What you need to know about the first trimester of pregnancy: symptoms of increased uterine tone, recommendations and restrictions. The first trimester of pregnancy - features of the development of the baby, the mother’s feelings and important recommendations Lifestyle in the first trimester of pregnancy

When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, she immediately has a question: the first trimester of pregnancy - what is possible, what is not? And this is quite justified, because the first months of bearing a baby are the most important. During this period, it is worth knowing which foods are healthy, which are harmful, which habits are best to give up, and what you should absolutely not be afraid of.

Healthy nutrition in the first trimester

What should a pregnant woman's diet consist of in the first trimester? Gynecologists strongly recommend increasing the amount of foods high in fiber consumed. Such food is rich not only in various microelements, but also in vitamins.

A woman who has just found out about her pregnancy should fall in love with dairy products, cereals, and vegetable oils. Additionally, it is recommended to take multivitamins. It is also better to give up simple carbohydrates in favor of complex ones. Products with complex carbohydrates do not harm your figure and give a greater feeling of fullness.

So, the first trimester of pregnancy: what is allowed and what is not allowed from food? Healthy food:

• wholemeal bread;
• weak black or green tea, decoctions, all kinds of fruit drinks;
• greens (excessive consumption of parsley, dill and lettuce should be avoided);
• all kinds of vegetables (there are no restrictions here);
• buckwheat porridge;
• low-fat dairy products and milk;
• berries;
• vegetable oils;
• eggs;
• dietary meat, such as rabbit or chicken;
• sweets such as marshmallows, marshmallows and honey;
• fatty fish.

By the way, you shouldn’t limit your meat consumption. Many pregnant women complain of low hemoglobin levels in the blood. Regular consumption of meat products will solve this problem.

Harmful products

Inexperienced mothers may ask the question: how long is the first trimester of pregnancy? So, the first trimester lasts 13 weeks, so at this stage it is especially important not to eat unhealthy foods, especially those that accumulate toxins in the body.

• hot bread, bread made from wheat flour;
• ice cream, chocolate and other similar sweets;
• smoked and salted products;
• canned meat;
• oils and fats of animal origin;
• mayonnaise, vinegar and other similar products (women generally remember the first trimester with constant nausea, and spicy and sour additives aggravate the situation);
• strong tea and coffee;
• fast food, hamburgers, fried potatoes;
• sausages and sausages;
• meat broths;
• dumplings and dumplings;
• fatty dairy products.

It was listed above what pregnant women should not do in the first trimester. This list was developed by doctors. It is worth noting that most of the listed products create a large load on a woman’s liver, and can also put too much strain on the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

Sleeping on your stomach during pregnancy

How can you sleep in the first trimester of pregnancy? What can and cannot be done while sleeping? These questions are most often asked by pregnant girls when visiting a gynecologist.

After the expectant mother finds out about her situation, she increasingly wants to lie on her stomach and fall asleep. But this desire is not a simple whim or even a hormonal imbalance. Psychologically, the expectant mother is already trying to protect her baby from possible danger. But isn't this harmful?

So, at first glance, it may seem that pregnant women can sleep as they want in the first trimester, that is, without restrictions. However, it is not. In the first months, sleeping on your stomach is not recommended, and all because the weight of the body can put pressure on the uterus, thereby endangering the embryo located in it. Of course, if a woman rarely rests in this position, then nothing dangerous will happen, but regular sleep on her stomach can cause some complications.

The most interesting thing is that when the belly has already enlarged, and the baby is growing and developing rapidly, doctors recommend giving up rest on the back. A large belly can put pressure on deep veins and cause poor circulation.

Alcohol and pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with some restrictions. It is believed that the expectant mother is strictly prohibited from drinking alcohol, especially in the early stages. Is it so? Will the baby really be harmed if the mother drank in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Such a ban does indeed exist. Drinks with even a small degree are not allowed to be consumed in the early stages. The fact is that alcoholic drinks are very quickly absorbed into the blood, and from there they easily enter the placenta. If a pregnant woman often drinks alcohol, the baby may be born with external defects, as well as with disorders of certain organs.

The expectant mother can independently verify that alcohol, even in small quantities, has a detrimental effect on her body, and therefore also on the body of her baby. To do this, it is enough to take tests. The first trimester of pregnancy is monitored very carefully by doctors. They require constant donation of blood and urine to monitor the woman’s health.

Is it allowed to have sex

It's no secret that during pregnancy, the expectant mother's hormonal levels change. Increased levels of certain hormones have different effects on a woman’s emotional state. Some people don’t want intimate relationships at all, and for some, sex in the first trimester becomes simply necessary. But are there any restrictions in terms of intimate relationships in the first months of pregnancy?

In general, doctors do not prohibit pregnant women from having sex. During orgasm, the expectant mother produces large quantities of endorphin, which is the hormone of happiness. It has a positive effect on fetal development. Sex also develops the pelvic muscles, which can be useful during labor and childbirth. However, limitations do exist.

So, sex in the first trimester is prohibited only if there are contraindications. If a woman is at risk of miscarriage, has increased uterine tone, or has a sexually transmitted infection in her partner, then it is better to exclude intimate relationships. This may lead to termination of pregnancy. If no violations have been identified, then the woman is allowed to have sex at any time. It is only important to exclude pressure on the abdomen, deep penetration and prolonged intercourse.

Visiting the dentist

Of course, any person should take care and closely monitor the condition of their teeth, but sometimes problems arise when you least expect them. For example, during pregnancy. When a toothache overtakes an expectant mother, she will have to visit the dentist, but in her head, of course, there will be the question of whether it is possible to treat her teeth if she is only in the first trimester of pregnancy. What is possible, what is not, and what are the real restrictions?

In fact, there are no prohibitions here. Treating teeth during pregnancy, if necessary, is even strongly recommended, and all because toothache occurs due to the inflammatory process. If there is inflammation in the body of the expectant mother, then if left untreated, this can negatively affect the health of the baby.

It is worth saying that women very often note that during pregnancy their enamel condition worsens, their teeth become more fragile and caries appears more often. This occurs because the fetus takes too many nutrients from the mother's body. Of course, you can’t leave your teeth in this condition. A pregnant woman is allowed all dental medications and is not even prohibited from having her teeth treated with anesthesia. Moreover, now all medicines are modern.

But what is prohibited during pregnancy is x-rays, so you need to choose a dentist very carefully. An experienced specialist must carefully perform the filling, since untreated canals or canals in which there is too much material can cause the development of periodontitis in the future. Also, during the first trimester of pregnancy, it is not recommended to install dentures or crowns, and it is also better to refuse treatment in the orthodontist’s office. These procedures are not essential, so prosthetics or bite correction can be performed after childbirth.

Flights

Pregnancy is a wonderful time. During this period, many women try to get more positive emotions, go for walks and go on vacation. Can an expectant mother fly an airplane? Or maybe it’s better to choose another means of transportation?

