• Pregnancy. Signs and course of pregnancy. The body of a pregnant woman. Healthy pregnancy. Adviсe

    04.08.2019

    Today, more and more doctors believe that the risk associated with pregnancy is determined mainly by the woman's health, and not by her age. It is the state of health that determines the successful course of pregnancy and the health of the unborn child.

    For example, a healthy thirty-nine-year-old woman with more likely will give birth to a healthy child than a twenty-year-old woman suffering from diabetes. The physical form of a woman is what determines the course of pregnancy to a greater extent, and not at all on age.

    Most women who decide to have a child after 35 years of age are in good health, exercise regularly, and therefore can endure pregnancy as easily as those who are 15-20 years younger than them. However, there is one exception: the first pregnancy after 40 years is more often accompanied by complications than the second one. However, the majority healthy women safely give birth to healthy children at this age.

    The physical form of a woman, and not her age, is what determines the course of pregnancy to a greater extent.

    Although it cannot be denied that some health problems are associated with a woman’s age. The risk of developing various diseases increases with age. Increased blood pressure and the development of some forms of diabetes are associated with age. You may not even be aware of your condition if you do not see your doctor regularly. Any disease can complicate the course of pregnancy, and the situation should be taken under control, if possible, before conception.

    Age also affects a woman’s reproductive health. The ability to conceive begins to decline at the age of 20, and after 35 the rate of decline increases even more. Spouses over the age of 35 have to spend twice as long conceiving a child than younger couples (from one and a half to two years). For a woman over forty years old, it is even more difficult to get pregnant, since the number and quality of eggs produced by the ovaries decreases, and ovulation occurs less frequently. However modern development medicine helps to conceive even those women who were previously unable to do so. Your doctor can determine your ovulatory cycle using a clomiphene test, which evaluates ovarian function.

    Your doctor will probably suggest you use a home ovulation kit. With this kit you will know exactly when ovulation occurs. There are many varieties of such sets on the market today. The principle of operation of this device is as follows: the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in a woman’s urine is determined. This hormone is produced by the brain and stimulates the maturation of follicles, each of which contains an egg. This leads to ovulation. LH levels rise 24-40 hours before ovulation. The sets offered vary greatly in price. A disposable one costs about $20, while a reusable one can cost several hundred dollars.

    Other factors also affect your ability to conceive. One study found that even drinking a glass of alcohol significantly reduces the chance of conception. Negative influence Caffeine also has an effect.

    Some mature couples resort to so-called “in vitro fertilization” in order to conceive. Fertilization of the donor egg with the partner's sperm occurs outside the mother's body, and then the fertilized egg is transplanted into the uterus. The degree of success largely depends on the woman’s age: at 34 years old, the probability of success with this method of conception is 20% per menstrual cycle; at the age of 44, the probability of success drops to 5%.

    How to endure healthy child- this is not an idle question, but a very relevant one for the expectant mother! Pregnancy turns everything upside down for most women.

    A ton of information is immediately bombarded, which is quite difficult for the expectant mother to understand.

    We all want our child to be born healthy, and for this, from the very first days of pregnancy it is worth thinking about the lifestyle you lead and, perhaps, adjusting it a little.

    So, what does it take to bear a healthy baby?

    1. Healthy eating.

    The health base you create for your baby will depend on how you eat. Try to eat a varied diet. Pregnancy This is not the time to save money. Natural products, fresh, without chemical dyes and preservatives, will give your baby much more vitamins and minerals than even any super expensive vitamin pill for expectant mothers.

    1. Minimum stress.

    Every stress causes a surge of adrenaline inside you. Adrenaline is a hormone that is produced in response to any danger, and thereby allows a person to either run away from danger or firmly repel an attack.

    This chain of reactions comes from ancient times and serves as the basis for survival. However, the situation has changed, but the reactions remained the same. And even if you are an expectant mother and are not going to get into a fight (and I am sure you are not going to), adrenaline is produced, thereby creating excess tension within you.

    Tension makes it difficult for your baby to receive nutrients and oxygen. Therefore, try to avoid situations that can upset, offend, frighten, or anger you.

    1. Collect positive emotions.

    The baby, even being inside you, already feels all your emotions and experiences. The more joy and pleasure you experience in life, the more positive impression about the world around you is formed in your baby.

    Try to look at beautiful pictures, listen to pleasant music, communicate with positive people. Show your child that our world is wonderful and amazing.

    1. More walks on fresh air.

    The best thing for an expectant mother to do during pregnancy is to go to a clean place, for example, to a village. But this is not available to everyone. Therefore, try to travel or go for a walk outside the city or to the park more often.

    Walking along polluted city highways, you will only inhale fumes from car exhaust fumes and this will not bring any benefit to your child.

    1. Avoid Unverified birth stories.

    Every expectant mother reads forums with interest, listens to friends, and reads magazines that talk about childbirth. However, not all stories are positive. There are a lot of horror stories and lies you can find on the Internet.

    How to bear a healthy child is a very multifaceted question that worries every woman. I will definitely cover the topics of healthy eating in more detail, we will talk about how to cope with stress, how to communicate with doctors and, of course, how to prepare for childbirth!

    Beginning of pregnancy

    Pregnancy begins with the fertilization of a female egg by a male reproductive cell, a sperm. While in a woman, usually only one egg matures each month, in men the process of sperm maturation lasts continuously. 1 ml of sperm of a healthy man contains more than 20 million sperm. After sexual intercourse, sperm penetrate into the uterine cavity and then into the fallopian tubes, where they meet with the egg. The egg is surrounded by many sperm, which secrete an enzyme that melts its dense shell. When the first sperm penetrates the egg, a reaction occurs in it that prevents the others from penetrating. Thus, the nucleus of only one sperm fuses with the nucleus of the egg.

    The nuclei of germ cells ensure the transmission of hereditary information to offspring. The nuclei of all cells of the human body contain 46 chromosomes, that is, 23 pairs, and only mature male and female reproductive cells are an exception. They contain half the composition - 23 chromosomes each, and in a mature female egg there is an X chromosome, and in a sperm there is either an X or a Y chromosome. When female and male germ cells merge, the fertilized egg again receives a full set of chromosomes - 46, or 23 pairs.

    If the egg is fertilized by a sperm with an X chromosome, the sex cells will receive a set of XX chromosomes, and the child will be female. If an egg is fertilized by a sperm with a Y chromosome, the set will be XY, which means a boy will be born.

    Despite the large reserves inherent in human reproductive function, conception, pregnancy and the birth of a child are a unique chance, a huge success. First of all, because only 12-14 hours are allotted for a favorable conception, during which the egg and sperm are capable of normal fertilization. After this time, egg reserves are depleted, and delayed fertilization can lead to disturbances in the development of the embryo.

    The fertilized egg develops into an embryo. Moving along the tube, the embryo enters the uterine cavity, where it is implanted into its wall. This happens on the 6-7th day after conception, i.e. on the 20-21st day menstrual cycle, counting from the first day of menstruation. But not all embryos are able to implant in the uterus. The probability of embryo death at this stage reaches 50%, and they are removed from the uterus with bleeding, which the woman considers to be another menstruation, unaware of it. early miscarriage. Usually these embryos are defective, and nature wisely terminates their existence.

    How to determine that pregnancy has occurred? In most cases, the first sign is the absence of regular menstruation, although sometimes menstruation may continue despite pregnancy. A woman may feel engorgement and heaviness of the mammary glands. Typically, the sense of taste and perception of smell become more acute, morning sickness and cravings for spicy and salty foods may appear. If you measure the temperature in the rectum, it will be above 37C, although the body temperature will remain normal. However, the most reliable answer to the question of whether pregnancy has occurred is given by a urine test for the presence of a special hormone that is secreted fertilized egg. Such test systems can be purchased at a pharmacy.

