What a pregnant girl must observe. Pregnancy: what an expectant mother needs to know? Alcohol and smoking

You need to visit during pregnancy, which mother-to-be is to be tested, and we also give useful tips on caring for the baby.

But today we would like to show you these amazing 9 months in a completely different light - right now you have a unique opportunity to pay attention to yourself, your beloved.

Let's learn to enjoy life together, to love ourselves and our body, because right now it is not just necessary, but useful and even necessary!

Update wardrobe

Every woman loves shopping! For one reason or another, sometimes we deny ourselves new clothes, but pregnancy is the very happy moment when it cannot be called a whim.

A baby develops inside you, your tummy grows with it, and your total weight also grows. Wearing trousers, skirts and blouses that are crushing is absolutely impossible. It is worth giving up shoes with heels, and if an interesting situation falls on the autumn-winter season, you may not be buttoned up on your favorite classic coat.

A big request, do not drive yourself into a corner, interrupting during pregnancy with mom's dresses, girlfriends jackets and her husband's huge T-shirts. Pregnancy is the time to look beautiful and feminine, and not like a fire victim who has nothing to wear.

The reflection in the mirror should delight you, your good mood will be passed on to the baby, for whom the positive is very important. Therefore, go to specialized stores for moms to select the right beautiful wardrobe!

Workout

Does our proposal give you a wry half-smile? Are you planning on spending 9 months on the couch? During pregnancy, it is important to train muscles and keep the body in good shape, and it will be quite difficult to get rid of extra pounds after childbirth.

Arrange a gentle photo session

Pregnancy is a must-see time! It doesn't matter how many extra pounds you put on or how big your belly is. Right now you are amazingly beautiful and feminine, and some special mystery has settled in your eyes ...

And if you followed the first, second and third points of our article - you updated your wardrobe, played sports, took care of yourself and pampered yourself with care, then you look great.

Photographer Elena Fil tells“Personally, I love taking pictures of women in position, they always come out amazing. Yes, such shooting is a little more difficult and more responsible, because the expectant mother should not get tired, you need to think over convenient locations so that she does not fall or catch a cold. But all the difficulties are more than paid off by the fact that a pregnant woman never has to be asked to "show emotions" - she has all of them. This is an amazing moment, which, unfortunately, I have not yet felt myself, but as a professional I will say that it is simply a must to do a photo session during pregnancy! "

Now the matter is small: to find a good photographer, and we would also advise you to pay attention to a stylist and make-up artist. In the hands of professionals, you simply do not recognize yourself, and photos from your "pregnant" photo session will decorate your house and avatars for a long time :-).

And in general, you should not ignore the camera during pregnancy, for example, by capturing your tummy on the 1st of every month at the end of the term, you will become the owner of a unique photo-fact about how the baby grew and developed. Believe me, this is very interesting!

Take a trip

Let's tell you a secret, after the birth of a child in the next six months or a year, you are unlikely to organize some kind of family trip. Therefore, if you are feeling well, you should not sit at home for 9 months under the motto “whatever happens!”.

Do not overexert yourself, do not be nervous, choose a place where you would feel calm and confident and - go ahead, for new impressions. Believe me, it doesn't matter where you go - admire the Carpathian mountains or study the history of European streets. The main thing is that you feel good and interesting there in the company of your loved ones.

Our mom- Gretta tells: “Like all pregnant women, I am a reinsurer, and when my husband suggested that I go to Kamenets-Podolsky for the balloon festival, I was a little cowardly. And suddenly I feel bad, and suddenly something happens to the child - these harmful thoughts began to swarm in my head. Thanks to my husband, he persuaded me to try, we went by car for three days, and just had a great time! A beautiful cozy city, a bright emotional festival, delicious food - I liked everything! There were a lot of emotions, therefore, girls, I advise you to travel during pregnancy. Although this is a little scary and very responsible, it is quite real and not at all harmful to health. Personally, my mask was very calm in my tummy! "

Your health condition does not allow you to go somewhere even for 3-4 days? There is an exit! Out-of-town picnics with friends are a great allied option for relaxation. The main thing is to guess with the weather, and you are guaranteed a portion of good mood for at least a week!

Arrange a romantic date with your husband

Perhaps after the birth of a child, your husband will not quite get enough attention from his beloved wife. Therefore, pregnancy is the best time to once again tell your partner how you love him and show how you value his support.

Arrange weekends "just for two", leave all the difficulties, sad thoughts and worries outside the door and enjoy each other's company, this is very important for both partners.

A candlelit dinner, a romantic walk, a bouquet of flowers and handmade chocolates made to order especially for you - indulge each other with your love, because a pregnant woman needs a feeling like air that she is good, desirable and interesting.

Chat with other moms-to-be

Pregnancy is not a reason to limit communication, but the chatter of your non-pregnant girlfriends about their new acquaintances and invitations to night discos may no longer interest you. Believe me, this is normal, you just enter a different stage of life and you should look for interlocutors among those who, as they say, are in the same boat with you.

