First 3 months pregnancy care

The First Trimester of Pregnancy

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jacquelyn Cafasso on November 8, 2017

What is the first trimester?

A pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters. The first trimester is the time in between fertilization of the egg by the sperm (conception) and week 12 of a pregnancy.

A woman’s body goes through many changes during the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy. Women often start to have concerns over:

what to eat
which types of prenatal tests they should consider
how much weight they might gain
how they can make sure their baby stays healthy

Understanding a pregnancy week by week can help you make informed decisions and prepare for the big changes that lie ahead.

What happens to a woman’s body during the first trimester?

In the first trimester, a woman’s body goes through many changes. The body releases hormones that affect almost every single organ in the body. The first sign you may be pregnant is missing a period. As the first few weeks pass, some women experience the following:

tiredness
upset stomach
throwing up
mood swings
tender breasts
heartburn
weight gain
headaches
cravings for certain foods
revulsion to certain foods
constipation

You may need to rest more or eat smaller meals during this time. Some women, however, don’t feel any of these symptoms at all.

What happens to the fetus during the first trimester?

The first day of your pregnancy is also the first day of your last menstrual period. At about 10 to 14 days after, an egg is released, combines with a sperm, and conception occurs. A baby develops rapidly during the first trimester. The fetus begins to develop a brain and spinal cord, and the organs begin to form. The baby’s heart will also begin to beat during the first trimester.

Arms and legs begin to bud in the first few weeks, and by the end of eight weeks, fingers and toes start to form. By the end of the first trimester, the baby’s sex organs have formed. According to the Office on Women’s Health, the baby is now about 3 inches long and weighs almost 1 ounce.

What can be expected at the doctor?

When you first learn you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to begin caring for the developing baby. If you are not already on prenatal vitamins, start them immediately. Ideally, women take folic acid (in prenatal vitamins) for a year before the pregnancy. Women normally see their doctor once a month during the first trimester.

During your first visit, a doctor will take a full health history and perform a full physical and pelvic exam. The doctor may also:

perform an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy
perform a Pap test
take your blood pressure
test for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and hepatitis
estimate your date of delivery or “due date,” which is around 266 days from the first day of your last period
screen for risk factors like anemia
check thyroid levels
check your weight

At around 11 weeks, the doctor will perform a test called a nuchal translucency (NT) scan. The test uses an ultrasound to measure the baby’s head and thickness of the baby’s neck. The measurements can help determine the chance that your baby will be born with a genetic disorder known as Down syndrome.

Ask your doctor whether or not genetic screening is recommended for your pregnancy. Genetic screening is a test used to find out your baby’s risk for specific genetic diseases.

How can I stay healthy during the first trimester?

It’s important for a woman to be aware of what to do and what to avoid while pregnant in order to take care of themselves and their developing baby.

What to do

Here are good personal health measures to take during the first trimester:

Take prenatal vitamins.
Exercise regularly.
Work out your pelvic floor by doing Kegel exercises.
Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat forms of protein, and fiber.
Drink lots of water.
Eat enough calories (about 300 calories more than normal).

What to avoid

These things should be avoided during the first trimester:

strenuous exercise or strength training that could cause an injury to your stomach
alcohol
caffeine (no more than one cup of coffee or tea per day)
smoking
illegal drugs
raw fish or smoked seafood (no sushi)
shark, swordfish, mackerel, or white snapper fish (they have high levels of mercury)
raw sprouts
cat litter, which can carry a parasitic disease called toxoplasmosis
unpasteurized milk or other dairy products
deli meats or hot dogs

What else should be considered during the first trimester?

Body changes provide plenty to think about during the first trimester, but having a baby will affect other parts of your life too. There are many things to start to think about during the first few months of your pregnancy so you can prepare for the future.

When to tell your friends, family, and employer

The first trimester is the most common time for a loss of pregnancy (miscarriage), so you may want to wait for the pregnancy to settle into the second trimester.

You may also want to consider whether or not you will keep working or quit your job as your pregnancy progresses, and if your employer provides unpaid maternity leave for the birth and care of your newborn.

