligaments are attached to the sides of the uterus in its upper part and go to the side wall of the pelvis. During pregnancy, as the uterus enlarges, these ligaments stretch. They become longer and thicker. With your sudden movements, the ligaments are stretched, which causes discomfort or even pain. Moreover, the pain can appear both on one side and on both sides, or on one side it will be stronger.
This pain is not terrible, it only indicates that the uterus is growing. If you experience pain, try to lie down. And some women simply ignore the discomfort.
However, if other symptoms appear along with the pain, such as bleeding, fluid, or the pain becomes very severe, contact your doctor.
18th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
The baby is growing, and its length from crown to tailbone by the 18th week averages from 12.5 to 14 cm. The weight of the fetus is now about 150 g.
How your body is changing
The uterus is already almost at the navel. You can measure it yourself. Place your hands on your waist and feel for the fundus of the uterus. It is located two fingers thick below the navel, or about 2.5 cm.
Now the uterus is the size of an average melon. From the beginning of pregnancy, you should put on weight from 4.5 to 5.8 kg. If you have scored more, check with your doctor: you may need to see a nutritionist. After all, you have more than half of your pregnancy ahead of you, and you will get better more and more.
Of course, it's silly to go on a diet during pregnancy, but you should definitely control your calorie intake. After all, the baby receives nutrition from your body, that is, from the food that you eat. And this food should be complete.
Weight gain during pregnancy can tell you how your baby is growing. For the entire period, the increase should be from 11 to 15.5 kg. If you gain more, you will be more difficult to bear the pregnancy and it will be more difficult for you to give birth. In addition, it will be very difficult for you to lose those extra pounds later.
How your baby grows and develops
The growth rate of the fetus by this time slows down a bit. But it continues to grow and change.
How are you changing
Almost every woman experiences back pain during pregnancy. You may have back pain as early as week 18, although it is likely that this will happen later, when you gain more weight.
Back pain is caused by the fact that with the growth of the uterus, the center of gravity of the body shifts and you have to bend a lot. This increases the load on the muscles of the sacrum. In addition, due to hormonal changes, joint mobility increases. As a result, the posture changes, which causes discomfort in the lower back. But this is typical mainly for late pregnancy.
What can relieve back pain? First, warmth, second, rest, and third, analgesics such as acetaminophen. You can purchase a special maternity bandage that supports the back muscles. Special exercises and weight control also help. In especially severe cases, you should contact your doctor, he can refer you to physiotherapy or an orthopedic consultation.
And now a few tips.
Watch your weight, try not to gain too much.
- Keep doing pregnancy exercises
- Get into the habit of sleeping on your side
- During the day, whether you are at home or not, find half an hour to lie down. If you have small children, try to choose a time to relax, such as when they have a quiet time.
Start following these tips right now, don't delay. Believe me, the sooner you develop these good habits the easier it will be for you to endure pregnancy in the future.
19th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
By the 19th week, the length of the child from the head to the coccyx is 13-15 cm, and its weight is 200 g. It is even hard to imagine that by the time the baby is born, the baby will have to gain weight 15 times!
How your body is changing
The fundus of the uterus is now located 1.3 cm below the navel. During this period, since the beginning of pregnancy, you have already gained 3.6-6.3 kg. How is this weight distributed? Only 200 g per child. The placenta weighs about 170 g, amniotic fluid - 320 g, the same - 320 g - the uterus weighs. Your breasts have also increased, each by 180 g. You seem very large to yourself, but whether there will be more.
20th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
This week, the length of the child's body from crown to tailbone is on average 14-16 cm, weight is about 250 g.
How your body is changing
You can be congratulated - half of the pregnancy is over. As you remember, the entire pregnancy lasts 40 weeks from the date of the last menstruation, so 20 weeks is a kind of milestone. The bottom of the uterus rose a little more and reached the navel. The belly continues to grow, you are getting fatter. Until 20 weeks, you didn’t gain too much weight, now everything is different - you will regularly add weight and volume.
How your baby grows and develops
Your baby's skin develops from two layers: the outer layer, the epidermis, and the inner layer, the dermis. At the very beginning, the embryo is covered with a single layer of cells. Now, at the 20th week, there are already four of these layers in the epidermis. One of them has lines - in the future they will form a unique, genetically determined pattern on the palms, fingers and feet.
The dermis lies below the epidermis. It forms papillae that penetrate deep into the epidermis. They contain small blood vessels - capillaries and nerve endings. Behind the dermis is a layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue.
The skin of a newborn is covered with a white pasty substance - primordial lubricant. This lubricant begins to be produced by the glands at the 20th week of pregnancy. It protects the skin of the fetus from the effects of amniotic fluid.