Profile for expectant mothers is what you need, because it is there that you can freely discuss the problems that concern you without fear of being misunderstood. Is it possible to organize personal meetings of members of the forum or, by a lucky coincidence, did you and your girlfriend become pregnant almost at the same time? Congratulations, you are a rare lucky woman. If not, look for like-minded people in courses for expectant mothers, yoga and aqua aerobics courses.

And yet, do not be afraid, do not hesitate, enter into a conversation, ask questions, believe me, your doubts and fears are not unique, most expectant mothers visit the same thoughts.

Build relationships with your mom

Your mother is also experiencing your condition, because you are her child. Of course, she tries to take care of you as much as possible, and perhaps sometimes goes too far. But, believe me, she wants the best ... And she tries her best.

It is she who will always readily listen to your regular complaints about morning toxicosis, will come to you with homemade, fresh, lovingly cooked products, help you clean the apartment when you have no strength at all, will accompany you to the doctor if your husband is busy.

Talk to your mother about raising your unborn child, because she will soon be joining in, and if she is ready to insure you and the baby and take on certain worries, this will greatly facilitate your life and strengthen your relationship with common concern.

Come up with a name for the future baby

Perhaps thinking about a baby is the most pleasant thing during pregnancy. After all, we women love so much to indulge in dreams, imagining various scenes from our future life with the baby. One of the must-have items during pregnancy is the task to come up with a name for him!

First, your whole family will come up with what you will call and, and, delightfully combining options with a patronymic and surname. When the gender of the future baby ceases to be a secret, then real battles can flare up around his name :-)! Too many options and no one wants to give in? Rely on the "hand of fate": write all the options on pieces of paper, put them in an opaque container, mix and pull out one leaf. The name indicated on it will be proudly worn by your favorite toddler!

We hope we have convinced you that pregnancy is not only about doctors and ailments, but also a lot of unique opportunities and exceptional emotions that will help you see the world in a different way!

The test showed two stripes - clear, bright, convincing. They confirm that a miracle happened and now you will have a child. This news causes a state of euphoria, which, however, is soon replaced by anxiety: what to do next? How to behave correctly in the new status, do you need to go to the doctor, when and where to register for pregnancy, what tests and examinations do you need to undergo? Do I need to collect any documents for maternity leave, until what time do I need to work, what is a generic certificate, when and how to choose a maternity hospital, should I conclude a contract? In general, you need a clear guide on further actions, so to speak, step-by-step instructions for pregnancy. This is exactly the instruction we decided to bring to your attention.

Visit to the gynecologist and the first ultrasound.

You need to go to the doctor's appointment without delay as soon as you find out about the onset of pregnancy. The first appointment with a gynecologist will include an external examination, an examination on a gynecological chair, an ultrasound scan and a blood test for hCG.

According to the results of this express examination, the doctor will be able to accurately confirm the fact of pregnancy (or deny it, because the tests are sometimes "wrong"), determine the term and exclude the ectopic localization of the embryo. In addition, at the first appointment, you will receive information about further medical measures: visiting other doctors - this may be needed in the presence of chronic diseases, - additional tests, the date of the next visit to the gynecologist and ultrasound.

Correcting your lifestyle

Now it is necessary to revise the daily routine, work schedule and physical activity. The first weeks of pregnancy are a critical period in the development of the fetus: any overload, stress and illness of the expectant mother during this period can adversely affect the health of the baby and the course of pregnancy. Night walks, clubs and noisy parties will have to be postponed until better times. In the first weeks of pregnancy, you should try to visit less crowded places to avoid the risk of infection and injury. Try to get plenty of rest, sleep and walk in the fresh air.

It is necessary to immediately give up overtime work, business trips; if possible, shift the start and end times of the working day to avoid traffic congestion during rush hour. You have every right to all these pleasant changes in the work schedule in accordance with labor laws.

In the first weeks, you should temporarily stop playing sports; subsequently, during the normal course of pregnancy, it will be possible to return to sports - of course, adjusted for the "interesting position".

It is useful for a newly minted expectant mother to walk and swim; but from cycling, running, skating and skiing should be abandoned as soon as it becomes known about pregnancy. Try not to make sudden movements or lift weights: the maximum recommended weight is 3 kg, evenly distributed in both hands.

You should also adjust your diet: it is important for a pregnant woman to eat right. It is necessary to give up canned food, synthetic drinks and products with artificial food additives, do not abuse spicy, fatty and fried foods.

We take vitamins

From the first days of pregnancy, expectant mothers are recommended to take folic acid - vitamin B9. This vitamin provides the necessary rate of growth and development of the baby in the early stages, is the main means of preventing missed pregnancies and the formation of malformations of the nervous system and heart of the fetus. In addition, folic acid provides better absorption of iron, which is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. The recommended daily intake of vitamin B9 tablets is 800 mcg.