Where you want to give birth

You may want to start to consider where you would like to deliver your baby when it’s time to give birth. Women can choose to deliver at a hospital, birth center, or at their own home. You should weigh the pros and cons of each location and discuss them with your doctor.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) believes that hospitals and birthing centers are the safest place to deliver a baby. If there is an emergency, a hospital is fully equipped to handle the situation.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy

High-risk pregnancy means that there is a greater chance of complications. Factors that may make your pregnancy high-risk include:

being young
being over 35 years old
being overweight
being underweight
having high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, cancer or other autoimmune disorders
being pregnant with twins or multiples

Women with a high-risk pregnancy may need to visit the doctor more often and sometimes may need a specially trained doctor. Having a high-risk pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean you will have any problems.

Paying for care

Many women worry about the costs of medical bills during a pregnancy. The good news is that there are options available in every state in the United States to help pay for care. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you should make an appointment to see your health care provider, a midwife or a physician (in some medical practices, both are in the same office). Health insurance options have changed over time, and most offer pregnant women more options. Insurance companies are learning it is important to provide prenatal care to prevent more expensive medical care later. Local hospitals, clinics, and other government programs are available to help with:

food
nutrition
counseling
free access to health services for pregnant women

Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2017

Parenthood
Pregnancy
1st Trimester

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Committee opinion: Planned home birth. (2017).
acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Planned-Home-Birth
First trimester: Symptoms and screening. (n.d.).
northshore.org/obstetrics-gynecology/pregnancy/first-trimester/
Folic acid. (2017).
marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/folic-acid.aspx
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Pregnancy week by week: Healthy pregnancy.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/basics/first-trimester/hlv-20049471
Prenatal care and tests. (2017).
womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/prenatal-care-tests.html
Stages of pregnancy. (2017).
womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/stages-of-pregnancy.html

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Nov 9, 2017

Edited By

Christina Nagatani

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jacquelyn Cafasso on November 8, 2017

14 Crucial Precautions To Take

Hydration and mild exercises during the initial stages set the tone for a healthy pregnancy.

Research-backed

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.

Image: Shutterstock

The initial three months of pregnancy are the most sensitive for the baby and the mother. This post on the first trimester of pregnancy precautions will give you more information in this context. The first trimester starts from the first day of conception and lasts till the 12th week. During this period, the common symptoms that you will experience are tiredness, weight gain, morning sickness, mood swings, etc. This is also when the vital organs of the fetus develop and grow rapidly. To maintain the proper development of the fetus, and you need to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet. Read on to know more about the precautions you should take during the first trimester.

Best Precautions To Take During The First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Follow these precautions in the first trimester to avoid several pregnancy complications.

1. Stay hydrated

Image: iStock

You will need more fluids during pregnancy as the blood volume increases to support the oxygen and nutrient requirements of the fetus. The sudden changes in the body will increase the demand for fluid intake. You should consider having lots of water, fresh juices, and smoothies to remain hydrated at this time (1).

Quick fact

Pregnant women should drink 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water a day. Water performs several functions, including forming the amniotic fluid (17).

2. Take prenatal vitamins

Take prenatal vitamins as suggested by your doctor. The early pregnancy period is crucial for both the mother and the fetus. It is essential that you take supplements for folic acid, which is essential to prevent birth defects (2), and iron that prevents pregnancy anemia.

3. Quit smoking

Image: Shutterstock

If you are a habitual smoker, now is the time to quit. Smoking increases the risk of several complications such as low immunity, low-birth weight, premature labor, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy (3). There is also a risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with second-hand smoking. Therefore, say no to tobacco and avoid passive smoking for a healthy pregnancy (4).

4. Quit alcohol and cut down caffeine

Like tobacco, alcohol and caffeine also put the mother and the fetus at risk. Alcohol is known to cause learning disabilities and affect the cognitive functioning of the fetus. Too much caffeine is associated with premature labor and congenital disabilities (3). Limit colas, sodas, chocolates, green and black tea as they contain excess caffeine. According to experts, women should limit their caffeine intake during pregnancy to less than 200 milligrams per day, which is about one 11oz cup of coffee.