    Life before birth

    In the intrauterine development of the fetus, a distinction is made between the embryonic, or germinal, period, which lasts from the moment of conception to 8 weeks of pregnancy, and the fetal, or fetal period, from the 9th week of pregnancy to the moment of birth. In the embryonic period, the formation and formation of all organs and systems of the child occurs, in the fetal period their further growth and development continue.

    In a four-week-old embryo, the heart and circulatory system are formed, and the head end begins to be determined. The seventh week is critical for the fetus; at this time, the highest rate of spontaneous miscarriages is observed. At 8 weeks, the fetus has already developed all the features inherent in a person: the body, head are formed, there are rudiments of limbs, eyes, nose, mouth, and external genitalia. At 9-10 weeks, the fetus opens and closes its mouth, even facial expressions appear in the form of a grimace. At 11 weeks he begins to move his arms and legs, but his mother does not yet feel these movements. By the 12th week, the skeleton and all the internal organs of the fetus are formed, which begin to function, despite their tiny size. At 16 weeks, the placenta is fully formed, which provides the baby with all the substances necessary for life, coming from the mother’s blood. During an ultrasound examination, the arms, legs, fingers are clearly visible, the sex of the fetus is determined, it feels quite comfortable in the amniotic fluid, which is cleared of its secretions every 6 hours. At times, the child sucks his finger, “practicing” for the future sucking of his mother’s breast. At 18-20 weeks, the mother feels the first movements of the fetus. The first half of pregnancy ends.

    The second half of pregnancy is characterized by a rapid increase in fetal body weight. In just 1 month, from the 20th to 24th weeks of pregnancy, its length increases by 10 cm and its weight by almost 500 g.

    At 28 weeks, the fetal body length is 35 cm, and the weight is 1000 g. The skin is covered with a special lubricant that is impenetrable to amniotic fluid, the organs are sufficiently mature, and a child born prematurely at this time is no longer considered a miscarriage. Particularly intensive fetal growth occurs after 32 weeks of pregnancy.

    By 40 weeks, the child’s body is completely ready for extrauterine life, his lungs are ripe to breathe air. The length of a mature fetus is 50-52 cm, body weight 3000-3500 g. A child weighing more than 4000 grams is considered large, and more than 4500 grams is considered gigantic.

    Physiological characteristics of the body of a pregnant woman

    The mother's body, becoming the environment for the child, ideally adapts to these new conditions and requirements. To provide nutrition to the fetus, the mother's blood volume increases by 1.5~2 liters, and the chest expands to increase the volume of inhaled air. The mother's liver and kidneys function with great strain, removing waste products from her body and that of the fetus. However, the greatest changes occur in the uterus; it constantly increases in size, and by the end of pregnancy its height reaches 35 cm instead of 7-8 cm before pregnancy, its weight increases by 20 times, and its volume by 500 times.

    Due to the growth of the fetus and the changes occurring in the pregnant woman’s body, a woman’s body weight increases by about 12 kg by the end of pregnancy.

    If the weight gain is noticeably greater than indicated, it is necessary to find out the reason for this. This may be due to fat deposition, which is usually characteristic of women who were thin before pregnancy. But the cause of weight gain can also be edema, and this already indicates the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Swelling can be hidden and hardly noticeable, but if your shoes become tight, if the ring that used to rotate freely on your finger has become difficult or even impossible to put on, you should urgently go to the antenatal clinic!

    Pregnancy imposes increased obligations on the mother’s body, testing its strength. Sometimes the expectant mother reveals hidden diseases that she had not previously suspected. But the health of the child directly depends on the state of her health, on how well the pregnancy proceeds.

    That is why the expectant mother needs to be observed at the antenatal clinic, starting from the early stages of pregnancy (preferably from 6 to 8 weeks), and then visit her regularly: in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy - monthly, and from the 20th to 30th weeks - 2 times a month. After receiving prenatal leave, you must visit a doctor at least once every 10 days, since during this period serious pregnancy complications most often arise.

    Mortality and morbidity of children born to women not observed in antenatal clinic during pregnancy, many times higher than in women who regularly visited the doctor.

    The favorable course of pregnancy and childbirth is largely determined by how carefully the expectant mother fulfills all medical prescriptions and adheres to the regimen.

    Each woman undergoes a certain amount of examinations during pregnancy. So, when she comes to the obstetrician-gynecologist for the first time, she receives a referral for urine and blood tests (including syphilis and HIV infection). Her blood type and Rh status are determined, and the expectant mother is examined by a therapist, dentist, otolaryngologist, and ophthalmologist. This range of examinations makes it possible to identify existing or hidden diseases and begin their treatment in a timely manner. When chronic or acute diseases are detected, the doctor regularly monitors the woman and tries to do everything possible to prepare her and the baby for a safe birth.

    Sometimes it may be necessary to conduct additional examinations. Ultrasound has been widely used throughout the world over the past 20 years. This method allows you to obtain an image of the fetus on a monitor screen. The doctor can determine the size of the head and torso, the length of the arms and legs, and identify multiple pregnancy, gender of the child, developmental anomalies, etc. The location of the placenta, entanglement of the umbilical cord, various tumors of the uterus and malformations of its development are easily determined. Recognition of pregnancy using ultrasound is possible as early as 3-4 weeks.

    The sooner health deviations in the expectant mother are identified and eliminated, the more favorable the course of pregnancy and childbirth will be, the greater the chance that the child will be born healthy.

    The expectant mother needs to regularly attend antenatal clinics, starting from the earliest stages of pregnancy.

    Additional reasons to consult a doctor are the following symptoms:

    • lower abdominal pain;
    • bleeding from the vagina;
    • severe nausea and vomiting;
    • frequent headache;
    • swelling;
    • excessive or insufficient weight gain;
    • weakness, shortness of breath;
    • increased body temperature;
    • constipation or loose stools;
    • skin itching, rashes.

    How to protect yourself from possible problems?

    What can harm the fetus?

    Despite the comfortable conditions of intrauterine life of the fetus, it remains vulnerable to various unfavorable factors, especially during critical periods of its development.

    Critical periods of fetal development:

    • Stage of penetration into the uterine wall;
    • From the 3rd to the 12th week of pregnancy (the period of formation of tissues and organs);
    • From the 18th to the 24th week (the period of formation of organ functions).

    The most dangerous enemies of the fetus are alcohol and nicotine. If a pregnant woman smokes, nicotine, easily penetrating the fetus through the placenta, causes direct harm to it. In women who smoke, children, even full-term ones, are usually born with a body weight of less than 2500 g, that is, with signs of intrauterine growth retardation (hypotrophy). Nicotine causes spasm of the uterine arteries, which supply the placenta and fetus with all vital substances. As a result of the spasm, blood flow is disrupted, so the fetus does not receive a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients. Frequent smoking in the presence of a pregnant woman can also cause malnutrition in the fetus, although to a lesser extent than when the mother smokes. The future father should know: in children whose fathers are heavy smokers, developmental defects are 2 times more common.

    Alcohol causes even more harm. Penetrating through the placenta into the blood of the fetus, alcohol affects its brain, liver, vascular system and endocrine glands. IN last years A new concept has appeared in obstetric practice – “fetal alcohol syndrome”. Children with this syndrome are delayed in physical and mental development.

    According to the World Health Organization, mental retardation in children in 40-60% of cases is associated with parental alcoholism.

    Drug use by a pregnant woman is extremely harmful to the fetus. In drug addicts, the fetus becomes accustomed to drugs in utero; in addition, drugs cause chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus and affect the brain and circulatory system.