Gynecologists say that pregnant women in the first trimester should not fly on airplanes. However, there is no scientific evidence that flying has a negative impact on fetal development. Despite this, a pregnant woman who still decides to take a risk is strongly recommended to undergo an ultrasound scan before the flight and undergo all necessary tests.

Flights are prohibited only for women whose pregnancy is going through some difficulties, and those whose uterus is in good shape. Before boarding the plane, the expectant mother is recommended to show the flight attendant a certificate from the doctor that she is not prohibited from flying, and to buy pills for toxicosis. In the first trimester, it is advisable to always have such medications on hand.

During a flight in the early stages of pregnancy, it is strongly recommended to walk and move more, and if the woman does not disturb anyone, then you can even do a little exercise. When the belly becomes more noticeable, during the flight, due to pressure surges, it is best to wear compression stockings. It is no secret that pregnancy has a negative impact on the condition of the veins of the expectant mother and contributes to the development of thrombosis.

Pregnancy and weight lifting

There is an opinion that a woman who is expecting a child should not lift heavy bags and other heavy objects. Moreover, physical activity is completely prohibited in the first trimester. Is it so? But what about that mother for whom this is not her first pregnancy and the difference between the children is very small?

Doctors already have a clear answer to this question. If a woman’s pregnancy is really going through difficulties, and in the early stages there was a risk of miscarriage, then lifting weights is strongly not recommended. In this case, the husband should carry all the bags from the stores, and it is better to sit older children only on their laps and under no circumstances lift them into their arms.

If there is no risk of miscarriage, there are no prohibitions on lifting, for example, bags. The only thing you should be wary of is squeezing the abdomen and a large deflection in the lumbar region. It is better for pregnant women to lift weights in this way:

• first you need to bend your knees a little;
• sit down with a straight back;
• After this, it is recommended to carefully take the bags.

You should not make any sudden movements. When lifting, do not strain your back and abdominal area. All the weight must be transferred to the legs and arms.

Well, in general, of course, you shouldn’t carry heavy objects without unnecessary need. It is better that the expectant mother is accompanied by her husband or other family members while shopping.

Fears of pregnant women in the first trimester

A woman in early pregnancy is very vulnerable and impressionable. Among expectant mothers, there are a huge number of fables and fictions floating around about what can negatively affect the development of the fetus, as well as what pathologies can harm the baby and how they will then affect the woman’s health after childbirth.

Most often, a huge number of fears and rumors revolve around such an ailment as cervical erosion. Many women learn about this pathology during the first trimester of pregnancy. How many women would have an abortion if erosion was an indication for termination of pregnancy?

There is an opinion that cervical erosion after childbirth can degenerate into a malignant tumor, although this is not at all true.

In fact, erosion is not scary for a pregnant woman. It cannot turn into cancer, and natural childbirth certainly does not affect this process in any way. For the expectant mother, detected dysplasia is much more dangerous, which means the detection of cancer cells in the cervix. Dysplasia is determined by taking a cytological smear. However, even detected cancer cells are not an indication for abortion. The gynecologist can only recommend terminating the pregnancy. But even after receiving recommendations, a woman must independently decide whether to give birth or not.

Following all the simple recommendations will help a woman get through the first months of pregnancy easily and without consequences. It is worth remembering that a pregnant woman’s diet in the first trimester should be balanced. Do not neglect the advice of doctors. The correct behavior of the expectant mother will allow the baby to begin to develop as necessary.

It must be said that expectant mothers who comply with all the doctors’ requirements practically do not suffer from toxicosis, feel great and do not feel almost any discomfort. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle allows you to protect the developing fetus from the appearance of various congenital pathologies. The mother's mood rises and her appearance changes, which also helps the baby develop normally.

The entire period of pregnancy is usually divided into three approximately equal periods of time, which are called trimesters. is counted from the first day of the last menstruation to 12 weeks (during this period fertilization occurs - the fusion of the egg and sperm and the formation of the fetal organs and placenta). The second trimester lasts from 13 to 28 weeks (at this time there is active growth and development of the fetus). From 29 weeks until the moment of birth, the third trimester of pregnancy begins (the period of 28 weeks is the boundary between the second and third trimester, because the fetus born after 28 weeks of pregnancy, with appropriate treatment and nursing, is capable of further growth and development outside the mother’s body).

It should be noted that the calculation of the obstetric gestational age, which is determined in the antenatal clinic, during an ultrasound examination and when calculating the expected date of birth, is usually carried out not from the moment of conception, but from the first day of the last menstruation. The embryonic period of pregnancy is also distinguished, which is calculated from the moment of conception (as a rule, it is two weeks less than the obstetric period). Calculating the obstetric period is more convenient, because the exact date of conception is quite difficult to determine, and the expectant mother can almost always tell the date of the first day of the last menstruation.

Embryo development

The lifespan of an egg awaiting fertilization is 24 hours, and the viability period of sperm is 3–5 days. If, after the release of a mature egg from the ovary (which usually happens in the middle of the menstrual cycle), it meets and merges with the sperm, fertilization occurs, resulting in the formation of a single-celled embryo - a zygote, which gives rise to the complex process of laying down all organs and systems future child.

A day after fertilization, which occurs in the ampullary (expanded) section of the fallopian tube, the embryo begins its journey to the place of permanent “dislocation” - into the uterine cavity, while continuously dividing.

From the 4th day, in the embryo, consisting of a group of cells similar to a raspberry (at this stage of development it is called a morula), the process of embryogenesis begins - the laying of all organs and tissues. 5–7 days after fertilization, having reached the uterine cavity, the embryo, which during this period is in the blastocyst stage and consists of approximately 200 cells, begins the process of penetration into the uterine mucosa - implantation, which occurs on days 21–24 of the menstrual cycle. During the process of implantation, the continuously dividing cells of the embryo secrete special enzymes that melt the endometrium, a section of the uterine mucosa, and penetrate inside. After implantation, the smallest blood vessels of the outer part of the blastocyst and the endometrium merge, through which life support for the embryo begins (before implantation, it was fed from its own reserves, which are significantly depleted by the time it enters the uterine cavity). Subsequently, the chorion is formed from these vessels, and then the placenta, which is the most important organ that provides nutrition and growth to the fetus.

The dividing cells of the embryo form 3 layers, which provide the basis for certain organs and tissues. The outer leaf gives rise to the development of skin, hair and nails, teeth, epithelium of the ears, eyes and nose, and nervous system. The middle leaf forms the notochord - the basis of the future spine, skeletal muscles, cartilage, internal organs, blood vessels, and gonads. The epithelium of the respiratory and digestive systems, liver and pancreas will be formed from the cells of the inner leaf.