Did you know?

Decaf coffee contains 97% less caffeine than regular coffee. Its moderate intake is considered a good choice for those who drink coffee habitually (18).

5. Watch your food

Make healthy food choices and follow a balanced diet. Keeping your dietary habits in check also helps you manage your weight effectively (5).

Include more nuts and seeds to increase your intake of omega-3s, which are required for the development of brain, eyes, and nerves of your baby.

Consume egg yolk, milk, tuna, salmon, and fish liver oil that are rich in vitamin D. Also, get more sunlight exposure.

Increase your calcium intake by including broccoli, spinach, and tofu besides dairy products to your diet.

Include all food groups; talk to your doctor about calorie intake and plan your diet accordingly.

Avoid processed foods as they contain traces of sodium nitrates that affect fetal development

Avoid preservatives and foods with synthetic colors

Wash fruits and vegetables to remove the pesticide residue or stick to organic sources.

Related: 20 Healthy Foods To Eat During Pregnancy

6. Fish and seafood

Although fish and seafood are healthy sources of proteins and fats, some varieties contain high mercury levels that are dangerous for the fetus. Mercury is associated with brain damage and developmental delays in the baby (6). Therefore, you should consume fish with caution and also take your doctor’s advice before including it in your diet (7).

Limit tuna, avoid king mackerel, swordfish, and tilefish.

Avoid fish caught from unknown sources

Avoid dishes like sushi that have raw fish

Avoid fish and seafood that are not tested by the local food safety department

Related: Can You Eat Fish During Pregnancy? Safety, Benefits, & Risks

7. Do not miss prenatal OB/GYN visits

Image: iStock

Schedule a prenatal appointment soon after your pregnancy is confirmed. It is important to see a qualified gynecologist or obstetrician. Your doctor might ask about your medical history to understand your health condition better and prescribe medications accordingly. Communicate with your doctor honestly and regularly and consult them whenever you experience any pain or discomfort (7).

8. Manage your weight

Maintain a healthy lifestyle and have a healthy BMI before trying to get pregnant. Being obese increases risks during pregnancy. Also, gaining too much weight suddenly, especially during the first trimester and commencing weeks, is harmful. If required, check with a dietitian or a nutritionist for a healthy diet plan (8).

Quick fact

Women beginning twin pregnancy at normal weight should gain 37 to 54 pounds (17 to 24.4 kg) during pregnancy (19).

9. Exercise

Image: Shutterstock

Mild and moderate exercises help you stay active and keep your metabolism high. A walk in the park will be good for your health and is refreshing. You should avoid heavy and strenuous activities such as back-bends, stretches, and advanced abdominal moves.

Also, avoid exercises that need you to lie on the back, put pressure on the abdomen and those that lead to overheating and dehydration. Consult your doctor before planning to take up yoga, meditation or breathing exercises, or enroll in prenatal workout classes (9).

Related: 21 Fun Ways To Exercise With Baby, Post Pregnancy

10.

Herbs and medications

Certain herbal supplements and medications are harmful during pregnancy. Never continue old prescriptions or pills you think are good. They may be harmful and lead to issues such as miscarriage, premature labor, and painful contractions. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication to keep yourself and the baby safe (10).

11. Avoid hot tubs and sauna baths

Staying in high temperatures for prolonged periods will increase the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the fetus (11). Hot tubs and saunas cause you to remain in temperatures higher than the basal body temperature. So avoid them and use heat compresses wrapped in a cloth to relieve joint pains and backaches.

12. Avoid strong smells

Image: Shutterstock

Some pregnant women might experience a heightened sense of smell, especially in the first trimester. This could, therefore, aggravate symptoms such as morning sickness and nausea (12). Stay away from scents or smells that could trigger nausea or vomiting.

Quick tip

Use doctor-approved saline sprays/washes to keep your nasal passages clean. Leave windows and doors open to improve ventilation and clear musty air.

