Contents
- 1 Third month: how many weeks it corresponds to
- 2 Third month of pregnancy: what happens to the mother
- 3 Third month of pregnancy: what happens to the baby
- 4 Symptoms of the third month of pregnancy
- 5 Third month of pregnancy and miscarriage
- 6 Third month of pregnancy: what tests to do
- 7 Third month of pregnancy: useful tips
- 8 The ninth week of pregnancy
- 9 The XNUMXth week of pregnancy
- 10 The XNUMXth week of pregnancy
- 11 The twelfth week of pregnancy
The end of the first quarter is a highly anticipated milestone for expectant mothers. In most cases, after the third month of pregnancy the nausea disappears (or at least is reduced), in general you feel a little better and - most important of all - the danger of a miscarriage decreases. This month is therefore considered a sort of transition to a more peaceful period of gestation. Although of course there are always exceptions. Let's see together what there is to know.
Third month: how many weeks it corresponds to
The third month of pregnancy ranges from 8 + 6 (8 weeks and 6 days) to 13 + 1 (13 weeks and one day). At the beginning of the 14th week, the second trimester of pregnancy begins.
Third month of pregnancy: what happens to the mother
At this point in her pregnancy, the first hint of a tummy may have appeared. It seems that this happens earlier from the second child onwards, although there are no scientific certainties on this aspect. The clothes worn so far are starting to feel a little tight and you feel the need to wear something much more comfortable.
What does the scale say? There may already have been weight gain, brought about by the most intense hunger. Or you may even have lost weight. This happens when nausea prevents you from eating or, even worse, when there are multiple episodes of vomiting in a day. Ever heard of hyperemesis gravidarum? It is a very annoying disorder, although fortunately not very widespread. We speak of hyperemesis gravidarum when the vomiting is very stubborn, occurs many times a day and often requires hospitalization to rehydrate the pregnant woman. Sometimes it remains even after the third month of pregnancy. The most unfortunate ones carry it with them until delivery.
The uterus continues to enlarge, as does the breasts. The blood volume increases and this can lead to some headaches. For pharmacological remedies it is always advisable to consult the gynecologist. There are medicines compatible with pregnancy, but they should never be taken on their own terms.
Third month of pregnancy: what happens to the baby
The little one grows constantly. All organs are forming and will continue to form throughout the pregnancy. In this period it is very important not to expose yourself to harmful substances that can have negative consequences on fetal development. Some drugs also fall into this category.
Of course you can't feel it yet, but it moves a lot in your belly. At the end of the third month of pregnancy she will weigh around 12-15 grams. The largest part is the head, which makes it look like a tadpole. His sex is already defined, but it is very difficult that he can already be recognizable on the ultrasound. You must have a little patience ...
Symptoms of the third month of pregnancy
Considering that pregnancy symptoms are very subjective, during the third month you may experience:
- nausea, often accompanied by vomiting (around the tenth week there is the peak of the beta Hcg hormone which then slowly decreases).
- Digestive disturbances (for example, heartburn).
- Tiredness.
- Insomnia.
- Red and bleeding gums (estrogen fault).
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Sore breasts (Montgomery's tubercles, small bumps, may appear on the nipples).
As always, symptoms vary from woman to woman. For example, some have shiny and gorgeous hair, while others have dry and dull hair. Some have silky skin, while others are filled with pimples and impurities. It all depends on how the body reacts to hormonal changes.
Third month of pregnancy and miscarriage
The first quarter is considered to be the most "difficult". Statistically it is the one in which spontaneous termination of pregnancy occurs most often. The reasons behind a miscarriage are many, but in the vast majority of cases, there is a genetic problem at the origin of this event. And - unfortunately or fortunately - Nature provides for itself.
After the third month of pregnancy, however, the chances of a miscarriage are reduced. It cannot be said that they disappear completely: it is an eventuality that persists throughout gestation and the reasons for which it happens are the most diverse (from a placental abruption to an infection). After the 24th week there is no longer talk of spontaneous abortion, but of intrauterine fetal death.
Third month of pregnancy: what tests to do
If you have not already done so, the first obstetric examination must be done within the tenth week, together with the gynecological examination. In this circumstance, the pregnancy is dated and the presumed date of delivery is established, the implantation of the embryo is checked and some initial measures are taken.
Ultrascreening is proposed between weeks 11 and 13. As the name suggests, it is a screening test to calculate the risk of developing certain diseases, including Down syndrome. The exam consists of nuchal translucency (which measures the baby's nuchal fold) and a blood sample (Free Beta-HCG and PAPP-A). It does not give diagnostic certainty, but a probability that the child is suffering from diseases.
On medical indication (for example if ultra-screening gives a high risk), CVS can be performed. It consists in the sampling, through a needle in the abdomen, of chorionic villi, that is, of the placenta. It allows you to diagnose various genetic diseases such as trisomies 18 and 21. For women with an increased risk, CVS is exempt from paying the ticket. Together with amniocentesis (which consists in the removal of amniotic fluid, but has the same purpose), it is an invasive method. However, if done by expert hands, the risks are very low.
An alternative without any danger is the search for fetal DNA in the maternal blood. Tests are carried out through a blood sample to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Although the reliability is quite high, this test does not give diagnostic certainty. What he says with certainty is the sex of the unborn child.
Third month of pregnancy: useful tips
- Listen to the body's signals. If you are very tired, compatibly with your lifestyle, try to rest. You are still in the first quarter, the most "delicate" one, so the needs of your body must be met.
- Do light physical activity. Unless there are precise contraindications from the gynecologist (abortion threat, previous premature births, particular pathologies), a little movement will do you very well. It must be moderate, but constant. The ideal sports? Swimming, yoga, gentle gymnastics. To every expectant mother her favorite.
- Stop smoking. If you haven't already, now is the time to do it. True: some doctors claim that 4-5 cigarettes a day are not harmful in pregnancy. But why risk it? It almost goes without saying that the same is true for alcohol.
- Don't forget folic acid. It is crucial to prevent neural tube defects.
- Eat healthily and correctly. From the first months it is essential to choose the best foods, avoiding "junk food" and preferring the typical products of the current season. If you start overweight, get a nutritionist to follow you so you can plan your diet without putting on too much weight.
- Wear comfortable clothes. If the waistline widens, try to wear comfortable clothes that do not tighten too much. And always choose natural fabrics (especially in summer). Synthetic ones could irritate or cause annoying allergies.
The ninth week of pregnancy
From the ninth week of pregnancy, there is no longer an embryo in your uterus, but a full-fledged fetus. And his heart gallops much faster than an adult. It will be like this throughout gestation.
The XNUMXth week of pregnancy
During this time you may feel like a real… "crap". All the fault of the beta hormone Hcg which, during the XNUMXth week of pregnancy, reaches its peak. Then things should improve (even if the conditional is a must).
The XNUMXth week of pregnancy
In the XNUMXth week of pregnancy, the uterus reaches and exceeds the size of a grapefruit. Thus begins the most frequent comings and goings from the bathroom for pee. Better if you get used to it: it is a symptom destined to accentuate.
The twelfth week of pregnancy
We're almost there: the twelfth week of pregnancy is the last remnant of the first trimester. Soon you will be able to experience this wonderful adventure in a more peaceful way. And you will probably feel better physically as well.
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