You are pregnant? Many changes await you.

Pregnancy

According to experts, but also of most women, the period of expecting a child is the most important period of a woman's life.

Pregnancy brings a lot of changes in a woman's bodily functions and psyche. A proper lifestyle helps to cope with these changes and leads to a smooth pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.

• Fertilization and the beginning of pregnancy

• Duration of pregnancy and date of birth

• The first signs of pregnancy

• Diagnosis

• Physical changes during pregnancy

• Changes in the psyche in pregnancy

• Nutrition in pregnancy

• What can and cannot be in pregnancy

Fertilization and the beginning of pregnancy

Pregnancy begins with the fertilization of an egg (female germ cell) with sperm (male germ cell) at the time of ovulation, that is, at the time the egg is released from the ovaries.

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Ovulation and thus the period when a woman can become pregnant is between the 12th and 14th day since the last menstruation. During this period, the lining of the uterus is highest and ready to receive the fertilized egg. The fusion of egg and sperm occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg enters the uterus and settles in the prepared mucosa. We are talking about nidation - the settlement of an egg.

In the first days after fusion, the fertilized egg lives from its own resources, after nidation, formations gradually begin to form, which allow it to receive nutrients from the woman's body. After 14 days, the egg is firmly established and the endometrium (part of the uterus with mucosa) closes tightly above it.

Meanwhile, there is an intensive division of the egg, later the formation of envelopes, the formation of the placenta with connection to the fetus by the umbilical cord, in which the vessels pass from the mother to the fetus. These bring nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. From the fetus to the mother, in turn, blood vessels lead, which carry deoxygenated blood rich in carbon dioxide for further oxygenation and nutrient enrichment.

Duration of pregnancy and date of birth

Normal pregnancy lasts 280 days or 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period.

Expressed in months, pregnancy lasts 10 lunar months. The lunar month is not a calendar month. Each lunar month consists of exactly 4 weeks.

We also call pregnancy week a gestational week.

How to calculate the date of childbirth

Date of birth = (date of last menstruation + 7 days) - 3 months. This calculation is inaccurate for irregular menstruation.

The first signs of pregnancy

The first symptoms of pregnancy include:

• absence of menstruation

• tension and breast enlargement

• morning sickness

Absence of menstruation

If the egg is not fertilized, the hormonal situation is not changed, the part of the mucosa prepared for pregnancy is separated. Separation is accompanied by bleeding or menstruation.

If the egg is fertilized and settles in the mucosa, it signals the production of hormones, which will ensure that no more egg is released. At the same time, the production of hormones that keep the egg in the uterus begins. Due to the fact that the mucosa does not separate, there is no menstruation. As no more egg is released, it is not possible for a woman to become pregnant again during pregnancy.

Breasts

During pregnancy, breasts enlarge as they prepare to breastfeed. Breast augmentation, tension, sometimes even stinging is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy.

Morning sickness

One of the most common symptoms of pregnancy is morning sickness, nausea or vomiting. These symptoms are individual as well as their onset. For some women, the nausea is all day long. It usually begins between the 4th and 8th week and subsides after the 4th to 5th month of pregnancy. The cause is unknown, sometimes the symptoms are so severe that weight loss occurs and the condition requires infusion therapy. It helps some women have breakfast in bed before they get up. More Common Pregnancy Problems .

Diagnosis of pregnancy

Pregnancy can be diagnosed in three ways:

• examination of urine and blood for the presence of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

• for ultrasound examination (using a vaginal probe already in the 4th week of pregnancy)

• m annual examination

Physical changes during pregnancy

Pregnancy causes changes in almost all organs. These changes are not permanent and after birth the organism returns to its original form in a short time.

The changes are partly due to the increased demands of the developing fetus and partly due to the need to protect the woman's body with these increased demands.

The volume of the heart gradually increases, by the end of pregnancy it is larger by 12%.

In some women, there is an irregular heart rate (extrasystoles - contractions of the heart muscle outside the regular rhythm). The normal heart rate is 60-80 / minute. It increases by 15 beats per minute towards the end of pregnancy.

Up to 90% of women have a systolic murmur due to increased heart rate .

Cardiac output (blood output) increases by 40%, starting to increase from the 8th week of pregnancy with a maximum in the 30th-34th week. From this time it does not change until childbirth.

Blood pressure is slightly lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant people.

In a pregnant woman, the blood flow increases both through the uterus and through other organs, e.g. kidneys, skin of the hands and feet, increased blood flow to the mucous membranes. The increase in flow depends on the progress of the pregnancy. The increased flow removes the heat produced by the fetus, which is created by an increased metabolism in a woman.

Blood count in pregnancy

The normal number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) is 4.5 mil. x 1012 / l. In pregnant women, it is lowest in the 30th week of pregnancy and reaches the value of 3.7x1012 / l. Then the number of red blood cells does not change.

Breathing during pregnancy

The diaphragm is shifted up by about 4 cm during pregnancy, which causes a change in the type of breathing. Pregnant women have a more abdominal than thoracic type.