13. Limit exposure to pets

If you have pets at home, limit contact with them as they may carry harmful parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, which is detrimental to the baby’s development. It can affect the brain causing reduced growth and eye defects in the fetus. Animal dander is also known to cause allergic reactions (13).

14. Get tested for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)

Pregnant women need to get screened for STDs and HIV in the early pregnancy stage. These infections will have a significant impact on the pregnancy, your health and your baby’s health too. Therefore, you should use contraceptives to avoid the risk of disease (14). If the tests are positive, early and prompt treatment may cure the infection and also protect the fetus.

Is Air Travel Safe In The First Trimester?

Yes, it is usually safe to fly during the first trimester with nil or minimum high-risk factors, but you should be aware that the likeliness of miscarriage is highest during the first trimester. Also, flying for more than four hours raises the risk of thrombosis (blood clots). Taking the right precautions such as proper hydration, wearing comfortable clothing, calf exercises, and walking around the airplane (if possible) helps make the journey safer (15) (16)

Related: Safety Measures To Take In Travel During Pregnancy

The first three months of pregnancy are crucial for fetal development and pregnancy sustenance. Thus, an expecting mother should pay special attention to her lifestyle and its effect on herself and her unborn baby. Eating a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, taking prenatal vitamins, and attending prenatal checkups can help ensure the mother and baby stay healthy. On the other hand, avoiding stress, quitting smoking and alcohol, avoiding non-prescribed herbal supplements or medications, and abstaining from hot tubs and sauna baths could help prevent early pregnancy complications.

References:

1. Obstetrics/Prenatal Patients; Yale Health
2. Folic acid; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2018)
3. Babak Shakeri et al.; First trimester growth: is it influenced by cigarette smoking, and other substances; Australas J Ultrasound Med (2013)
4. Tobacco Use and Pregnancy; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017)
5. K. Nelson et al.; Eating Well for a Healthy Pregnancy; Colorado State University
6. Mercury And Pregnancy; March of Dimes
7. Should I avoid seafood while pregnant; Michigan State University
8. When Should You Share The News About Your Pregnancy; The University of Utah
9. Joe Giessler; What is normal weight gain during pregnancy; The Ohio State University (2018)
10. Exercise During Pregnancy; Rush University Medical Center
11. Lisha J. John & Nisha Shantakumari; Herbal Medicines Use During Pregnancy: A Review from the Middle East; Oman Med J (2015)
12. Milunsky A et al.; Maternal heat exposure and neural tube defects; JAMA (1992)
13. Neda Ebrahimi et al.; Optimal management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy; Int J Womens Health (2010)
14. Cheryl Barbanel; Occupational Health Program for Personnel with Laboratory Animal Contact at the Charles River Campus and Boston University Medical Campus
15. STDs & Pregnancy; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
16. Is it safe to fly while pregnant; NHS (2018)
17. How much water should I drink during pregnancy?; ACOG
18. Limiting your caffeine intake in pregnancy; Tommy’s
19. Tracking Your Weight; CDC

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90,000 signs, abdomen and fetal development at 3 months of pregnancy | MUSTELA

Signs, symptoms and sensations

The third month of pregnancy may still be accompanied by morning sickness. But there are no such pronounced signs of toxicosis that were at the beginning (vomiting, intolerance to odors). Appetite increases, acute hunger is felt if you skip a meal.

Unpleasant signs of the third month of pregnancy:

Heartburn. nine0008 A burning sensation behind the sternum most often occurs after eating. Physiological heartburn is associated with a weakening of the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and an increase in abdominal pressure. [1] This promotes reflux and reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

Sudden mood swings. Occur due to changes in hormonal levels and increased levels of progesterone in the blood. Some women during this period become too temperamental, others feel peace and tranquility. nine0014
Fatigue. Associated with the peculiarities of the circulation of pregnant women. The body needs additional blood to supply the fetus, which manifests itself in a breakdown.

Urination. Gradually growing uterus puts pressure on the kidneys and bladder, so during pregnancy you have to go to the toilet more often.