After implantation is completed, the outer cells of the embryo (trophoblast) begin to synthesize a hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which, spreading with the bloodstream throughout the body of the expectant mother, gives a signal for hormonal changes in its organs and systems in connection with the onset of pregnancy. Thus, from the 10th day after fertilization (which corresponds to the 24th day of the menstrual cycle), hCG, which can be used to judge the presence of pregnancy, begins to be detected in the blood and a little later - in the urine of the pregnant woman.

By the end of the first month of pregnancy (at 4 weeks), the embryo looks like a tube, at one end of which there is a thickening - the future head of the child, at the other end - the rudiment of the coccyx. The heart, which still has a single-chamber structure, and the nervous system begin to form (21 days after conception, the formation of the brain and spinal cord occurs). At week 4, the rudiments of internal organs, eye sockets, and limbs are formed. The size of the embryo by the end of the first month is about 1.5 mm.

In the second month of pregnancy (at 5–8 weeks), the embryo looks like a “comma” due to the large size of the head, which makes up more than one-third of the body, and not yet very developed limbs. During this period, there is a process of rapid growth (its rate reaches 2–3? mm per day!), amniotic fluid begins to be produced, in which the unborn child spends the entire period of intrauterine existence, through which the fetus metabolizes and which acts as a protective (shock-absorbing) fluid. function. On the head of the embryo there are 4 depressions where the eyes and ears are formed. The central nervous system is actively developing: the formation of layers of the cerebral hemispheres occurs. By the end of the second month of pregnancy, the embryo’s tiny heart begins to contract (this can be seen with an ultrasound), the kidneys begin to function, the small face has a nose and mouth, fingers form on the limbs, which are still membrane-bound, and the muscles acquire the ability to contract. By the end of the second month of pregnancy, the growth of the embryo reaches 2.5 cm.

By the beginning of the 3rd month of pregnancy (9–12 weeks), the period of laying human organs ends - the embryonic period, the embryo acquires a characteristic human appearance, therefore, after 8 weeks of development (or 45 days from the moment of fertilization), it is already called a fetus: the so-called fruiting period begins development.

Over the course of 3 months, the baby continues to actively grow and develop: the heart already has a four-chamber structure, like that of an adult, facial features become clearer, the stomach and intestines are formed, the limbs and fingers are fully formed, on which tiny nails grow, convolutions form in the brain and grooves. The muscles are actively working, due to which the fetus moves its arms and legs (but due to its too small size, the expectant mother cannot yet feel these movements), the fetus can also clench and unclench its fists, open and close its mouth. The cartilage tissue that makes up the fetal skeleton begins to harden at the so-called ossification points. The skin of the unborn child at this stage is very thin, blood vessels are visible through it, due to which the skin has a red color. By the end of the third month of pregnancy, fetal growth is already 9–10 cm, weight – 13–14 g.

1st trimester: woman's sensations

During the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s body is actively adjusting to a new mode of operation (the volume of circulating blood gradually increases, the heart, lungs and kidneys begin to work in an enhanced mode, etc.), in which everything is aimed at bearing and developing the fetus. In this regard, even healthy pregnant women quite often experience changes in both the physiological and psychological spheres of life. It must be remembered that these changes are temporary and are signs of hormonal changes, which are necessary for the normal growth and development of the unborn baby.

General health. So, at a time when you may not yet know that a new life has arisen inside you, you may feel general weakness, fatigue, constant drowsiness, absent-mindedness, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate on any important matter, periodically dizziness that occurs. These symptoms are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and are associated with the influence of the hormone progesterone (which begins to be produced by the ovary from the moment of fertilization) on vascular tone. During pregnancy, the vessels of the uterus and small pelvis dilate significantly, which is necessary for relaxation of the uterus and good blood supply to the embryo. Due to the fact that the blood vessels of the expectant mother’s body are in an expanded state and a large amount of blood accumulates in the pelvic organs, a pregnant woman in the first trimester often experiences a decrease in blood pressure, the symptoms of which are weakness, drowsiness and other listed ailments.

Psycho-emotional sphere. The first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by sudden mood swings, instability of psycho-emotional reactions, which can manifest as excessive sensitivity, the appearance of tears for no apparent reason, and reactions to ordinary irritants that are uncharacteristic for a given woman. These changes can have varying degrees of severity, as well as different durations: for some, the phenomena of emotional lability (as experts call these manifestations) disappear within a few weeks from the onset of pregnancy, and for some women they are observed throughout the entire first trimester or even the entire pregnancy, which depends on the initial character traits, reactions and relationships of the people around the expectant mother. Sudden mood swings are caused by significant hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Change in appetite. During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience changes in appetite, as well as strong preferences for certain foods. Some pregnant women note a sharp decrease in appetite, especially in the morning, which may be associated with early toxicosis; others recall a constant, irrepressible desire to eat during the first months of pregnancy. Some people have an irresistible desire to eat something sweet or salty, others have an aversion to the taste or smell of any food. In some cases, the food addictions of pregnant women take on exotic forms: expectant mothers have a desire to eat chalk, sand, etc. If you are irresistibly drawn to eat something harmful (for example, pickles or smoked meats, tangerines or strawberries), it is advisable to choose an analogue that brings benefit the body of the expectant mother and the growing baby. So, pickles can be replaced with crackers or nuts, sweets with dried fruits or muesli bars, soda with freshly squeezed juices or natural fruit drinks.

Metamorphoses of eating behavior may be associated with a deficiency in the expectant mother of precisely those substances that she lacks for the growth and development of the fetus (protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, certain microelements), therefore the body persistently demands precisely the missing components, showing this by a change in taste preferences . Therefore, if you notice a craving for unusual products or completely inedible things, you need to inform the doctor monitoring your pregnancy so that he can identify the lack of which substances are associated with the change in taste preferences, and give the necessary recommendations for replenishing them.

As a result of hormonal changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy, an aversion to the taste and even the smell of any foods (most often meat and fish) appears. In such cases, you should not overpower yourself, as you can always find an alternative - for example, if you cannot look at meat, then dairy products, legumes, etc. can be an excellent source of protein. Remember that all these “pregnancy fads” are temporary , and as the pregnancy progresses, everything will gradually fall into place.

Condition of the skin and mammary glands. In addition to changes in mood and appetite, the expectant mother may already feel external changes in the first trimester of pregnancy, which may affect the skin, as well as the condition of the mammary glands. Since the mammary glands are hormone-dependent organs, under the influence of hormonal changes that occur in connection with pregnancy, women from the first weeks of pregnancy may notice a feeling of fullness (engorgement), tingling, discomfort and even pain in the breast area. Any, even light touch to the mammary glands can cause discomfort. As a rule, they disappear spontaneously by the end of the first - beginning of the second month of pregnancy. In the area of ​​the areola (papillar circle) of the mammary glands, under the influence of estrogen hormones, pigmentation intensifies, growing throughout the entire period of bearing the baby.