21st week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
During the first week of the second half of pregnancy, your baby has grown. Now he weighs 300 g, and his length from crown to tailbone is 18 cm. He is already the size of a large banana.
How your body is changing
You feel that the uterus has risen, it already rises 1 cm above the navel. The doctor will measure its height for you, it reaches 21 cm from the pubic symphysis. The weight gain is from 4.5 to 6.3 kg.
How your baby grows and develops
By this time, the growth rate of the fetus slows down, but it continues to grow and develop. Its systems are also developing.
By the 21st week of pregnancy, the fetal digestive system is already developed enough that the fetus can swallow amniotic fluid. In the small intestine, water is extracted from this fluid, and the rest is sent to the large intestine.
How are you changing
Along with the enlargement of the uterus, other parts of your body change and increase. You may notice that your legs are swollen, especially in the evening. If you spend all day on your feet, find a few free minutes during the day and give your feet a rest - they will swell much less.
22nd week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your child weighs 350 g. He is 19 cm long from crown to tailbone.
How your body is changing
The uterus rose 2 cm above the umbilicus and 22 cm above the pubic symphysis. This period can be called comfortable. The stomach, of course, has increased, but not enough to greatly interfere with you. You can bend down, sit down as you like, you can walk without difficulty. Morning weakness no longer bothers you, and you feel pretty well. Now pregnancy is a pleasure for you.
How your baby grows and develops
The baby in the womb continues to grow every day. He already has eyelids and cilia, tiny nails can be seen on his fingers.
23rd week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
By this week, your baby weighs 450 g. He is 20 cm from crown to tailbone. Now he is the size of a small doll.
How your body is changing
The uterus has risen 3.75 cm above the navel, its height above the pubic symphysis is 23 cm. And although your stomach is growing little by little, your figure is already noticeably rounded. Weight gain reaches from 5 to 6.7 kg.
How your baby grows and develops
Your baby continues to grow, his body is rounded, but the skin is still wrinkled, since he still lacks subcutaneous tissue. The fluff that covers the fruit begins to darken during this period.
How are you changing
The uterus continues to grow, the placenta increases, the volume of amniotic fluid increases, as a result, you become fatter and fatter. Some acquaintances note that your stomach has grown too much and you are probably carrying twins. Or, on the contrary, that the stomach is too small for your period. Do not panic: all women are different, and all children develop in different ways: some more, some less. You are most likely fine. But if you are still worried, consult a doctor: he monitors the development of the fetus from the very beginning and is better than others about whether your pregnancy is going well
24th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
This week, the baby weighs about 530 g, and its length from crown to tailbone is 21 cm.
How your body is changing
The uterus has risen above the navel by 3.8-5.1 cm and above the pubic symphysis by 24 cm. You have already noticeably gained weight, and your stomach has grown a lot.
How your baby grows and develops
Your baby has also recovered noticeably, and now he clearly looks like a newborn. But although he already weighs more than half a kilogram, he is still very small.
25th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby already weighs 700 g, his body length from crown to tailbone is 22 cm. These are average data, and they can vary greatly: after all, all children are different, just like mothers.
How your body is changing
The distance from the uterus to the pubis is 25 cm. In the last month she has grown 4 cm, and she is now the size of a soccer ball. The bottom of the uterus is now halfway between the navel and the sternum, a bone located in the middle of the chest at the junction of the ribs.
How are you changing
Starting at week 20 or 21, your doctor will measure your belly every time you visit. Now not only the stomach protrudes forward, but the sides are also heard. And for everyone this happens in different ways: someone gets fatter in the sides and their stomach looks smaller, while for others the stomach protrudes far forward and seems very large. Therefore, you can look completely different than your girlfriend at the same gestational age. Don't worry, these are completely natural differences.
26th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby now weighs about 900 g. By this week, his length from crown to tailbone has reached 23 cm.
How your body is changing
During the second half of your pregnancy, your uterus will rise 1 cm every week. Now it rises above the navel by 6 cm, and above the pubic symphysis - by 26 cm.
If you followed a rational balanced diet, then the total weight gain was 7.2-9.9 kg.
How are you changing
You are gaining weight more and more - after all, the child is growing, the uterus and placenta are increasing. Therefore, ailments such as back pain, pressure on the bladder, leg cramps occur more and more often. Don't worry, things are coming to an end. You have already left two-thirds of the term, only a third is left - and the long-awaited hour of the meeting will come
27th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
This week marks the start of your third trimester of pregnancy. Now, along with the length of the fetus from the crown to the coccyx, we will also monitor its full growth - from the crown to the heels. So it will be easier for you to imagine how your baby is growing.