Vaginal discharge. A small amount of clear mucus is considered normal. If the discharge becomes cheesy and is accompanied by itching, tell your doctor about your symptoms. These may be signs of thrush and should be treated.[2] nine0014
Constipation. Another unpleasant sign of 3 months of pregnancy associated with a sharp increase in progesterone levels. The hormone helps to relax the uterus and at the same time slows down peristalsis.

Physiological changes of the third month concern the mammary glands. Sensitivity increases, nipples become rougher, the areola darkens, the breast gradually increases. This is how the body prepares for breastfeeding.

Changes in the hormonal background are reflected in the condition of the skin. It becomes softer and velvety, which is associated with increased production of sebum. In women with a fatty type, excessive greasiness with rashes may appear. nine0005
3 month pregnant belly

An expectant mother can gain 3 to 5 kg by the end of the first trimester. This indicator is individual, depending on the characteristics of metabolism and fetal development. Weight increases not so much due to the mass of the embryo, but due to an increase in the volume of circulating blood, intercellular fluid, and subcutaneous fatty tissue.
The size of the abdomen on the 3rd month changes slightly. Some bulge and a small fat layer at the waist can only be noticed by the expectant mother herself. nine0043 The belly may become noticeable towards the end of the first trimester in thin women. At this time, you need to learn how to move smoothly. It will only increase, and it will be more and more difficult to adapt to a new figure.

How the fetus develops

By the middle of the third month of pregnancy, the embryo becomes a fetus - in this “status” the child will be until birth. At this stage, all parts of the baby's body tend to reflect, the nervous system is actively developing, and the first reflexes appear. nine0050

How the fetus develops in this phase of pregnancy (by weeks) (3):

Week No. 9

The coccygeal-parietal size of the fetus reaches 22-30 mm, and the weight is about 2 g. , lymph nodes, the middle layer of the adrenal glands, the ability to urinate appears. In boys, the formation of the penis begins, and in girls, the clitoris. The upper and lower limbs can already move due to the development of muscles.

Week #10

The average fruit weight is 5 g with a length of 30-40 mm. The heart rate is about 150 beats per minute. The formation of the anatomy of the arms and legs is being completed, the rudiments of milk teeth are being laid, the organs of the digestive system and the taste buds of the tongue are being improved. Agglutinogens appear in red blood cells, which in the future will determine the baby's blood group.

Week No. 11

A critical stage of development is coming to an end - the risk of miscarriage and miscarriage is reduced. The fetus reaches a size of 5 cm in length with a weight of about 8 g. Blood vessels continue to develop, the formation of the heart is completed. About 10% of the body of an unborn baby is occupied by the liver. In the intestines, the first reflex movements are observed, which resemble peristalsis. nine0005
Week № 12

The length of the child's body ranges from 6-9 cm. Fingers are clearly visible on ultrasound, nail plates begin to form. The thymus gland improves, the development of the face continues - the ears move closer to the sides of the head.
By the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy, the umbilical cord and placenta are finalized. They are responsible for the continuous connection between the child and the mother until the very birth.

Ultrasound in the third month of pregnancy

For a period of 11 to 13 weeks, expectant mothers are scheduled for the first ultrasound examination . It will help to assess the development of the placenta, fix the dynamics of the development of the child, adjust the date of birth.

Things to do in early pregnancy:

Assess the baby's size and weight.

See the baby's body parts - upper and lower limbs with fingers.

Assess the location and degree of development of internal organs, the symmetry of the cerebral hemispheres. nine0014
Record fetal heartbeat.

In some cases, it is possible to determine the sex with high accuracy.
The doctor during the ultrasound examination pays attention not only to the development of the child, but also to the anatomy of the mother. In the third month, the growth of the uterus becomes especially noticeable. Its size reaches the fist, goes beyond the pubis and begins to rise into the abdominal cavity.
The end of the 1st trimester is a good time for the first screening. A digital study allows you to study the fetus in more detail, identify congenital malformations, chromosomal abnormalities and other pathologies of gestation. nine0005
Recommended restrictions for expectant mothers

In the third month, the most important internal organs and systems of the baby continue to form. Therefore, the expectant mother needs to be responsible for herself, her health and observe the restrictions.