    Among the numerous environmental factors that can cause disturbances in fetal development, ionizing radiation is very dangerous. Since the human embryo is most sensitive to radiation exposure during the first 2-7 weeks of intrauterine development, X-ray examination should be completely abandoned during these periods.

    There are many known harmful production factors that can disrupt the normal development of the fetus. If a pregnant woman’s profession is associated with occupational hazards, immediate transfer to another job is necessary. Russian legislation provides for the exemption of a woman from overtime work, night shifts, business trips, and work on weekends from the moment she becomes pregnant. In accordance with a medical opinion, a woman can be transferred during pregnancy to an easier job while maintaining the average earnings at her previous place of activity.

    Pregnancy and medications

    An adult, even a healthy one, rarely goes without medication these days, taking pills for headaches, sleeping pills, tranquilizers and other drugs.

    There are drugs that are not indifferent to the fetus. Some antibiotics, in particular the tetracycline series, have a negative effect on the fetus, as they easily penetrate the placenta. Often, under the influence of tetracycline, fetal growth retardation, cleft palate, and fusion of fingers and toes occur. Long-term use of streptomycin can damage the fetal auditory nerve and cause congenital deafness. The use of chloramphenicol causes changes in the fetal liver and affects hematopoiesis. There are other drugs whose use is contraindicated during pregnancy.

    From the first day of pregnancy, you need to make it a rule: medications - only as prescribed by a doctor! This warning should not be understood as a ban on medications in general. There are cases when drug treatment is necessary for a pregnant woman, and it is in the interests of the fetus. But what medications to take, when, in what doses – the doctor decides.

    Possible harmful effects.

    Medicines by type of action
    Drugs
    Possible effect on the fetus and newborn
    Drugs acting on the central nervous system
    • Strong analgesics (narcotics)
    • Weak analgesics (salicylates)
    • Barbiturates
    • Local analgesics
    • Phenothiazines
    Anticonvulsants
    • Benzodiazepines
    • Phenytoin

    Depression of newborns, “withdrawal syndrome” Transient coagulation disorders Depression of newborns, increased rate of drug metabolism, fetal asphyxia, coagulation defects. Fetal bradycardia, depression of newborns, maternal hypotension during spinal anesthesia, methemoglobinopathies. Depression of newborns, retinopathy, extrapyramidal disorders. Depression of newborns, decreased resistance to stressful actions. Congenital anomalies.

    Medicines that regulate hormonal status
    • Antithyroid drugs
    • Iodides, radioiodines
    • Propylthiouracil, carbimazole.
    • Hypoglycemic drugs
    • Androgens and some progetserones
    • Estrogens
    • Corticosteroids
    • Anticoagulant
    Euthyroid fetal goiter Severe hypothyroidism Fetal goiter Prolonged hypoglycemiaVerilization of girls
    Feminization of boys, cervical adenocarcinoma in girls, hypoplasia of the external genitalia, varicocele, epididymal cysts in boys.
    Congenital anomalies, increased risk of prematurity or immaturity, adrenal crisis.
    Hemorrhage in the fetus and newborn.
    Antimicrobials
    • Tetarcycline
    • Aminoglycosides
    • Chloramphenicol
    • Sulfonamides
    • Nitrofuran
    Antimalarial
    • Quinine
    • Chloroquine
    Dental abnormalities, maternal hepatotoxicity Ototoxicity Cardiovascular collapse, “gray syndrome” Kernicterus of newborns Hemolytic anemia in case of G-6-AL deficiency (rare) Thrombocytopenia, retinopathy, ototoxicity
    Medicines acting on cardiovascular system
    Adrenergic blockersAngiohypertensive:
    • Reserpine
    • Magnesium sulfate
    • Thiazides
    Neonatal depression, bradycardia, poor tolerance to stressful situations Lethargy, nasal congestion Neuromuscular weakness, lethargy Electrolyte imbalance, thrombocytopenia
    Antitumor drugs
    Cytotoxic agents
    Congenital anomalies

    Undesirable effects of certain drugs excreted in mother's milk in infants.

    Drug name Pharmacological effects
    Neurotropic agents
    Narcotic analgesics Respiratory depression, depression, withdrawal syndrome
    Salicylates Transient coagulation defects, acidosis, respiratory failure
    Indomethacin Possible seizures
    Barbiturates Fetal asphyxia, neonatal depression, coagulation defects
    Lithium preparations Muscle hypotension, hypothermia, cardiac dysfunction, renal function
    Local anesthetics Bradycardia, neonatal depression, methemoglobinemia
    Amantadine Urinary retention, vomiting
    Phenothiazines Neonatal depression, extrapyramidal disorders
    Difenin Methemoglobinemia, possible collapse
    Benzodiazepines Neonatal depression, apnea, hypotension, loss of appetite
    Phenytoin Hemorrhages
    Bromine preparations Skin rash, drowsiness, or restlessness
    Hormonal drugs
    Hypoglycemic Hypoglycemia
    Antithyroid Suppression of thyroid function, leukopenia, agranulocytosis
    Androgens Virilization of girls
    Corticosteroids Adrenal crisis, withdrawal syndrome
    Antimicrobial, antimalarial drugs
    Aminoglycosides ototoxicity
    Tetracyclines Anomalies of teeth
    Levomycetin Cardiovascular collapse, regurgitation, convulsions, jaundice
    Isoniazid Liver damage
    Sulfonamides and nitrofurans Hemolytic anemia, bilirubin encephalopathy
    Metronidazole Hematopoietic suppression, anorexia, diarrhea
    Quinine Thrombocytopenia
    Nalidixic acid Hemolytic anemia
    Cardiovascular drugs
    Beta blockers Newborn depression
    Reserpine Nasal congestion, lethargy
    Magnesium sulfate Neuromuscular weakness
    Thiazides Thrombocytopenia
    Ergot alkaloids Lactation suppression, ergotism
    Theophylline Restlessness, tremor, tachycardia
    Histamine blockers Drowsiness, anorexia

    Prevention and treatment of constipation in pregnant women

    During pregnancy (especially in the second half), a woman may experience constipation. Their appearance is associated with complex changes in the regulation of intestinal activity, the growth of the uterus and child.

    Eliminating constipation during pregnancy is not an easy task, since there are restrictions on the use of most laxatives.

    The best prevention of constipation is a balanced diet. The diet should contain a large number of fiber. It is not digested or absorbed, but only swells, thereby increasing the total volume of intestinal contents. This increases his motor activity and helps normalize stool.

    Fresh vegetables contain a lot of fiber (cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, beets, pumpkin, zucchini); fruits (apples, bananas), melon; products from unground grain crops; wholemeal bread; dried fruits (prunes, dried apricots, raisins).

    Prunes are used as an infusion: 100 g of prunes are poured into 400 ml of boiling water, covered and left for a day. The infusion is drunk half a glass before meals, and the plums are eaten.

    It is useful for expectant mothers to drink a glass of fresh kefir every day before bed.

    When preparing food, it is recommended to use vegetable fats, which, when broken down, form fatty acids that enhance peristalsis. Dry food should be avoided as it promotes constipation. In the morning, it is recommended to drink a glass of cold water on an empty stomach, perhaps with a spoonful of honey.

    Pregnant women should exclude from their diet foods that cause increased gas formation in the intestines (apple and grape juices); vegetables rich in essential oils (turnips, radishes, onions, garlic, radishes).

    Women suffering from constipation should avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, cocoa, and chocolate. You should not eat a lot of white bread, especially those made from durum wheat, flour and slimy soups, semolina porridge, blueberry and lingonberry dishes.