At the 3rd month of pregnancy, the mammary glands and nipples may begin to increase in volume, which is due to the active proliferation of glandular tissue to prepare the breasts for lactation. If breast growth occurs very quickly, stretch marks may appear on the skin - stretch marks; At first they are red in color and fade over time. Stretch marks are tears in the skin that are replaced by connective tissue as a result of the skin not having time to adapt to such rapid growth in breast volume. The possibility of the appearance of stretch marks is due to the individual structural features of the skin of the expectant mother. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely remove stretch marks, but over time they will become significantly less noticeable.

You can take measures in advance against the appearance of stretch marks, and then they either will not appear at all or will be minimally expressed. To avoid the appearance of stretch marks, it is necessary to clearly monitor the dynamics of weight gain, avoiding sudden jumps and large gains in a short period of time (normally, a pregnant woman adds 300–400 g per week). Particular attention should be paid to skin care during pregnancy; fortunately, today there is a wide range of special products for preventing the appearance of stretch marks on the skin of the chest, abdomen and thighs. Creams for the prevention of stretch marks containing nutritional components, vitamins, and collagen should be used after a warm shower 1-2 times a day, which helps moisturize the skin and increase its elasticity.

As pregnancy progresses, under the influence of estrogens on the skin of the face, in some cases, pigmentation of the skin in the facial area - forehead, cheeks, chin, upper lip - may increase. The risk group for the appearance of hyperpigmentation includes brunettes and women with dark skin. Expectant mothers who spend a lot of time in the open sun are also at risk of increased pigmentation. As a rule, pigmentation goes away on its own after childbirth, but in rare cases, to varying degrees, it can persist for a long time.

You may be interested in the article “1st trimester: I’m pregnant, what should I do?” on the website mamaexpert.ru

Possible complications

Early toxicosis. The very first complication that a pregnant woman may encounter is undoubtedly early toxicosis. Most often it manifests itself as nausea, which especially bothers women in the morning, and vomiting, which in severe cases can occur up to several dozen times a day. More rare symptoms of early toxicosis are drooling (the amount of saliva produced can reach a liter or more per day), dermatoses (skin manifestations, most often in the form of itching), etc. The final mechanism of early toxicosis is not clear, but it has been established that the development of this pregnancy complication is due to violations of the regulatory influence of the central nervous system on changes in the organs and systems of the woman’s body in connection with pregnancy. If early toxicosis occurs in a mild form (vomiting occurs no more than 3–5 times a day, the general condition of the pregnant woman is not significantly affected), then treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis.

In case of early toxicosis, split meals are recommended: to make you feel better, you can have breakfast immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed, you need to eat often - every 2-3 hours, in small portions. It is important to normalize the daily routine (sufficient duration of sleep, exclude work at night, etc.), create a therapeutic and protective regime - protection from any stressful situations, obtaining the maximum amount of positive emotions. Early toxicosis of moderate (vomiting up to 10–12 times a day, signs of dehydration appear) and severe (vomiting 20 or more times a day, severe dehydration) are subject to treatment in a hospital setting.

Threat of miscarriage. The second most common complication that can develop during the first trimester is the threat of spontaneous miscarriage. This fact is due to the fact that during this period of pregnancy, when the processes of active growth and development of the fetus and placenta occur, there is an increased sensitivity to damaging factors, under the influence of which termination of pregnancy, death of the embryo or the occurrence of fetal malformations can occur. Such periods, when the fetus is especially vulnerable to damaging factors, are called critical periods of pregnancy.

In the 1st trimester, the number of critical periods is maximum: the first such period is the moment of implantation of the fertilized egg (the first 2–3 weeks of pregnancy), the next is the period of organogenesis (3–7 weeks, when the laying of fetal tissues and organs occurs) and placentation (9–12 weeks pregnancy, when the placenta is actively forming). That is, in fact, almost the entire first trimester of pregnancy is a critical period. Unfavorable factors that can have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy are harmful environmental conditions (high temperature, radiation, vibration, hypoxia, etc.), infection, hormonal disorders, taking medications contraindicated for pregnant women, stress and overwork, and also physical overload.

Signs of a threatened miscarriage are:

• feeling of “heaviness” in the lower abdomen;
• aching, nagging pain (similar in nature to premenstrual pain);
• bloody discharge from the genital tract of any intensity (from scanty spotting to heavy).

If the above symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. If there is only nagging pain in the lower abdomen, treatment begins on an outpatient basis. If there is no effect from such treatment or bleeding appears, the expectant mother is hospitalized for treatment and observation in a hospital.

Behavior rules

From the moment pregnancy is established, it is necessary to follow a number of simple rules, thanks to which you can avoid complications:

• It is necessary to adjust your daily routine in such a way as to ensure sufficient sleep (at least 8 hours at night), and also leave 1-2 hours for walks in the fresh air. Often, pregnant women in the first trimester experience a strong need for daytime sleep, which is due to the influence of hormones, so it is advisable to provide the opportunity to sleep during the day for 1–2 hours.
• Physical activity should be within the usual, everyday limits. However, as a precaution, it is necessary to exclude heavy lifting, sudden jumps, loads associated with tension in the abdominal muscles, and strength training.
• You need to protect yourself as much as possible from unfavorable factors that can harm you and your unborn baby: avoid stressful situations, work night shifts, refrain from being in a smoky room, and especially do not smoke yourself, completely eliminate the use of alcoholic beverages.
• Minimize the likelihood of contact with people with colds, especially if the first months of pregnancy fall during periods of seasonal increases in the incidence.
• It is recommended to take vitamin complexes for pregnant women: they contain the optimal doses of vitamins and microelements necessary for normal growth and development of the fetus. Taking folic acid in the first trimester of pregnancy is of particular importance. This substance plays a special role in the early stages of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks), as it participates in the process of active cell division, the formation and development of organs and tissues of the embryo. It has been proven that with a lack of folic acid intake during pregnancy, malformations of the fetal nervous system are formed, leading to spontaneous miscarriages or the birth of sick children. Folic acid can be taken either as part of vitamin complexes for pregnant women or separately; the required dose will be recommended to you by a gynecologist.

• To ensure a successful pregnancy, you must register with the antenatal clinic. The optimal period for this is 8–10 weeks, since examination in the first trimester for the purpose of early detection of concomitant diseases and their timely treatment are the key to the birth of a healthy child. When registering, a number of standard mandatory examinations are carried out, which will allow a comprehensive assessment of the health status of the expectant mother. When registering, healthy pregnant women will be prescribed blood tests - general and biochemical, a blood coagulation test (coagulogram), a general urine test, testing for syphilis and HIV, hepatitis B and C, infections that can provoke the formation of fetal malformations (cytomegalovirus, rubella , herpes, toxoplasmosis). An electrocardiogram (ECG) will also be performed and consultations will be held with doctors - a therapist, a dentist, an ophthalmologist, an ENT specialist.
• At a period of 10–12 weeks, to identify an increased risk of genetic anomalies and malformations of the fetus, a biochemical screening is performed - the so-called “double” test - a blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A).