Another “vitamin of the first days of pregnancy” is E; it is necessary for the body of the expectant mother to synthesize the main hormone of pregnancy - progesterone, which ensures normal tone and blood supply to the uterus.

Second ultrasound

The second time ultrasound is performed for a period of 8-12 weeks. Objective of the study: to confirm the prolongation - the successful course and development of pregnancy, to determine the correspondence of the size and development of the fetus to the expected gestational age, to exclude the formation of malformations. Based on the results of the second ultrasound, the expectant mother is recommended to start a regular visit to the gynecologist to monitor the course of pregnancy.

Pregnancy accounting

It is advisable to start systematic medical monitoring of the development of pregnancy no later than 12 weeks; it is better to register early - at the same time with the second ultrasound examination.
Early registration for pregnancy and the beginning of regular medical supervision can significantly reduce the risk of exacerbations of chronic diseases and complications of pregnancy. Women registered no later than 12 weeks receive a one-time allowance equal to half of the minimum wage when they go on maternity leave. When registering with the antenatal clinic, the expectant mother should present a passport, a compulsory medical insurance policy and the results of medical examinations for the last year, including the conclusion of the first ultrasound scan and test data. In the future, the expectant mother is recommended to visit the doctor at least 12 times during pregnancy. For periods up to 28 weeks, it is worth going to the doctor at least once a month, from 28 to 37 weeks - at least 2 times a month, and starting from 38 weeks - every 7-10 days. In the presence of special indications, for example, if there is a need for an additional examination based on test results or health conditions, the doctor may recommend unscheduled visits at any of the listed dates.

We hand over analyzes

The referral for the necessary laboratory tests is given by the doctor at the first visit, i.e. when registering for pregnancy. A standard set of studies conducted at week 12 includes:

• clinical (general) blood test;
• general urine analysis;
• blood chemistry;
• coagulogram - blood clotting test;
• determination of the group and Rh-belonging of blood;
• blood test for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis;
• research for the presence of torch infections: rubella, toxoplasmosis, coxsackie, herpes, cytomegalovirus, papillomavirus, chlamydia, urea and mycoplasmosis, gardnerellosis. These diseases are latent and can pathologically affect the development of the fetus;
• a smear of flora from the vagina;
• at the discretion of the doctor, a screening examination for congenital diseases may be recommended - a blood test for alpha-fetoprotein and hCG.

Despite the frightening size of the list, all tests can be taken in one go - for this you need to know the days of blood collection and the necessary preparation measures. For example, a biochemical blood test should be taken on an empty stomach, and on the eve of a test for RW (syphilis), you should not eat a lot of sweets: non-compliance with these rules can lead to incorrect test results. In the presence of chronic diseases or as prescribed by other doctors, such as a therapist or endocrinologist, the list may expand. In the future, many tests will have to be repeated: for example, urine analysis - at each visit to the gynecologist; general blood test - at least twice per trimester; analysis for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis - once in the second and third trimester; smear on flora - at least once per trimester. Repeated studies for the same infections are necessary, since theoretically the expectant mother can get sick during pregnancy.

Related specialists

Physicians of other specialties are called allied in obstetrics, the examination of which helps the gynecologist to choose the correct tactics of pregnancy management. To monitor the course of pregnancy, examinations by a therapist, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, dentist and ENT are most relevant, however, if you have health problems, you may need to consult other doctors, for example, a nephrologist - a specialist in kidney diseases, a neurologist, a phlebologist - a specialist in venous diseases - or a cardiologist ... Bypassing related specialists should begin no later than 12 weeks and complete by 16 weeks of pregnancy. As part of the examination, an electrocardiogram should be done by a therapist. If necessary, doctors can invite the expectant mother to an appointment again in the second and third trimester of pregnancy or prescribe additional diagnostic tests.

Screening test

At 16-18 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother is recommended to undergo the so-called "triple test", which allows to identify a risk group for the formation of fetal malformations. For this, a study of the venous blood of a pregnant woman is performed for the amount of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and estriol. Changes in the amount of these substances produced by the tissues of the fetus and placenta may indicate the presence of a serious fetal abnormality, such as Down's syndrome. If the test results are positive, the expectant mother is referred for genetic counseling.

Third ultrasound

The next ultrasound examination is recommended for a period of 18–20 weeks; by this time, the formation of the placenta is completed, as well as the laying of the main organs and systems of the fetus. Echography at this time allows you to assess the degree of development of the cardiovascular, nervous and urinary systems of the fetus, the correspondence of the development and size of the baby to the gestational age, determine the place of attachment of the placenta and the level of blood flow in its vessels, and assess the structure of the placenta and umbilical cord. The third ultrasound is included in the recommended scope of screening studies to identify genetic abnormalities and fetal malformations.