What is prohibited during pregnancy:

Take medication without a doctor's prescription. Many drugs can cause fetal malformations, adversely affect the reproductive system, provoke uterine hypertonicity and other complications. nine0014
Excessive exercise. If there is no threat of miscarriage, sports are only welcome. They help maintain a good mood, serve as a preventive measure for constipation and congestion. But unusual exercises for the body and high loads during pregnancy can be harmful to health.

Eat spicy, smoked and salty foods. It creates an increased load on the liver and kidneys, irritates the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and provokes heartburn. Raw food, especially eggs, milk, fish, is also prohibited. These products can become a source of pathogens and helminth eggs. nine0014
Hypothermia and overheating. Low temperatures impair circulation and may lead to fetal hypoxia. Hypothermia, when a woman's body temperature exceeds 37.7 ° C, can cause miscarriage. [4]

Wear tight clothing and footwear. They compress soft tissues, disrupt normal blood circulation and cause lymphatic congestion. A high heel increases the load on the lumbosacral region, a woman gets tired faster and complains of muscle weakness. nine0014

During pregnancy, maximum attention should be paid to diet.
It should consist of healthy foods - cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat, liver, boiled eggs, baked fish. Make sure that enough calcium enters the body - it will contribute to the proper formation of the child's skeleton and help keep mom's teeth healthy. Include milk, cottage cheese, cheeses, green leafy vegetables, natural yogurt, white cabbage in the menu. Following the recommendations will help you successfully complete the first trimester and prepare for a new stage of waiting for the baby. nine0005
The first days in the hospital - articles from the specialists of the clinic "Mother and Child"

Bogomolova Marina Vadimovna

Embryologist

Clinic "Mother and Child" St. Petersburg

Immediately after childbirth

Immediately after the birth of the child put on the mother's stomach , then process and cut the umbilical cord and put the baby to the mother's breast. Then the skin of the newborn is cleaned, its length and weight, head and chest circumference are measured. The doctor examines the birth canal, if necessary, sews up tears in the soft tissues of the birth canal, assesses the tone of the postpartum uterus, and helps the woman empty her bladder. But even after all these standard manipulations, the mother is not transferred to the postpartum ward, another for two to three hours, the puerperal stays in the maternity block . Why? In the first two hours after childbirth, some complications are possible, primarily uterine bleeding or an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, during these two hours, the mother lies on a stretcher or a bed in the maternity ward, since doctors and midwives are constantly there, and the operating room, in which case, is also located nearby. The child at this time is usually taken to the children's department, where he most often sleeps. And only two hours later, if everything is fine, the mother is transferred to the postpartum ward. nine0005
How does a woman feel at this time? Chills may occur, abdominal pain may occur, especially in multiparas.

What should a woman do at this time? Relax and unwind. Take shelter so as not to freeze, especially if chills appear. Place an ice pack on the uterus. If possible, ask the midwife to bring hot tea.

1st day after birth

Shortly after the woman is transferred to the postpartum ward, 9 will come to her0143 postnatal midwife . She will tell you about the arrangement of the department (where the shower, toilet, dining room are), about the daily routine (the time for visiting doctors, eating) and will help the young mother, if necessary, to empty the bladder using a catheter. If a woman lies together with the baby, then immediately after the transfer to the postpartum ward, the child will be brought to her. The midwife will help the mother to properly attach the baby to the breast and start breastfeeding. Then nurse will come and show you how to swaddle your baby and explain how to take care of him. Do not be afraid that after childbirth there will not be enough strength for the child: most newborns sleep most of the day and wake up only for feeding. In addition, in the maternity hospital, the child is usually washed and dressed by nurses, so that the woman will have enough time to relax. If there is no joint stay of mother and child in the maternity hospital, then every three hours they will bring him to the ward for feeding, and then take him back to the children's department. Over time, the woman herself will pick up and carry the child. nine0005
How does a woman feel at this time? On the first day after giving birth, women feel differently. Some experience an incredible elation (this is due to the release of endorphins into the blood - the hormones of pleasure), while others, on the contrary, feel very tired. Some want to call all their friends and announce the birth of a child, they are inspired, full of energy and ready to take care of the baby on their own. Other mothers want to be alone and come to their senses, they still do not have the strength to constantly be with the child. nine0005
What should a woman do at this time? In any case, immediately after childbirth, as after any heavy load, you need to restore strength: first eat, and then go to bed or just relax. By the way, the following situation is possible: the birth occurred in the evening or at night, and dinner time has already expired; therefore, in order not to starve, you need to bring something light for a snack (cookies, bread rolls) with you to the hospital in advance.