If the expectant mother has any chronic diseases, the scope of examination and consultations with specialists will increase depending on the type of pathology.

At 11–12 weeks of pregnancy, the first ultrasound is also prescribed, the purpose of which is to establish the presence of intrauterine pregnancy and fetal viability, determine the gestational age, and identify pathologies in fetal development. It must be remembered that ultrasound must be done exactly at the time recommended by the gynecologist managing your pregnancy. The fact is that some symptoms indicating trouble in the development of the baby are informative only during clearly defined periods of pregnancy.

An example is the size of the fetal nuchal region, an increase in which may signal a risk of developing Down syndrome. But this symptom is informative only up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Considering that the diagnosis of genetic disorders of fetal development can be quite difficult even today, the need for strict adherence to the timing of additional studies in the first trimester of pregnancy becomes clear.

The first trimester of pregnancy begins with the desire to become pregnant and the actual moment of conception, and ends with the official meeting with the baby. This period of time lasts from 1st to 13th obstetric week of pregnancy and carries with it many emotions, restrictions, changes in the usual way of life, requires attention to oneself and the emergence of a new life within oneself.

Fetus

A tiny sperm reaches the egg and the process of development of a new organism has already begun. At the beginning of the 1st trimester, these are just two cells that turn into a small man, reaching 9 cm in length and weighing about 20 grams. Perhaps his body is not yet so proportional, but this tiny organism already contains the building blocks of all organs and systems. The placenta begins to form.

The baby's heart is already beating. - he makes his first hesitant attempts to move his arms and legs. And with the help of ultrasonic devices it is already possible to record his breathing movements.

Mother's condition

As a rule, during pregnancy (the first week of missed menstruation), a woman has no idea about her situation. Her condition is comparable to the sensations before the onset of the expected menstruation. However, menstruation does not come, and unusual new symptoms keep appearing and growing:

• Food cravings;
• Aversion to certain aromas and smells;
• Breast engorgement;
• Drowsiness and mood lability.

The greatest discomfort in the first trimester of pregnancy can bring toxicosis. Nausea and vomiting in the morning are not very pleasant.

Information Sometimes data can occur more than 3-4 times a day. Then the woman is recommended to be under medical supervision to monitor the condition until recovery. Physiologically, toxicosis recedes by 12-13 weeks, when the placentation process ends.

Starting from the very beginning of the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the first events occur, preparing this organ for bearing a fetus. During the process of its growth, due to the thickening and lengthening of the uterine ligaments, a woman may feel a slight stretching on the sides of the lower abdomen. By the end of the first trimester, the uterus protrudes above the symphysis pubis. In some expectant mothers, if you look closely, you can see a rounded tummy.

Basic tests and examinations

Additionally When planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to prepare the woman’s body for the process of bearing a child. It is necessary to cure existing somatic diseases, if any, and take blood tests to determine blood group and Rh factor, coagulogram.

When registering with an antenatal clinic at 6-7-8 weeks of pregnancy, a woman receives a list required tests and a list of consultations with narrow specialists (ophthalmologist, ENT, dentist, therapist).

By the end of the 1st trimester, a pregnant woman should have passed. Typically, this study is prescribed at 12-13 weeks, and in combination with a double hormonal test (measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin and placental protein associated with pregnancy), it gives more informative results in determining possible chromosomal pathology of the fetus.

Also at this stage of pregnancy allows you to establish:

• Exact gestational age;
• The number of fetuses in the uterine cavity;
• The presence of the most severe fetal malformations (absence of limbs, severe heart defects, etc.).

Threats and dangers

Throughout the first trimester, the fetal organs are at the stage of formation and development. Therefore, any negative factors (medicines) can affect full development. It is worth abandoning all manifestations of adverse effects on the fetus.

When pregnancy occurs, the woman’s body activates the process of suppressing cellular immunity in order to prevent rejection of the fertilized egg. But until this mechanism becomes fully operational, some period of time will pass, so in the early stages in the 1st trimester there is a high probability early miscarriage.

Important Symptoms of a miscarriage are bloody discharge and nagging pain in the lower abdomen. If this condition occurs, the woman should immediately seek medical help.

Nutrition

It happens that adequate nutrition in the first trimester of pregnancy is limited by increasing signs of toxicosis. A woman loses weight and does not receive essential vitamins and minerals. To avoid exhaustion of the body, she should eat small and often, take easily digestible food, and diversify her diet. This will help the body receive and absorb everything it needs.

Sex

You should refrain from intimate relationships in the first trimester, as there is a high probability of causing a threat of miscarriage. However, if this option is not satisfactory and there are no contraindications, then sexual relations are allowed, but their intensity should be reduced.

The most common complaints and questions during pregnancy. Translation into Russian by doctor Meglei S.V.

First trimester.
What are the first symptoms of pregnancy?
Most often, a missed period indicates pregnancy, although in women with irregular periods the delay may not be related to pregnancy.
Frequent urination, increased fatigue, nausea or vomiting, and engorgement of the mammary glands appear.
Most of the symptoms listed are normal.
Most home tests are sensitive from 9 – 12 days of fertilization.
Taking the test helps dispel doubts.
A pregnancy test using blood serum (performed in a laboratory) allows you to detect pregnancy from 8 to 11 days of fertilization.

How long after fertilization does the fertilized egg attach to the uterus?
The fertilized conceptus enters the uterus in the form of an embryo of 2–8 cells, and floats freely (floats) in the uterine cavity for about 90–150 hours (about 4–7 days after fertilization). Most embryos are implanted at the morula stage, when the embryo is composed of many cells. This happens on average 6 days after fertilization.
The new embryo causes changes in the endometrium called decidualization.
Rapid physiological changes then occur that establish the mother-fetus exchange. Medicines taken before this time usually do not affect the embryo.