So, the child has now reached a kilogram. Its length from the head to the coccyx is 24 cm, and full length- 34 cm.
How your body is changing
The uterus has risen above the navel by 7 cm, and it is already 27 cm away from the pubic symphysis.
How your baby grows and develops
By this time, the baby's eyelids rise.
How are you changing
As your pregnancy progresses, so does your breasts. The mammary glands are enlarged and engorged.
28th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
This week, the baby weighs 1.1 kg, its length from crown to tailbone is 25 cm, and its total length is 35 cm.
How your body is changing
The uterus rose high above the navel. She continues to grow, and the stomach - to increase. Sometimes this growth happens gradually, but sometimes the change happens suddenly. The uterus is now located 8 cm above the navel, and from the pubic symphysis it has risen 28 cm.
By this time, you have probably gained 7.5-10.5 kg in weight.
How your baby grows and develops
Until this time, the fetal brain was smooth. By the 28th week, characteristic furrows and convolutions begin to appear on it. The mass of the brain also increased.
The baby already has eyebrows and cilia. The head is covered with small hairs.
Until this time, the baby was thin. Now the child's body is pouring, he is recovering. This is due to an increase in the volume of subcutaneous tissue.
The baby weighs more than a kilogram. It is interesting to compare his weight now with what it was only 11 weeks ago: then, at the 17th week of pregnancy, the fetus weighed only 100 g. And now, in just over two months, it has become 10 times heavier! And in the last four weeks (since the 24th week of pregnancy), his weight has doubled. How fast your baby is growing!
29th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
This week, the baby's weight is 1.25 kg, its length from crown to tailbone is 26 cm, and in full growth - 37 cm.
How your body is changing
The uterus rose above the navel by 7.5-10.2 cm, above the pubic symphysis - by 29 cm. Four weeks ago, at the 25th week, the distance from the pubic symphysis to the bottom of the uterus was 25 cm, that is, for this the uterus has risen by 4 cm.
Weight gain since the beginning of pregnancy - from 8.5 to 11.25 kg.
30th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
At this point, your baby already weighs about 1,360 kg. Its length from crown to tailbone is slightly more than 27 cm, and in full growth - 38 cm.
How your body is changing
The uterus has risen above the navel by 10 cm, and from the pubic symphysis - by 30 cm.
It's hard to believe that you have to carry your baby for another 10 weeks! You even think that soon you will not be able to climb through the door. However, the fetus, placenta, and uterus, along with the amniotic fluid, are still growing.
On average, during pregnancy, weight gain ranges from 11.4 to 15.9 kg. Approximately half of this weight is the uterus, placenta and amniotic fluid. The growing fetus puts pressure on the abdomen and pelvis, which is very noticeable. The feeling of discomfort increases noticeably, it becomes more and more difficult to carry a child every week.
31st week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your future baby continues to grow. It weighs approximately 1.6 kg. Its length from crown to tailbone is 28 cm, and in full growth - 40 cm.
How your body is changing
The uterus rose above the pubic symphysis by 31 cm or a little more. It is 11 cm above the navel.
By the 12th week of pregnancy, the uterus filled only the pelvic region, and by the 31st week, it filled most of the abdomen.
The weight gain is from 9.45 to 12.15 kg.
32nd week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby already weighs 1.8 kg. Its length from the crown to the coccyx is 29 cm, and from the crown to the heels - 42 cm.
How your body is changing
The apex of the uterus has risen 32 cm from the pubic symphysis. It is 12 cm away from the navel.
How are you changing
Until this week, you've seen your doctor about once a month if there were no complications. From the 32nd week, the doctor usually prescribes to visit him twice a month. And so it will continue until the last month of pregnancy. Then you will visit your doctor weekly.
33rd week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby continues to grow. His weight this week reached 2 kg. Its length from crown to tailbone is about 30 cm, and in full growth - 43 cm.
How your body is changing
From the pubic symphysis, the top of the uterus is 33 cm. From the navel, it rises by 13 cm. You have already gained weight from 9.9 to 12.6 kg.
34th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby weighs almost 2.3 kg. Its length from crown to tailbone is 32 cm. And in full growth it is 44 cm.
How your body is changing
The upper point of the uterus rises above the navel by 14 cm. And from the pubic symphysis, it has already grown by as much as 34 cm.
It doesn't matter if your friends tell you that they had different measurements at the same time. What's really important is that your body and your uterus grow properly. Everyone's pregnancy develops differently. If the doctor thinks that growth the uterus is coming normal, so you should not worry and worry over trifles.