    Vitamin and mineral complexes

    When should you start taking multivitamin complexes for pregnant women?

    It is best 3-6 months before the planned pregnancy. Preparing for pregnancy is very important. The body of the expectant mother should be as prepared as possible for conception, bearing a child and childbirth. It is advisable for the future father to take a complex of vitamins and minerals.

    Should I take a break from taking multivitamin complexes?

    Vitamins and minerals should be supplied to the expectant mother’s body daily. A lack of vitamins can adversely affect your health and the health of your unborn child at any stage of pregnancy. It is better to prevent vitamin deficiency in advance than to correct an existing one.

    Iron and folic acid deficiency

    Iron is an essential element that is part of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to tissues. Iron is also included in the structure of muscle protein, various enzymes (of which there are more than 40), which are responsible for the normal functioning of the skin, mucous membranes, nervous, immune and other systems. During pregnancy, as already mentioned, the female body’s need for oxygen increases and the volume of circulating blood increases. Accordingly, the need for iron increases.

    A person gets iron from food. Iron, which is part of meat products, is best absorbed, but the opinion that the liver is the best source of iron is erroneous, as is the idea that iron deficiency can be replenished with the help of plant foods - fruits (apples, pomegranates) or buckwheat.

    The iron content in food should exceed the daily physiological need for it by approximately 10 times, since no more than 10% of the iron contained in the daily diet is absorbed. A complete and balanced diet is a real prevention of iron deficiency, allowing you to “cover” the physiological need for iron. However, diet cannot help eliminate iron deficiency. Diet therapy can be only one of the auxiliary components of the treatment of iron deficiency conditions.

    Iron loss during pregnancy, childbirth and subsequent breastfeeding is about 1 gram, and it will take the body about 4 years to replenish iron stores from food sources only. Therefore, it is clear that if a woman gives birth to a child again during this period, then she will inevitably develop iron deficiency.

    If the body does not receive enough iron, then iron reserves intended for use in “unforeseen” situations are used, and a hidden iron deficiency occurs. With a constant lack of iron in the diet, the deficiency from hidden becomes obvious: the level of hemoglobin decreases and anemia (anemia) develops. At the end of pregnancy, hidden iron deficiency can be detected in almost all women, and in a third of pregnant women, iron deficiency anemia can be detected. Even a hidden deficiency (not to mention anemia) complicates the course of pregnancy and childbirth and negatively affects the development of the fetus.

    Signs of iron deficiency

    • weakness , increased fatigue, inattention, anxiety, forgetfulness, irritability;
    • morning headaches, dizziness and fainting; increased susceptibility to infections;
    • pallor and dryness of the skin, mucous membranes;
    • jams (cracks) V corners of the mouth), stomatitis;
    • fragility of hair and nails (nails split, break, become flat, and transverse stripes appear on them);
    • shortness of breath (first during physical exertion, and in advanced cases - at rest);
    • indigestion ( poor appetite, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, difficulty swallowing);
    • perversion of taste and smell (they may like the taste and smell of “strange things”, which usually do not evoke positive emotions).

    Risk factors for the development of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women:

    • presence of anemia or chronic diseases before pregnancy;
    • frequent pregnancies and childbirths;
    • multiple births;
    • the presence of early toxicosis;
    • the duration of menstruation before pregnancy is more than 5 days (for many years before pregnancy).

    Folic acid participates in processes associated with cell division and growth, therefore during pregnancy, when the fetus and uterus grow rapidly, the need for this substance increases.

    The main food sources of folic acid are raw green vegetables and some fruits. Unlike iron, a lot of folic acid is found in beef liver, but its content in meat, kidneys, eggs and dairy products, on the contrary, is very small.

    The daily requirement for folic acid in an adult is 50-100 micrograms, and during pregnancy it increases to 400 micrograms, reaching 800 micrograms by the time of birth. At the same time, the reserves of this substance in the body at this consumption will last no more than 3 months. And although folic acid deficiency is less common than iron deficiency, it is no less dangerous for the fetus and the pregnant woman. Scientists have proven that with a significant lack of this substance in the diet, not only anemia develops, but also the risk of miscarriage increases; in the postpartum period, depression is more common in such women.

    Children born to mothers with folic acid deficiency have lower birth weight, and they are significantly more likely to have malformations of the nervous system, including very severe ones (up to complete absence of the brain).

    Doctors consider pregnant women to be at high risk of developing iron deficiency and folate deficiency anemia and recommend that all pregnant women take preventive medications.

    Typically, iron supplements are prescribed orally for the entire period of pregnancy and lactation. It should be noted that when using iron salt preparations, unpleasant side effects are possible. side effects from the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stool disorders).

    Iodine deficiency

    Iodine deficiency and related diseases are a matter of concern for doctors in most countries of the world. In many countries, special government programs are being created to combat this problem.

    Iodine is part of the hormones of one of the main endocrine glands - the thyroid. Its deficiency causes various diseases this gland, but iodine deficiency also affects the functioning of many organs and systems of the body as a whole. This is especially important for a growing child’s body and for pregnant women.

    Iodine enters the body with food and water, the total amount of this microelement needed throughout a person’s life is not so large, it is only 3~5 g, that is, about one teaspoon.

    The consequences of iodine deficiency are now well studied. This is an increase in the size of the thyroid gland (goiter), and in severe deficiency, a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). In addition, it is manifested by general weakness, lethargy, slowness, drowsiness, decreased memory and hearing, etc. In children living in areas with iodine deficiency, the growth and development of bone and muscle tissue is impaired. Signs of iodine deficiency include disturbances in the mental and physical development of schoolchildren, they study poorly, have difficulty adapting to a new environment, etc. In women, iodine deficiency can even cause infertility.

    There are many regions in Russia where iodine deficiency poses a serious threat to the health and mental development of children. So it is clear why measures to prevent iodine deficiency have acquired the status of a state task.

    In our country, until the end of the 70s of the 20th century, mass iodine prophylaxis was carried out. Its cessation led to a surge in the so-called goiter epidemic among pregnant and nursing mothers. Iodine deficiency turned out to be important for both physical and intellectual development children.

    Today, the prevention of iodine deficiency conditions among the general population is being revived. Mass prevention consists of the fact that the most commonly consumed food products (table salt, bread, etc.) include iodine. Group and individual prevention involves taking iodine preparations by pregnant, lactating women, children, etc.

    Varicose veins: prevention and treatment

    Varicose veins are a disease that is characterized by an uneven increase in the diameter of the veins and thinning of their walls. The causes of varicose veins are hereditary predisposition and excess weight. In women, this disease often begins during pregnancy. With each subsequent pregnancy, the risk of varicose veins increases.

    Enlargement of the uterus and growth of the fetus are accompanied by an increase in the volume of circulating blood. This entails an increase in blood pressure in the veins - especially in the veins of the abdominal cavity, pelvic cavity, and legs. Increased production of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can also lead to weakening of the tone of the vascular walls.

    If a woman suffered before pregnancy varicose veins veins, then while waiting for the baby the likelihood of an exacerbation of the disease is quite high. To reduce the risk, you should avoid increasing pressure in the veins of your legs.

    For this it is important:

    • Carefully monitor your weight;
    • Do not lift heavy objects, do not take excessively hot baths;
    • If possible, rest every 2-3 hours, resting your feet on small pads. For a good night's sleep, you can raise the foot end of the bed by 10-15 cm.

    To prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, you need to choose comfortable shoes in low heels, then the load on the legs and veins will be minimal. You should get rid of stockings and socks with tight elastic bands. Contrast showers and swimming have a beneficial effect on blood vessels. You need to learn to sleep on your left side: this kind of rest can somewhat reduce venous pressure. It is necessary to combine active walking with sitting in a comfortable chair and resting in a horizontal position.

