It is clear that weight gain for a pregnant woman is completely normal phenomenon. The question is how much do you gain during pregnancy and what weight gain is considered normal.
The norm is 12 kg, that’s how much you need to gain during pregnancy. On average, the body weight of pregnant women increases by 7-16 kg. How many kg. gained during pregnancy depends on many factors: the woman’s weight before pregnancy, the weight of the fetus, the characteristics of the mother’s body, the presence or absence of diseases, diet, physical activity, etc.
For fragile women who are underweight before pregnancy, it is considered normal to gain about 14-15 kg, for women with normal weight - 12 kg, for large women - about 9 kg. If there is more than one child (multiple pregnancy), then normal weight gain is 14 - 22 kg.
Why does weight gain in pregnant women?In the first few weeks, a woman needs to accumulate a layer of fatty tissue to prepare her body for milk production and breastfeeding. Fat reserves remain after childbirth, being consumed gradually.
More than half of the total increase in a pregnant woman's body weight occurs in the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid. The “extra kilograms” of expectant mothers are distributed in this way:
- fruit - about 3 kg;
- placenta - 0.6 kg;
- uterus (increases in size during pregnancy) - 0.97 kg;
- amniotic fluid - 0.85 kg;
- increase in blood volume - 1.4 kg;
- body fat - 2.3 kg;
- increase in the volume of extracellular fluid - 1.5 kg;
- breast enlargement - 0.4 kg.
Remember that the fetus grows slowly in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and very quickly in the second 20 weeks. The opposite situation is with the weight of the placenta. Amniotic fluid begins to grow only from the 10th week, by 20 weeks its volume reaches 300 ml, by 30 - 600 ml, by 35 - 1000 ml, then the volume decreases slightly.
Scheme probable increase body weightThe most accurate indicators for comparison and analysis are calculated using BMI - body mass index, which is obtained by dividing a person’s body weight in kilograms by his height, expressed in meters squared. Use good online weight calculators. With their help you will find out how much you should have already gained.
Schemes have been developed for the probable weight gain of pregnant women depending on BMI by week of pregnancy. If the BMI is less than 19.8, then this is underweight, with a BMI of 19.8-26 - normal body weight, with a BMI of more than 26 - overweight, with a BMI of more than 29 - obesity.
How much you can gain during pregnancy also depends on your initial BMI. With a BMI of less than 19.8, you can gain 15 kg, with a BMI of 19.8-26, the rate of gain is 12 kg, with a BMI of more than 26 - about 9 kg.
Weight gain by pregnancyAt different stages of pregnancy, the rate of weight gain and absolute rates of weight gain differ. On average, in the first ten weeks of pregnancy there is an increase of 0.2 kg per week. From the 10th to the 20th week, weight gain should be approximately 0.3 kg per week. From the 20th to the 30th - 0.4 kg per week. From the 30th to the 40th - again 0.3 kg per week. In the 9th month, weight decreases in contrast to the 8th month. How much weight is gained during pregnancy is theoretically calculated by week, trimester, in absolute units and as a percentage. However, these are all approximate average indicators that do not take into account the individual characteristics of each particular case.
When to consult a doctorYou should consult a doctor if:
- during 2 weeks of pregnancy there is no weight gain at all (not counting the time of early toxicosis);
- gained more than 1 kg in a week in the third trimester;
- actual growth differs significantly from the planned one;
- if there are changes in body weight.
In any case, how much you need to gain during pregnancy is decided individually only by the doctor conducting the observation.
Our calculator will help you calculate your individual weight gain by week of pregnancy. To do this, you need to indicate your data in a special form: gestational age, height and weight before pregnancy, and then click the button “Determine acceptable weight gain by week of pregnancy.” As a result, you will be shown a table of weight gain during pregnancy by week. You'll also be able to learn nutritional recommendations for optimal weight gain and wellness throughout your pregnancy.
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Your length of pregnancy in weeks: Your height (in centimeters): Your usual weight BEFORE pregnancy: (in kg) kg g Growth and initial weight required to calculate body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated using the following formula: initial weight divided by the square of height. According to the result obtained, if the BMI is less than 19.8, then body weight is considered reduced. If your BMI is between 19.8 and 26, your body weight is normal. If your BMI is greater than 26, you are overweight. |
Weight gain during pregnancy is an inevitable process. This indicator is directly influenced not only by the actively growing fetus, the volume of amniotic fluid, the placenta and uterus, but also by lifestyle expectant mother. Some women think that pregnancy is a “pass” to a world called “you can eat for two,” because after giving birth you will still have to get rid of extra pounds.
Experts hasten to warn pregnant women: excess weight in itself is dangerous for the body, and during pregnancy it is doubly dangerous. The risk of complications and pathologies increases, the load on the spine and all internal organs increases, varicose veins develop and serious diseases of the endocrine, nervous and cardiovascular systems progress. Excess weight mother can complicate the process of childbirth (both natural and through caesarean section), as well as the process of postpartum rehabilitation.
The mother’s weight also affects the health of the fetus: as a rule, babies in obese mothers suffer from oxygen starvation (hypoxia) and a lack of nutrients. They are also more likely to be overweight and more likely to develop serious medical conditions (such as severe heart disease or seizures). These babies run the risk of being born prematurely or, on the contrary, being post-term.
To avoid excess weight, the expectant mother needs to adhere to proper nutrition, maintain a regular drinking regime, and do not forget about activity (hiking fresh air, yoga for pregnant women, swimming) and undergo examination on time (including taking hormone tests). It is also recommended to use a pregnancy weight calculator to monitor the process of weight gain during pregnancy - it’s simple and convenient!
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1 week pregnant
In modern obstetrics, it is customary to count the gestational age from the first day of menstruation preceding conception. And in the Pregnancy Calendar on 7ya.ru we will do the same. It turns out that at 1 week of pregnancy, conception has not yet occurred, the expectant mother’s body is only preparing for it - menstruation passes and ends, and the egg matures in the ovary. In about 12-14 days, she will leave the ovary - ovulation will occur - and, with a successful combination of circumstances, will meet with sperm. This will give the beginning of a new life.
Since fertilization has not actually occurred yet, there are no signs of pregnancy at 1 week - they simply cannot exist yet. But during this period, the woman is completely confident in her desire to be a mother, she feels a certain uplift and surge of strength. It's all about hormones - her body is slowly preparing for the upcoming ovulation.
Planning a pregnancy is a very important stage at which both parents need to take care of their health and reconsider their attitude towards addictions. After all, the chance of pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby depends on how healthy the parents are. During this period, it is extremely undesirable for one or both parents to drink alcohol, take drugs or medications that can affect the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. If you have long wanted to quit smoking, now is the time. The chance of conceiving is much lower for fathers who smoke than for non-smokers. The reason for this is the detrimental effect of nicotine on the number of sperm and their motility.
During the 1st week of pregnancy, the expectant mother needs to eat right, walk a lot in the fresh air, do physical exercise and take prenatal vitamins that contain all the essential nutrients, including folic acid, which reduces the risk of developing neural tube defects during pregnancy. Also, the expectant mother should avoid X-ray exposure abdominal cavity that can affect the conception and health of the unborn baby.
2 weeks pregnant
Gynecologists begin to keep a pregnancy record from the beginning of the last menstruation, that is, from the moment when fertilization has not actually occurred yet. At the 2nd week of pregnancy, the woman’s body is just preparing for the meeting of the egg and sperm: at this time the egg matures and ovulation occurs, but from a medical point of view there is no pregnancy itself. If a woman is planning a pregnancy, then now she does not need a pregnancy test, but a test to determine ovulation. Ultrasound is not done in the second week of pregnancy (unless there is a need to accurately determine ovulation).
In the second week of pregnancy, the level of hormones that will preserve the fetus increases. During the period of ovulation, a woman feels very well: menstruation has passed and the weakness associated with it has also passed. There are no specific sensations in the woman’s body yet; there are no signs of pregnancy in the second obstetric week.
If you are planning a pregnancy, gynecologists recommend not douching before sexual intercourse and do not use cosmetics for intimate hygiene, which can change the acidic environment in the vagina, just take a shower and get ready for a good result. Don’t forget about your prenatal vitamins, completely stop drinking alcohol, stop smoking and avoid stress.
3 weeks pregnant
According to the obstetric calendar, the third week of pregnancy corresponds to the first week of pregnancy from conception. At this time, the mature egg migrates into the uterine cavity - while passing through fallopian tube sperm begin to attack her. Millions of sperm surround the egg and compete for the right to fertilize. But only one of them will penetrate the membrane of the oocyte and unite with it, giving rise to a new life. After the sperm penetrates the egg, a peculiar chemical reaction, and the shell of the egg becomes impermeable to other sperm.
30 hours after the fusion of the sperm and egg, the zygote divides into cells within itself. Having reached the uterus, the zygote begins to settle in a new place. It is during this period that the placenta begins to form, which protects and nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy until birth. The embryo does not yet look like a child at all, for now it is only a set of cells measuring 0.150 mm, but it already has all the genetic material received from the parents - it has 23 pairs of chromosomes. By the way, 3rd obstetric week pregnancy - period, when the fertilized egg begins its active division, and at this moment (if the parents have a genetic predisposition), a multiple pregnancy may begin to develop.
An ultrasound at 3 weeks of pregnancy can show exactly where it is attached. ovum. At this stage, your doctor can determine whether the pregnancy is normal or ectopic. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening pathology of pregnancy in which the fertilized egg is implanted not in the uterine cavity, but in the fallopian tube, ovary, or even in the abdominal cavity. A woman diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy"is subject to immediate hospitalization for further treatment and surgery.
4 weeks pregnant
So, the 4th week of pregnancy has arrived. What happens at this stage? Firstly, the fertilized egg attached to the wall of the uterus can now be safely called an embryo. However, it still does not look like a little person at all; rather, it resembles a flat disk that consists of three layers (germ layers). Each layer is transformed into internal organs during the growth and development of the embryo. The cells of the inner layer (endoderm) are the future digestive tract, liver, pancreas and thyroid glands, organs of the respiratory system of your baby. The cells of the middle layer (mesoderm) will form the bone skeleton, connective and muscle tissue, the circulatory and excretory systems and organs of the reproductive system. From the outer layer (ectoderm) extraembryonic organs are formed - the yolk sac, chorion and amniotic membrane of the fetus. These organs perform the protective, nutritional and respiratory functions of the fetus during pregnancy. At this stage of pregnancy, the embryo is deep inside the uterus and grows tirelessly. By the end of the fourth week, blastogenesis, the initial stage of intrauterine development of the embryo, is completed. At 4 weeks of gestation, the embryo is approximately 0.36 mm long and 1 mm wide - like a small poppy seed.
In the fourth week, not only the baby is actively growing, but also the placenta, without which the development of pregnancy and the survival of the fetus would be impossible. Thanks to the placenta, the embryo receives all the necessary nutrients from the mother’s body, and with its help it breathes. Placentation is a long process that is completely completed by the 12th week of pregnancy.
At this time, the expectant mother may begin to recognize the first signs of pregnancy. The most classic one is delayed menstruation. If you are delayed by at least one day, you can take a pregnancy test or donate blood for hCG. At gynecological examination pregnancy for early stages quite difficult to determine, the results can be quite ambiguous. Ultrasound at the 4th week of pregnancy is also still not very informative, but it can help recognize an ectopic pregnancy and make a correct diagnosis.
5th week of pregnancy
The 5th week of pregnancy has arrived. The embryo has reached the size of a small sesame seed, and the formation of all its systems and internal organs continues. During this period, it is especially important for the expectant mother to monitor her diet and take prenatal vitamins containing the entire necessary complex of substances, including folic acid (vitamin B9), which reduces the risk of developing neural tube defects in the fetus. During this period, it is extremely undesirable to take alcohol or narcotic substances, as well as medications that can harm the health of the unborn baby or even terminate the pregnancy.
At week 5, the signs of pregnancy are almost invisible, but the expectant mother already feels her unusual condition. During this period, a woman’s hormonal background undergoes strong changes, causing rapid mood swings, tearfulness and excessive emotionality. Also, at 5 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother may be bothered by fatigue and general malaise. Many women begin to experience painful attacks of nausea and vomiting in the morning - early toxicosis of pregnancy, which is accompanied by headaches, sensitivity to smells and tastes. Symptoms such as: frequent urination during pregnancy.
The 5th obstetric week of pregnancy is an anxious time for many expectant mothers, especially those who were planning a pregnancy. Miscarriage is not uncommon in early pregnancy, especially if the woman is at risk or has experienced severe stress or trauma. Risk factors for non-developing pregnancy or miscarriage usually include: endocrine or genetic disorders, age over 35 years, gynecological diseases, wrong image life, the presence of sexually transmitted infections, two or more miscarriages in the past. If there is reason for concern (for example, pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, bleeding from the vagina, fever) - immediately consult a doctor for all necessary examinations and hospitalization!