Physical exercise

After 20 weeks of pregnancy, when the main "critical" periods have already passed, it is worth discussing with the doctor the possibility of sports that are permissible for this period. Recall that active expectant mothers who played sports before pregnancy need to discuss the correction of habitual physical activity at the very first visit to the gynecologist. If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, dosed physical activity is not only allowed, but also strongly recommended: good muscle tone and elasticity of the ligamentous apparatus makes it easier to tolerate weight gain during pregnancy and the discomfort of labor pains. Stretching exercises such as yoga for pregnant women, Pilates, and body flex are best. Pregnant women can practice swimming, special aqua aerobics for expectant mothers and even belly dancing. A necessary condition is the complete elimination of sudden movements, load on the press and lifting weights; all of the above exercises are best performed under the supervision of a trainer who is competent in the selection of loads for pregnant women. In the absence of special recommendations of the doctor, you can engage in "permitted" sports for 40-60 minutes 2-3 times a week until the very birth.

Exchange card

This document can be considered a "pregnancy passport": it contains all the necessary medical information about the health of the expectant mother, the characteristics of this and previous pregnancies, the results of analyzes and examinations, the drugs received and the opinions of specialists.

"Exchange" consists of three parts; the first is filled in by the doctor in consultation, the second - by the obstetrician-gynecologist who took the birth, the third - by the neonatologist who watched the baby in the hospital after birth. With the help of this important document, there is continuity in the transfer of information about the health of the mother and baby between the antenatal clinic, the maternity hospital and the children's clinic. According to Order No. 30 of 10.02.2003, the exchange card is issued to the expectant mother in the hands of the supervising doctor of the antenatal clinic no later than the 23rd week of pregnancy. From the moment of receipt, the "pregnancy passport" must always be in the purse of the expectant mother, along with a general passport and compulsory medical insurance policy: they may be needed in case of an unforeseen emergency hospitalization.

Courses for parents-to-be

It is worth deciding on the choice of courses by the 25th week of pregnancy: the most complete and interesting lecture cycles are designed on average for two months of visits in the regime of 1-2 lessons per week. You can start attending courses earlier: most topics will be informative and relevant even in the first weeks of pregnancy, and many classes include useful physical exercises in addition to lectures. Courses are needed for the correct psychological attitude to childbirth, the acquisition of self-pain relief skills, which include postures, massage, relaxation and breathing techniques, and newborn care.

A standard set of lectures usually includes topics about the features of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, fetal development, the main aspects of medical supervision of a pregnant woman, a woman in labor, a postpartum woman and a newborn in a maternity hospital, breastfeeding, the introduction of complementary foods, the development of a baby in the first year of life, an overview of maternity hospitals in your city. In most of the courses, in addition to lectures, practical classes are conducted - obstetric gymnastics and labor trainings, during which they practice the technique of pain relief. It is better to attend classes for parents-to-be with a partner. Such courses can be found at the antenatal clinic or maternity hospital; there are also independent commercial clubs for parents-to-be. When choosing courses, pay attention to the qualifications of the teachers (usually lectures are given by specialist doctors and psychologists), gymnastics coaches, the convenience of the location of the courses and the time of classes, the opportunity to attend lectures with your husband and choose specific topics of interest to you.

Maternity leave

A disability certificate for pregnancy and childbirth is issued by an obstetrician-gynecologist who monitors the course of pregnancy for the following periods:

with a normal pregnancy - from the 30th week to 140 calendar days (70 days before childbirth and 70 - after childbirth);
in the case of multiple pregnancies - from 28 weeks to 180 calendar days;
in case of complicated childbirth, the postnatal leave is increased by 16 calendar days and the total duration of the decree is 156 (70 + 16 + 70) calendar days.

Generic certificate

Taking maternity leave at 30 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother can receive another important document. This is a generic certificate intended for additional payment for the services of doctors of antenatal clinics, maternity hospitals and children's polyclinics from the federal budget. The project for the issuance of generic certificates started on January 1, 2006; its goal is to improve the quality of medical care for expectant mothers and babies in public medical institutions.

The certificate consists of three coupons: the first goes to pay for the services of antenatal clinics, the second - the maternity hospital, and the third - medical services in the children's clinic. In the consultation, the certificate is handed out at 30 weeks, subject to registration no later than 12 weeks and visiting one doctor at the antenatal clinic at least 12 times per pregnancy; By agreeing to take the certificate, the expectant mother shows that she is happy with the medical care she received. In case of irregular observation, late registration, medical care on a commercial basis, or in case of dissatisfaction with the level of the provision of medical services, a generic certificate is not issued in the consultation. In this case, the expectant mother will receive a birth certificate already in the hospital. It should be emphasized that a birth certificate is not a mandatory document for planned or emergency hospitalization in a maternity hospital, regardless of which maternity hospital is chosen and on what insurance conditions - under the compulsory medical insurance policy or on a paid basis - the expectant mother will be served.