    Pregnant women suffering from varicose veins should be observed in special centers. An obstetrician-gynecologist can refer a woman for a consultation to a doctor who treats vein diseases - a phlebologist. He will tell you which method of conservative treatment is preferable for a pregnant woman.

    Work and rest of a pregnant woman

    It is undesirable to do housework associated with significant physical stress, a forced posture, requiring frequent bending of the torso. During “sedentary” work, your feet should be placed on a stool or placed on a chair. This will protect against obstructed blood flow from the veins and the appearance of varicose veins.

    Pregnancy does not exclude habitual work - moderate physical labor is even useful, as it helps train muscles and improves work internal organs and, thereby, increases the overall tone of the body.

    The need for oxygen increases in pregnant women by 25-30% due to the fact that the fetus in utero receives oxygen from the mother's blood. Since maternal blood is saturated with oxygen through the lungs, the need for regular walks in the fresh air becomes clear. Pregnant women are recommended to walk several times a day for 1-2 hours.

    Usually during pregnancy a woman gets tired quickly and becomes drowsy. Adequate sleep is very useful; its duration should be at least 8-9 hours. If you can’t sleep for a long time, you can take an infusion of valerian with motherwort, washed down with warm milk.

    It is important to create favorable conditions for the pregnant woman to rest and, of course, try not to upset or disturb her, and to avoid family quarrels and conflicts.

    It is well known that with the onset of pregnancy, a woman constantly experiences anxiety: she is worried about her own condition, the outcome of the birth, the condition of the child; thoughts also come about the loss of one’s capabilities, in particular professional ones, about the loss of femininity, attractiveness, and about the difficulties ahead.

    Struggling with apprehension and fear, a pregnant woman often unnecessarily demonstrates her weakness and defenselessness.

    This needs to be well understood by your loved ones, especially your husband. Maximum attention, care and tenderness must be shown towards a pregnant woman.

    Magnesium deficiency

    80% of healthy pregnant women have signs of magnesium deficiency.

    Manifestations of magnesium deficiency

    1. A state of increased neuropsychic excitability: irritability, susceptibility to stress, insomnia.
    2. Increased muscle excitability: lower back pain, cramps, increased uterine tone, impaired cervical dilatation during childbirth, impaired expulsion period during childbirth.
    3. Eclampsia.
    4. Tendency to edema due to imbalance of Na+/K+, Na+/Mg++, Mg++/Ca++.

    An increased need for magnesium during pregnancy occurs as a result of the following changes in a woman’s body:

    • increase in uterine weight from 100 g to 1000 g
    • increase in total blood mass by 20-30%
    • breast enlargement
    • increasing aldosterone levels
    • fetal growth

    Consequences of magnesium deficiency:

    for mother:

    • pathologically increased uterine tone
    • premature birth and miscarriage
    • multiple placental calcifications
    • eclampsia

    for the fetus:

    • growth slowdown
    • malnutrition
    • chromosomal and genetic abnormalities
    • embryonic malformations
    • fetal edema
    • increased risk of asphyxia
    • anemia

    It is necessary to take medications containing magnesium.

    Three main conditions for a favorable pregnancy:

    • A positive attitude towards the upcoming birth, a warm psychological climate in the family;
    • Correct work and rest schedule;
    • Balanced diet.

    Hygiene for pregnant women and preparation for breastfeeding

    A pregnant woman wants and should remain beautiful, fit, well-groomed. A warm shower or at least rubbing with warm water in the morning and evening will give you a feeling of vigor and freshness. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the armpits and inguinal folds. The abundance of sebaceous glands in the genital area and increased blood flow contribute to an increase in the volume of secretions from the vagina. Therefore, you need to wash yourself more often than usual - 2-3 times a day.

    If a pregnant woman experiences heavy discharge, she should immediately consult a antenatal clinic doctor. This symptom may be a sign that the membranes of the amniotic sac are damaged and the amniotic fluid or the fetus itself is infected.

    If the pregnancy is progressing normally, the rhythm of sexual activity may be normal. Considering a pregnant woman's predisposition to genital tract infections, it is wise to use a condom. It is recommended to stop sexual activity two months before giving birth.

    In the second half of pregnancy, it is necessary to begin to “prepare” the mammary glands for feeding the baby. If sensitive skin The nipples are not prepared; when the baby is first applied to the breast, painful cracks may appear on the nipples. Nipples should be washed daily with cool water and rubbed with a hard towel. After this, it is useful to leave the nipples open for 10-15 minutes. Retracted or flat nipples you need to carefully pull it back with your thumb and forefinger 2-3 times a day for 3-4 minutes, after lubricating the nipples with a rich cosmetic cream.

    At this time, in preparation for the upcoming feeding of the baby, it is a good idea to purchase a breast pump in advance. In some situations (illness, forced breaks in feeding, etc.) the baby has to be fed milk expressed using a breast pump. The breast pump gently affects the mammary gland of a nursing woman, preventing its engorgement, the appearance of inflammatory processes and cracks in the nipples.

    Expressing milk using a breast pump empties your breasts well and is an effective way to stimulate milk production.

    G imnastics for pregnant women

    Childbirth will require a lot of expenses from the woman physical strength. Special gymnastics helps to accumulate strength and cope with additional load. It strengthens the muscles, especially the abdomen and pelvis, and makes them elastic, which is very important for the normal course of childbirth and the postpartum period. In addition, regular physical exercise improve metabolism and, thereby, contribute to the normal course of pregnancy and the proper development of the fetus.

    During the period up to 16 weeks of pregnancy, the purpose of gymnastics is to teach skills correct breathing, the ability to voluntarily tense and relax muscles, gradually prepare the cardiovascular system for physical activity.

    In the second half of pregnancy, exercises are performed to increase the flexibility of the spine and pelvic joints. At this time, it is very important to perform special breathing exercises: alternate deep inhalation holds with relaxing the body.

    The ability to control your breathing will be needed during childbirth.

    A pregnant woman needs to thoroughly master the rules of breathing exercises in advance and apply them during childbirth.

    The first type of breathing is slow and deep

    To learn this, you need to place your hands with your fingers spread apart on the sides chest and inhale so deeply that your hands feel the entire chest fill with air, then exhale slowly.

    The second type of breathing is shallow

    It involves mainly the upper chest. To practice, you need to place your palms on your shoulders and try to take a few quick breaths in and out so that your hands feel the movement of your shoulders up and down.

    Another relieving technique is relaxation. If you learn to control the muscles of the body in advance, the rest between contractions will be complete.

    To make it easier to achieve relaxation, experts advise conjuring up some pleasant mental image that helps achieve the desired effect. You can imagine, for example, relaxing on the beach under the rays of the sun, swimming in warm water, or something else that gives a feeling of inner peace and joyful mood. You need to take a comfortable position in a chair with a headrest and armrests on which you can rest your relaxed hands; place your feet a little apart.

    First, you need to relax your facial muscles, creating a so-called “relaxation mask”: relax your forehead muscles, lower your eyelids, fix your gaze slightly inward and downward, gently apply your tongue to your upper teeth, and let your lower jaw sag slightly. Separately, all this is easy to do, but in order for everything to work out as a whole, great concentration of attention is required.

    After this, it is suggested to relax the muscles of the back of the head and neck, then move on to muscle relaxation right hand(for right-handed people), then the muscles of the lower extremities and perineum, while mentally imagining your arms and legs hanging freely. If you managed to complete this program, you need to analyze the sensations that appear and try to remember them.

    Most exercises in late pregnancy are performed with support or while sitting in a chair.