6th week of pregnancy
Almost half of the first trimester is over, because you are already 6 weeks pregnant. The fruit has reached the size of a pomegranate seed and continues to grow actively. Its internal organs are actively developing and the most important systems of the body are improving. An ultrasound at 6 weeks of pregnancy already very clearly shows where the embryo is located. Around this time, the face is formed: the rudiments of the eyes and nose appear, the future chin, cheeks, and ear canals are drawn. At 6 weeks, you can listen to the heartbeat of the embryo, and after some time you can find out its frequency.
With the restructuring of the hormonal background of the expectant mother, important changes occur in her body. The pregnant uterus increases in size, its shape, reactivity, consistency changes, and blood flow increases. The vaginal mucosa also becomes congested, glycogen accumulates in it. Normal discharge at the 6th week of pregnancy is milky or transparent, with a uniform consistency and without an unpleasant odor. If your vaginal discharge has a yellow or green tint, you should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment. infectious diseases. You should also immediately seek medical help if you notice brown or bloody discharge - this may be a sign of a threatened miscarriage.
Do you have a stomach ache at 6 weeks of pregnancy? Don’t delay visiting the doctor! Unfortunately, early miscarriage is not such a rare occurrence. If you are at risk (your previous pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortion, your lifestyle cannot be called correct, you are over 35 years old, there is a predisposition to genetic disorders, endocrine or gynecological diseases, infections, etc.), it is necessary to strengthen monitoring of the course pregnancy and undergo timely examinations.
7 weeks pregnant
The 7th week of pregnancy has arrived. The development and growth of the embryo continues, the most basic parts of the brain have formed, the nervous and cardiovascular systems are improving, and the limbs and gonads are slowly developing. An ultrasound at 7 weeks of pregnancy will determine the stage of fetal development and its activity, and with the help of a special sensor, the doctor can listen to the heartbeat of the little man.
Many expectant mothers complain of headaches during pregnancy, especially in the early stages. This may be due to hormonal changes occurring in a woman’s body, lack of oxygen, excessive workload, or stress. Even improper nutrition of a pregnant woman and substances entering the body can provoke headache. To diagnose and solve the problem, consult a doctor, do not self-medicate. Uncontrolled use of medications during pregnancy can cause serious harm to health and Negative influence on fetal development.
To prevent headaches, expectant mothers need to rest more often, avoid noisy and stuffy places, stressful situations, loud sounds and very bright lights, do not overeat, do exercises for the pregnant woman and spend more time in the fresh air. During severe attacks, turn off all sources of sound and light ( including gadgets), drink a glass of cool still water, apply a damp compress to the forehead and take a horizontal position. If possible, ask your husband or someone close to you to give you a relaxing head and neck massage.
8 weeks pregnant
8th week of pregnancy is the most the right time register with antenatal clinic. During the initial visit, all important examinations of the expectant mother are carried out: the gynecologist will measure the woman’s pelvis and weight, conduct an examination on the chair, take a smear for infections, assess the condition of the cervix and give directions for blood and urine tests. Ultrasound at the 8th week of pregnancy is only indicated if you did not have time to do it earlier (for example, to clarify the pregnancy). First trimester screening is carried out a little later - at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy.
At 8 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s belly may periodically ache: some women notice slight contractions of the uterus (early training contractions) and unpleasant pain associated with stretching of the ligaments that hold the growing uterus. Nagging pain in the lower abdomen is a serious reason to consult a doctor, as their appearance may indicate a threat of miscarriage!
At this stage, the expectant mother’s breasts have already enlarged; under the influence of the hormone prolactin, the glands responsible for the production of mother’s milk begin to grow. From the 8th week, the cervix softens, and the mucous membrane of the cervical canal produces cervical secretion. The mucus accumulates and becomes thick, forming a plug and blocking the path of any infection from the vagina, thereby protecting the growing fetus. By the way, the removal of a plug from the cervical canal is one of the harbingers of impending childbirth.
The 8th obstetric week of pregnancy is the period when the fetus’s genital organs are formed and the hormones necessary for their proper functioning are produced. Right now, the optic nerve begins to emerge in your future baby, muscle tissue and bones continue their active development, olfactory receptors are born in the small nose, and taste buds are formed on the tongue. The fetus at the 8th week of pregnancy has reached the size of a small grape and already weighs about 0.25 g.
9 weeks pregnant
The 3rd month of pregnancy has begun. At this stage, the figure of expectant mothers changes: at the 9th week of pregnancy, the belly increases slightly, the breasts continue to grow, the pregnant woman notes special sensitivity and soreness of the nipples, some women may already begin to secrete a little colostrum at this stage. Abdominal bloating, discomfort in the intestinal area, stool disorders, morning sickness in a pregnant woman, frequent urination are standard phenomena at 9 weeks.
Discharge at the 9th week of pregnancy during this period is usually unremarkable, but the expectant mother needs to monitor its changes. Bloody or brown vaginal discharge may indicate the need for urgent hospitalization to exclude the possibility of termination of pregnancy. If you notice suspicious discharge of a yellowish, greenish tint, with unpleasant smell, curdled, flaky or other atypical consistency, it makes sense to immediately consult a doctor. Any genital infection in your situation is a great danger to the life and health of the fetus. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances, entrust your health to specialists!
The fetus at the 9th week of pregnancy is actively growing, it has already gotten rid of its gills, and very soon its tail will also disappear. The baby’s arched body is slowly taking on a human appearance, internal organs are developing, and life support systems are being established. To more accurately assess the condition of the fetus and its development, your doctor may prescribe an ultrasound at 9 weeks of pregnancy.
10th week of pregnancy
The 10th week of pregnancy has arrived. The expectant mother's belly continues to grow, her breasts continue to swell and ache. Active hormonal changes in a woman’s body provoke early toxicosis. Nausea and periodic vomiting are accompanied by other sensations - drowsiness, fatigue, confusion, headaches. Also, the expectant mother may experience mood swings, increased excitability and emotional instability. Dark spots during pregnancy - another little “surprise” awaiting a woman in the early stages. However, experts say there is no reason to worry: skin hyperpigmentation disappears soon after childbirth. Expectant mothers are advised to be very careful when exposed to the sun and use special sunscreens.
A woman’s 10th week of pregnancy is the time to update her wardrobe and switch to more comfortable clothes. It is not recommended to wear regular jeans or tight skirts, as they can put pressure on the stomach, which is extremely undesirable. Comfortable and beautiful clothes for pregnant women - what you need. If you have big breasts, perhaps right now you will need to wear special underwear that will support your bust without putting pressure or impairing blood circulation. Even if you have small breasts, buy a nursing bra - you will appreciate its convenience.
At 10 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus does not stop growing for a second. He has already reached the size of a small strawberry and is becoming more and more human-like. The organs of vision and hearing are formed, the rudiments of future teeth are born. At this stage, the baby has full-fledged arms and legs, and small fingers are able to clench into a fist.
11th week of pregnancy
The first trimester continues. At the 11th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s belly continues to slowly grow, the uterus increases in size, the mammary glands become engorged, and the nipples become even more sensitive. Metabolism increases in the woman’s body, associated with the increasing need of the fetus for nutrients. Some pregnant women note the appearance of sweating during this period, as well as a constant feeling of thirst. Right now, most mothers are experiencing brittle nails, and their hair is becoming dull and prone to falling out. The skin also undergoes changes during pregnancy: the work of the sebaceous glands intensifies, thereby causing the appearance of unwanted greasy shine, acne and pore expansion.
Some pregnant women at 11 weeks experience the exact opposite picture: hormones have a beneficial effect on the condition of hair, skin and nails. This difference is explained by the individual characteristics of the body; the nutrition of the pregnant woman during this period is also of considerable importance. Correctly selected vitamins for pregnant women, as well as various cosmetic procedures that are not prohibited by your doctor, will help solve the problem.
At term 11 obstetric weeks The little person growing inside you has a sense of smell: he can already smell the food you eat. The baby responds to his mother’s sudden movements and covers his face with his hands, stretches and becomes active. At the 11th week of pregnancy, the fetus can turn over 360 degrees and push off from the walls of the uterus, but the expectant mother does not yet feel its movements - this will happen later.
The 11th week of pregnancy is the period when your doctor can prescribe your first screening. This is necessary to assess fetal development, identify pathologies (such as Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, fetal neural tube defect, etc.) and the course of your pregnancy in general. Ultrasound at the 11th week of pregnancy is not a mandatory procedure; some pregnant women refuse to undergo it, however, obstetricians-gynecologists, geneticists and neonatologists strongly recommend not to avoid this study.
12th week of pregnancy
The 12th week of pregnancy is a relatively quiet time for the expectant mother. During this period, most women stop early toxicosis, and the general condition of the body improves. At the 12th week of pregnancy, the belly grows along with the uterus; it is not yet so noticeable to others and does not cause any inconvenience to the pregnant woman. The pregnant uterus rises a little higher and stops putting pressure on the bladder, but begins to put pressure on the intestines. For this reason, constipation occurs in pregnant women, as well as flatulence and a feeling of discomfort in the abdomen. At this stage, many mothers note an improvement in appetite and begin to eat “for two,” which is extremely undesirable: excess weight during pregnancy can complicate the course of childbirth, as well as the postpartum period.
At 12 weeks of pregnancy - the period of prenatal screening, which includes an ultrasound and biochemical blood test of the mother. The purpose of this study is to assess the course of pregnancy and fetal development. It is during this period that it is possible to recognize the presence chromosomal pathologies And genetic diseases in the fetus (for example, fetal neural tube defect, Down syndrome), deformation or absence of organs, limbs. For a more accurate diagnosis, ultrasound at 12 weeks of pregnancy is performed using the transvaginal method.
A child at the 12th week of pregnancy has reached the size of a small passion fruit fruit and weighs approximately 9-14 g. Its internal organs are developing and improving every day, nail beds appear on small fingers, and the rudiments of marigolds appear in them. At this stage, the genital organs of the fetus also appear, but it is still not possible to determine the sex of the unborn child. The expectant mother always listens to her sensations: the first movements of the fetus are a real event for the whole family! As soon as the baby grows up and gains weight, they will become really noticeable.
13th week of pregnancy
The 13th week of pregnancy is one of the most favorable periods for the expectant mother and baby. During this period, the threat of miscarriage is significantly reduced, the fetus is safer and subject to fewer risks than at the beginning of pregnancy. The expectant mother can breathe a sigh of relief, but she shouldn’t relax completely either: the end of the first trimester still requires careful attention to her health. Proper nutrition pregnant woman, compliance with all the instructions of the attending physician, walks in the fresh air and complete peace of mind are the key to the successful course of your pregnancy at this stage.
The end of the first trimester of pregnancy makes significant changes in the body of the expectant mother. At the 13th week of pregnancy, the uterus constantly increases in size and rises higher. Now it fills almost the entire hip area and rises into the abdominal area. At each examination, the gynecologist will now measure the height of the uterine fundus. Normally, the height of the uterine fundus corresponds to obstetric period in weeks and is easily palpable. The approximate size of the uterus of a pregnant woman at 13 weeks is 10 cm wide and 13 cm high. It becomes more elastic and softer,
The tone of the uterus in the second trimester will no longer be so bad, as it becomes more elastic and softer, and contractions are short-lived. If a pregnant woman feels slight pain in the lower abdomen, it is necessary to avoid any physical activity and lie down. More severe pain, accompanied by weakness, fever, and specific vaginal discharge, is a serious reason to consult your doctor. Be carefull!
14th week of pregnancy
The 14th week of pregnancy is the beginning of the second trimester; it can be called the calmest period in the process of bearing a child. Irritability and nervousness are replaced by a feeling of peace and calm, but increased tearfulness may accompany you throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Enjoy your situation, good health and mood.
At the 14th week of pregnancy, the belly increases in size, the expectant mother gains about 2-3 kg by this time, this happens with an increase in the volume of blood and lymphatic fluid, and with the active growth of subcutaneous fat. Since hormonal levels have changed, during this period of pregnancy you should not overindulge in sweet foods and baked goods - they can lead to sudden weight gain.
At the 14th week of pregnancy, new growths may appear on a woman’s skin - moles and papillomas (soft warts). Don't worry, papillomas are common during pregnancy. When the hormonal levels return to normal, they will disappear. If you previously had papillomas and you notice that they are changing in size and growing, and birthmarks are enlarging and darkening, you need to consult a doctor to find out the reasons.
Also, the expectant mother may have another problem - condylomas (warts) in the vagina or anus. Their appearance is associated with the papilloma virus - this is also a problem that should be addressed by a doctor. Condylomas during pregnancy are especially dangerous; they can cause complications, as they tend to grow, thereby clogging the birth canal, subsequently preventing childbirth. However, the most unpleasant thing is that during childbirth, your baby can become infected with this virus. So treatment of condylomas is a mandatory measure to preserve the health of not only the expectant mother, but also the baby.
15th week of pregnancy
The development of pregnancy at week 15 introduces some unfavorable changes in the body of the expectant mother. During this period, pregnant women notice a deterioration in the condition of the skin, hair and nails, as well as crumbling teeth. This happens for the reason that all energy costs and nutrients from the mother’s body go to the development of the fetus. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus continues to actively develop and grow; it requires large quantities of nutrients, vitamins and microelements, especially calcium and proteins.