Fourth ultrasound

The last ultrasound scan recommended for normal pregnancy is after 32 weeks. By this time, the fetus has already formed, occupies a stable position in the uterus, and the doctor, based on the results of the study, can assess its physical development, location, presentation, estimated size by the end of pregnancy, amount of water, state of the placenta, blood flow in the vessels of the placenta, umbilical cord and uterine arteries. This data allows you to draw up an anticipated birth plan, determine the degree of risks and the need for additional medical training.

Cardiotocography

It is advisable to conduct this study after 32-34 weeks of pregnancy. The method makes it possible to assess the well-being of the fetus in terms of frequency and variability, i.e. changes in his heart rate. To do this, within 20-40 minutes, the baby's heart rate is taken using an ultrasonic sensor and recorded on a paper tape in the form of a graph. In addition, the CTG graph shows the moments of the baby's movements and the increase in the tone of the uterus. Changes in heart rate, frequency of fetal movements and increases in myometrial tone can be used to assess the risk of developing fetal hypoxia and premature labor.

Choosing a maternity hospital

This important process should be started no later than 34–36 weeks of pregnancy. When choosing, one should take into account such criteria as the remoteness of the maternity hospital, the dates of preventive treatments ("washes"), the technical equipment of the maternity hospital, the level of comfort of the birth wards, if necessary - the presence of a special medical specialization, the possibility of choosing a doctor and individual management of childbirth, the presence of a partner at childbirth, joint stay of mother and baby in the postpartum ward.

Getting to know the hospital

Having previously decided on the choice of the hospital, after the 36th week it is worth going to it in person and "look around the place." It is better to study in advance the options for the route to the hospital, see where the entrance to the admission department is located, familiarize yourself with the admission rules for admission to antenatal hospitalization and childbirth, find out the time of visits, conversations with doctors and receiving parcels. When planning an individualized management of labor at 36 weeks, it is possible to meet with the doctor and sign a labor contract.

Things and documents in the hospital

This must be done no later than 38 weeks of pregnancy in order to take everything into account, double-check and not fuss at the very last moment. The list of items allowed for admission to the antenatal, maternity and postnatal wards can be asked at the reference office of the maternity hospital or from the insurance agent when concluding a contract for childbirth. The requirements for clothing and personal belongings that you can take with you can be very different in different maternity hospitals, so do not be too lazy to find out the rules in the selected maternity hospital in advance. It is better to collect things separately for each compartment, packing them in plastic bags. From the documents for hospitalization, you will need a passport, an OMI policy, an exchange card, a birth certificate and a birth contract - if you have one; it is better to make photocopies of these documents in advance for the admission department of the maternity hospital. You can immediately take a package with things and documents for childbirth with you, but bags with things for the postpartum department can be handed over to the hospital only after the baby is born, so it is better to pre-label them and provide instructions for relatives.

The first pregnancy is associated with many fears and worries. The fact is that when expecting a child for the first time, a woman does not always know what she needs to do. Friends and acquaintances talk about one thing, mom and grandmother say something completely different, and the doctor from the antenatal clinic approves the third. And how to understand how to behave, among a huge number of absolutely opposite advice and opinions? Let's take a look at the main points of what every young mother needs to know during pregnancy.

What you need to know for pregnant women in the first trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy is especially difficult for women. At this time, the body is just beginning to adapt to new sensations, and for the first time a girl expecting a baby is faced with many problems and fears.

Most often, pregnant women find out about their situation for the first time with the help of a test. However, every woman should know that only a gynecologist can accurately determine the presence of pregnancy and judge its success after appropriate tests and an ultrasound examination.

To make it easier for you to navigate your first pregnancy, we invite you to see what happens in each trimester. To make it clearer for you, each section will be structured like this: what the mother feels, what changes the fetus is experiencing, what can and cannot be done at this time.

What a woman feels in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy:

• The expectant mother stops menstruation and begins to produce progesterone;
• Toxicosis may be present, which is expressed in nausea in the morning, a sharp change in taste, dizziness and nausea in the morning;

Such symptoms should by no means scare you. They are caused by changes in the body: a decrease in immunity and hormonal changes.

For many girls, everything related to pregnancy and childbirth causes panic. And when it comes time to think about offspring, fear prevents you from focusing on the main thing - the birth of a child, forcing all thoughts to devote to the possible negative aspects of both processes. There is another extreme - the conviction that nature will do everything by itself, which means that there is nothing to worry about at all. Both points of view are wrong. Pregnancy and childbirth are natural processes. But a woman must prepare herself for them mentally and physically, have enough knowledge about how this happens, do everything in her power to safely carry and give birth to a healthy baby.