Kidneys and urinary tract in pregnancy

Pregnancy enlargement and dilation of the urinary tract are typical of pregnancy . The changes start before the 10th week of pregnancy. There is also urinary tract stasis, which can cause more frequent urinary tract infections in pregnant women.

Bladder

Around the 4th month, there is a more significant enlargement of the uterus and congestion of the pelvic organs. This necessitates more frequent urination in a pregnant woman.

Presence of sugar in urine (glycosuria)

It may not always be a sign of gestational diabetes. It is found in up to 50% of pregnant women.

During pregnancy, the amount of sugar excreted may not correspond to the blood sugar level. This is due to altered ratios in those parts of the kidney that are responsible for regulating sugar in the urine (proximal tubule). Nevertheless, any presence of sugar in the urine should be clarified and the pregnant woman examined for the possibility of beginning gestational diabetes.

Protein in urine

Even a pregnant pregnant woman can have a certain amount of protein in her urine. However, this amount is so low that it cannot be detected by conventional laboratory methods. If the amount of protein in the urine is more than 0.5 g / 24 hours, it is necessary to think about the disease process and thoroughly investigate the cause.

Digestive system

During pregnancy, there are higher demands on nutrition, energy, minerals and vitamins. The diet should be varied, containing a sufficient amount of calcium, because the fetus needs 25-30g of calcium a day for proper development.

During pregnancy, the production of saliva increases, the pH in the oral cavity decreases, which can contribute to the development of tooth decay.

Feeling of fullness

It is caused by reduced movement of the intestines and stomach. Therefore, the pregnant woman may more often feel full. Also, with reduced bowel mobility, the intestinal content is longer in the intestine, water is absorbed and constipation is formed.

Gallbladder and liver function

During pregnancy, the activity of the muscles present in the gallbladder is slowed down, causing it to slow down. It is a supporting factor in the formation of gallstones. The liver does not change shape or size during pregnancy. In some aspects, liver function is increased (higher alkaline phosphatases, higher production of cholesterol, globulins, lower production of albumin).

Uterus in pregnancy

The weight of the non-pregnant uterus is 70 g and the volume of its cavity is less than 10 ml. During childbirth, the uterus weighs 1,100 g and has a volume of 5-20 liters, and sometimes even more. The uterus is placed in the pelvis, during pregnancy it necessarily leaves the pelvic space and is placed more in the right half of the abdomen.

Pregnant women have a more pronounced secretion of mucus from the vagina. This is due to hormonal changes. The mucus is whitish, not colored, there are no signs of inflammation.

Skin stretch marks

The biggest cosmetic problem for pregnant women is the formation of stretch marks. Stretch marks (scarring changes on the skin) appear on the skin of the lower abdomen, on the thighs, they are pink or purple. They are caused by weight gain, but also by increased skin tension. Special creams for stretch marks are recommended. Prevention is to maintain an adequate weight, exercise regime and softening of the skin.

Spider-like nevi

Sometimes small dilated vessels (spider-like nevi) appear on the chest, face and shoulders. During pregnancy, they enlarge, darken, after birth they return to their original form. If they grow rapidly, it is advisable to remove them immediately either by laser or electrocoagulation.

Pigment stains

They are caused by altered hormone production. They can occur anywhere on the skin. They do not always disappear after childbirth.

Prevention: If there is a tendency to form them, tanning is not appropriate. When staying in the sun, it is necessary to use creams with a high protection factor.

The brown discoloration occurring in the middle of the abdomen, in the navel and large lips is caused by increased pigment deposition. Within six weeks of giving birth, she disappears on her own.

Hair

Hair beds are more active in pregnancy than in a non-pregnant woman. After childbirth, this activity decreases, so hair loss occurs. The condition improves within 6-12 months after birth.

Breasts during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the breasts enlarge as they prepare for breastfeeding. Breast augmentation, tension in them, sometimes even pricking is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Gradually, the area around the nipple darkens, and in the second half of pregnancy, a small amount of milk - colostrum - may leave the breast when pushed.

High levels of the hormone estrogen prevent the release of milk from the breasts. After giving birth, its level drops sharply, hormones that support and enable breastfeeding begin to be applied. Lactation usually begins on the third postpartum day.

Sight in pregnancy

Pregnant women may have slightly blurred vision. Visual acuity is associated with mild swelling of the lens and cornea, which return to normal after delivery. Does not require treatment.

Metabolism and weight in pregnancy

Metabolism in a pregnant woman increases proportionally with pregnancy. In women, the need for nutrient intake is increased due to the growth of the fetus, placenta and uterus. Metabolic changes are also affected by hormones that are activated during pregnancy. In the last three months of pregnancy, the energy need is higher by 15-20%. The increase in body weight is caused by the growth of the uterus, fetus, placenta, an increase in the volume of the breasts, the increasing amount of water in the body.

The average weight gain is 11-12kg.