The belly at the 15th week of pregnancy, following the fetus, grows and becomes even more rounded. Some pregnant women may notice during this period the appearance of a dark stripe on their stomach, running from the navel down. Don't worry - this is a temporary phenomenon that will disappear soon after giving birth.
The uterus at the 15th week of pregnancy becomes even larger compared to the previous 14 weeks. The height of the fundus of the uterus is 14 cm. A pregnant woman can feel it on her own by placing her palm on the lower abdomen about 4-5 fingers below the navel. The uterus no longer puts pressure on the bladder, so the frequency of urination returns to normal. But the uterus still puts pressure on the intestines: problems with stool are not excluded. Constipation during pregnancy causes discomfort and unpleasant sensations not only for the expectant mother, but for the fetus. After all, timely cleansing of the intestines of a pregnant woman helps eliminate waste and toxins. Therefore, to avoid constipation, it is recommended to review your diet. Diversify your diet during the 15th week of pregnancy with healthy healthy foods: vegetables and fruits, whole grain bread, meat, cheese, cereals, dairy products, sprouted grains, cottage cheese, drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
16th week of pregnancy
The 16th week of pregnancy is the end of the fourth month. At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s sensations may intensify. It is during this period that the expectant mother can feel the baby’s first movements, because he has already reached the size of a small apple! True, sometimes it’s even difficult to realize them, they are so easy. Since the fetus is in the free space of the uterus, and all its movements are “smoothed” by the amniotic fluid, the first movements resemble the “movements of a fish,” “the fluttering of a butterfly,” or “the bursting of bubbles.” The belly at 16 weeks of pregnancy continues to round,
Discharge at the 16th week of pregnancy can also change its character: it becomes milky in color and increases in volume. This is completely normal, such discharge is normal. At this stage of pregnancy, the discharge should be homogeneous and should not cause discomfort in the form of burning and pain. During pregnancy, signs of an incipient infection may include a change in the consistency, color and pungent odor of the discharge. If there is red, brown, yellow, green or bright yellow discharge with a pungent odor, accompanied by pain, the pregnant woman should report this to a gynecologist for a comprehensive examination.
17th week of pregnancy
17th week of pregnancy - the beginning of the fifth month. For the expectant mother, this is the most favorable period of pregnancy; her mood and well-being should be at their best. It is important for a pregnant woman to rest more, walk, eat right and do special exercises. At the 17th week of pregnancy, the belly continues to grow along with the fetus, which by this time is already the size of a pear. At the beginning of the fifth month of pregnancy, some changes occur associated with increased activity of the baby - for him this is the 15th week of life. The expectant mother begins to perceive the presence of the child, and the first emotional connection is established between them. During this period, you can start communicating with the baby - he can already hear his parents.
At the 17th week of pregnancy, the fetus becomes more energetic, and some sensitive pregnant women may feel the first slight movements of their child. By the beginning of the 5th month of pregnancy, the development of the placenta is completed. Its walls are a thick, dense layer, and its weight is about 450 g. The placenta is entangled in a network of blood vessels through which the fetus receives nutrients and oxygen. Due to an increase in the conductivity of nutrients in the vessels of the placenta, the expectant mother may complain of a rapid heartbeat. In pregnant women at 17 weeks, bleeding gums and nosebleeds may occur as a result of this heart activity. Women also note increased sweating during this period and more copious discharge from the vagina.
18th week of pregnancy
The 18th week of pregnancy has arrived, during this period pregnant women usually no longer experience toxicosis, but may encounter another equally unpleasant problem - dizziness. Dizziness in pregnant women is a phenomenon that occurs due to hypotension. In pregnant women, in the middle of the 2nd trimester, blood pressure can drop sharply to very low levels. However, in general this condition is not dangerous. More often it is typical for women prone to arterial hypotension outside of pregnancy.
At the 18th week of pregnancy, the belly becomes even larger, and the center of gravity is redistributed. In this regard, the gait of the expectant mother changes, and aching pain in the lower back may appear. Pregnant women also note pain in the buttocks and abdomen, most often due to pressure from the enlarging uterus on the nerve plexuses located in these places. It is very important to choose suitable clothing that will support your already fairly round belly and will not squeeze it.
A growing belly and increasing anxiety about your baby can lead to sleep disturbances in a pregnant woman. Special pillows will help you find a comfortable sleeping position and at least partially relieve tension. These same pillows will also be very useful after the baby is born, when the mother begins to breastfeed her baby.
19th week of pregnancy
So, 19 weeks of pregnancy. The feelings of many expectant mothers are full of excitement and joy, because fetal movements become more obvious. Some pregnant women feel the baby begin to move earlier, but this mostly happens between 18 and 22 weeks. Sometimes there is no fetal movement at the 19th week of pregnancy, thereby causing anxiety in expectant mothers. If the pregnancy itself is going well, there is no reason to worry - everything will happen soon, you just need to be patient. It should be noted that fat women They begin to feel fetal movements later. And vice versa, they record their child’s activity earlier skinny women or those who have already been in an interesting position before.
As soon as the expectant mother feels the first movements of the fetus during pregnancy, she should pay attention to their frequency: on average, the baby will be active 4-8 times per hour. If there is not enough oxygen or nutrients in the mother's blood, the fetus's activity increases. Perhaps your doctor has already talked about what fetal hypoxia is and why it is dangerous. What should the expectant mother do? Take care of your baby and provide him with a greater flow of oxygen. Long walks in the fresh air, deep inhalations and exhalations, yoga for pregnant women or therapeutic exercises - all this will help avoid the development of fetal hypoxia during pregnancy and improve your health. general health. The child’s activity can also change depending on the mother’s emotional state. It is important for future parents to realize that any stress causes great harm to the health and nervous system of their baby. Pregnancy should take place with complete emotional comfort of the woman.
20 week of pregnancy
Week 20 – end of the fifth month of pregnancy. During this period, expectant mothers note increased pain in the lumbar region and back. This is due to a shift in the center of gravity and additional stress on the back and muscles due to the increasing weight of the pregnant woman, because the belly is actively growing and the baby is actively gaining weight. The uterus at the 20th week of pregnancy also continues to grow, its size has increased three times compared to its usual size, and the fundus of the uterus is already at the level of the navel.
To “unload” the spine, doctors recommend performing special gymnastics for pregnant women. Very good effect provides water aerobics for pregnant women and fitball exercises. It is worth giving up shoes with heels, maintaining your posture and trying not to put stress on your back. Clothing for pregnant women should also be as comfortable as possible, preferably made from natural fabrics and without straps, elastic bands, etc. squeezing the stomach. Following these recommendations will definitely help if you have back pain during pregnancy.
Cramps during pregnancy are another unpleasant phenomenon that worries expectant mothers. The reason for their appearance may be a deficiency of vitamins and other microelements, since the fetus at the 20th week of pregnancy actively begins to take from the mother’s body all that is most useful for its development. In order to prevent mineral deficiency, it is recommended to take a vitamin-mineral complex designed specifically for pregnant women. However, it is better to select vitamins for pregnant women together with your doctor to avoid troubles.
To assess the progress of your interesting situation Your doctor may also order an ultrasound. An ultrasound at 20 weeks of pregnancy will tell you not only about how your baby is growing and developing, but also about the condition of the amniotic fluid and placenta. Some pregnant women at this stage are diagnosed with placenta previa, a pathology in which the placenta is completely or partially located in the lower segment of the uterus (in the area of the internal uterine os, i.e. on the way to the birth of the child).
21 weeks pregnant
The 21st week has arrived, which means that half of the gestation period has already passed. At 21 weeks of pregnancy, your belly is already becoming noticeable to others, fetal movements are felt more clearly, some mothers note that their babies are especially active and even see their movements. What happens to the baby at 21 weeks of pregnancy? He continues to grow actively, his hearing is quite well developed, a swallowing reflex has appeared, and taste buds are actively forming. At this time, a pregnant woman's diet should be especially balanced and healthy. Some expectant mothers note an increase in appetite, sometimes manifested by bouts of severe hunger. Experts recommend not to get carried away, otherwise a sharp and at the same time unwanted weight gain cannot be avoided.
The growing uterus at 21 weeks of pregnancy continues to put pressure on the internal organs. At this stage, pregnant women experience difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath in pregnant women is associated with pressure from the uterus on the diaphragm and lungs, and for many expectant mothers it persists until the onset of childbirth. Simple but enough in an effective way coping with the lack of oxygen is breathing exercises for pregnant. If you have difficulty breathing at night, you can try sleeping in a semi-sitting position with a couple of large pillows under your head.
At 21 weeks of pregnancy, pain in the lower back and back, as well as in the navel area, becomes increasingly noticeable. A pregnant woman may complain of pain and heaviness in her legs, swelling, and even cramps. Wearing the right clothes and shoes, gymnastics or yoga for pregnant women, foot baths and a light relaxing massage will help the expectant mother cope with unpleasant sensations.
22 weeks pregnant
At the 22nd week of pregnancy, the fetus has reached the size of a zucchini, its movements in the still fairly spacious womb become more intense. The expectant mother can understand which parts of the body the baby is pushing; at least ten movements of the baby should be felt during the day. If you notice that the child moves much less often than usual or barely moves, contact your doctor immediately, he will help determine why the child moves less.
At this stage, expectant mothers complain about the inconvenience associated with choosing a comfortable position for rest, because at 22 weeks of pregnancy the stomach is already quite large and does not allow you to sleep as you want. Also, the growing uterus puts pressure on internal organs, including the lungs and diaphragm, making it difficult for the pregnant woman to breathe. At week 22, expectant mothers note their increased emotionality and sensitivity; some experience a craving for certain foods and their combinations. Experts recommend monitoring a pregnant woman’s diet, avoiding overeating and not eating junk food. Heartburn during pregnancy is a common occurrence, especially in the second and third trimesters. Correcting the diet, doing as much physical activity as possible and following all the doctor’s instructions will help the expectant mother cope with the disease.
Another unpleasant “surprise” that can await women at 22 weeks is hemorrhoids. During pregnancy, it often occurs with painful sensations and causes a lot of inconvenience. The appearance of this problem is associated with circulatory disorders in the pelvis: the uterus at 22 weeks of pregnancy increases in size and begins to compress the blood vessels. Because of this, the outflow of blood worsens and stagnation occurs. Treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancy is carried out under the strict guidance of a doctor: he will tell you what changes you need to make to your diet, what exercises for pregnant women to do, and prescribe effective therapy that is right for you. Suppositories for hemorrhoids during pregnancy or ointment will help you in the fight against such a delicate problem.
23 weeks pregnant
So, you are 23 weeks pregnant. The development of the fetus continues at this stage; in size it already resembles a small eggplant and weighs about half a kilogram. Because of small quantity brown subcutaneous fat and very thin skin, his face and body are still thin and covered with wrinkles. A baby at the 23rd week of pregnancy behaves very actively, the expectant mother clearly feels his movements and can determine exactly where he is. If the child pushes unusually hard, too often, or, on the contrary, his movements begin to be felt less frequently or disappear altogether, immediately consult your doctor. It will help identify and eliminate the causes of impaired fetal motor activity.
The 23rd week of pregnancy imposes certain restrictions on the expectant mother’s workload. During this period, you should not lift weights or overexert yourself; it is advisable to use a bandage for pregnant women. Despite the constantly increasing belly, at 23 weeks of pregnancy it is recommended not to reduce physical activity and spend more time in the fresh air to provide the baby with good oxygen nutrition. Fetal hypoxia is a serious problem; to prevent it, you must follow all the recommendations of your doctor and try to avoid stressful situations.
At this stage, constipation may become a frequent “guest” in a pregnant woman. Try to eat foods rich in fiber, stay hydrated, and don’t forget about physical activity. Remember that timely cleansing of the intestines is the key to the well-being of the expectant mother. Another trouble that continues to accompany most pregnant women is heartburn and discomfort in the epigastric region. The growing uterus at 23 weeks of pregnancy puts pressure on the organs, and the hydrochloric acid contained in the stomach enters the esophagus and causes a burning sensation.
It is very important for a young mother to take care of her own health and strengthen her immune system, since during this period it is extremely undesirable to suffer from viral and infectious diseases, especially the flu. A child in the womb of a mother with influenza is susceptible to such a dangerous phenomenon as delayed fetal development and various pathologies of the nervous system.
24 weeks pregnant
The 24th week of pregnancy is a relatively calm time for the expectant mother, because she already clearly feels how the baby moves, can determine the periods of his sleep and wakefulness, and notices how quickly her belly is growing. At 24 weeks of pregnancy, the baby sleeps about 18-20 hours a day. Sometimes your baby kicks at night, or when you go to rest during the day. This may indicate that he is hungry. Allow yourself a light, healthy snack to help calm your baby's movements. Experts recommend that expectant mothers follow a daily routine and diet, thus teaching babies to stay awake and sleep at the same time.