35th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby weighs approximately 2.5 kg. Its length from crown to tailbone is about 33 cm, and at full height - 45 cm.
How your body is changing
The height of the uterus above the navel is 15 cm. From the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus, this distance is about 35 cm.
By this week, you should have put on weight from 10.3 to 13 kg. Is it worth crying about a thin waist now?
How are you changing
As the day of delivery approaches, you and your partner become more and more worried about the successful outcome of pregnancy and childbirth. You may have sudden mood swings for which there seems to be no reason. We often hear from expectant mothers and even fathers that the feeling of helplessness and uncertainty increases, which is very depressing these days. You can even fall into depression and incomprehensible gloominess. However, this is a temporary phenomenon.
You will be preoccupied with various trifles, you will begin to worry about completely unnecessary things. The fear about the health of your own and the child is increasing, all the time it seems that something is wrong with you, so you will probably get upset over trifles. Very often, women are afraid that they will not be able to endure childbirth. They are afraid that they will not be able to become a good mother. And in general, they are afraid of everything in the world.
On top of everything else, you also get fat, and it’s already hard to do everyday things. Sleep can be restless and wakefulness uncomfortable. And all this together plunges you into an abyss of fears, irritation and a state close to hysteria.
All these changes are normal phenomenon. This happens to all pregnant women, so you are not alone.
Pregnancy happens only a few times in a lifetime, and often only once, so enjoy this state, get joy from it. After all, you and your partner are discovering a small and very important miracle - the miracle of a new life.
36th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
By this week, the baby weighs 2.75 kg. Its length from crown to tailbone is 34 cm, and in full growth - 46 cm. Your baby grows by leaps and bounds.
How your body is changing
From the pubic symphysis to the apex of the uterus about 36 cm, from the navel to it 14 cm.
You may get the feeling that not only can you not get through the door, but the room is already not enough for you. You've been growing in size so fast in the last few weeks. Now the uterus has risen to the ribs, and it seems that there is not enough air.
How are you changing
You have now gained from 11 to 13.5 kg, and there is still a month before delivery. It will not be unusual that your weight will not change again until the very birth.
Now your baby is surrounded by the maximum amount of amniotic fluid. In the following weeks, the baby will continue to grow. At the same time, your body will absorb some of the amniotic fluid, thereby reducing its volume around the baby and giving him less room to move. You will notice that the baby began to move less and not so actively. Some women are afraid that he has completely stopped moving or that he does not move as usual.
37th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
This week the baby weighs about 2.95 kg. He is gaining weight quickly. Its length from the crown to the coccyx is 35 cm, and from the crown to the heels - 47 cm, that is, it grows by 1 cm every week.
How your body is changing
The height of the uterus may remain at the same level as the last week or two. From the pubic symphysis, the tip is 37 cm, and from the navel - 16-17 cm. By this week, you have gained from 11.2 to 13.5 kg.
38th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
By this time, your baby weighs approximately 3.1 kg. Its length has not changed significantly - 35 cm. In full growth, the baby is already more than 47 cm.
How your body is changing
Despite the fact that the pregnancy is already coming to an end, you continue to increase in size. True, it also happens that in the last weeks of pregnancy, the belly stops growing, and the woman no longer gains weight. But, regardless of whether you are gaining weight or not, the feeling of discomfort these days increases in all expectant mothers.
The height of the uterus now from the pubic symphysis is from 36 to 38 cm, and from the navel - 16-18 cm.
39th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby weighs a little over 3.2 kg. Its length from the crown to the tailbone is about 36 cm, and in full growth - 48 cm.
How your body is changing
From the pubic symphysis, the uterus rises by 36-40 cm. From the navel, this distance is 16-20 cm.
You are almost on the threshold of the main event. The pregnancy is already coming to an end. And if you are tired of gaining weight, then rejoice - you will no longer gain weight before childbirth. During these 39 weeks, you gained 11.4-15.9 kg!
How your baby grows and develops
But your child, unlike you, continues to gain weight in recent weeks. And he has less and less room to push and toss and turn in the uterus.
By this time, all the organs and systems of the baby have already developed and are in their places. The last thing to develop is the lungs and respiratory system of the child.
40th week
How does your baby's height and weight change?
Your baby weighs 3.4 kg. Its length from the top of the head to the tailbone is 37-38 cm, and at full height - 48 cm. The child is now about the size he will be at birth. He filled the entire uterus with himself, and there is no longer room to move.
How your body is changing
You are no longer growing in size. From the pubic symphysis, the uterus rises by 36-40 cm, for everyone in different ways. From the navel, this distance is 16-20 cm.