Mom can usually get out of bed 6 hours after birth. nine0005

In general, if the birth went without complications, then it is worth starting to get up as early as possible, first with the help of a midwife, and then on your own.

This helps to improve blood circulation, normalize the functioning of the urinary system and intestines, and accelerate healing processes. In addition, very soon the baby will require more attention.

Important point: After childbirth, the tone of the bladder decreases, so the urge to urinate may be absent or it may become painful and frequent. However, you should go to the toilet at least four times a day. Urination can be caused reflexively by opening a tap with water, this helps many people a lot. In the absence of the desired effect, urine is removed by a catheter. Most often there is no stool on the first day after birth. nine0005
The next days

Every day, the mother will be examined by an obstetrician-gynecologist : he will evaluate the contraction of the uterus, the condition of the sutures and the amount of discharge, see if colostrum is secreted. The midwife will regularly measure the temperature, pulse, blood pressure and treat the external stitches with disinfectant solutions several times a day. Also, every day the baby will be watched by a pediatrician, after which he will tell his mother about the condition of the child. After a normal birth, a woman, as a rule, is discharged on the 3rd-4th day (after a caesarean section - on the 5th-6th). nine0005
How does a woman feel at this time?

After childbirth, a woman may experience pain in the abdomen due to uterine contractions, as well as slight muscle pain in different parts of the body. On the face and on the whites of the eyes, a “rash” may appear - pinpoint hemorrhages that appear due to the fact that small capillaries burst during attempts from tension. Blood pressure can be lowered, so dizziness is possible (to avoid it, you should get up smoothly, without sudden movements). There may be pain in the perineum, even if there were no tears and its incision (pain appears because the perineum was severely stretched during childbirth). If the perineum is sutured, then it will not be possible to sit for at least the first two weeks. Sometimes after childbirth, varicose veins appear in the anus (hemorrhoids), which means discomfort in this place. nine0005
What should a woman do at this time? Mom needs to continue to rest and gain strength. And you should also follow the rules of personal hygiene: often change postpartum pads, do air baths for seams (if any), take a shower daily, wash yourself every time after a bowel movement. Well, the most important thing is to establish breastfeeding and learn how to take care of the baby in practice.

Time in the maternity hospital flies very quickly. Try to spend it usefully - restore your strength and acquire useful skills: at home, all this will be very useful to you! nine0190

REMINDER

Things to do at the maternity hospital

Have a good rest: sleep all your free time and eat well.

Get complete information about your child's condition: so ask your pediatrician all your questions.

Establish contact with the child: therefore, spend as much time with the baby as possible, ideally being with him all the time. Take the baby in your arms, unfold the diapers, carefully examine the baby without clothes. nine0014
Learn how to take care of your baby: so ask your baby nurse to show you how to wash your baby, change clothes, swaddle, change diapers, clean ears and nose, cut nails.

Establish breastfeeding: To do this, feed your baby on demand. Ask the midwife to show you how to properly hold the baby at the breast, how to give and take away the breast.

Make an appointment

to the doctor - Bogomolova Marina Vadimovna

Clinic "Mother and Child" St. Petersburg

Cryopreservation of single spermatozoa Cryopreservation of embryos, eggs, spermJoint consultation of a reproductive specialist and an embryologistEmbryology

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