At the 24th week of pregnancy, the uterus continues to grow, its bottom is located in the navel area. At this stage of pregnancy, many women begin to feel false contractions; they are also called training contractions. With the help of such exercises, a pregnant woman’s body masters the process of uterine contraction and prepares for childbirth. They are virtually painless and intermittent, but if you experience abdominal pain during pregnancy, consult your doctor immediately. Watery discharge at 24 weeks of pregnancy may also indicate the onset of premature birth. Be vigilant and careful!
25 week of pregnancy
25th week of pregnancy - during this period, many expectant mothers worry about premature birth. But you shouldn’t stress yourself out and worry your head about it if there are no alarming symptoms. However, if you have a stomach ache during pregnancy, lower back tension, and watery vaginal discharge at 25 weeks, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have not yet started preparing your nipples for feeding, now is the time to start. To do this, make it a rule to wash your nipples and nipple circles with cold water and wipe them with a rough waffle towel. This simple manipulation will allow you to protect yourself from such troubles as cracked nipples in the future. Carry out the procedure once a day for a couple of minutes, no more, so as not to cause unwanted uterine contractions during this period.
Heaviness in the legs during pregnancy and the appearance of varicose veins are another unpleasant phenomenon that accompanies the expectant mother during this period. To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to wear special compression stockings, which a phlebologist will help you choose. Try not to strain your legs and wear comfortable shoes for pregnant. When resting, place your feet on a pillow or cushion to improve blood circulation and relieve tension.
The growing belly at 25 weeks of pregnancy also needs special care. Stretch marks on the abdomen are an unpleasant consequence of pregnancy, but their appearance can be prevented with the help of special creams and lotions recommended by your doctor.
26 weeks pregnant
The third trimester of pregnancy has arrived. Your baby is already the size of a small melon and already weighs about 800 g. The expectant mother feels even more noticeably how the baby moves in her belly, especially at night. At this time, doctors recommend carefully monitoring the activity of the fetus and counting movements. There is a special table - a fetal movement test, in which the expectant mother marks every tenth movement of the child from 9:00 to 21:00. Under normal conditions, the tenth movement is observed before 17:00. If the number of movements within 12 hours is less than 10, tell your doctor. Lack of fetal activity for 12 hours is a very serious signal, consult a doctor immediately! Fetal hypoxia is very dangerous at all stages of pregnancy; it is important not only to diagnose its development in time, but also to provide timely assistance to the baby in order to avoid disastrous consequences.
A child at 26 weeks of pregnancy is already quite well developed: he sees and hears, and he distinguishes low sounds better than high ones. The baby reacts sensitively to sharp pops or knocks; they make him anxious, and screaming and noise frighten him. The most pleasant sound for a baby, even after birth, is the beating of the mother’s heart. He has already developed taste buds, and grasping and sucking reflexes are actively developing. He looks less and less like a wrinkled old man, his skin gradually smoothes out and changes color.
The beginning of the third trimester is a time to be vigilant. If you notice watery vaginal discharge, do not delay visiting the doctor: it may be amniotic fluid leaking and there is a risk of giving birth prematurely. Alarming signals at this stage are also prolonged cramping pain, nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, and general weakness. Bloody discharge at 26 weeks of pregnancy may indicate placental abruption, but only a doctor can determine this more accurately.
27 weeks pregnant
The development of the child at the 27th week of pregnancy continues to gain momentum: important changes are taking place in his body. For example, the immune and respiratory systems develop, and pulmonary surfactant is produced - a mixture of substances that in the future will help the baby’s lungs absorb and absorb oxygen. Every day the movements of the fetus are felt by the expectant mother more and more acutely; she can already recognize even the baby’s hiccups by the slight rhythmic tremors inside. This process does not cause any discomfort to the child and can last several minutes.
At 27 weeks of pregnancy, some expectant mothers may experience involuntary urination that occurs during sneezing or loud laughter. This is due to the fact that the uterus at 27 weeks of pregnancy puts quite a lot of pressure on the bladder. To avoid being in awkward situation, use special sanitary pads. Heartburn during pregnancy, nausea and frequent constipation are also the result of pressure from the uterus on the internal organs. Try to eat small portions, but often, do not overindulge in sweets and starchy foods. Compliance with the drinking regime, feasible physical activity, exercises for pregnant women - all this will also help you cope with ailments.
The third trimester is a time of special control. The expectant mother should pay attention to the number of fetal movements, the nature of the discharge (for example, bloody discharge may indicate placental abruption, and watery discharge may indicate the onset of premature labor) and specific pain. Timely diagnosis Seeing your doctor will help you avoid troubles and carry your baby to term.
28 weeks pregnant
The 28th week of pregnancy has arrived. The child at this stage of development is already quite large and slightly less mobile. He feels cramped in his mother’s tummy, the baby practically does not change his body position, but continues to push his mother with his legs and arms. The expectant mother needs to continue to monitor fetal movements and mark them in a special table. At 28 weeks of pregnancy, the baby opens its eyes for the first time and can distinguish between light and shadows. The child’s brain is actively developing and has several distinct convolutions. During this period, the foundations of the child’s psyche and character traits are laid.
Pregnant women at 28 weeks note sensitivity of the skin; many begin to itch in the chest, thighs, and abdomen. At 28 weeks of pregnancy, the issue of combating stretch marks is especially relevant. Do not neglect your doctor's advice; use a special lotion or cream for stretch marks. In pharmacies and specialty stores you can also find oil for stretch marks during pregnancy, made from natural ingredients and promotes rapid skin hydration and effective regeneration.
The breasts at the 28th week of pregnancy also continue to undergo changes: at this stage, veins may appear on the breasts, and colostrum begins to be released from the nipples. During this period, the expectant mother needs to especially carefully monitor her well-being, eat right and rest. Be careful: at this stage there is a high risk of premature birth, so try to protect yourself from stress, under no circumstances carry heavy objects, do not hang up clothes or curtains.
29 weeks pregnant
So, the 29th week of pregnancy has arrived. There is only 1 week left until the cherished maternity leave. You will be able to pay more attention to yourself and your baby, attend a school for expectant mothers, and focus on the final period of pregnancy. If you're still working, try not to overwork yourself. Even when doing household chores, ask your family for help. Premature birth at this stage is not a universal phenomenon, but there is still a risk. Take care of yourself!
During this period, the expectant mother should monitor her weight. Weight gain at 29 weeks of pregnancy should be about 10-12 kg. The norm for weight gain is approximately 300-350 g per week. If a pregnant woman recovers more rapidly, you need to make sure that this is not due to fluid retention in the body. Swelling during pregnancy at this stage occurs in most expectant mothers; a salt-free diet, correction of the drinking regime and special exercises for pregnant women will help solve the problem. But do not lose your vigilance: any manifestation of severe swelling of the face, fingers, lower back and abdominal wall may indicate the presence of a serious complication called “preeclampsia”. To diagnose and treat it, you must consult your doctor.
At the 29th week of pregnancy, discharge is also subject to control. Normally, there is a homogeneous, transparent (or milky) discharge without a strong odor. If found bloody discharge You should immediately consult a doctor, as this may be a sign of premature birth, previa or placental abruption.
A feeling of heat is another unpleasant phenomenon that expectant mothers often complain about at 29 weeks of pregnancy. This occurs due to the acceleration of metabolism, which causes increased sweating processes and increases the load on the heart. Some pregnant women experience decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate.
30 weeks pregnant
The 30th week of pregnancy has arrived, your baby is already the size of a head of cabbage and weighs approximately 1.2-1.3 kg. At this stage, the child begins to gain weight more rapidly, becoming less and less mobile. The expectant mother notices how the nature of the movements changes: now the child pushes and kicks quite painfully, resting his limbs on the internal organs or ribs.
Sometimes pregnant women complain of pain caused by fetal movements. This may occur due to an uncomfortable state - do not be nervous, avoid places where you may feel bad, both mentally and physically. If you suddenly feel that your uterus is tense, relax, turn on some pleasant music and relax. Stroking the belly and tender words will calm the baby. The fetus at 30 weeks of gestation is very sensitive to maternal affection.
At 30 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother's belly has grown significantly and her gait has changed. Some clumsiness is associated not only with the addition of inches at the waist, but also with the relaxation of joint ligaments and water retention in the body. The weight at 30 weeks of pregnancy increased by about 10 kg, and more than half of this weight is the uterus, amniotic fluid, and placenta. To avoid gaining extra pounds, continue to monitor your diet and do gymnastics for pregnant women. Do not forget that all movements must be made carefully, avoiding sudden turns of the body and bends.
30th week of pregnancy - due date maternity leave in working expectant mothers. Finally, you can devote more time to your health and preparation for childbirth. If you have not yet enrolled in school for expectant mothers, do it now. If the attending physician has determined that the fetus is breech, practice special exercises; there is a chance that the baby will still turn head down. Only a doctor (with the help of careful palpation) and an unscheduled ultrasound at 30 weeks of pregnancy can most accurately determine the presentation.
31 weeks pregnant
At 31 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus continues to increase in size and rise higher, putting more and more pressure on the internal organs. This leads to such unpleasant phenomena as heartburn, constipation or hemorrhoids. During pregnancy at 31 weeks, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the expectant mother, especially if there are uterine fibroids during pregnancy or scars after a cesarean section.
The nutrition of a pregnant woman during this period should be as healthy and easily digestible as possible. To prevent attacks of nausea, heartburn and constipation, you need to eat small portions, but often. The basis of your diet should be vegetables, meat, fish, cereals and dairy products. Avoid fried, salty and spicy foods - they increase the load on the kidneys.
Swelling during pregnancy in the third trimester worries almost all women; a special salt-free diet, performing feasible exercises, and correcting the diet and drinking regime will help combat it. If you begin to notice severe swelling of the face, fingers, abdomen or lower back, consult a doctor immediately, these may be signs of a serious complication - gestosis in pregnant women.
The baby at 31 weeks of gestation takes its final position in the womb: as a rule, this is a head-down position. If the doctor has diagnosed a breech presentation of the fetus, you still have the opportunity to try to change the situation - with the help of special exercises and positions. The development of the child at the 31st week of pregnancy continues, in appearance he is becoming more and more like a newborn baby. The baby's skin turns pink due to subcutaneous fat, which hides its blood vessels; the capillaries are no longer visible through it. The baby is actively gaining weight, his internal organs and reflexes are developing and improving. Fetal movements at 31 weeks of pregnancy are felt very well by the mother; experts recommend continuing to monitor the baby’s activity and filling out a special table of fetal movements.
32 weeks pregnant
The 32nd week of pregnancy has begun. The expected due date is getting closer, and the expectant mother is increasingly worried about the health of her unborn child. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the stomach begins to cause a lot of discomfort. Pain in the lower back and legs, the inability to take a comfortable position for sleeping, some clumsiness - it is not at all surprising that at this stage most women feel tired, they want to end their pregnancy as soon as possible and meet the baby.
At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus continues to put pressure on the internal organs, causing shortness of breath, heartburn and frequent constipation. A pregnant woman experiences training contractions - almost painless contractions of the uterus, preparing her for the upcoming birth. Some women note that at 32 weeks of pregnancy they sweat more than usual and feel hot in the body. This is due to the acceleration of metabolic processes in the pregnant woman’s body, which affect the functioning of the heart and the process of sweating.
The fetus at 32 weeks of gestation continues to grow and gain weight. It is already the size of a large head of Chinese cabbage and weighs approximately 1.6-1.7 kg. The baby hears how the mother’s organs work, listens to her voice and is able to distinguish its sound from any other. Externally, the baby also changes - hair and nails grow, wrinkles are smoothed out, cheeks appear, and the vernix is gradually washed away. Almost all of the child’s organs are already formed, the head and torso are proportional, all that remains is to gain weight. Another important achievement of this period is the development of the baby’s own immunity. Ultrasound will help to fully assess the child's development at this stage. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the doctor will determine the presentation of the fetus, and also assess the condition of the placenta, umbilical cord and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Throughout pregnancy, the expectant mother should beware of viral and infectious diseases, since any disease and methods of its treatment will certainly affect the baby’s health. Colds in late stages of pregnancy are dangerous because they accelerate the aging process of the placenta, and this, in turn, threatens the development of fetal hypoxia and disruption of the delivery of nutrients from mother to child.
33 weeks pregnant
The 33rd week of pregnancy has arrived. The child has reached the size of a pineapple and already weighs about 2 kg. Every day he feels more and more cramped in his mother’s belly: no somersaults, no coups. The amount of amniotic fluid also decreases, and fetal movements are felt more and more acutely by the mother. At this stage, the child’s development continues to gain momentum: the immune, nervous and endocrine system, muscle mass and subcutaneous fat continue to build. If suddenly the expectant mother begins premature labor at 33 weeks of pregnancy, the probability of giving birth to a live and healthy child very big.