Which pregnancy tests are more accurate?
Serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the syncytiotrophoblast from the day of implantation, and its amount rapidly increases in the blood and urine of a pregnant woman.
The serum test for Choriogonin is the most sensitive and specific; with its help, the hormone is detected in a woman’s blood on the 8th – 9th day of conception.
The test can be quantitative (amount of hormone) or qualitative (simple: there is or not).
Urine pregnancy tests differ in sensitivity and specificity; they are based on the detection of Choriogonin particles in a woman’s urine and detect hCG at a concentration of 2-5 mIU/mL.
Urine pregnancy tests can give a positive result when the hormone level in the urine is 20 mIU/mL, which corresponds to 2-3 days before the expected menstruation.
Such kits are very accurate and affordable. The test is completed in 3-5 minutes. All kits work on the same principle - they detect the beta subunit of choriogonin using antibodies to it. False detection of pregnancy occurs with molar pregnancy (hydatidiform mole) or other placental pathology.
Also, a pregnancy test can remain positive for some time after childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
On the other hand, false negative results can occur if the test manufacturing technology is violated by the factory, if the urine is too diluted, or when taking certain medications.
Other urine tests use the agglutination inhibition method.
This test requires a drop of urine to be mixed with antibodies to hCG and hCG itself on a latex base. If the test result is positive (pregnancy exists), then the mixture remains pure.
And if there is no hCG in the urine (the test is negative), then the latex particles agglutinate (stick together).
Such tests are more sensitive after childbirth or abortion, since during this period they are not so sensitive and confirm the absence of pregnancy more reliably.
Serum pregnancy tests can be based on different principles. The ELISA test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is the most common test in laboratories.
This test determines the entire level of beta-choriogonin. It is performed using monoclonal antibodies associated with hCG; a second antibody is added so that it also interacts with hCG and causes a color change. The ELISA test is also called a “sandwich” test.
The radioimmune method (RIA) is still used in some laboratories.
This test adds radiolabeled anti-CG antibodies to unlabeled CHG in a blood sample.
The amount of unbound radiolabeled sample is then measured.
HCG levels double every two days in early pregnancy.
However, it should be noted that an increase of even 33% can occur during a normal pregnancy. The concentration of hCG increases until 60–70 days of pregnancy and then drops to low numbers by 100–130 days of pregnancy and does not increase again until the end of pregnancy.

What is the best home pregnancy test?
Most often, home pregnancy tests use the same principle and are the same in sensitivity.

How to calculate the expected due date?
Pregnancy lasts on average 281 – 282 days, according to most studies of normal pregnancy.
Naegele's Rule is a mathematical formula that makes calculating your due date easy.
Find the first day of your last menstrual period, add 7 days and subtract 3 months. This will be the day and month of the expected birth.
This formula quite accurately predicts the date of birth in women with a regular cycle.
If the exact day of conception is known, then the gestational age is counted from it, adding 2 weeks to the resulting figure.
The first trimester ends with the 14th week, the second trimester ends with the 28th week.

How can a woman find out if she has an ectopic pregnancy?
Since pregnancy tests have become widespread, doctors often find out about an ectopic pregnancy even before clinical manifestations. The most common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy is cramping in the lower abdomen on one side. If a tube ruptures, the pain becomes very acute and constant, and then spreads throughout the entire pelvis.
Other symptoms include brown vaginal discharge, light bleeding, or even heavy bleeding if a tube ruptures.
If the bleeding is so severe that it results in anemia, the woman may feel dizzy and weak.
Physical findings, pelvic ultrasound, and hCG test are used to clarify this diagnosis. A quantitative hCG test is used to compare the amount of hCG in serum depending on the stage of pregnancy.
If the patient had a measurement of the amount of hCG in the blood serum, and measured it again after 48 hours, then it is possible to compare the increase in the concentration of hCG in the woman with the proper increase. A doubling of the serum hCG concentration within 48–72 hours indicates a normally developing pregnancy. If the concentration does not increase, then the pregnancy is probably ectopic. If the patient is stable, then monitoring of hCG concentrations should be continued every 2 days.
You can perform a pelvic ultrasound to look for a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity, formations in the tube area, or detect blood flow with color Doppler in the tube area.
A fertilized egg in the uterine cavity excludes tubal pregnancy, since the combination of intrauterine and tubal pregnancy occurs in 1 in 30,000 intrauterine pregnancies.
To accurately diagnose an abnormal pregnancy, it is necessary to conduct a series of serum hCG measurements. © ...

When should a pregnant woman register for pregnancy and how often should she visit her obstetrician-gynecologist?
Ideally, the patient should visit a gynecologist before conception.
If this does not happen, the patient should visit a doctor as soon as she suspects pregnancy in order to adjust her diet and habits to reduce the risk of malformations and pregnancy complications to a minimum. It is recommended to visit a doctor before 10 weeks of pregnancy.
It is better to start taking the necessary vitamins and identify problems in a woman’s health by passing some screening tests sooner rather than later. A physical examination and screening for sexually transmitted infections is usually performed at the first visit.
Ultrasound is recommended for women who are not confident in remembering the date of menstruation or have had irregular cycles.
A woman complaining of spotting, lower abdominal pain, or uncontrollable vomiting should seek help immediately.
During the first trimester and the beginning of the second trimester, visits to the doctor occur once every 4 weeks. Most doctors recommend visits every 2 weeks in the second trimester and once a week in the third trimester.
Patients who have not given birth by 40 weeks of pregnancy visit the doctor 2-3 times a week.

When should a woman undergo her first ultrasound during pregnancy?
Each obstetrician-gynecologist has his own point of view on this issue. Pregnancy can be recognized in the uterine cavity at the earliest at 5 weeks of pregnancy (amenorrhea) with a transabdominal sensor and at 4.5 weeks of pregnancy with a transvaginal sensor, which corresponds to a hCG concentration in the blood serum of 1500-2000 mIU/mL.
An ultrasound in the first trimester will be prescribed for vaginal bleeding, suspected ectopic pregnancy, or suspected error in the gestational age based on menstruation.
If the pregnancy is progressing normally, the first ultrasound will be scheduled at the beginning of the second trimester. An examination at 18–20 weeks is usually sufficient to identify most malformations and leaves the woman time to make a decision about the future fate of the pregnancy.
However, an examination a little later (at 22-24 weeks) will be more accurate and the likelihood of error in detecting defects in the fetus is lower.(Note: in Israel and in most European countries, other timing of screening ultrasounds is accepted: 11-14 weeks, 18-24 weeks, 32-34 weeks).
Monitoring of fetal growth and development in the USA is usually carried out during a second study at 23–28 weeks of pregnancy.
Studies in recent years have shown greater benefit when examining developmental defects at this particular time, since (1) defects of the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and skeleton are more often missed when examining before 23 weeks of pregnancy; (2) even if examination in pregnant women with an irregular cycle at 18-20 weeks helped to more accurately determine the gestational age, labor was still not induced in such women at 40 weeks.

What are the signs of miscarriage?
The medical name for miscarriage is spontaneous abortion.
An abortion that is already in full swing is called “inevitable abortion” (in the CIS – “abortion in progress”). If an abortion occurs, but not all the tissues of the fetal egg come out, then this is an “incomplete abortion,” and if all the tissues come out, then this is a “complete abortion.”
Abortion is always “inevitable” if the cervical canal is dilated or if water breaks in the first half of pregnancy.
Bleeding, tissue discharge, rupture of membranes with rupture of water are signs of abortion.
However, not all women who experience bleeding during pregnancy will have a complete spontaneous abortion. After 20 weeks of gestation, fetal loss is no longer called miscarriage, but premature birth (in the CIS from 28 weeks of pregnancy).
Almost a quarter of women experience spotting during implantation.
Less than half of pregnant women who have spotting in the first trimester end up having a miscarriage.
Typically, spontaneous abortion is preceded by a decrease in the titer of hCG in the blood serum and cessation of growth of the ovum and embryo according to ultrasound. A woman may also notice the disappearance of complaints that accompanied pregnancy (nausea, engorgement of the mammary glands) before a miscarriage.
Most miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities (in the first trimester 90%, and in the second trimester 33%).