In 1.-3. months 2kg

In 4.-6. months 5kg

In 6.-9. months 5kg

Weight gain by organ

Chest 1 - 1.5 kg

Uterus 0.5 - 1kg

Fetus and placenta 5kg

Water and minerals 1-1.5 kg

Fat gain 4 - 4.5 kg

Water retention in the body is typical for pregnancy . It is most pronounced during childbirth. A healthy first-born, without swelling, reduces her weight within 10 days during a spontaneous birth compared to the weight immediately after birth by about 2 kg. The cause is water loss.

Sugar metabolism

In pregnancy, there is a situation where the metabolism of sugar is controlled so that diabetes can occur in pregnant women. This is due to the action of hormones, but gestational diabetes can be a harbinger of mostly type 2 diabetes, especially if someone in the family suffers from diabetes.

Because a woman has higher blood sugar levels, more sugar gets to the fetus, which processes it and stores it, resulting in a large fetus. More Newborn diabetic mother . The level of total fats and cholesterol increases during pregnancy, after birth it returns to its original values ​​before pregnancy.

Mental changes during pregnancy

A number of changes, especially in the beginning of pregnancy, can be reflected in a woman's psyche. There is morning sickness, anorexia, saliva, constipation, which is new for a woman and sometimes very unpleasant. Later, she is restricted in movement, has difficulty walking, sits uncomfortably, and often cannot find a sleeping position. The movements of the fetus are sometimes so intense that the woman wakes up to them.

The fear of childbirth also comes at the end of pregnancy. It can manifest as annoyance, mood swings, crying, decreased self-confidence.

Therefore, a woman needs more attention and more love in every period of pregnancy. Hit it with the sentence: "Pregnancy is a normal thing, it will definitely not help a woman. It is not enough to relieve her of physical exertion, it is important to look forward to the child together and appreciate her courage and patience.

The emotional experience of the mother and her mental state is transmitted to the fetus. The fetus, though muffled, still hears sounds outside the mother's heart in addition to the heartbeat.

Nutrition in pregnancy

In the last six months of pregnancy, an average of 5-6 g of protein per day is stored from food.

Therefore, the daily protein intake should be 60-75g per day. In addition, a pregnant woman should consume sufficient amounts of sugars and fats. If the intake is not sufficient, the own proteins are processed. These are used to cover your own needs and cannot be used by the fetus. Also, fat intake does not need to be ruled out, they are a source of energy for the mother, but they are also used by the fetus.

Vitamins

A varied diet with a sufficient amount of raw vegetables and fruits will ensure the daily need for vitamins. In pregnant women, the level of vitamin B12 decreases, it is probably related to the level of estrogens. The decline is more pronounced in smokers. Therefore, a strict vegetarian diet is not suitable for a pregnant woman.

There are a number of recommendations in the nutrition of pregnant women. It is important to remember that a varied diet is the most important thing. It is necessary to avoid drinking water from unverified sources, consumption of raw meat (steaks), uncontrolled game, raw eggs (mayonnaise, salads), drinks with a high content of preservatives, energy drinks and cola drinks.

What can and cannot be in pregnancy

Exercise and sport

A healthy woman, with an uncomplicated pregnancy, does not have to give up her sports activities completely. Extreme sports, abdominal sports and sports where there is a risk of injury should be excluded. The ideal sport is hiking and appropriate gymnastics. Swimming is good, but it is necessary to use proven water resources. More Sports in pregnancy

Sunbathing

It is not recommended in the first months of pregnancy to sunbathe in the solarium. Staying in the sun is not inappropriate, but it is better to avoid extreme heat. Due to the possibility of the formation of pigment spots, the skin must be protected with a cream with a high protection factor. More Tanning in pregnancy.

Personal hygiene

Due to the higher risk of urinary tract infections, pay attention to hygiene after each toilet.

Infections

Contact with the infection should be avoided throughout pregnancy, but especially in the first months of pregnancy . In the case of second-time mothers who have a child in a collective facility at home, it is necessary to avoid contact with varicella (smallpox) and rubella (rubella) if the woman has not overcome these infections in childhood or has not been vaccinated. It is vaccinated only against rubella. Influenza vaccination is appropriate. More Prevention of infections in pregnancy

Daily regimen

For healthy fetal development and a problem-free pregnancy, it is necessary to follow a regular sleep pattern and activities. Equally important is a balanced and non-conflicting environment. Positive approach to pregnancy. More Lifestyle of pregnancy

Sex life

There is no need to change or limit the pre-pregnancy condition. The situation is different for high-risk pregnancies. More Sex and Pregnancy

Bleeding from the uterus

The first resp. Even the second month of pregnancy spotting at the time when a woman should be menstruating if she is not pregnant may not indicate an impending miscarriage. Nevertheless, an examination is needed.

Abdominal pain, stomach hardening

Occasional mild pain in the lower abdomen can cause the uterus to enlarge with tension on the surrounding structures, especially as it exits the pelvis into the abdominal cavity. Abdominal hardening (contractions) is not normal (except in the last month of pregnancy, when occasional hardening does not necessarily mean imminent premature birth). Nevertheless, it is always necessary to look for a gynecologist.