The need for this is due not only to the material capabilities of the family. Here the most important thing is the health of both parents, their preparedness for the birth of a child, the creation of favorable conditions for this. The process should start 2-3 months before the expected fertilization. It includes:

• Quitting smoking and alcohol;
• Normalization of nutrition with the obligatory use of a large amount of vitamins, trace elements, fiber;
• Healthy physical activity with frequent outdoor activities. This part of the preparation is especially useful for a woman, because it is she who has to bear a child and childbirth, which require endurance and energy expenditure;
• Avoiding stress.

Actually, there is nothing complicated in these requirements, it would be good for everyone to lead such a lifestyle constantly.

Which doctors should you visit

Future parents should definitely be examined by doctors. A woman needs to visit doctors of the following specialties:

• Gynecologist. It is good that this is a specialist who will then observe the entire pregnancy. He should know about past illnesses, childbirth, abortion. The gynecologist will need the results of tests for flora, cytology, viral infections (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis), PCR studies for sexually transmitted infections, cytomegalovirus, as well as information about the body's susceptibility to rubella;
• Dentist. Before pregnancy, you need to get rid of infections in the oral cavity, caries;
• Cardiologist;
• Otorhinolaryngologist;
• Allergist;
• Endocrinologist.

In addition to the analyzes mentioned, more research needs to be done:

• Ultrasound of the reproductive organs and mammary glands;
• Blood and urine tests (general and biochemical);
• Hormone levels;
• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

If a woman is not having her first attempt at getting pregnant, the specialist may consider it necessary to prescribe:

• Colposcopy of the cervix;
• Hysteroscopy;
• Endometrial biopsy.

Taking oral contraceptives, as well as contraception with the use of an IUD, must be interrupted 2-3 months before conception. If the family has genetic diseases or one of the future parents had radiation exposure, it is worth visiting the appropriate specialist.

In order for conception to happen exactly when the future parents want, it is necessary to calculate the most favorable days for it. Ovulation occurs at about 11-16, if you count from the first day of menstruation.

The most important thing during pregnancy

In this period, there are many nuances that you should know so that everything goes harmoniously and safely for the woman and the unborn baby. Correct behavior will help you avoid many potential problems.

Tests

A woman will be able to understand that she is pregnant, based on her own health. But it will be a little later, but until the first signs appear, a pregnancy test will come to the rescue. Whatever it is, its functioning is based on the determination in the urine of human chorionic gonadotropin, which appears immediately after implantation of the embryo inside the uterus, that is, 7-10 days after conception. And if you make a test on the first day of the expected, but not coming menstruation, it will be informative. These devices are of several types:

• Test strips. They are impregnated with a reagent that, when immersed in morning urine, gives a result with an accuracy of 95% in 5-10 seconds. If another control line appears next to the existing control line, the woman is pregnant;
• Tablet. Able to indicate pregnancy with a delay of less than a week. A drop of morning urine is placed in the window provided for this. After a while, the result is visible in the adjacent rectangle;
• Jet. Detects pregnancy with high accuracy at the earliest possible date. The receiving tip of the device is placed under the stream of urine, and the result will be visible in a few minutes in the window provided for this.

It happens that tests give out information that does not correspond to reality. The reason for this is a violation of instructions or taking drugs containing hCG.

How to determine the term

To track pregnancy, both the doctor and the expectant mother need to know its duration. This is the basis for the appointment of studies, monitoring the development of the fetus, the possibility of identifying pathology. Thanks to the knowledge of the due date, it is easy to determine the date of the upcoming birth. There are several methods of counting:

• On the day of ovulation. It happens around the middle of the cycle. If it is 28 days, then conception occurred 14 days after the start date of the last menstruation. It is possible to identify the day of ovulation by regular measurements of the basal temperature;
• With the help of ultrasound. The screen clearly shows the size of the ovum, according to which the doctor will calculate the term. This method is most informative up to 24 weeks;
• Examination of the uterus. The gynecologist will determine the period by its size, starting from the 5th week, when the organ begins to increase;
• By the first movement of the fetus. As a rule, this happens at 18-20 weeks, sometimes at the 16th. It's a little late, but some inattentive women find out about pregnancy this way.

How to live with pregnancy

The lifestyle should be aimed at ensuring the normal development of the unborn child and the well-being of the woman. This does not mean that all pleasures become inaccessible, but the life of the expectant mother becomes more orderly:

• It is necessary to monitor the diet so that the fetus receives enough vitamins and minerals. For the time being, forget about coffee, green tea, seafood, legumes, fewer carbohydrates, from which weight increases. But meat, fish, dairy products, vegetables, fruits are not prohibited in the diet;
• Vitamins must be taken as directed by a doctor. Folic acid is especially important. But vitamin A needs moderate doses, otherwise the child is threatened with pathology;
• Rest and comfort are the main components of the daily routine. This also applies to clothes and underwear. Sleep should be at least 8 hours, mental, physical and emotional stress is reduced. 1.5-hour walks in the fresh air, exercises to strengthen the spine, abdominal muscles, perineum are important;
• The use of transport should be limited due to possible shaking, which creates unwanted vibration;
• Lifting weights and shock domestic work, especially with the use of chemicals, is prohibited;
• Alcohol and smoking are enemies of pregnancy. Even infrequent use can provoke deformities in a child;
• Medicines and plants are taken only as directed by a doctor;
• You should still take care of yourself carefully, but without the use of toxic cosmetics, acrylic and ammonia materials, tanning beds, and hardware methods. It is better to choose care and hygiene products that are specially created for pregnant women;
• The breast is prepared for future feeding by washing with warm and cool water, air baths for 10 minutes 3 times a day;
• With a normal pregnancy, vaginal sex is not prohibited. With an increase in the term, it is only necessary to protect the growing belly from pressure on it.