At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the future mother's belly continues to grow, causing more and more discomfort while sleeping, walking or doing business. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus rises even higher and puts even more pressure on the stomach and other organs. The pregnant woman still experiences heartburn and sometimes belches. It becomes difficult to breathe and shortness of breath appears after physical activity. After a couple of weeks, the pregnant woman’s belly will begin to drop down and the woman will feel a little better.
Swelling during pregnancy at this stage is a widespread phenomenon. Expectant mothers complain of swelling of the legs (especially in the ankles), which worsens after physical activity or a walk. Swelling of the legs in pregnant women is associated with a violation of the speed of blood flow: after all, the growing uterus puts pressure not only on the internal organs, but also on the blood vessels. And the blood, being under pressure, retains water in the legs.
To prevent edema during rest, it is necessary to place your feet above your head, for example, on a pillow or a rolled-up blanket, wear comfortable shoes for pregnant women and perform special exercises. It is not recommended for a pregnant woman to stand, sit, or stay in stuffy rooms for a long time. A pregnant woman's diet should be balanced and healthy. To prevent swelling, it is necessary to limit or completely eliminate the consumption of salt, salty foods and spicy foods. Salt tends to retain fluid in the body, and generously spiced dishes can cause not only an attack of heartburn, but also severe thirst.
34 weeks pregnant
The 34th week of pregnancy has begun. What happens during this period? The body of the expectant mother begins to intensively prepare for the upcoming birth. For example, a large amount of hormones are released into the blood, helping to increase the elasticity of some joints and ligaments - all this is necessary for easier movement of the child through the birth canal. The enlarging uterus at 34 weeks of pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on the bladder, for this reason the expectant mother urinates more often, and sometimes urinary incontinence may occur.
Pregnant women continue to experience heartburn; some mothers complain of difficulty breathing, problems with bowel movements and hemorrhoids. Swelling during pregnancy (especially severe) is a reason to consult a doctor and get everything checked necessary tests. Gestosis in pregnant women is a serious pathology in which toxins are released into the body of the expectant mother, which can lead to disturbances in the development of the fetus at 34 weeks of pregnancy and even to its death. The development of gestosis in a pregnant woman is indicated by the presence of protein in the urine and changes in blood pressure.
A baby at 34 weeks of gestation continues to grow actively. It has already reached the size of a butternut squash and weighs approximately 1.9-2 kg. In the third trimester, the formation of the cardiovascular system child. His heart rate is almost 2 times higher than that of an adult. By placing your ear to the belly of the expectant mother, you can hear the fetal heartbeat. From the 34th week of pregnancy, the baby gains the required weight, primary hair growth decreases, and along with it the vernix lubrication. The baby’s skin becomes paler and smoother, the functioning of the kidneys and all vital systems improves. If the expectant mother goes into premature labor at 34 weeks of pregnancy, there is a huge chance that the baby will survive and be born healthy (albeit small).
35 weeks pregnant
So, you are gradually approaching the expected date of birth, the 35th week of pregnancy has arrived. It becomes more and more difficult to do usual activities and maintain former activity. At the 35th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s breasts are already in full swing preparing for feeding the baby: they have increased in size, become fuller and ache. A nursing bra is what you need. It will not squeeze or irritate, and will provide good support for your enlarged breasts.
The belly has already become very large and causes a lot of inconvenience. At 35 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus became huge, pressing down on the stomach and lungs. At the end of the 35th week, the pregnant woman’s belly will begin to drop and breathing will become easier. If it becomes very difficult for the expectant mother to breathe, it is necessary to perform a special exercise for pregnant women, which will help reduce pressure on the internal organs: get on all fours and smoothly inhale and exhale. You can stand in this position from 5 minutes to half an hour, several times a day.
A baby at 35 weeks pregnant continues to grow and has already reached the size of a cantaloupe. Its weight increases every week by 200-250 g. Fetal movements become more constrained, because free space There’s practically none in my mother’s belly. Now he doesn’t push so much as he rolls, sticking out different parts of his body. At this stage, the intrauterine development of the fetus is already quite high, the work of its internal organs and reflexes has been established. If an expectant mother goes into premature labor at 35 weeks of pregnancy, the likelihood of having a healthy baby is very high. However, experts agree that to ensure the survival of the child and its further development, pregnancy must be maintained until the expected date of birth.
36 weeks pregnant
The 36th week of pregnancy is the final stage of the entire period of gestation, according to gynecologists. At this stage of pregnancy, the expectant mother will probably have to visit her doctor until the onset of labor. He will carefully monitor her blood pressure and protein levels in her urine to eliminate the risk of developing such a serious pathology as preeclampsia. It may be necessary to perform an ultrasound at 36 weeks of pregnancy to detect fetal presentation, check the condition of the placenta, amniotic membranes, eliminate the risk of umbilical cord entanglement and assess the amount of amniotic fluid.
It’s time for the expectant mother to start solving organizational issues: choosing a place for the birth, choosing a doctor and packing her bag for the maternity hospital. Starting from the 36th week of pregnancy, childbirth can occur at any time, and the expectant mother must be prepared for this. Since the obstetrician cannot determine the onset of pregnancy with an accuracy of up to a week, an error of 2 weeks is not uncommon, and at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy, birth is no longer considered premature.
At 36 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s belly causes a lot of inconvenience due to its large size. Due to the load, a woman feels pain in the lower back and legs, suffers from swelling and has difficulty moving. At 36 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus continues to put pressure on the internal organs, causing shortness of breath and heartburn. Some women experience abdominal prolapse during this period: the baby slowly moves closer to the “exit”, occupying the pelvic floor with the presenting part (head or buttocks). By the way, a baby at 36 weeks of pregnancy is already the size of a large papaya, weighing approximately 2.5 kg.
Almost all women experience fear before childbirth, especially if it is their first time. At 36 weeks, expectant mothers become increasingly irritable, anxious and nervous. Good helpers in the fight against fear there will be meditation, relaxation, yoga for pregnant women, relaxing massage, listening to music, reading books, communicating with loved ones or a personal psychologist.
37 weeks pregnant
At 37 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is ready for birth, but his body continues to change and prepare for childbirth. The baby's body gradually becomes plump due to the accumulating subcutaneous fat, the skin smoothes out, becomes elastic and acquires a pink tint. The fetus at the 37th week of pregnancy is fully developed: all systems of its body are ready to start working, the hormone cortisol is produced, which promotes the maturation of the lungs. Meconium has accumulated in the baby's intestines - original feces, which will be released on the first day, from 3 to 20 hours after birth. By the way, the removal of meconium from the newborn’s intestines will be facilitated by colostrum secreted from the mother’s breast in the first time after childbirth.
By the 37th week of pregnancy, the uterus has reached its maximum size: it weighs about a kilogram, its volume is 4-5 liters. The pressure on the bladder increases, the pregnant woman has back pain, and shooting pain in the legs and perineum is also possible. At the 37th week of pregnancy, the abdomen hardens several times a day - training contractions occur. At this stage, the aging of the placenta is noted; harbingers of imminent labor may appear: release of the mucous plug (yellowish discharge with streaks), lowering of the abdomen (the baby takes the position of the presenting area in the pelvis), slight dilution of the stool.
At 37 weeks, the baby’s movements often bring painful sensations to the expectant mother; now his stomach is very crowded: there is even less amniotic fluid, the baby’s size and weight are increasing. It turns out that the uterus at 37 weeks of pregnancy now puts pressure not only on the mother’s internal organs, but also pinches the baby. Fetal movements must also be monitored at 37 weeks of pregnancy: there should be at least 10 movements per day. IN last days During pregnancy, the child’s activity decreases, he calms down a little and prepares for his birth.
38 weeks pregnant
The 38th week of pregnancy has arrived - an alarming waiting period for the expectant mother. At this stage, the pregnant woman should be prepared for the fact that she can be taken to the maternity hospital at any moment. If you have not yet packed your bag for the maternity hospital, now is the time to take care of it. Also collect everything Required documents: to the maternity hospital you need to take your passport, medical insurance, exchange card and birth certificate. Place all your documents in one folder or file and carry them with you in your purse, especially when traveling.
The belly at 38 weeks of pregnancy can be truly huge: the baby has taken up all the available space and continues to gain weight. It is becoming increasingly difficult for him to move, since the uterus at 38 weeks of pregnancy is squeezing the body from all sides. At this stage, important improvements occur in the little person’s body, the fluff – lanugo and vernix lubrication covering the baby’s skin – partially or completely disappears, and facial features become more and more refined. At 38 weeks of pregnancy, the baby takes its place in the mother’s pelvis and is getting ready to be born.
During this period, expectant mothers may feel the precursors of childbirth: training contractions, pain in the hip area and sacrum, nagging pain in the lower abdomen, reminiscent of menstrual pain. Mucous discharge from the vagina at 38 weeks of pregnancy may also indicate impending labor.
Expectant mothers often worry: how to identify contractions and distinguish them from false ones? Experts recommend staying calm, because you definitely won’t miss the birth. Real contractions are more noticeable and painful than training contractions; they are repeated periodically, increasing their frequency and intensity. To distinguish false contractions from real ones, change your position: stand up, walk around the room, lie down. If the contractions stop, don’t worry, they are most likely false.
39 weeks pregnant
The 39th week of pregnancy has arrived, the baby is already fully formed and ready to be born at any moment. The baby has reached the size of a small watermelon and weighs approximately 3.2 kg. His lungs are developed enough to finally take his first breath. The baby’s movements are becoming less and less active due to the tightness of the mother’s womb; the expectant mother should constantly monitor the activity of her child and, in case of “calm”, immediately consult a doctor.
At the 39th week, pregnant women begin active “nesting” - a condition in which a woman strives with all her might to restore order and create as much comfort as possible in the house. At this time, women can feel a surge of strength, unusual lightness (despite the huge belly at 39 weeks of pregnancy) and the desire to “move mountains.” But don’t be too zealous: such intense physical activity may well provoke labor at 39 weeks. Entrust the cleaning and arrangement of the house to the future dad or caring relatives.
For a successful delivery and good health of the expectant mother and child, doctors recommend not to neglect long walks. Ideally, in late pregnancy, you need to walk for at least 3 hours a day, if there are no problems and bed rest is not indicated for you. Fetal hypoxia is a dangerous phenomenon throughout pregnancy, and the end of the third trimester is no exception. To prevent it, it is important not only to breathe fresh air, but also to continue to eat right, perform feasible exercises for pregnant women, and avoid stress and any conditions that negatively affect you and your pregnancy.
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, many women lose up to 2 kg in weight. There is nothing wrong with this - the body removes excess fluid. At the 39th week of pregnancy, the total gain in women averages from 10 to 15 kg, but it can be either more or less. This depends on the characteristics of the expectant mother’s body and is one of the harbingers of an early birth.
40 weeks pregnant
The 40th week of pregnancy is the final stage of bearing a child, and the expectant mother’s body is almost ready for the upcoming birth. Now you should have everything ready for the birth of your baby - from a bag for the maternity hospital and documents, to complete order in the apartment and the presence of everything necessary to care for your baby. Fear of childbirth, increasing stress, anxiety - all this negatively affects your baby. Try to set yourself up positively, because very soon you will be able to see and hold your long-awaited son or daughter in your arms!
At this stage, the expectant mother should continue to count the fetal movements: there should be at least ten of them during the day. If suddenly a child at 40 weeks of pregnancy suddenly becomes quiet or is too active, consult a doctor: he may be experiencing oxygen starvation or other problems that require immediate intervention from specialists.
One of the most important signs of imminent labor is the release of the mucus plug. A plug is a clot of mucus that closes the cervical canal during pregnancy and protects the fetus from infections that can enter the uterus from the vagina. The hormone progesterone, which is responsible for bearing the fetus, ceases to be produced at 40 weeks of pregnancy. The cervix becomes softer, the canal begins to open, and after this the mucus plug is released. Other no less indicative harbingers of childbirth are lowering of the abdomen, the occurrence of training contractions, pain in the lower back, sacrum or womb, rupture of amniotic fluid. Be on the lookout!
If you are 40 weeks pregnant and labor is not starting, don’t worry, your “X” hour will come soon!
41 weeks pregnant
The expected due date is behind you, but your pregnancy is still ongoing and, by the way, is not considered post-term. At this stage, the expectant mother feels clumsy and clumsy, gets very tired and increasingly suffers from sleep disorders. The reason is a very large belly at 41 weeks of pregnancy, which makes it difficult to take at least some comfortable position. Most women complain of severe irritability and nervousness that arise seemingly out of nowhere. This is directly related to their hormonal levels and the anxiety that expectant mothers experience while awaiting childbirth. If you are afraid of childbirth, discuss this with your doctor, as well as with your family or personal psychologist: now more than ever you need special support and understanding.
At 41 weeks of pregnancy, a pregnant woman's discharge may become more intense and mucus-like (clear or pinkish, yellowish, or creamy). Such discharge indicates the release of the mucus plug from the cervix and the possible onset of labor.
