We continue to talk about how mother and baby feel at different stages of pregnancy. To questions from a journalist FAN answers our permanent expert, candidate of medical sciences, obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist Maria Prokhorova.
The time has come for the 12th week of pregnancy, which ends the difficult and exciting first trimester. The greatest vulnerability of the embryo to external environmental conditions is behind us, all associated fears and anxieties are behind us, toxicosis is slowly receding, and ahead of the expectant mother is a pleasant and calm state, which lasts from approximately 12 to 24 weeks and is called the “golden” period of pregnancy.
The interesting position remains a mystery to others, and the barely noticeable growth of the belly is still easy to hide under looser clothing. It is, of course, too early for the first movements, but the hormonal storm has calmed down a little, the woman has already gotten used to her new state and is preparing every day for the responsible role of a future mother.
At this stage, the baby is still too small to show any noticeable presence inside the abdomen, and the woman can’t wait to see what the baby looks like, at least in an ultrasound photo. Well, soon she will be given such an opportunity, because the 12th obstetric week of pregnancy is the optimal period for carrying out the all-important first screening.
We will tell you what interesting things happen to the baby and mother during this period, what examinations need to be completed to make sure that everything is going as it should.
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Interesting Facts
| Options | Indications |
| Time from conception | 10 weeks |
| Period by month | 12 weeks |
| What month | 3 |
| Dimensions and weight of the fetus | 60-80 mm, 10-14 g |
| Uterus dimensions | In the pelvis, 12-13 cm in diameter |
Your baby is the size of
Kiwi
60-80mm Size
10-14 g Weight
Congratulations! You have passed the first milestone. You are 12 obstetric weeks pregnant. How much is this? You are in the 3rd month of gestation, the 2nd trimester begins. If you count the period from conception, then you have 10 weeks of gestation. What happens to mother and baby at this time? How does the fetus develop? What tests should a woman undergo? First things first.
Feelings of the expectant mother
The 1st trimester is ending, the most unpredictable and dangerous in terms of the risk of miscarriage. The baby has already “settled in” in the womb, and the expectant mother’s body has become accustomed to its new position. Most often, a woman at this stage of pregnancy feels good: the symptoms of toxicosis go away or have already disappeared, and emotional excitability has decreased.
What happens to a woman's body?
- The uterus has grown to 10 cm in width and has shifted somewhat into the abdominal cavity. Therefore, the urge to urinate becomes less frequent.
- Normal weight gain is 1.5-3 kg. The belly is not yet growing or growing slightly: it all depends on the general structure of the body and the number of pregnancies.
- A decrease in the amount of progesterone can affect the condition of the skin: dryness, flaking, acne.
- The first swelling may appear. Under the influence of hormones, the sodium content increases, which attracts fluid.
- The heart rate increases, which is associated with an increase in blood flow and increased load on the heart.
But there is also a nice bonus. Due to the high concentration of estrogen, the condition of the hair significantly improves: it becomes thicker and more voluminous.
In the early stages, the symptoms of multiple pregnancy are no different from those of a normal pregnancy, and it can only be suspected by the unusually rapid enlargement of the uterus and the size of the abdomen.
In the second half of pregnancy, signs of multiple pregnancy are: a rapid increase in the height and circumference of the abdomen; sensation of fetal movement in different places at the same time; palpating small parts of the fetus (arms, legs) in different places of the abdomen; palpation of three or more large parts of the fruit (head, pelvis); the appearance of a furrow (a distinct border between the fetuses on the abdomen (anterior abdominal wall)) between the fetuses; the feeling of the fetal heartbeat in two or more different places of the uterus, the presence of a “silent zone” between them (an area where the heartbeat is not heard), the heart rhythm is different at different points.