Now, most likely, you no longer care how much you weigh. It just doesn’t leave you with the feeling that there is simply nowhere to grow further. Childbirth is very soon, so if you suddenly get better a little more, don't worry.
41st week
You are looking forward to the birth of your baby and are literally counting down the days until the birth.
42nd week
Pregnancy is considered post-term if more than 42 weeks or 294 days have passed since the last menstruation.
Most doctors agree that labor should be induced if the cervix is open and distended and the baby is in a head-down position. Before this, the condition of the child and the placenta is assessed. Do C-section whether to induce childbirth or continue to monitor the child - the doctor decides on the basis of the examinations.
Incredible Facts
1. You have a brand new organ
The placenta is the only transitional organ in the human body. It begins to form when a fertilized egg, which at the time is a multicellular blatocyst, attaches itself to the wall of the uterus about a week after conception. The outer layer of the blatocyst, called the trophoblast, forms into what is later called the placenta.
Once the placenta is formed, its job is to build a barrier between the mother's and baby's blood flow. Maternal vessels carry nutrients and oxygen to the intervillous region of the placenta, from where the fetus takes them. So he only takes what he needs.
The placenta plays another less well-known role as a temporary organ. This 2.2-kilogram dark red "disk" is also an endocrine organ, that is, it secretes hormones. These hormones, from human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, pregnancy tests work based on the presence of this hormone) to estrogen and progesterone, have essential to maintain pregnancy and to prepare the mammary glands for feeding.
2. Bones "relax"
The baby's head has to come out somehow. Fortunately, " pregnant body"produces the hormone relaxin, which relaxes the cartilage that holds bones together. Relaxin weakens pubic symphysis, place on pubic bone located directly in front of the bladder. Such relaxation greatly facilitates the process of childbirth, however, unfortunately, it does not affect only the bones in the pelvic area. During pregnancy, the level of the hormone relaxin in a woman's body is 10 times higher than normal, and it affects all bones. The hormone is one of the reasons why many women experience back and joint pain as their pregnancy progresses. Relaxin is also to blame for the fact that some women experience an increase in shoe size during pregnancy.
3. Memory deteriorates
Wait, what did I do? The "pregnant brain" is not a myth, according to a 2010 study that found that women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy showed worst results compared with non-pregnant women. It's entirely possible, according to study author Diane Farrar, that hormonal changes, which are known to be responsible for sharp drops mood during pregnancy.
4. You may feel sick
First, the bad news: "morning weakness" is a misconception. A pregnant woman can experience nausea and vomiting at any time of the day. Fortunately, the "side effect" of pregnancy usually goes away by about the 12th week. No one knows exactly why morning sickness affects nearly half of all pregnant women, but a 2008 study suggested that nausea may be an adaptation process to keep the developing embryo safe.
The analysis showed that morning sickness is most often triggered by strong smells and tastes, suggesting that the body is trying to prevent the consumption of potentially harmful substances. The peak frequency of the onset of weakness coincides with the time of the initial development of the organs in the embryo, which once again confirms that the body is on high alert during this period.
5. Frequent heartburn
Heartburn occurs due to the pressure exerted by the expanding uterus on the digestive system. Normally, stomach acid is retained by the esophageal sphincter (a muscle in the diaphragm that activates and closes off the esophagus when abdominal pressure rises). But during pregnancy, the hormone progesterone relaxes the sphincter. Meanwhile, as the child grows, the pressure on the intestines and stomach increases.
6. The bladder "flattens"
Surely, you have seen a pregnant woman standing in line for the toilet more than once, and you probably know that expectant mothers have a frequent need to go to the toilet. What is the reason? The growing baby is to blame because it puts pressure on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic muscles. This kind of pressure means not only frequent urges to the toilet, but is also the cause of "leakage" when coughing, sneezing or laughing.
7. You now have 50 percent more blood.
Pregnancy is hard work for the body, which requires more blood vessels and more blood. By the 20th week of pregnancy, the body contains 50 percent more blood than at the time of conception. However, all the extra blood is often accompanied by side effects such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and "shiny" skin. Additional blood can also cause nosebleeds and nasal congestion due to swelling of the mucous membranes.
8. Tingling hands
You don't have to be a typist or a pianist to know what it is, as pregnancy is often the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Marked with numbness or tingling, this side effect is caused by the swelling experienced by a pregnant woman. Excess fluid (which is responsible for 25 percent of pregnancy weight) can accumulate in the ankles or wrists due to gravity. On the wrists, it "touches" the nerves, which causes tingling.