Just before giving birth, a pregnant woman may lose amniotic fluid, which looks like a clear, thin, odorless liquid. The discharge of water in pregnant women can occur in different ways: it can be a leak, a trickle, or a one-time outpouring. Many expectant mothers may not notice this process at all. This happens in cases where a small crack or small rupture appears on the amniotic sac - then the water simply leaks. If the expectant mother uses sanitary pads, she may confuse them with vaginal discharge.
Sometimes pregnant women try to induce contractions themselves by taking Castor oil or resorting to other questionable or even dangerous methods to speed up labor. Experts urge women “not to engage in amateur activities” and seek timely help.
42 weeks pregnant
Many women who carry their baby to 42 weeks often become nervous because labor does not begin. Don't worry, you have a few days left to give birth. Perhaps you are already observing some precursors of labor and are mentally preparing for a trip to the maternity hospital.
At 42 weeks of pregnancy, there is a risk of aging of the placenta and the development of various pathologies. Fetal hypoxia, deficiency useful substances, the likelihood of infection or entanglement in the umbilical cord - all this can be prevented if you consult your doctor in time and undergo an examination. The doctor will listen to the fetal heartbeat, check the condition of the cervix, placenta, membranes, umbilical cord, and measure the abdomen. At 42 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother may be prescribed additional examinations and, if necessary, admitted to the hospital for observation.
If you want to give birth on your own, 42 weeks is the last week for this opportunity. When there are no contractions, doctors decide to induce labor. Be prepared for the fact that a large baby will have a more difficult time passing through the birth canal and, as a rule, the postpartum recovery period will be longer. Also, if the fetus has ossified the skull, the woman may experience ruptures during natural childbirth. To avoid serious damage to the woman’s genitals and perineum, as well as traumatic brain injuries to the baby, doctors may resort to surgical dissection - episiotomy.
Pregnancy for each expectant mother proceeds in its own way: for some, the wonderful 9 months are easy, for others, others suffer from unbearable toxicosis, back pain, headaches, swelling, constipation, etc. An individual indicator is also weight gain in during the gestation period.
Newborn babies differ little from each other in terms of weight; their mothers, while carrying the fetus, gain different amounts of kg, either within the norm or gaining excess weight. Some women do not gain any weight or lose it at all. We will understand all these subtleties in this article.
Norm of weight gainIt is a mistaken belief that weight is gained only for the needs of the fetus. Gaining a certain amount of kilograms is necessary for the development of pregnancy in general and the subsequent life of the newborn.
| Weight distribution | Weight | % of total weight gain |
| The weight of the child at the time of birth is 2500-4000 g, and increases significantly during the last weeks of pregnancy | 25-30 % | |
|
400-600 g | 5 % |
|
1-1.5 l by 37 weeks, 800 ml by the time of birth | 10 % |
|
1000 by the time of delivery | 10 % |
|
1.5 kg | 25 % |
|
1.5-2 kg | |
|
0.5 kg | |
|
3-4 kg | 25-30 % |
| Total | 10-15 kg | 100% |
Of course, weight needs to be controlled. From the first day of confirmed pregnancy, a woman should buy a good scale and keep a notebook or sheet of paper in which she will note her weekly weight gain.
- You need to weigh yourself one day every week;
- In the morning;
- With or without any clothes;
- Before meals;
- Empty your bowels and bladder.
Weight gain occurs unevenly, not only over the weeks, but also with individual characteristics: some gain weight from the moment of conception, while others notice weight gain only from the 20th week.
- During the standard course, about 40% of weight gain occurs in the first half, and the remaining 60% in the second half of pregnancy.
- The average body weight gain during the first three months is 0.2 kg weekly, but it is during this period that many people experience toxicosis, some even go into the red.
- In the first three months, the expectant mother gains about 2-3 kg.
- The second trimester is characterized by the improvement of the woman’s general condition and an increase in appetite - it is during this period that the most intense weight gain will occur. A woman gains about 300-400 g per week.
- In the final stages, weight gain, as a rule, stops, sometimes the weight decreases slightly due to hormonal changes associated with preparation for childbirth and due to the removal of excess water.
There is no single standard for weight gain that can be applied to all pregnant women. Optimal weight gain directly depends on the initial weight to an interesting position: the smaller it is, the more it is allowed to gain during pregnancy. So, as a rule, this is what happens - overweight women gain a little and become “visually pregnant” only in the later stages, while thin women find it much more difficult to hide their pregnancy.
- To determine whether you are initially normal, low or overweight, you can calculate your body mass index (BMI), which requires height and weight figures – before pregnancy!
- BMI is equal to the woman's weight (body mass) in kilograms divided by the woman's height in meters squared.
- Example: 50 kg at 160 cm, 50/(1.6*1.6) = 19.5 BMI
The norm of weight by week of pregnancy depends on the weight before pregnancy, on the basis of which it is necessary to calculate BMI:
| A week | BMI less than 18.5 kg | BMI 18.5-25 | BMI over 30 |
| 4 | 0 – 0.9 kg | 0 – 0.7 kg | 0 – 0.5 kg |
| 6 | 0 – 1.4 kg | 0 – 1 kg | 0 – 0.6 kg |
| 8 | 0 – 1.6 kg | 0 – 1.2 kg | 0 – 0.7 kg |
| 10 | 0 – 1.8 kg | 0 – 1.3 kg | 0 – 0.8 kg |
| 12 | 0 – 2 kg | 0 – 1.5 kg | 0 – 1 kg |
| 14 | 0.5 – 2.7 kg | 0.5 – 2 kg | 0.5 – 1.2 kg |
| 16 | up to 3.6 kg | up to 3 kg | up to 1.4 kg |
| 18 | up to 4.6 kg | up to 4 kg | up to 2.3 kg |
| 20 | up to 6 kg | up to 5.9 kg | up to 2.9 kg |
| 22 | up to 7.2 kg | up to 7 kg | up to 3.4 kg |
| 24 | up to 8.6 kg | up to 8.5 kg | up to 3.9 kg |
| 26 | up to 10 kg | up to 10 kg | up to 5 kg |
| 28 | up to 13 kg | up to 11 kg | up to 5.4 kg |
| 30 | up to 14 kg | up to 12 kg | up to 5.9 kg |
| 32 | up to 15 kg | up to 13 kg | up to 6.4 kg |
| 34 | up to 16 kg | up to 14 kg | up to 7.3 kg |
| 36 | up to 17 kg | up to 15 kg | up to 7.9 kg |
| 38 | up to 18 kg | up to 16 kg | up to 8.6 kg |
| 40 | up to 18 kg | up to 16 kg | up to 9.1 kg |
I would like to pay special attention to the issue of nutrition for women who are initially overweight. Pregnancy will certainly not be the easiest period, since you will have to keep your weight under control, but it means that it’s time to fast! Refusal to eat is fraught with disturbances in fetal development and the release of toxins into the bloodstream due to the breakdown of fats. The recommended diet will be determined by the gynecologist!
What are the risks of underweight or overweight during pregnancy?The optimal thing is a smooth weight gain without visible jumps, which ultimately falls within the recommended values. Both underweight and excess weight threaten the health of the fetus and the expectant mother.
Poor weight gain and malnutrition can lead to malnutrition in the newborn and various options intrauterine growth retardation. Children born weighing less than 2.5 kg are at risk of developing various physical and mental pathologies. Insufficient intake of nutrients into the body of a woman carrying a child leads to hormonal imbalances and increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Even an emerging trend towards weight loss or the absence of at least some weight gain should be the reason for an urgent visit to the doctor.
Excess weight should be no less alarming than underweight:
- more than 2 kg per week at any time;
- more than 4 kg in the first 3 months;
- more than 1.5 kg monthly during the second trimester;
- more than 800 g weekly in the third trimester.
An excessive increase can lead to increased blood pressure, the development of diabetes, varicose veins, osteochondrosis, premature aging placenta, complications during childbirth.
The biggest danger of excess weight is hidden or obvious swelling. In this case, the plus on the scale is not associated with overeating, but is a consequence of the fact that the body, or rather the excretory system, cannot cope with the load and fluid begins to accumulate in tissues and organs. Edema threatens to develop late toxicosis, with magnification (see).
You can notice obvious swelling on your own: if after removing your socks there is a mark on your feet, it is difficult to remove jewelry from your finger, your face looks puffy, and urination is rare - you have swelling, you should urgently go to the doctor. Hidden swelling can only be detected by a doctor, so you should not neglect scheduled visits prescribed by the gynecologist, even if you feel excellent.
How to avoid gaining excess weight Don't overeatThe advice of caring mothers and grandmothers that you can now eat for two is absolutely wrong. The body must receive the proper amount of nutrients, but without overload, both in portions of food and in time. You need to eat little by little, but more often than usual. On average, it is considered normal to increase calorie content by 200-300 calories more than the usual diet, but these figures cannot be followed by everyone without exception, especially women who are obese.
Fighting constipationOne of the unfavorable factors affecting weight is the tendency to constipation, since infrequent bowel movements not only increase the weight on the scale, but also negatively affect the general condition of the body, slagging it (see outside of pregnancy). Pregnant women especially often suffer from constipation in the later stages. For obvious reasons, it cannot be used regularly. The best thing:
- At night, eat a portion of fresh white cabbage salad - in the morning you will have a bowel movement
- Eat 2-3 dried apricots or prunes every day; in summer you can have fresh apricots or plums
- If prescribed by a doctor, you can take such a safe and effective prebiotic (osmotic laxative) as Lactulose - Normaze, Portalac syrup, Lactulose Poly, Goodluck, Lactulose Stada, Livoluk-PB, Romphalak. It is approved for use at any stage of pregnancy.
Eliminate candy, baked goods, sweets and confectionery. Nothing contributes more to the addition of unnecessary fat deposits than all kinds of puff pastries, shortbread cookies, with or without filling, buns, rolls, cakes, pastries, ice cream, etc. Give them up completely if you are prone to being overweight and have already gained extra pounds.
In addition, all these products are saturated with food additives (palm, coconut, rapeseed), which load the digestive tract, contribute to the development of obesity, and, according to the results of some scientific studies, even oncology.
Arrange light fasting daysThey help not only normalize the emerging tendency to gain excess weight, but also generally give some respite to the body. It is enough to unload once every 2 weeks. A fasting day, again, does not mean fasting! On this day, most of your usual diet should be replaced with vegetables or low-fat cottage cheese, kefir and slightly limit liquid.
Be physically active within reasonDaily walks in the fresh air will not only prevent the formation of excess fat, but will also be beneficial for the baby, since the mother’s blood is saturated with oxygen. You shouldn’t completely give up doing all your homework and usual chores.
How to do the opposite - gain the missing weightIf the weight stubbornly stays the same, there are some recommendations to gain it:
- Eat 5-6 times a day, but without overloading;
- In case of painful toxicosis, you still need to eat, one small piece at a time, waiting out attacks of nausea. You can eat in the fresh air, in bed at night - i.e. in an environment in which manifestations of toxicosis are minimal.
- Carry a healthy snack with you: nuts, biscuits, banana, cheese, dried fruits, yoghurts;
- Eat peanut butter, which is rich in energy and protein (if you are not allergic to it);
- Season dishes with sour cream, olive oil, butter, cream (but not mayonnaise);
- Drink enough fluids, do not neglect dairy and fermented milk products.
Naturally, no strict or mono-diets are suitable for pregnant women.
A complete rejection of flour products made from wheat flour and confectionery, fast food, as well as salty, spicy and smoked foods that cause thirst, forcing you to drink excess liquid will help you lose weight or keep it at certain numbers.
- The menu should contain complex carbohydrates (300-350 g daily): whole grain cereals, vegetables and seasonal fruits.
- You cannot limit fish and meat (100-120 g per day), but the menu should include dietary and lean varieties of these products: rabbit, turkey, beef, pike perch, cod, navaga.
- Butter is allowed in a volume of 10 g per day; it is better to replace refined sunflower oil with unrefined one.
- Method of cooking: steaming, boiling, stewing.
- Food should be moderate, for 1 meal - no more than 1-2 dishes.
- You cannot refuse lunch and breakfast, but dinner can be replaced with a dairy product.
- The optimal calorie ratio for meals: breakfast 30%, second breakfast 10%, lunch 40%, afternoon snack and dinner - 10% each.
- It is permissible to drink a glass of water 10-15 minutes before meals.
- Salt is reduced to 5 g per day.
- Habitual desserts should be replaced with low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese.
- The last meal should be at 19.00.
- After dinner, a quiet walk is recommended.
As for liquids, preference should be given to clean drinking water. The recommended 1.5 liters should be divided into 3 parts, two of which should be drunk before 16.00, and the rest before 20.00. This system will avoid swelling and give the kidneys relief at night.
Flour products: dietary salt-free, bran, rye bread up to 100-150 g per day.
- Soups: vegetable with a limit of pasta, cereals and potatoes to 200 g daily.
- Meat and meat products: steamed dumplings, meatballs, puddings, zrazy, beef troganoff from pre-boiled meat, aspic - up to 150 g per day.
- Fish: steam soufflé, puree, stewed fillet up to 150 g per day.