Feeling unimportant is not uncommon at different periods of pregnancy. Typical problems in women:

• Toxicosis. It manifests itself from the beginning of pregnancy with nausea, vomiting, aversion to food and some odors. By the 12th week, toxicosis passes, but even before that time, its symptoms can be alleviated by eating a piece of salty cookies with sweetened weak tea in the morning, drinking 1.5 liters of liquid per day, reducing portions and increasing the number of meals to 6;
• in the legs. The enlarging uterus constricts the vessels, so the blood supply to the muscles is disrupted. The body can be deficient in calcium and potassium. Products containing these microelements will help, mini-exercises with squeezing-unclenching of the toes;
• Dizziness. They can occur for various reasons: stuffiness, tightness, fatigue. You can cope with the problem by avoiding the conditions that create it;
• Insomnia. It is caused by anxiety and changes in the body, which provoke the need to frequently go to the toilet, the inability to choose a comfortable position because of the abdomen. Sleep at the same hours, drinking warm milk shortly before it, daytime rest will help;
• ... You can eliminate the problem if you drink a glass of water after waking up, and add lemon juice to it before eating, walk a lot, introduce prunes, dried apricots into the diet.

Childbirth: readiness number 1

In the entire chain of childbearing, women are most afraid of this. Childbirth is a serious challenge, but the vast majority of mothers have successfully overcome it. In addition, there are specialists who are always ready to help.

What to take to the hospital

The necessary things and documents should be prepared in advance. Before giving birth, you need to take with you only those that are needed directly for the woman and the newborn. Everything else is collected and left for later, these things will later be brought by a happy father.
The documents:

• Passport;
• Exchange card;
• The results of the latest analyzes for today;
• Medical policy;
• Generic certificate;
• Agreement with the clinic (if concluded).

Things for childbirth and stay in the ward:

• Spacious nightgown;
• Socks, thin and thicker, but not woolen;
• Hygiene supplies (soap, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, napkins, toilet paper);
• A pair of small terry towels;
• Robe;
• Washable slippers with non-slip soles.

Items that will be needed after childbirth and at discharge:

• Sanitary pads and disposable underwear for mom;
• 2 with front closure;
• Cream for cracked nipples;
• Laxative suppositories;
• Diapers for a newborn 1 set. Another one is bought already in accordance with the size of the baby;
• Baby soap, cream, soft towel;
• Sterile cotton wool;
• Thin and thick undershirts, bonnets, diapers, mittens;
• Blanket or "envelope", hat, overalls, socks for discharge. All things according to the weather;
• Clothes and cosmetics for mom. The one in which the woman came to the hospital is likely to be great.

How is childbirth going?

Healthy women give birth to a child in a natural way, that is, through the birth canal. The process, assisted by a midwife or doctor, is divided into 3 phases:

• The first is counted from the beginning of regular contractions until the cervix is ​​fully dilated by 4 cm. This is the longest part - 8-10 hours. Sometimes the process is stimulated with medications;
• The second lasts 3-4 hours. The contractions intensify and become more frequent, the fetal bladder opens and water leaves. The cervix opens up to 6-8 cm, and the fetus moves to the level of the pelvic floor;
• The third is characterized by the opening of the uterine pharynx by 10-12 cm and lasts from 20 minutes to 2 hours. It passes into the main part of childbirth, although, according to sensations, the activity of the process is weakened. But this is not so, it is after the full disclosure of the cervix that the head of the fetus passes through the pelvic ring, and after 8-10 attempts of the mother, the baby comes out. Sometimes a woman's crotch is dissected to facilitate this part of the path.

During the first two phases, the woman is allowed to sit and walk to stimulate labor. In some clinics, the process is carried out with anesthesia. The condition of the woman in labor is monitored by measuring pressure, temperature, and doing vaginal examinations.

After the baby is born and the pulsation in the umbilical cord stops, it is cut. The afterbirth leaves the uterus after 2-3 contractions, the woman is injected with drugs to prevent bleeding.

