First trimester pregnancy advice
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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
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Your first trimester guide | UNICEF Parenting
Explainer
Tips for the first 13 weeks of your pregnancy.
Congratulations – you’re about to be a mother! Becoming a parent is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also feel overwhelming at times and you likely have lots of questions. That’s to be expected and we hope this guide will be a useful companion throughout your pregnancy. During the first 13 week of pregnancy, your body is growing and changing, and so is your baby’s. Here’s what to know as you start this amazing journey together.
How you're feeling |
How your baby is growing |
Things to look out for |
Test your knowledge |
< Back to Pregnancy Milestones menu |
How you're feeling
Your body is about to undergo some major changes as it prepares to grow a new life.
You may start to experience symptoms such as nausea or fatigue – or you may find that you have an increased level of energy! Listen to your body and make adjustments to your routines as needed. Every woman is different, and so is each pregnancy.
Early signs and symptoms of pregnancy
The earliest sign of pregnancy is a missed period for women who have a regular monthly menstrual cycle. Sometimes, implantation bleeding can occur. This is a bleed very similar to a light period or spotting. Though this is completely normal, you should check with your health-care provider if you experience any bleeding during your pregnancy.
You may also begin experiencing a handful of the symptoms below early on in your pregnancy such as fatigue, nausea or more frequent urination.
Common symptoms
The changes in your hormones during your first weeks of pregnancy affect your whole body. While no two pregnancies are the same, some symptoms you may experience during your first trimester include:
- Breast tenderness
- Extreme changes in mood
- Nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)
- Frequent urination
- Weight gain or loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Leg cramps
- Lower back and pelvic pain
- Cravings for certain foods
- New dislike of certain foods
- Constipation
Self care
Symptoms in early pregnancy can be uncomfortable to say the least. For some relief, give these tips a try after checking with your health care provider first. Remember, choices should always be made based on your preferences and what is available to you.
- For nausea or vomiting, try ginger, chamomile, vitamin B6 and/or acupuncture.
- For leg cramps, try magnesium or calcium.
- For constipation, if dietary modifications suggested by your health-care provider are not working, wheat bran or other fibre supplements can be used for relief.
Healthy foods and regular exercise are important for your entire pregnancy. Continue your daily physical activity for as long as you feel comfortable doing so. The more active you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing body. Make sure to nourish your and your baby’s growing bodies with nutritious food. Make sure you are getting adequate energy, protein, vitamins and minerals by eating a variety of healthy foods, including vegetables, meat, beans, nuts, pasteurized dairy and fruit.
>Read What to eat when pregnant
How your baby is growing
This period is the most crucial to your baby’s development. During the first trimester, your baby’s internal systems and body are beginning to take shape. These early organ and bodily developments include:
- Brain and spine
- Inner ear
- Cardiac tissue
- Genitals
- Fingernails
- Liver
- Eyelids
- Pancreas
- Kidneys
- Cartilage for the hands, feet and limbs
- Muscles of the mouth, eyes and nose
- Webbed fingers and toes
- Lungs
Fetal growth can vary significantly for a number of reasons, but during the first trimester, your baby will grow from about 0.64 cm (.25 in) at the end of the first month (smaller than a grain of rice) to around 10 cm (4 in) by the end of week 12 and will weigh around 28 g (1 oz) [Figures from the Cleveland Clinic]. For information for your country, please refer to your ministry of health.
When should I meet with my health-care provider?
You should schedule at least one appointment with your health-care provider during your first 12 weeks of pregnancy, ideally as early as possible. For recommendations in your country, please check with your ministry of health or health provider.
Things to look out for
While all women experience pregnancy differently, you should speak to your health-care provider if you experience:
- Severe cramping
- A fever over 38° C (100° F)
- Odorous vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe vomiting
Test your knowledge
True or false?
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First trimester | Second trimester | Third trimester
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90,000 Pregnancy 100 tips | www.mrd1-74.ruHomeFor patientsInformation Pregnancy 100 tips
Pregnancy 100 Tips: First Trimester
Save the pregnancy test as the very first evidence that the baby is already with you. The two-stripe test can be included in your child's first album.