- Milk and dairy products: whole milk 1 glass per day, low-fat cottage cheese 150 g, low-fat yoghurts, yogurt up to 200 g per day.
- Eggs: 1-2 weekly in the form of steamed omelets and soft-boiled.
- Cereals and side dishes: the healthiest ones are oatmeal, buckwheat porridge, and cereals in soups. If the amount of cereal increases, you should limit bread on this day.
- Vegetables: zucchini, cabbage, pumpkin, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, herbs. Preferably fresh or steamed soufflés and purees.
- Appetizers: vegetable salads, low-fat ham, jellied fish, meat.
- Sauces: low-fat cottage cheese with herbs, low-fat sour cream, milk sauces.
- Spices: bay leaf, herbs, cloves. In limited quantities.
- Fruits and berries: sweet and sour, fresh.
- Drinks: weak tea with 1/3 milk, unsweetened juices half and half with water, natural fruit drinks without sugar.
When we discussed the issue of belly growth during pregnancy, we did not discuss the issue of weight gain that is acceptable during pregnancy. And this question always worries expectant mothers due to many circumstances - worries about the baby’s health, and about the upcoming birth, and, of course, about the further restoration of previous forms. Of course, during pregnancy, weight naturally increases, if only because the child grows and gains weight, and along with it the uterus also gains weight. But body weight depends not only on the child’s weight and size.
Why is control needed?
When the question arises about a woman’s weight gain, almost all pregnant women worry, because many have heard that excess weight is harmful to the child, some worry about the appearance and the possibility of losing weight after childbirth, especially when the gain exceeds 15 kg or more. But are the extra pounds gained during pregnancy really very serious and is it sometimes even necessary to go to the hospital? Is it possible to independently regulate weight and gain, how much a woman can gain during pregnancy, so that doctors don’t swear at her? And will the figure return to normal after the baby is born?
When a woman first crosses the threshold of the office of an obstetrician-gynecologist at a antenatal clinic or medical center, she undergoes a number of mandatory procedures, including measuring her height and weight. If a woman registers already in the late stages of pregnancy, she must be asked about her weight before pregnancy. Then, at each further visit to the doctor, the measurement procedure will be repeated and the weight will be carefully monitored. This is necessary to monitor the woman’s health and the level of development of the baby. The health and well-being of both depends on weight gain, and in addition, weight gain affects further childbirth and even signals some complications and diseases.
You can control your weight on your own between doctor’s appointments, but you need to do this in the right way to avoid possible errors. The following conditions must be met: weigh yourself at the same time, it is better to do this in the morning on an empty stomach, after waking up and going to the toilet. It is also worth weighing yourself naked, in your underwear, and you should definitely weigh yourself on an empty stomach. This will be your most accurate weight, which will allow you to control your condition. Get yourself a notebook or piece of paper where you write down your weight measurements weekly, and then show this sheet of paper to your doctor at each visit. This is a very useful practice, since it is not always possible to objectively assess a pregnant woman’s weight at a doctor’s appointment. If everything is fine during pregnancy, your measurements will be quite sufficient, but if there is swelling, a tendency to increase blood pressure, health complaints or weight loss, your doctor may recommend that you weigh yourself more often - even monitoring your weight daily.
How much can you add?
During pregnancy, women gain weight in different ways: from 10 to 20 kg or even more, and this depends on the course of pregnancy, the lifestyle of the expectant mother, her condition and well-being, the presence or absence of toxicosis in the first trimester of pregnancy, edema and problems during pregnancy. second half. However, it is a reliably known fact that both insufficient weight gain and excess weight during pregnancy have a harmful effect on the health of the mother and baby. If you are underweight, both may lack nutrients, minerals and vitamins, and if you are overweight, there may be problems with blood pressure, kidneys, diabetes and complications such as preeclampsia.
Doctors observing pregnant women adhere in their work to certain and average standards for weight gain in the first and second half of pregnancy. On average, this is about 250-300 grams in the first 20 weeks, and then half a kilo per week in the second half of pregnancy. Summarizing these data, the average pregnant woman gains weight during pregnancy from 12 to 16 kg, but the gains vary greatly from the initial body weight. Today, doctors use special indices to assess gains, calculated based on body height and weight. In this case, you need to divide your initial weight before pregnancy by your height in meters, and then square the resulting number. According to this index, women are divided into three groups:
- women of average build, with indexes from 19 to 26,
- women with underweight and index less than 19,
- women with excess weight, and indexes over 26.
For women with average indices, gains are based on the statistical average; they can gain from 10 to 16 kg during the entire pregnancy; if they are underweight, they can gain from 13 to 20 kg; if they are overweight, they can gain a maximum of 10 kg. More accurate data is given in weight tables based on body mass index.
Why can't you not gain weight at all?
The answer to this question is simple - even if your body does not add a single gram of fat, the baby and its surrounding tissues will add additional weight. Let's look at what causes so much weight to be added. First of all, the body height and weight of the child himself - by the time of birth he can be on average about 3-4 kg. There is still on average about 1-1.5 kg of amniotic fluid around the baby, plus the weight of the placenta will be pulled by about a kilogram - this is already an average of 6-8 kg, add to this the weight of the uterus - this is about 1-1.5 kg, plus here The increase in circulating blood volume is about another kilogram - a total of 8-10 kg. During pregnancy, a little fat is always stored in reserve on the back, hips and buttocks, arms and chest, to be later spent on milk - this is about 2 kg, plus the weight of the breast itself - about another 1 kg. So, on average, the amount of gain is 10-12 kg.
In addition, there may still be edema, which greatly affects the final weight, as well as fat deposition where before pregnancy, according to the body, there was not enough fat.
For plump women with a high body mass index, the only increase left is for the baby and his tissues; she has fats initially, so the increases should be minimal. But for a skinny woman who can barely support her own skeleton, it’s possible to gain weight. After all, strength will also be needed after childbirth, when you need to breastfeed the baby - there calories will be actively consumed, and the thrifty body will store them in subcutaneous fats.
Is it possible to influence weight gain?
Yes, of course, but up to a certain limit. If a woman exhausts herself with diets for the sake of a slim figure in the future, of course the weight will gain to a minimum. But this will affect the health of the child and herself, and this is not the best option. The child will still take his own from the mother’s body and the placenta, uterus and he himself will grow, but they will “suck” the strength and nutrients from the woman’s body. If for a plump expectant mother, getting rid of excess fat is good, then for a thin mother it is a chance for strong metabolic changes in the future, which can seriously impair health after childbirth.
Basically, weight fluctuates due to calorie intake and the amount of fluid; a woman can and should control these parameters. And, if everything is not so simple with fluid consumption, and doctors’ opinions on its limitation vary greatly, then with regard to nutrition everything is simpler. Recommendations about eating for two during pregnancy are erroneous and harmful; a child up to 3-4 kg in size does not need the same amount of nutrition as eating “for two.” He needs food for his weight, and this is one additional meal per day from his mother.
In matters of nutrition, it is best to focus on your appetite, of course, within reason. If you want a cake, eat a piece, you don't have to eat the whole cake at once. If the body receives more calories than it expends, it begins to store them in reserve without removing them from the body, then excess weight will form. But you don’t need to starve either; you need to eat normally, as you always do, adjusted for your mass index. If you are plump, reduce the volume of your usual diet by a quarter or a third, replacing most of the high-calorie foods with fresh vegetables, fruits, and light dairy products - both taste and benefit. What a pregnant woman definitely needs is proteins, the baby’s body organs are built from them, and their deficiency greatly affects its development. But carbohydrates and fats can be somewhat limited; fats are in favor vegetable oils, carbohydrates - in favor of complex cereals in the form of starch.
It is better to consult a doctor about fluids that cause weight gain; restricting fluids during pregnancy does not always help in treating edema, but it is difficult for pregnant women to tolerate. Therefore, the issue with liquid is ambiguous. On average, you need at least 1.5-2 liters of fluid for metabolism, that is, you don’t need to sit completely without water, but you shouldn’t drink liters of it either - there is a lot of water in foods, especially soups, dairy dishes, vegetables and fruits, you want drink - you can eat an apple or a cucumber, this often helps. But usually swelling does not arise from drinking, but from hormonal imbalance, salt retention and the characteristics of the pregnant body. Closer to childbirth, most women notice weight loss and swelling, which means that the wise body, at the moment when the fluid is no longer needed, begins to expel it itself.
You can often hear that a pregnant woman needs to eat for two. From a medical point of view, this statement has nothing to do with the truth. Eating for two means quickly gaining weight. And while carrying a baby, extra pounds are an additional burden on the mother’s body and a high risk of complications. We will tell you in this material what normal weight gain should be during different periods of pregnancy.
Weight during pregnancy is a rather individual criterion. In some women it may decrease in the first and third trimesters if, for example, there is severe toxicosis. For others, their weight is constantly growing. Initially, the weight of the expectant mother depends on her physique and body weight before pregnancy.
In obese women, the total weight gain during pregnancy can be half as much as the total weight gain in thin, slender girls.
Weight, to one degree or another, constantly increases during pregnancy. However, the body weight of newborn boys and girls is on average the same - from 3000 to 4000 grams. It depends little on how much the woman gained during pregnancy - 5 or 15 kilograms. Different increases are an individual trait of expectant mothers.
Body weight growth consists of several components:
- Baby. His weight is about a third of his mother’s entire increase. Typically, babies are born weighing between 2500 and 4000 grams.
- Placenta. On average by " children's place“About 5% of the total weight of the pregnant woman is allocated. The placenta usually weighs about half a kilogram - from 400 to 600 grams.
- Amniotic fluid. By the third trimester, the waters in which the baby swims reach a weight of one and a half kilograms. True, closer to childbirth, their number decreases, as well as weight. The mass of amniotic fluid is about ten percent of the total increase.
- Uterus. A woman's main reproductive organ invariably grows so that the baby can fit in it until birth. The weight of the uterus by the end of gestation reaches a whole kilogram, and this is approximately 10% of the total increase.
- Breast. Female breast begins to undergo changes from the very first weeks of pregnancy, and by childbirth it most often increases significantly due to the overgrown glandular tissue. It is easier for women to imagine these changes in volume.
But we are talking about weight, and therefore it is worth taking into account that the weight of a grown breast on average is about 600 grams, which is about 2-3% of the total weight gain of the expectant mother.
- Blood volume. In a pregnant woman's body, the volume of freely circulating blood is increased by approximately 2 times compared to non-pregnant women. On average, the mass of blood pumped by the expectant mother’s heart is about one and a half kilograms.
- Cellular and intercellular fluids. Their weight in the body of the expectant mother can approach 2 kilograms. And together with the volume of blood we talked about above, fluids account for about a quarter of all weight gain.
- Fat reserves. The pregnant woman's body begins to take care in advance to store fat as a source of energy for the upcoming birth and postpartum period. About 3-4 kilograms of fat are deposited in the body of the expectant mother, which is about 30% of the total weight gain.
Enter the first day of your last menstrual period
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Changes in body weightThe dynamics of pregnancy body weight growth are not the same at different times:
- During the first half of gestation, a woman on average gains about 40% of the total increase.
- During the second half of pregnancy, the increase is about 60% of the total number of kilograms acquired during the entire period of gestation.
In the early stages, the hormone progesterone is responsible for the accumulation of fat. It triggers a lot of processes in the expectant mother’s body aimed at preserving and further developing the embryo. Creating a fat “reserve” is also one of the mechanisms for the preservation and well-being of the fetus.
In the second trimester, the placenta begins to actively grow and develop, the amount of circulating blood increases, which invariably leads to an increase in body weight. Even if in the first trimester there was weight loss due to toxicosis and lack of appetite, in the middle of pregnancy, when the nausea subsides, the woman will be able to gain everything that was not gained in earlier stages.
In the third trimester, the amount of amniotic fluid begins to decrease, but weight continues to gain due to the fact that the child is actively gaining weight. Only in the last two to three weeks does the weight begin to decrease somewhat, since the baby has already gained its weight and the amount of amniotic fluid has reached its minimum. In addition, the pregnant woman’s body begins to physiologically prepare for childbirth, naturally freeing itself from everything unnecessary that could interfere with the birth process.
Normal weight gain depends on the woman’s weight before pregnancy. For a woman with her own normal weight, an increase of 10 to 15 kilograms over the entire period of gestation is considered correct. If a woman is slightly overweight, her normal weight gain can be considered to be no more than 11 kilograms. In obese women, the weight should increase by no more than 7-8 kilograms over nine months.
A doctor will help you correctly calculate an individual increase, who will take into account all the factors that influence the weight of a given expectant mother - her build, the presence multiple pregnancy etc.
On average, an increase of 200 grams per week is considered the norm during the first trimester. By week 12, a woman’s weight should increase by a maximum of 3-4 kilograms. In the second trimester, when appetite improves and toxicosis, if it existed, recedes, the increase is more intense - up to 400 grams per week. At the very end of pregnancy, the increase is usually no more than 100-150 grams per week.
During the first visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist, when a woman applies for registration, her height and weight will be measured.