    You need to do gymnastics for 20-25 minutes, better in the morning before breakfast or no earlier than 1.5-2 hours after eating. The room should be well ventilated.

    You can find out about the whole set of exercises, which varies depending on the stage of pregnancy, at the antenatal clinic.

    Some exercises that can help a pregnant woman prepare for childbirth:

    1. Lying on your back, perform the following exercises in turn: pull in and relax your abdominal muscles several times, raise and lower your lower back, tense and relax your hands, tighten and lower your feet with your thigh and calf muscles, bend and straighten your toes. These exercises allow you to relax as much as possible
    2. Having pulled in your stomach, move your pelvis forward and exhale at the same time. The back should arch. Return to the starting position after a few seconds and inhale. This exercise improves pelvic mobility, strengthens the abdominal muscles and helps reduce back pain.
    3. Squatting, spread your feet out to the sides. The back is straight, hands are clasped. Without lifting your heels off the floor, press your hips with your elbows. This exercise improves the mobility of the hip joints and strengthens the muscles of the back and hips.
    4. Sitting on a chair, tense and relax the muscles of the perineum. The exercise must be repeated 10-15 times. It can be done both standing and lying down. This will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and help you learn how to control them, which will be useful during childbirth.

    Nutrition for pregnant women

    The fetus receives all the necessary substances from the mother’s body, so her food should be varied and contain a sufficient amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, mineral salts, and vitamins. This does not mean that you need to “eat for two”; nutrition must be rational and necessarily regular. It is better not to eat fatty, fried and spicy foods; it is advisable to limit flour, salt, and sugar.

    Boiled or stewed meat and fish, fermented milk and vegetable products are preferable. Bread from rye flour, bread with bran - they are rich in B vitamins and have a beneficial effect on intestinal function. Food must contain proteins of animal origin (meat, fish, eggs, milk). Vegetable oils (sunflower, corn, soybean, which contain vitamin E necessary for the normal course of pregnancy, as well as butter in moderation) are recommended as sources of fat. The daily diet requires the presence of fresh fruits (at least 200 g) and vegetables (500-700 d) raw, boiled or stewed. This will provide the pregnant woman’s body with carbohydrates, some vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, which promotes normal digestion.

    Diet is important. A pregnant woman should eat at least 4-5 times a day in small portions.

    For the full development of the fetus, it is necessary to increase the intake of vitamins and minerals into the pregnant woman’s body. There are special preparations containing vitamin and mineral complexes.

    For nausea, vomiting, aversion to food, which often occurs in early dates pregnancy, it is better to eat little and often.

    You should include juices, tea, yogurt, kefir, and milk in your diet. Acidified drinks are useful: cranberry or lingonberry juice, ready-made kidney tea. In the second half of pregnancy, 5 to 6 meals a day are recommended. During this period you should drink less. It is better to limit the volume of liquid to 1 liter per day. If a woman has kidney disease, the volume of fluid she drinks during the day is determined by the doctor.

    What can result from insufficient intake of vitamins and microelements during pregnancy?

    It is well known that a violation of micronutrient status (the interaction of microelements in the human body) during pregnancy leads to:

    • disruption of intrauterine development of the fetus,
    • premature birth,
    • birth of low birth weight babies,
    • the emergence of alimentary-dependent conditions in children of the first year of life.

    A balanced diet at the planning stage of pregnancy ensures its successful course and development of the fetus. Proper nutrition of a pregnant woman reduces the risk of congenital defects in the fetus and diseases of the newborn, and also reduces the incidence of low birth weight children.

    Complications of pregnancy due to micronutrient deficiency.

    Baby Mother
    Fetal losses
    • Spontaneous miscarriages
    • Stillbirth

    Low birth weight (≤2500)

    • Intrauterine growth restriction
    • Premature delivery

    Nervous delay mental development

    Congenital defects

    • Maternal mortality
    • Bleeding during childbirth
    • Anemia
    • Complicated childbirth
    • Infectious complications
    • hypertension

    Do weight changes affect the outcome of pregnancy?

    Weight dynamics during pregnancy are closely related to its outcome. Weight gain of 11-13 kg is optimal for a better pregnancy, less risk for the newborn, and its subsequent development.

    Adequate nutrition is determined by the following indicators:

    • Energy value of food;
    • Balanced diet in proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
    • Provision of vitamins, microelements, minerals.

    Vitamins

    For the normal process of human life support, organic substances (vitamins) are necessary, which have no nutritional value, but take an active part in maintaining basic physiological functions in the body. The need for vitamins in women increases by 1.5 times during pregnancy and lactation. The increased need for vitamins during these periods is due to the intensive work of the endocrine organs of the female body, metabolism, as well as the transfer of some vitamins to the fetus, losses during childbirth with the placenta and amniotic fluid, and during lactation - with milk.

    Vitamins, their sources, and functions

    Vitamin
    Sources
    Biological role
    Requirement/day in pregnant and lactating women (mg)
    A (retinol)
    Beef liver, fish oil (cod), chicken egg. β-carotene (provitamin A): rowan, sea buckthorn, rose hips, dried apricots, tomatoes, carrots, red bell peppers, spinach, celery, parsley
    Affects metabolism in the retina of the eyes. Necessary for bone growth. Provides embryonic development, regulation of growth and tissue differentiation.
    1,2- 2,5
    (2700-4400 IU)
    D (Cholecalciferol)
    Fish oil, cod liver, Atlantic herring, egg yolk, butter; synthesized under the influence of ultraviolet light.
    Promotes optimal absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus
    Regulates bone growth
    Increases muscle tone
    0,01- 0,02
    (400-500 IU)
    E (tocopherol)
    Unrefined vegetable oils (soybean, corn, sunflower, peanut), sprouted wheat grains, peas, rye
    Part of cell membranes
    Has antioxidant properties
    Normalizes reproductive function
    Promotes the maturation of fetal lung tissue.
    10-15 IU
    K (phylloquinone)
    Cabbage of all varieties, all berries, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, parsley, liver
    Affects the blood clotting process
    65 IU
    N-biotin
    Egg yolk, liver, soy, peas, oatmeal, nuts.
    Affects the condition of the skin, especially necessary during early toxicosis
    0,03- 0,20
    B1 (thiamine) Wholemeal products, legumes, unrefined cereals, brewer's yeast, lean pork, liver Plays an important role in energy and carbohydrate metabolism 1,4- 2,0
    B2 (riboflavin) Milk, dairy products, wholemeal products, pork, vegetables, potatoes, plums, cherries, cherry plums, brewer's yeast Acts as a component of tissue respiration coenzymes Activates the action of pyridoxine Acts synergistically with other B vitamins 1,8-3,0
    PP (niacin) Legumes, meat, fish, offal, milk, eggs, wholemeal products, brewer's yeast Actively participates in energy metabolism along with vitamins B1 and B2 Plays an important role in the formation of connective tissue 14-20
    B12 (cyanocobalamin) Meat, offal, milk, dairy products Participates in nucleic acid metabolism Promotes normal metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats Promotes growth, cell development, proliferation of blood cells, myelination of nerve fibers, normal activity of the nervous system 0,004
    C (ascorbic acid) Berries, garden herbs, nettles, citrus fruits, vegetables (potatoes with skins, bell peppers) Participates in redox processes, in the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and iron. Strengthens blood vessels 100-120
    B6 (pyridoxine) Products made from wholemeal flour, wheat bran, meat, yolk, unrefined cereals, dairy products, pomegranate Acts as a metabolic stimulant; Promotes the conversion of tryptophan into niacin and serotonin; Reduces cholesterol levels in the blood; Reduces inflammation in arthritis; Promotes good sleep. 2,0- 2,6