Keep an online or paper pregnancy diary. It is more convenient to conduct it by weeks: from the 1st to the 40th. It will be interesting to re-read the diary, because everything is quickly forgotten behind children's troubles. Or maybe you can share your experience with future generations of pregnant women. nine0009 At 6-8 weeks, you need to visit a antenatal clinic, a family doctor or your obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm the fact of pregnancy and receive the first recommendations.
Throughout pregnancy, you should not do laser and photoepilation, electrolysis, visit a solarium. Therapeutic physical procedures should be prescribed only strictly according to indications.
If you have previously used an epilator or wax for epilation, then in the absence of contraindications (such as the threat of termination of pregnancy), you can continue to remove unwanted hair with these methods until childbirth. You will be pleased that during pregnancy, hair in unwanted places grows more slowly than usual. nine0009 Discuss with your doctor whether you need to take vitamin and mineral tablets, folic acid.
Before taking any drug (for headaches, colds or gastrointestinal problems), carefully read the instructions for contraindications during pregnancy or consult your doctor.
Take and save the first fetal photo of your baby during the first ultrasound while he looks like a small grain of rice or a small lizard.
Stop smoking or reduce to a minimum the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. nine0009 Limit the amount of alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks: in the first trimester, the most important organs and systems of the unborn baby are laid.
Limit your coffee intake to 1 cup per day and only drink not very strong natural brewed coffee.
To combat drowsiness, which is a normal sign of pregnancy, do not use stimulants tincture of ginseng, coffee (if you have not used it before), etc.
Get yourself a good minimum of 8 hours of sleep in a well-ventilated area. nine0009 Be more outdoors.
Introduce walking into your daily routine to improve blood circulation and supply nutrients to your baby.
Avoid stressful situations.
Aim to eat at least 3 fruits a day and 1 serving of fresh vegetable salad with herbs throughout your pregnancy. Follow
Include in your diet at least 1 portion of fermented milk a day: cottage cheese, kefir, fermented baked milk or natural yogurt.
Make it a habit during the first trimester to drink at least 1 liter of pure unboiled water per day: a glass in the morning and evening, and throughout the day. nine0009 Sign up for courses for pregnant women to better understand the processes taking place in your body.
If you experience spotting, take bed rest and call a doctor as soon as possible. Bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy occurs in almost a third of pregnant women and most often ends favorably.
Be especially attentive to yourself on the days of the expected menstruation, the likelihood of a threat to the course of pregnancy increases these days.
At the family meeting, start looking for a place for a crib or planning a renovation in the children's room. nine0009 Smile more to your baby at the time of rapid development, mother's positive emotions are so useful.
Sex during pregnancy is possible only at will and in positions that do not cause discomfort to the expectant mother.
Reduce your fitness workload slightly according to your position.
If there is a threat of termination of pregnancy, measure your basal body temperature (BT) every morning. If there is a sharp decrease in BBT, contact your doctor immediately, he will diagnose and prescribe supportive therapy. nine0009 If you work in a hazardous industry, take a certificate of pregnancy from the antenatal clinic and recommendations for transfer to another position.
Plan and prepare for your first pregnancy photo shoot, best done in the second trimester when you can already see a small tummy.
If you're not driving yet, sign up for a driving course to be on wheels and have freedom of movement when your baby is born.
Use sunscreen throughout your pregnancy: this will prevent or reduce the appearance of pregnancy age spots. nine0009 Do not appear in the open sun from 11 am to 4 pm: at this time, the greatest solar activity, the sun's rays do not benefit, but harm.
It is possible and necessary to have a haircut during pregnancy. But the question of hair coloring, each expectant mother decides individually. Harmlessness to the fetus of any hair dye has not yet been proven or refuted.
Do not have pets for the first time during pregnancy The first encounter with toxoplasmosis is highly undesirable in terms of consequences for the fetus. nine0009 At the end of the first trimester, it is already possible to find out the sex of the child on an ultrasound examination. However, if you want the baby to be born as a surprise, then warn the doctor about this at the beginning of the study.
Pregnancy 100 Tips: Second Trimester
It is necessary to visit the doctor again and register with the antenatal clinic.