Are uterine cramps normal during pregnancy?
In the early stages of pregnancy, uterine cramps may indicate normal changes in the body of a pregnant woman associated with hormonal changes; later cramping may be explained by rapid growth of the uterus.
But cramps that differ from cramps during a previous pregnancy, increased cramps, cramps combined with bloody vaginal discharge, can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, a threat of spontaneous abortion, a failed abortion (“frozen pregnancy”).

Why do pregnant women feel tired?
Fatigue in early pregnancy is normal. With the onset of pregnancy, many changes occur in the body, and the pregnant woman experiences these changes as fatigue and an increased need for sleep. Low blood pressure, low blood sugar, hormonal changes, metabolic changes, and physiological anemia of pregnancy lead to general weakness in the pregnant woman.
A woman should consult her doctor about whether she needs to take any vitamins or iron supplements.
Other symptoms that are common during pregnancy and are not necessarily signs of illness are nausea, vomiting, increased waist circumference, rumbling in the intestines, increased urination, increased heart rate, involuntary sighs, heart murmurs, swelling of the ankles, shortening of breathing.

Is it true that older fathers have a higher risk of having children with developmental defects?
To date, there is no medical evidence that older fathers have a higher risk of having a child with a chromosomal abnormality, while this pattern has been proven for the age of the mother.
As men age, the number of sperm with structural abnormalities increases. There is an assumption that older fathers are 20% more likely to pass on autosomal dominant diseases to their offspring as a result of improper cell division. Autosomal dominant diseases include neurofibromatosis, Marfan syndrome, achondroplasia, polycystic kidneys.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends against taking sperm from donors over 50 years of age.
Any family with a history of congenital malformations should consult a geneticist.
To determine whether the spouses have a defective gene, it is necessary to inform the geneticist about all congenital malformations for the last 3 generations (generations).

What is the best way to recognize the presence of malformations in the fetus?
There are no absolute tests to detect malformations in the fetus; Each test has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The earliest of these tests are only available in preparation for IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).
After the in vitro fertilization stage, before the blastocyst is placed in the uterus, a couple of cells are sampled from it, and this is called “preimplantation genetic diagnosis.” Experimental methods include detecting fetal cells through the cervical canal or in the mother's bloodstream and performing DNA analysis on those cells.
The next test involves an ultrasound examination of the fetus to check for congenital malformations.
In a chorionic villus sampling, the doctor obtains a sample of placental cells by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall or cervical canal.
It is performed at 10-12 weeks of pregnancy and the result is ready in 24 – 48 hours.
Amniocentesis is a procedure for obtaining fetal cells from amniotic fluid, performed at 14–18 weeks of pregnancy, the result is ready in 9–10 days.
Early amniocentesis can be performed at 11–14 weeks, and the karyotype of the embryo can be quickly obtained using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).
This early amniocentesis may be preferable when severe hereditary pathology is expected. The earlier amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling is performed, the higher the risk of spontaneous abortion.
The so-called “triple test” (alpha-fetoprotein, estriol, choriogonin) or “quadruple test” (alpha-fetoprotein, estriol, choriogonin, inhibin) of pregnant blood serum can be performed at 15–20 weeks of pregnancy (ideally at 17–18 weeks).
These tests provide information about a possible increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects in the fetus, but they do not specify the type of abnormality.
To obtain an accurate result, it is necessary to take into account the age of the mother and the number of fetuses.
Recently, new tests have appeared, released by UltraScreen (GeneCare, Medical Genetics Center).
The test detects 2 proteins in the blood serum - free beta-hCG and those associated with pregnancy plasma protein (“pregnancy-associated plasma protein A” - PAPPA).
This blood test detects 68% of fetuses with Down syndrome and 90% of fetuses with trisomy 18 (Edwards).
Biochemical tests can be combined with ultrasound measurement of the nuchal translucency thickness (NT), which is a collection of fluid under the skin at the back of the embryo's head.
This combination detects 91% of cases of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and 97% of cases of Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18).
Newer tests used in the first trimester aim to detect other proteins associated with pregnancy.
They are also preferably performed together with fetal TVB measurement at 11–14 weeks.
Allows you to identify about 70% of all defects (varies from 40% to 100% among different researchers) during screening examinations of pregnant women.
Recent studies have supported the view that indications for amniocentesis are more accurately determined based on first-trimester testing data than based on the age of the pregnant woman (younger or older than 35 years).

Should all women get tested for cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis)?
Testing for cystic fibrosis (CF) is available in genetic counseling, but since 2001 it has been removed from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) list of required screenings in the United States.
Testing does not reveal many mutations in the responsible gene.
Like most genes, this test has its limitations, since not even all mutations of this gene are known today.
Because of this, the introduction of this test into the complex of examinations for pregnant women has been delayed.
However, ACOG has introduced several new guidelines since the spring of 2001 for identifying cystic fibrosis.
In cooperation with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a patient can optionally be tested for CF if the risk of carrying such a gene is high. For example: About 1 in 29 white people (about 3% of the white population) carry the altered gene. For African Americans the risk is 1 in 65, for Hispanics it is 1 in 46, and for Asians the risk is 1 in 90 (less than 1%). Cystic fibrosis will only appear in a child if both parents are carriers of the gene.
In those rare cases where both parents have the gene, the fetus has a 25% risk of cystic fibrosis.
ACOG's new recommendations include (1) providing information to parents in the form of pamphlets, (2) offering CF testing to at-risk couples (Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews), and (3) assisting in screening and management or termination of pregnancy. interested married couples.
Director of the National Human Genome Project, Francis Collins, MD, PhD, noted in his speech that studying the human genome will be of great practical importance in obstetrics and gynecology.

What is "phenylketonuria"?
Classic phenylketonuria is a rare metabolic disorder usually caused by a deficiency of the liver enzyme known as phenylalanine hydroxylase.
Deficiency of this enzyme leads to increased levels of phenylalanic acid in the blood and other tissues. If left untreated, the disease leads to mental retardation, microcephaly, growth retardation, seizures, eczema, behavioral disturbances, and other symptoms.
Approximately 1 in 15,000 infants in the United States is born with phenylketonuria. Since there is effective treatment, screening for PKU is carried out in all the United States.
If PKU is diagnosed immediately after birth and metabolic disorders are immediately corrected, then such infants will be no different from other children and a normal quality of life can be expected.
About 3,000 women in the United States have PKU. If these women follow a diet without (or very little) phenylalanine during pregnancy, then they and their children will be healthy.