    The effect of deficiency and excess of vitamins on the fetus

    Vitamins Hypovitaminosis Hypervitaminosis
    WITH Abortion Abortion
    AT 2 Limb deformity, cleft palate, hydronephrosis, hydrocephalus, heart defects
    AT 6 Toxicoses of pregnant women, nephropathy, anemia, allergies, glycosuria, oligohydramnios with a secondary effect of these conditions on the fetus
    Folic acid Microphthalmia, congenital malformations of the fetus (cleft palate, neural tube defect, heart defects, reduction defects of the limbs)
    PP (nicotinic acid) Cataract Embryotoxicity, teratogenic effect
    AT 12 Toxicoses of pregnant women Allergic reactions, increased blood clotting
    A Malformations of the visual organs, genitourinary system, fetal death Malformations of the central nervous system (encephaly), auriculo-oculovertebral dysplasia (Goldenhar syndrome), cleft palate.
    E rickets Embryotoxicity in the postimplantation period
    D Rickets Membranotoxic effect, calcification of the auditory membrane (deafness), nephrocalcinosis, damage to the cornea and blood vessels

    Loss of vitamins during the main types of heat treatment of various products

    Products Type of cooking Minimum loss of vitamins, % Maximum loss of vitamins, %
    Vegetable Cooking 10 60
    Frying 10 45
    Meat Cooking 20 70
    Frying 15 60
    Extinguishing 15 70
    Fish Cooking 30 90
    Frying 20 35

    The main directions of prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis are correction through diet and the prescription of vitamin complexes. However, it must be remembered that uncontrolled intake of vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones, in large quantities can lead to the development of hypervitaminosis - a toxic effect on the body of a pregnant woman and the fetus.

    When compiling a diet, it is also necessary to take into account seasonal changes in the vitamin composition of food products. Thus, the content of vitamins in products of plant origin decreases noticeably in the autumn-winter period. In the summer-autumn season, it is advisable to give preference to natural products (vegetables, fruits, berries).

    What are microelements?

    Microelements are a group of chemical elements that are found in the human and animal body in very small quantities, ranging from 10 3 -10 12%. Of the 92 naturally occurring elements, 81 are found in the human body, and 15 of them are essential (Fe, I, Cu, Zn, Co, Se, Mn, Cr, Ni, V, Mo, F, Li, Si, As).

    What role do trace elements play in the human body?

    Microelements play an important role in the human body: they are part of the cell’s receptor apparatus, affect the activity of enzymes and hormones, participate in the synthesis of hormones, are part of carrier proteins, have an antioxidant effect, influence the process of chemotaxis, phagocytosis, etc.

    An important role in the development of congenital and hereditary pathologies belongs to unfavorable environmental conditions - environmental pollution with toxic metals, the intensive accumulation of which occurs in the placenta. This is the cause of intrauterine development disorders, congenital deformities and fetal death (more common in women with zinc, copper, manganese deficiency conditions), and delayed mental development of the child. Deficiency of microelements in the body of the expectant mother is the basis of congenital microelementosis in the child.

    Pathological processes caused by deficiency, or excess, or imbalance of macro- and microelements are called microelementosis.

    What does excess or deficiency of microelements lead to in the body of a pregnant woman?

    Deficiency of zinc, copper, manganese, iron, phosphorus, iodine in the body of a pregnant woman is the cause of insufficiency of T- and B-cell responses in the fetus. Excessive intake of these elements into the female body during pregnancy causes the development of postnatal immunodeficiency. A deficiency or excess of one or another microelement in a woman’s body, as a rule, is a consequence of a deficiency or excess of these elements passing through the food chain: from soil to plants and animals to humans. Correction of microelementosis, depending on the identified degree of deficiency, is carried out only with an individually selected diet and mineral preparations.

    What is the role of calcium in the body?

    Calcium is a macroelement that plays an important role in the functioning of bone and muscle tissue, myocardium, nervous system, and skin.

    Required daily requirement of calcium for the body

    According to WHO, the daily calcium requirement for non-pregnant and non-lactating women is 400-500 mg/day. This recommendation increases by 200-300 mg/day for pregnant and lactating women. A low content of the element in the mother’s diet leads to demineralization of her own bone reserves – the development of osteoporosis.

    What role does iron play in the body?

    The main function of iron in the body is oxygen transport and participation in redox processes (with the help of 72 iron-containing enzymes). Iron deficiency in a pregnant woman's body adversely affects the development of the fetus. It has been proven that young children whose mothers suffered from iron deficiency during pregnancy have a negative microelement balance at an early age, which leads to dysfunction of very important systems: blood, nervous system, immune and adaptation systems.

    Required daily requirement of iron in the body

    The intake of iron into the body of a pregnant and lactating woman should be 40-60 mg/day.

    Iron level in mature human milk is 0.3±0.1 mg/l.

    What foods contain iron?

    Foods high in iron include: thyme, beans, brewer's yeast, meat (turkey), meat (beef), soy, fish, chicken, eggs. Iron is absorbed most effectively from meat products. It should be noted that dishes made from meat, liver, and fish, in turn, increase the absorption of iron from vegetables and fruits when used simultaneously.

    What symptoms can a zinc deficiency in the body cause?

    Zinc deficiency is characterized by the following symptoms: decreased appetite, allergic diseases, dermatitis, weight loss, hair loss, decreased visual acuity, frequent colds. Against the background of zinc deficiency, boys develop delayed sexual development and, at an older age, infertility.

    What foods contain zinc?

    Foods high in zinc include: oysters, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, blueberries, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, oatmeal, onions, lentils, soybeans, cheese, wheat, dry cream, green peas, cocoa, crabs, meat, yolk, fish.

    Required daily requirement of zinc in the body

    The recommended daily intake of zinc for pregnant and lactating women in Russia is 5-10 mg/day. With prolonged lactation, the zinc content in milk decreases, and therefore the mother’s need for zinc to maintain lactation drops by 3 mg/day.

    What is the role of iodine in the body?

    Iodine is an essential trace element for humans. It is a structural component of the thyroid hormones - thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Adequate intake of microelements into the body is necessary for their physiological synthesis and secretion.

    Required daily requirement of iodine in the body

    The daily requirement for iodine during pregnancy and lactation is 180-250 mcg/day. The need for iodine in pregnant and lactating women increases. The most optimal method of iodine prophylaxis in pregnant and lactating women is the daily intake of 200-300 mcg of iodine in the form of potassium iodide.

    What do iodine deficiency conditions lead to?

    Iodine deficiency conditions lead to decreased fertility, stillbirth, congenital developmental anomalies, increased perinatal mortality, cretinism, goiter development, and delayed mental development of the child. Microelement deficiency during pregnancy leads to the development of fetal hypothyroidism and irreversible neuropsychiatric disorders in newborns.

    Iodine deficiency is a natural phenomenon, but it can be corrected by adding potassium iodide to table salt, drinking water, and foods.

    However, the question of prescribing iodine during pregnancy, taking into account negative action on the development of the fetus, both its deficiency and its excess, is individual in each case and requires consultation with an endocrinologist.

    The role of manganese in the body

    Manganese plays an important role in cell metabolism.

    What diseases does manganese deficiency lead to?

    Manganese deficiency leads to the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in children and adults, impaired hair and nail growth, increased convulsive readiness, dermatitis, osteoporosis, impaired formation of cartilage tissue. Female infertility is correlated with severe manganese deficiency.

    How much manganese should your daily diet contain?

    The daily diet should contain 0.5-1 mg of manganese.

    What foods contain manganese?

    Products high in manganese include: wheat flour, buckwheat, beans, peas, beets, raspberries, currants, liver.