It's time to visit the dentist and carry out the sanitation of the oral cavity, and simply heal caries and holes in the teeth. If necessary, local anesthesia can be used, after notifying the attending physician about pregnancy
Don't forget to keep your pregnancy diary.
Sign up for childbirth preparation courses, you can join your spouse.
Pregnancy yoga is the best way to stay in shape and ensure good blood circulation, and therefore the needs of a growing fetus.
Start updating your wardrobe to fit your growing belly.
Choose comfortable underwear: elastic maternity panties with high or low waist, comfortable ;growing; underwire bra with wide straps. nine0009 The second trimester is a great time to travel as a couple or three with an older child. Do not change the climate dramatically, choose too active types of recreation
Listen to classical music with your baby in your tummy, learn lullabies, attend practical classes in sonata (perinatal musical development of the baby).
Sex in the second and third trimester should be especially neat and gentle. Choose poses in which there is no pressure on the stomach.
Orgasm can cause transient uterine hypertonicity. Lie on your side and try to relax. Pay special attention to relaxing the hands and face: by relaxing these muscles, you will relax the uterus. nine0009 From the middle of pregnancy, it is recommended to sleep on the left side, placing a special pillow between the legs, which will then be used when feeding the baby. Sleeping on your back is not recommended and it can even cause you to feel unwell.
By the end of the second semester, start making a list for the hospital.
Classes in the pool for pregnant women (aqua aerobics) have a beneficial effect on the expectant mother and baby.
Drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid per day during the second trimester. Give preference to pure unboiled water. nine0009 Start using oil for stretch marks: do not forget to do a light massage with a special product in the morning and evening after a shower.
It is not necessary to do an ultrasound once again without indications just to look at the baby. In the end, this is not entertainment, but a serious study, one way or another affecting the body.
Pregnancy 100 Tips: Third Trimester
Your maternity wardrobe may need to be updated again. You can't do without comfortable maternity clothes. Walking in a husband's T-shirt and mother-in-law sundress has long been out of fashion. nine0009 Your face can change a lot due to the effects of pregnancy hormones. Don't worry, everything will be back to normal after delivery.
Your memory can increasingly surprise you;. Use a diary to record even the most banal things.
Don't forget to complete your pregnancy diary every week.
Control your weight every week. Gaining weight too quickly will not please you or your supervising doctor. Think over the menu for a week in advance, so as not to have a hasty snack on sandwiches and buns. nine0009 Your sweat glands are getting more active. Take a warm shower 2 times a day, but not a hot bath and infrequently. Use deodorants as little as possible.
It is advisable to finish repairs in the room where the baby will be at least a month before the birth and thoroughly ventilate the room.
It's time to take a course on childcare. This course can either be included in the course of preparation for childbirth, or take place in separate classes. Choose what you like best.
You can already think about choosing a name for the baby: just in case, choose a name for a boy and a name for a girl. Be sure to listen to the opinion of the future dad, he also has the right to vote! nine0009 Plan an original late pregnancy photo session, but in such a way that it is guaranteed to be in time before the baby is born. Don't forget to bring your husband and older child with you.
Continue with maternity yoga, gymnastics and/or water aerobics. Or you can just go to the pool. Any moderate physical activity is useful, taking into account your gestational age.
In your free time, do Kegel exercises that train the perineum, prevent leakage of urine in late pregnancy and promote rapid recovery after childbirth. nine0009 Change your heels for shoes with a lower and more comfortable last.
Avoid overeating: this will relieve you of discomfort in the stomach. Eat small meals, but more often.
Start preparing your breasts for feeding: take air baths more often, finish your evening baths with a contrast shower. You can also use oil to prevent stretch marks. Apply a few drops of oil and massage the breast with light movements in the direction from the periphery to the nipple.
Spend less time at the computer: the computer and pregnancy are not very compatible, especially in the later stages. nine0009 Move more: being active throughout your pregnancy is the key to an easy delivery.
Attend breathing and relaxation training classes. This will help you breathe properly and relax during contractions and childbirth.