Cesarean section

Should be prescribed according to indications, but sometimes it is done at the request of the woman. A planned operation is carried out as follows:

• On the operating table, the woman is given an epidural or general anesthetic. They put a dropper and a pressure measuring device, as well as a catheter to drain urine;
• The woman's abdomen is wiped with an antiseptic, the doctor cuts the abdominal wall and the anterior uterus, removes the baby, cuts the umbilical cord. It takes 10-15 minutes;
• The surgeon separates the placenta, examines the uterine cavity, sutures the organ. Then the sutures are applied to the abdominal wall, a bandage and ice on top;
• A woman is placed in intensive care for a day, where saline and antibiotics are administered.

After transfer to the ward, the stitches are treated every day, the anesthetic is stopped in 3-4 days.

Usually the baby is applied to the breast on the third day after giving birth, and before that the woman has to express herself. It hurts, but it is necessary that then you can feed for at least 6 months, and preferably up to a year. In this regard, new mothers are worried about two problems:

• Lack of milk;
• Cracked nipples.

The first is solved by frequent latching of the child to the breast, taking lactation-stimulating agents: infusion of anise seeds, grated carrots with sour cream. A woman will have to drink plenty of fluids and eat right in order to prevent gas formation in the baby.

Cracked nipples should be treated with special creams and air baths. It is also necessary to learn how to properly breastfeed the baby so that he grabs the nipple along with the areola.

Body after childbirth

In this part, the stomach delivers the most suffering to women. It is no longer as flat as before; during pregnancy, the muscles stretched and sagged slightly. But you don't have to put up with it. There are some measures you can take:

• Change your diet. If you include oatmeal, rice, vegetables, fruits in the diet, drink plenty of water, this will spur metabolic processes. Belly fat will slowly but steadily begin to go away. Keep in mind that high amounts of fiber are harmful to babies if they are breastfeeding. And fasting is unacceptable, because milk will disappear. Therefore, in your zeal for harmony, you need to know when to stop;
• Restore muscle tone. Sparing exercises for the abdomen will help: abdominal breathing, its tension during a walk, for household chores. You need to increase the load gradually, you can intensively engage in six months after childbirth, if they have passed without complications.

Postpartum discharge

The uterus after childbirth does not recover in a day. This process stretches over a period of time, during which the woman has lochia. At first, they contain a lot of blood, then they gradually brighten and by the end of the 6-8th week after childbirth they acquire transparency or white color.

Menstruation can come in 1.5-2 months if the woman is not breastfeeding. Lactation lengthens the period without menstruation up to six months. But on average and with breastfeeding, they begin at the 4th month after childbirth, because by this time the child is already injected with complementary foods and less applied to the breast.

Sex after childbirth

You will have to refrain from it for another 4-6 weeks if the birth was normal. The sexual sphere of a woman must fully recover, then sex will be a joy, and not cause pain and infection.
After a cesarean section or perineal laceration, it will take 2 months to recover.

At the first sexual intercourse, a woman may feel pain and discomfort. This is due to vaginal dryness, which can be corrected with lubricant, or better with a long prelude to the act. The tone of the walls is almost always reduced. But this problem is also solvable by training the vagina with Kegel exercises.

It is recommended to visit a gynecologist or consult an antenatal clinic. The doctor measures the weight and height of the expectant mother, writes down all the diseases she has suffered, and gives directions for the necessary tests. If there are hormonal problems, the doctor will prescribe supportive therapy for her to rule out early. The expectant mother should consult a doctor about taking complex vitamins. From the very first days of pregnancy, it is necessary to take folic acid, which has a positive effect on the formation of fetal organs, stimulates cell growth, and prevents early miscarriages.

The expectant mother should give up bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle. After all, the first pregnancy is very important. During this period, all the main organs of the baby are laid, the brain, the nervous system are formed, therefore, drinking or smoking can negatively affect the health of the unborn child. A pregnant woman should regularly be outdoors and ensure adequate sleep.

Particular attention should be paid to nutrition. Food should be healthy and balanced. It is necessary to exclude foods containing preservatives from the diet, give up soda, chips, fast food. The further course of pregnancy and the health of the baby depend on proper nutrition. During the period of the formation of organs for the baby, it is very important to receive full-fledged vitamins and nutrients.

If a woman suffers from toxicosis, then morning sickness can be prevented by eating a crouton or cookies immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. When traveling by transport, take with you still mineral water with the addition of lemon, gingerbread cookies, mint candies, crackers. In case of fainting, carry a handkerchief and lemon essential oil. In case of dizziness or nausea, apply 2-3 drops of oil on a handkerchief, bring it to your nose and take a few deep breaths.

If a woman is scheduled to undergo a fluorography or another vaccination, it is imperative to notify the doctor who will prescribe the exemption. Special care must be taken when taking medications. It is better to consult with your doctor in advance about the safety of medications.

A pregnant woman should be alert to any alarming symptoms. If a pulling pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, accompanied by bloody discharge, begins to bother her, an ambulance must be urgently called. Before the arrival of the doctor, observe strict bed rest and try to calm down.