    Nutrition of a woman in the first half of pregnancy (from the 1st to the 5th month)

    A pregnant woman's diet should be varied and nutritious. Every day a pregnant woman during this period should receive:

    • 60-90 g/day protein
    • 50-70 g/day fat
    • 325-450 g/day carbohydrates

    The total energy value of the diet is 2200-2700 kcal. The diet should include the following products:

    • meat or fish – 120-150 g/day
    • milk or kefir – 200 g/day
    • cottage cheese – 50 g/day
    • bread – 200 g/day
    • vegetables – 500 g/day
    • fruits and berries – 200-500 g/day

    Nutrition of a woman in the second half of pregnancy (from the 6th to the 9th month)

    Due to the active growth of the fetus and the beginning of the functioning of its organs (kidneys, intestines, liver, nervous system), the needs of the pregnant woman’s body for nutrients supplied with food increase. Thus, the daily need for proteins increases to 80-100 g/day, the energy value of the daily diet increases to 2300-2800 kcal. In the second half of pregnancy, the need for calcium, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc and other microelements increases. The diet should be expanded by increasing the pregnant woman’s diet of meat or fish to 180-220 g/day, cottage cheese - up to 150 g/day, milk or kefir - up to 500 ml/day.

    During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is recommended to exclude highly allergenic foods from the diet. This group of products includes:

    • young meat protein (veal, chicken)
    • chicken meat
    • gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, oats)
    • cow's milk protein (whole cow's milk)
    • chicken eggs
    • crabs, shrimp
    • Limit vegetables and fruits of red and orange color.

    When compiling a diet for a pregnant and lactating woman, an important point is the choice of the range of products and methods of preparing them. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that:

    • It is preferable to use lean varieties of beef, rabbit, and turkey in the diet.
    • The optimal culinary processing of products is boiling and stewing. It is not recommended to eat fried foods.
    • Use low-fat varieties of fish (hake, cod, navaga, ice). Fish dishes are recommended once a week.
    • Regular table salt should be replaced with iodized salt.
    • For drinking drinks, it is preferable to drink degassed mineral water, green tea, and herbal teas.
    • Milk should be partially or completely replaced with dairy products(kefir, yogurt without fillers).

    Sample menu for nursing mothers who are at risk for developing food intolerance in their children.

    Buckwheat porridge with butter – 130/10 g

    Cottage cheese – 50 g

    Wheat bread with butter and cheese – 30/10-20 g

    Lunch:

    Baked apple – 200 g

    Boiled beet salad with vegetable oil – 120/15 g

    Cauliflower soup – 300 g

    Zucchini stuffed with meat and rice – 325 g

    Dried fruit compote – 200 g

    Rye bread – 40 g

    White yogurt – 200 g

    Pastila – 30 g

    Stewed vegetables – 180 g

    Boiled sausage “Doctorskaya” – 50 g

    Wheat bread with butter – 30/10 g

    Tea – 100 g

    The concept of motherhood is by no means alien to the modern woman. Today you can meet young student mothers and serious businesswomen who, in parallel with changing diapers and feeding a baby, discuss budgets, development plans and strategic goals of their organization on the phone.

    For the modern woman The concept of motherhood is by no means alien. Today you can meet young student mothers and serious businesswomen who, in parallel with changing diapers and feeding the baby, discuss budgets, development plans and strategic goals of their organization on the phone. Women are equally worried when they are expecting a baby - how does the baby feel, is everything okay with him, what is happening in the body?

    It must be said right away that pregnancy is a physiological, that is, the normal state of a woman. During this period of life, you need to take a reasonable approach to assessing current events and remember that pregnancy is not a disease. Therefore, the attitude towards it should be appropriate. If the pregnancy proceeds smoothly, there are no complications, you can continue active image life, work, meeting friends. Of course, you still need to give up extreme sports, night parties and dancing until the morning. However, spending a vacation at sea or going with friends to nature is even useful. It is only important to follow precautions and simple safety rules in everything. But if the doctor leading the pregnancy reveals a deviation from the normal course of pregnancy, you must strictly follow all his recommendations, including changes in lifestyle. If physical rest is necessary, you must abandon any stress. It is also necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s medication prescriptions, not skipping prescribed medications.

    Listen, it’s just that everything is in the hands of people, you can quit smoking, alcohol and drugs. Stop hiding behind your weakness. For the first three days without cigarettes, I thought I would die, but then everything returns to normal, the addiction becomes less every day. And here it’s funny to discuss whether or not to quit smoking - it’s on the conscience of every pregnant woman. Just God forbid you give birth to a sick child and then blame yourself for the rest of your life. So think about what is more valuable to you: a cigarette or your baby. Good luck

    11/24/2016 01:26:49, Anna1988

    But if in your youth you led and continue to lead a healthy lifestyle and do not suffer from serious illnesses, then your pregnancy will proceed almost the same as that of a 20-year-old young lady.

    That’s what I explained to them. then they themselves thought about what could be done here and offered me a solution - and I went to work at 10-11... you need to make it easier and change your lifestyle, if the one you lead is not yours, does not suit you. ESPECIALLY DURING PREGNANCY! from...

    Section: Lifestyle (aroma oils to stimulate labor). If you are already in the fourth month of pregnancy or more, and there is no tendency to increased uterine tone, you can use verbena to relieve dizziness, nausea and fatigue.

    06/14/2001 12:52:20, oo

    A little about psychological aspect pregnancy:
    During pregnancy, a woman’s personality, her consciousness and self-awareness undergo a number of natural changes. They are characterized by the following main trends, increasing from trimester to trimester: a) the woman’s personal status changes, which ultimately leads to her final (psychological) separation from the mother; b) the perception of oneself changes (the pregnant woman imagines herself as more empathetic, and at the same time stable, stable); c) the image of motherhood becomes more and more emotionally intense; d) the image of the child changes and becomes more specific, which is gradually included in the woman’s sphere of self-awareness.
    In the first trimester, problems with one’s own mother and other objects of attachment, and problems with relationships with one’s husband become actualized and acutely experienced. Marked avoidance appears in the second trimester negative emotions, the problems of the first trimester are clearly weakened, the fear of childbirth and one’s incompetence in the postpartum period become relevant. At the beginning of the third trimester, the “nesting syndrome” is expressed, which manifests itself in increased activity and a desire to streamline existing problems. By the end of pregnancy, the fear of childbirth, one's own incompetence, and the stress of all other problems are most often weakened.

    P.s. As a friend of mine said before giving birth to her second child: “Pregnancy transforms a person. You begin to relate to yourself and to people differently. It’s such a pity to part with this feeling when you gave birth. I want to experience this feeling again.”
    If you have any questions, more detailed information about psychological characteristics women during pregnancy, write to me by email,
    indicating the duration of your pregnancy and I will write to you about the psychological characteristics of pregnant women in this trimester.
    Maybe this will help you understand yourself better.
    Good luck.

    Conference "Pregnancy and childbirth". Section: Lifestyle. Lifestyle. Please tell me, is it possible to go south in the second month of pregnancy? Climate change will not harm the child. Thank you.

    When I told my doctor that I had stool once every 1/2 day, she said that it was very bad and prescribed a medicine for 30 bucks (like the only one that pregnant women can use for their intestines). I spat on the medicine. And for the doctor too. Even before pregnancy, I had bowel movements according to this schedule.
    True, until 11-12 weeks the stool was less frequent. Sometimes even once every 3-4 days.

    I really apologize for the details.
    I have it highly carbonated 2-3 times a day, but not liquid.
    Sometimes it’s liquid, but at one time.
    I took bifidumbacterin and it became easier. 2 times a day, mild, but how long will it last?

    04/05/2001 13:21:15, Rat
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