Prepare the baby's dowry. Buying tiny little things will give you a lot of positive emotions and provide your baby with high-quality and necessary clothes and accessories from the very moment of birth.
If you have fears about the upcoming birth, it is worth consulting with a perinatal psychologist. Also visit a family psychologist if the future dad is in doubt about whether he should attend the birth. Support your husband, he is also very difficult! nine0009 1-1.5 months before giving birth, limit the consumption of meat, eggs and cottage cheese to increase the elasticity of perineal tissues. Breaks in childbirth are absolutely useless to you.
Your diet should now consist to the maximum of plant foods with minimal heat treatment (boiling, stewing, steaming), vegetable oils, kefir or natural yogurt.
By the 36th week, collect things from the list in the maternity hospital in bags. Bags and suitcases are not allowed to be brought into the hospital.
It is better to buy a cot and chest of drawers in advance, because all furniture, even the highest quality, has a slight, but the smell of production: varnish, wax, paint or chipboard. nine0009 One month before giving birth, start practicing perineal massage with special oils or regular peach oil. Your dad-to-be should help you with this.
For a period of 32-36 weeks, choose maternity hospital No. 1, meet a doctor or midwife.
In the later stages, avoid too much chocolate, citrus, exotic fruits to avoid allergies in the baby.
Decide whether you will give your child vaccinations at the maternity hospital and prepare in advance to refuse them in a free form without a date. nine0009 Well, the last advice: first of all, during pregnancy, listen to yourself, your body and your intuition.
Easy delivery and a healthy baby!
First pregnancy, what you need to know?
The first pregnancy in a woman's life is always an important event. Information about what to expect during this period is very easy to find. But often the sources of information are not trustworthy and offer conflicting information.
Facts that expectant mothers need to know
Pregnancy normally lasts 40-42 weeks and ends in natural childbirth or caesarean section. This period will be divided into trimesters, the first - to 13 weeks inclusive, the second - from 14 to 27 weeks, and the third - from 28 weeks to delivery. Each trimester has its own characteristics.
The first trimester is the most unpredictable. It can pass very easily - some women do not even notice their condition. But in the first trimester, side effects of a sharp hormonal change in the body are also possible. Morning sickness, sudden bouts of weakness, low blood pressure, irritability, increased reaction to smells - all this happens due to the fact that the hormonal background changes dramatically in the body. All of these symptoms in the first trimester are normal, but they should be told to the attending physician. nine0003
In the first trimester, the laying and formation of the fetal body takes place. Most congenital pathologies are the result of violations during this period. In order not to provoke developmental anomalies, the expectant mother should avoid pathogens. Alcohol, nicotine, a range of drugs, and toxins in the water and air can adversely affect the health of the unborn child. You should also carefully approach the choice of cosmetics and hair products.
Pregnancy: first week
A woman can assume that the first week of pregnancy has begun only if she carefully prepared for the process of conception, calculated the time of ovulation, and chose the time for sexual intercourse. But even in this case, there can be no 100% certainty. For the first two or three weeks, a woman cannot independently determine whether pregnancy has occurred or not. Even if the fertilization of the egg has occurred, and the rapid process of embryo development has begun, it is still so small that it is not felt in the mother's body. nine0003
However, from the first days you can switch to a lifestyle suitable for pregnant women. It is recommended to avoid harmful foods, strong drugs, alcohol, smoking, stress; engage in gentle sports, walk in the fresh air.
In the second trimester, the fetus is almost formed and grows rapidly. At about 4.5 - 5 months, a woman begins to feel the movement of the child. At the same time, the belly appears and begins to grow. The baby acquires the ability to hear sounds, and if the mother or father is talking to him, he can move in response. The second trimester proceeds with a minimum number of complications, this is the best period for official preparation for childbirth: choosing a clinic, paperwork, settling issues with work, and so on. By the end of the second trimester, you should pack a bag for the maternity hospital, and in addition, sign up for a course for new mothers. In such courses, women are taught not only the correct behavior in childbirth, but also the handling of a newborn baby. nine0003
In the third trimester, the fetus is already formed, even with the onset of premature birth, the child can be saved. However, normal gestation up to 40-42 weeks is the best option.