What are safe ways to treat nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy?
Nausea and vomiting occur frequently in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. Severe nausea and vomiting is often called hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a diagnosis of exclusion.
As in non-pregnant women, causes of nausea and vomiting include gastrointestinal problems (infection, gastritis, cholecystitis, peptic ulcers, hepatitis, pancreatitis), urinary tract infection, ENT diseases (labyrinthitis, vestibular disorders), medications (digoxin, morphine), metabolic disorders (hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism) and psychological problems.
Nausea and vomiting are difficult to treat because they occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, when fetal tissue is developing and minimal pharmacological intervention is recommended.
The best treatment is a properly selected dietary strategy.
Some patients know which foods they tolerate well; other patients can eat dry biscuits, lemonade, and ginger products.
Vitamin B6 also reduces nausea and vomiting and can be administered orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously.

How much alcohol is safe during pregnancy?
Any amount of alcohol is considered dangerous. There are cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) with very little alcohol consumption.
Pregnant women, even drinking small amounts of alcohol, can affect the development of the fetus.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol (3.5 drinks per day) is a proven risk factor for the development of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and poor pregnancy outcomes.
FAS can be prevented, but it cannot be cured in an already affected fetus.
The consequences of FAS for the fetus are mental retardation, intrauterine growth retardation in all parameters (length, weight, head circumference).
Further consequences include abnormal brain development and/or behavioral disorders. Craniofacial features of FAS include a flattened sulcus of the upper lip, small and unusually shaped eyes, a small skull, an upturned nose, and a small or irregularly shaped upper jaw.
Pathology of the heart is very rare, as is pathology of the extremities (deformation of the feet and bones). Today in the United States, physicians diagnose FAS in 1 case per 750 newborns.
While there is debate about the safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy (low doses of 1.2 drinks per day, average dose of 2.2 drinks per day), research has emerged showing that even low levels of drinking can affect fetal development.
In children exposed to moderate doses of alcohol in utero, growth retardation, mental retardation, and behavioral disturbances were found to be the same as those caused by drinking large doses of alcohol, but less pronounced than with FAS. Drinking alcohol during the 7th month of pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth in both medium and low doses.
Moderate alcohol consumption may also have significant effects on the development of the fetal nervous system.
Studies have emerged examining the impact of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on school performance and ability to socialize with peers.
Studies have shown that alcohol has a stronger effect on the fetus if the mother drank a large dose of alcohol once than if she drank 1-2 doses over several days.
Whether alcohol will affect the fetus depends on several factors, such as gestational age, frequency of use, and genetic characteristics.

Should a pregnant woman avoid eating any foods to prevent listeriosis?
Listeriosis is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes and causes gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Listeriosis can cause fetal damage or miscarriage. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends avoiding eating unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses (cottage cheese, feta cheese), raw or undercooked meat, fish, shellfish, and bird eggs.
A pregnant woman should also thoroughly rinse fresh vegetables and fruits before eating.
Additionally, FDA recommendations include the following:
Do not eat hot dogs or other snacks containing meat that has not been heated over a fire or cooked in boiling water;
Avoid eating soft cheeses. Hard cheeses are safe.
Do not eat frozen pates and meat spreads raw (Listeria tolerates freezing easily). Canned analogues are safe.
Do not eat frozen seafood raw. Canned analogues are safe.

What other foods should a pregnant woman avoid?
Avoid raw vegetables, unpasteurized juices, liver, meat, poultry and eggs that have not been sufficiently cooked. These foods may contain poison from Salmonella or Escherichia coli (including the dangerous variety E coli 0157). Proper treatment kills bacteria. The temperature should be monitored using a thermometer. Beef should be cooked at a temperature of at least 70° C, steaks at 65° C, and whole poultry at a temperature of 80° C. Eggs should have a firm yolk after cooking. Hollandaise sauce contains raw eggs and is not safe for pregnant women. Liver can contain very large amounts of vitamin A, so you should not consume it in large quantities to avoid overdose.

Is it safe to eat fish during pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued a warning that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant are unsafe to eat fish. It is not the fish itself that is dangerous, but eating it in large quantities, since this increases the release of natural methylmercury (mercury), the level of which has increased in water in recent years due to industrial emissions. Mercury is very toxic to fetuses and breastfed newborns. All fish contain traces of mercury, and the larger and older the fish, the more mercury it contains and the more dangerous it is for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consume.
The Food and Drug Association (FDA), in its March 2004 leaflet, cautions pregnant and breastfeeding women against consuming shark, swordfish, and the like, although it is safe to consume 12 ounces per week of smaller, finer fish. cooked fish. The least amount of mercury is found in shrimp, canned light tuna and salmon. But albino tuna (white tuna) contains more mercury than light tuna, so you can eat 6 ounces per week, or one serving per week. The Poison Prevention Agency (EPA) recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding women and children consume no more than 1 serving per week of freshwater, stream-caught fish for the same reason. A safe amount is considered to be 8 ounces (230 grams) per week for adults (the weight of the fish before cooking).

Can pregnant women dye their hair?
Chemical agents contained in paint can be absorbed through the skin and enter the woman’s body, which is why obstetricians and gynecologists previously considered this unsafe for the fetus. Today it has been found that very small amounts of dye are absorbed by the skin, so hair dyeing is no longer considered dangerous.

Is it possible to take medications during pregnancy?
Each medication has its own list of contraindications. If in doubt, it is better to discuss contraindications with your doctor. Nevertheless, there is some pattern.
The Food and Drug Association (FDA) offers a classification of drugs into categories, indicating it in the instructions for the drug:
Category A. These medications have been used for many years, have been tested for safety in pregnant women, and have evidence of safety in pregnant women. Please remember that a medication may be removed from this safe category if taken in a higher dosage. This also applies to folic acid, vitamin B6, and thyroid medications.
Category B. This includes medications that have been used for a long time in pregnant women, no malformations caused by them have been noted, but do not yet have evidence of safety for the fetus. Includes antibiotics, acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspartame (artificial sweetener), famotidine (Pepcid), prednisolone (cortisone), insulin, and ibuprofen until the third trimester. You should not take ibuprofen before the third trimester of pregnancy.
Category C. This includes medications whose trials have not yet been completed. They are prescribed to pregnant women if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk of harm to the fetus. These include prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluconozole (Diflucan), Ciprofloxacin, and some antidepressants.
Category D. Drugs that pose a risk to the fetus. Includes alcohol, lithium (used to treat manic depression), phenytoin (Dilantin), and most chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer. When planning a pregnancy, it is better to replace these drugs with safe ones.
Category X.These are drugs with a proven damaging effect on the fetus and should not be taken during pregnancy. A drug for the treatment of skin acne (Akutan), for the treatment of psoriasis (Tegison or Soriatan), the sedative drug Thalidomide, and a drug that was used earlier (until 1971 in the USA and until 1983 in Europe) to prevent miscarriages - Diethylstilbestrol.

A complete list is available to your doctor; please consult with him or her regarding medication safety.