If the expectant mother knows her parameters before pregnancy, she must inform the doctor about them.
Based on these two values, the doctor will calculate BMI (body mass index), which will allow you to judge whether weight gain is correct or excessive throughout pregnancy. Body mass index is weight divided by height squared.
For example, a woman weighs 55 kilograms and her height is 1 meter 60 centimeters. The calculations will look like this: 55/ (1.6^2). It turns out that this woman’s BMI is approximately 21.5. This corresponds to normal weight, and an increase of 10-13 kilograms in this case will not be considered pathological.
Depending on what the BMI turns out to be, the woman will be given the maximum permissible increase limit:
- A BMI below 18.5 is underweight; such a woman’s weight gain during pregnancy can reach up to 18 kilograms, and this will be quite normal;
- BMI from 18.5 to 25 - normal weight, the increase can be from 10 to 15 kilograms;
- BMI from 25 to 30 – overweight, the gain should not exceed 9-10 kilograms;
- A BMI of 30 and above is obesity, and weight gain above 7 kilograms during the entire gestation period will be considered pathological.
If a woman is carrying not just one baby, but twins or triplets, then the growth rates will be completely different compared to a singleton pregnancy.
Increase rates for the entire period - table:
When calculating the individual norm, different antenatal clinics use different standards the relationship between real weight and body mass index. We discussed above the most popular rating system. However, in some consultations, doctors use a different system, the international one, according to which a BMI below 19.8 is considered normal weight, above 19.8 to 26 is overweight, and above 26 is considered obese.
The body mass index itself is calculated in exactly the same way as indicated above. Based on the results obtained, you can calculate your individual increase by week and month. Depending on the system by which BMI was calculated, the growth rates may look like this.
Table of increases by week according to different BMI calculations:
Gestation period, weeks | BMI less than 18.5 (kg) | BMI from 18.5 to 25 (kg) | BMI over 30 (kg) | BMI less than 19.8 (kg) | BMI from 19.8 to 26 (kg) | BMI over 26 (kg) |
No more than 3.3 | No more than 2.6 | No more than 1.2 | ||||
No more than 3.6 | No more than 3 | No more than 1.4 | ||||
No more than 4.1 | No more than 3.5 | No more than 1.8 | ||||
No more than 4.6 | No more than 4 | No more than 2.3 | ||||
No more than 5.3 | No more than 4.9 | No more than 2.6 | ||||
No more than 6 | No more than 5.8 | No more than 2.9 | ||||
No more than 6.6 | No more than 6.4 | No more than 3.1 | ||||
No more than 7.2 | No more than 7.0 | No more than 3.4 | ||||
No more than 7.9 | No more than 7.8 | No more than 3.6 | ||||
No more than 8.6 | No more than 8.5 | No more than 3.9 | ||||
No more than 9.3 | No more than 9.3 | No more than 4.4 | ||||
No more than 10 | No more than 10 | No more than 5 | ||||
No more than 11.8 | No more than 10.5 | No more than 5.2 | ||||
No more than 13 | No more than 11 | No more than 5.4 | ||||
No more than 13.5 | No more than 11.5 | No more than 5.7 | ||||
No more than 14 | No more than 12 | No more than 5.9 | ||||
No more than 14.5 | No more than 12.5 | No more than 6.1 | ||||
No more than 15 | No more than 13 | No more than 6.4 | ||||
No more than 16 | No more than 14 | No more than 7.3 | ||||
No more than 17 | No more than 15 | No more than 7.9 | ||||
No more than 18 | No more than 16 | No more than 8.9 | ||||
No more than 18 | No more than 16 | No more than 9.1 | ||||
Using this table, it will be quite easy for a woman with any body mass index, no matter how it is calculated, to understand how much weight she should gain by week and month.
However, the indicated values are just basic, averaged, demonstrating the rate of weight gain at different body mass indexes of the expectant mother before pregnancy.
The rate of weight gain in each specific case is individual, and only careful observation of its dynamics allows the doctor to judge whether everything is okay with the expectant mother and her baby, and whether there are any pregnancy pathologies.
The dynamics of changes in the body weight of the expectant mother are monitored at each scheduled visit to the doctor in the antenatal clinic. And here expectant mothers have a lot of questions related to the fact that weighing in the office shows completely different numbers than home scales.
Women should definitely take into account that at home they are weighed in a minimum amount of clothing, while at the consultation they are dressed and wearing shoes, so an experienced doctor will always make adjustments for the pregnant woman’s outfit.
In addition, weighing, with all the apparent ease of this procedure, requires proper preparation, in otherwise the scales at the antenatal clinic will show a weight that exceeds the actual one, and quite significantly. Before weighing yourself at home or going to see an obstetrician-gynecologist, a woman should remember the rules for proper weighing:
- It is best to weigh yourself in the morning;
- when weighing at home, measurements should be taken on the same day every week, so the dynamics will be more obvious;
- It is advisable to take measurements on an empty stomach;
- home weighing is carried out in a minimum amount of clothing, naked is possible;
- Before weighing, you should definitely go to the toilet and rid your bladder of urine and your intestines of accumulated feces.
If the data on the scales at the antenatal clinic differs by more than a kilogram from home measurements, the woman must have a calendar in which she will indicate her gain, measured according to all the rules at home.
You can take the calendar with you to your appointment and show it to the doctor. In the pregnant woman’s medical record, the doctor draws a graph of weight gain at each appointment. A woman exactly like this can draw on her own at home, this will help to notice in time the periods when the expectant mother begins to gain excess weight, the periods when the weight stops or begins to fall. An uneven schedule is always an alarming sign that should definitely be discussed with your doctor.
A strong and sharp increase may indicate the onset of gestosis, the appearance of internal edema that is not visible upon external examination. If the weight grows slowly and changes little not only by week, but also by month, this may indicate various pathologies in the development of the child, the placenta, a decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid and other unpleasant processes.
As we have already found out, the norms are individual, but the rate of weight gain is of great importance. Even if a woman has a weight during weighing that fits into the normal range according to the table, but just a week ago the weight was significantly lower, then such an increase, although quite adequate, is unlikely to please the doctor.
It is important that the body weight of the expectant mother increases gradually, smoothly, at intervals acceptable at different periods.
Women tend to underestimate such a criterion as their own weight during pregnancy. On numerous forums for expectant mothers, women often say that the doctor is “terrorizing” them by forcing them to lose weight, and unanimously “competently” advise each other to “not pay attention to it.”
Lack of weight
Excess weight
Excess weight during the period of bearing a child is considered to be such an increase in which:
- in a week the woman gained more than 2 kilograms (at any stage of gestation);
- during the first trimester, the expectant mother “gained weight” by 4 kilograms or more;
- if in the second trimester a woman gains more than one and a half kilograms every month;
- if in the third trimester the increase per week exceeds 800 grams.
Excess weight is quite real risk development of late toxicosis. Swelling can be external, which a woman can easily see herself by the characteristic marks from the elastic bands of socks, due to the inability to put on or take off wedding ring. Swelling usually occurs in the wrists, face and ankles. But even if there are no visible edemas, this does not mean that there are no internal edemas, which are much more dangerous and insidious.
Normal blood flow in the mother-placenta-fetus system is disrupted due to edema and changes in blood pressure. As a result, the baby receives less nutrients and oxygen necessary for its proper development.
Excess kilograms and active weight gain beyond the norm are also dangerous for the risk of premature birth before the 30th week, as well as post-term pregnancy after the 39th week.
An excessive increase in 30% of cases leads to early aging placenta, which means that the baby will not receive such important last weeks pregnancy, a large amount of nutrients that are very necessary for him in preparation for the upcoming birth.
Extra pounds often lead to the appearance of hemorrhoids, varicose veins, as well as weakness of labor forces during childbirth, as a result of which doctors have to perform an unscheduled emergency cesarean section to save the baby’s life.
Aging of the placenta
Lack of body weight during pregnancy leads to various forms of fetal malnutrition. The baby does not receive enough of the substances and vitamins he needs. In 80% of cases, in women with too little gain, children are born weaker, with a small body weight, pronounced hypotrophy (insufficient amount of subcutaneous fat). Such children have a harder time adapting to the environment, and thermoregulation processes are more difficult for them.
Intrauterine growth restriction increases the risk congenital diseases neurological nature, as well as hormonal disorders, the consequences of which can affect any system and any organ in the baby’s body.
Sometimes a small increase or lack of increase is due to the fact that a woman is literally starving and does not have enough to eat. This happens not only in socially disadvantaged families, but also in expectant mothers with a complete lack of appetite due to pregnancy toxicosis. This leads to a deficiency in estrogen levels, and the likelihood of early miscarriage, termination of pregnancy and premature birth in the middle and end of gestation increases tenfold.
Weight gain of less than 800 grams in the first trimester, less than 5 kilograms in the second and less than 7 kilograms in the third trimester, closer to the 36th week of pregnancy, is considered insufficient.
If weight is gained too sharply, intermittently, intermediate weighings show that the gain is pathological, the woman is prescribed a hormone test, because in addition to overeating, the reason for such “behavior” of body weight may also lie in hormonal imbalance.
If this version is confirmed, then the woman is given hormonal therapy, as a result of which hormonal levels are restored and problems with intense weight gain are solved.
If the reason is overeating and little physical activity (and many pregnant women, alas, are sure that they need to eat for two, and that it is harmful to overload themselves with walking and swimming), then a universal diet for pregnant women is recommended.
The expectant mother should eat 5-6 times a day, every 3-4 hours, with the exception of the time allotted for night sleep.
Single servings should be reduced to such a volume that the amount of food can visually fit in the woman’s palm if she folds it in a boat.
After 28-29 weeks, fasting days are allowed. Once a week, a pregnant woman is allowed to take half a kilo of low-fat cottage cheese or 400 grams of boiled buckwheat, or a liter, 5-6 times. fermented milk products. Sugar and salt are completely prohibited on fasting days.
Depending on how intense the weight gain is, the woman is set the number of calories that can be gained per day. Most often it is 2200-2500 Kcal. Diet food websites have counters that allow you to quickly find out the number of calories in both individual products, and in ready-made dishes. This will help you easily calculate the menu for the week, month and every day.
The last meal should be taken no later than 2-3 hours before going to bed. All dishes are prepared without frying, deep-frying, or a lot of spices. They also monitor the drinking regime - a woman should drink from 1.5 to 2 liters of clean water per day.
Allowed foods and dishes are cabbage, zucchini, porridge, apricots, watermelon, apples, buckwheat, oatmeal, rice, milk, beef, veal, turkey, chicken, rabbit, cottage cheese without a high fat content.
Prohibited foods - chocolate, baked goods, fatty pork, smoked sausages and fish, everything fried, salted, pickled, peas, beans, semolina, barley, fast food, ice cream, condensed milk, grapes, bananas, canned food (meat and fish) ).
The amount of salt is reduced to 5 grams per day. It is better to give up sugar altogether and replace it with slow carbohydrates (sweet fruits and cereals). Carbonated drinks, syrups, and beer are not allowed.
Special gymnastic exercises, walks in the fresh air, swimming, and yoga come to the aid of pregnant women who are trying to take control of their weight and reduce it. If there are no contraindications, the doctor will definitely advise you to increase physical activity. This will help, together with nutritional correction, to bring the increase to acceptable standards.
If a woman is underweight or underweight, the doctor will also be required to give a referral for examination by a gastroenterologist and endocrinologist. If a woman does not have gastrointestinal diseases or hormonal problems, she will also undergo nutritional correction.
The calorie content of her daily diet should exceed 2500 – 3000 Kcal. The diet must include butter and vegetable oil, pearl barley and semolina, peas and beans, baked goods, fatty fish and meats.
The ban, as with excess weight, applies to smoked, pickled and fried foods. The rest of the approach to the diet is the same. Preferably split meals, with a normal volume of portions, make sure that the content of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in her diet is sufficient. In addition to correcting nutrition, the doctor prescribes vitamin complexes so that the baby can receive the necessary nutrients from the mother’s blood.
If a woman has severe toxicosis, in which literally “a piece does not fit into the throat,” the woman will have to adapt to this unpleasant state and force herself to eat at least in small portions in the intervals between attacks of toxicosis.
You should choose moments for this when nausea is unlikely to occur.
Many expectant mothers with painful toxicosis eat in bed at night or try to eat only in the fresh air.
If, along with insufficient weight gain, fetal growth retardation is diagnosed, the woman will have to undergo treatment in a hospital setting, where she will be injected and dripped with the necessary drugs that improve uteroplacental blood flow, vitamins, and will also be given all the recommendations for organizing a high-calorie diet.
Usually, after such measures, the body weight of the expectant mother increases, and, although the average increase is at the lower limit of the norm, it still fits into it. Such a pregnant woman may be advised to have more frequent ultrasound scans to monitor the development of the placenta and baby, as well as to conduct a preliminary analysis of its estimated body weight.
An obstetrician-gynecologist will tell you about important facts about weight during pregnancy in the next video.