Also, during multiple pregnancy in later stages, women more often suffer from shortness of breath, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), increased blood pressure, and edema. Incubation period As a rule, doubtful (feelings that appear in women that are characteristic of pregnancy, but do not guarantee its presence, since they can occur outside of it) signs of pregnancy begin to appear at 3-4 weeks of pregnancy. The first day of delayed menstruation usually corresponds to 4–5 weeks of pregnancy, but sometimes menstruation can occur even after pregnancy has occurred, and a significant decrease in the volume of menstrual flow is usually observed. In rare cases, menstrual function does not stop throughout pregnancy, but this is not the norm, but indicates a hormonal imbalance (disorder). An increase in the level of hCG (chorionic gonadotropin - the “pregnancy hormone”) is observed from the moment of implantation of the fetus, that is, its attachment to the uterine wall (on the 8th to 12th day after conception), and therefore modern highly sensitive tests for determining pregnancy can detect changes in the level of hCG already from the first day of missed menstruation. Reliable signs of pregnancy, with the exception of ultrasound signs, are determined in the second trimester of pregnancy. Ultrasound detection of pregnancy is possible from the 5th week with a transabdominal examination (the sensor is applied to the abdomen), and with a transvaginal examination (the sensor is inserted into the vagina), pregnancy can be detected as early as 4-5 weeks. Sometimes, with an early ultrasound, it is not possible to immediately determine that the pregnancy is multiple, but at 11–12 weeks, ultrasound helps to accurately determine the number of fetuses in the uterus and assess their condition. Forms Pregnancy is conventionally divided into two periods: embryonic (fetal) - up to the 10th obstetric week. During this period, fertilization, cell division, movement of the fertilized egg from the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity, implantation (attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus), development of germ layers (buds - building material for future organs) and the formation of organs and systems occurs; fetal (fetus) – from the 11th obstetric week until birth. During this period, the fetus increases in size, develops and improves its organs and systems. Also, pregnancy is usually divided into trimesters (1, 2, 3), respectively, three months each (up to 12 weeks, 13 - 28 weeks, 29 - 40 weeks). In a multiple pregnancy, twins can be identical (occur when a fertilized egg is completely divided into two and have the same genetic data) or fraternal (implantation (attachment to the wall of the uterus) of two or more different fertilized eggs occurs). Depending on how the placenta and decidua are located (the organs responsible for nutrition, functioning and protection of the fetus in the uterine cavity), they distinguish: monochorionic, monoamniotic twins - twins have a common placenta, there is no septum between them (they are in the same amniotic sac ); monochorionic, diamniotic twins - twins have a common placenta, in the fetal bladder there is a septum between them; dichorionic, diamniotic twins - twins have a separate placenta. Causes Pregnancy occurs as a result of fertilization of an egg by a sperm, which occurs in the upper third of the fallopian tube. Next, the fertilized egg moves through the fallopian tube and enters the uterine cavity, where it attaches to the wall of the uterus (this happens on days 20–22 of the cycle). From this moment, changes begin to occur in the woman’s hormonal background: the corpus luteum (temporary formation) in the woman’s ovary, formed during ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary), begins to produce the hormone progesterone, and the resulting chorion (the organ responsible for attaching the embryo to the wall of the uterus) produces hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin. The woman’s body adjusts to pregnancy, and signs of pregnancy gradually begin to appear. If for some reason implantation (attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus) does not occur, then the mechanisms of pregnancy do not start, the fertilized egg dies without nutrition and comes out during menstruation. Multiple pregnancies can occur as a result of two mechanisms: the maturation and fertilization of two or more eggs at once, and in this case a fraternal pregnancy occurs; the division of a fertilized egg (zygote) into two or more parts shortly after fertilization, in which case the pregnancy is identical. Also, multiple pregnancies often occur with artificial insemination, when, to increase the success of the procedure, several embryos are implanted into the uterus at once, and they take root. The most favorable period for conception is the middle of the cycle (2-3 weeks of the menstrual cycle), when ovulation occurs (the release of the egg from the ovary). However, due to the fact that male and female reproductive cells have a certain lifespan (the lifespan of an egg is 24 hours, sperm is 2-5 days), and also due to disruptions in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy can occur at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle , but less likely. LookMedBook reminds: the sooner you seek help from a specialist, the greater the chance of maintaining health and reducing the risk of complications: Diagnostics A doctor can diagnose pregnancy based on: analysis of a woman’s complaints - delayed menstruation, nausea, vomiting, general malaise, weakness, drowsiness, engorgement and soreness of the mammary glands, etc.; analysis of menstrual function (date of last menstruation, average duration of the menstrual cycle, date of the expected next menstruation, possible conception, etc.); home test results to determine pregnancy. These tests are based on the determination of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is excreted in the urine after implantation (attachment to the wall of the uterus) of the fertilized egg. These tests, if the technique is followed, are quite accurate and can detect an increase in hCG levels from the first day of missed menstruation (especially in morning urine, which is the most concentrated); gynecological examination data (the gynecologist can detect an enlarged uterus and other gynecological signs of pregnancy); ultrasound data (ultrasound examination) of the pelvic organs. An ultrasound before 10–11 weeks is usually prescribed if the doctor has doubts about the localization (location) of pregnancy (uterine or ectopic) or if a frozen pregnancy is suspected (a condition in which the embryo or fetus in the uterus stops developing and dies ); indicators of the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the blood. When observing a pregnant woman, the doctor may note a more rapid increase in the size of the uterus, in which case an ultrasound is performed at an earlier stage to confirm a multiple pregnancy. The doctor also prescribes a series of tests for the pregnant woman (blood, urine, tests for certain infections - toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, chlamydial, mycoplasma infections, herpes simplex virus type 1, 2, etc.) and consultations with specialists (therapist, dentist, ophthalmologist) to identify concomitant diseases that may complicate the course of pregnancy. Complications and consequences Complications of multiple pregnancy can be: toxicosis of pregnant women - a complication that usually manifests itself in the first half of pregnancy and can be manifested by dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting), salivation, impaired liver function (hepatosis); gestosis is a complication of pregnancy, characterized by dysfunction of vital organs and systems, usually occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy. Preeclampsia can be mild, moderate or severe. Preeclampsia is manifested by increased blood pressure, edema, and the release of protein in the urine (proteinuria); preeclampsia and eclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition of a pregnant woman’s body that occurs against the background of the development of severe gestosis, which is characterized by increased blood pressure, dizziness, flashing spots before the eyes, and clouding of consciousness. If no measures are taken to help the pregnant woman and lower blood pressure, then preeclampsia can develop into eclampsia - a serious condition that threatens the life of the mother and child. An attack of eclampsia manifests itself in the form of a convulsive attack with loss of consciousness, which lasts from several tens of seconds to several minutes. After the attack, the woman is unconscious or comatose. The development of eclampsia can lead to the death of the mother and fetus, and therefore may require urgent surgical delivery (caesarean section) regardless of the stage of pregnancy; miscarriage – spontaneous termination of pregnancy before 37 weeks. Termination of pregnancy before the 20th week is called a miscarriage, from 20 to 37 weeks - premature birth. If a woman has three or more miscarriages, then in this case they speak of habitual miscarriage; threatened miscarriage (threatened miscarriage) - increased tone (tension) of the uterus, the appearance of nagging, cramping pain in the lower abdomen in a pregnant woman. Bloody or abundant clear vaginal discharge (bleeding, premature rupture of amniotic fluid) may also appear. All these symptoms require immediate hospitalization of the woman; threat of premature birth - the appearance of signs of incipient labor (increased uterine tone, pain in the lower abdomen, contractions, discharge of amniotic fluid) from 28 to 37 weeks of pregnancy; premature pregnancy (premature birth) - the birth of a child for a period of 20 to 37 weeks; post-term pregnancy - birth of a child at 42 weeks or more; non-developing (frozen) pregnancy – cessation of development of the embryo (up to 10 weeks of pregnancy) or fetus and its death; intrauterine fetal death (after 28 weeks of pregnancy); isoserological incompatibility (incompatibility of the blood of mother and fetus according to the Rh factor or blood group, as a result of which the mother’s body begins to produce antibodies (protective substances) that damage the fetus and can cause frozen pregnancy or miscarriage; anemia of pregnant women; gestational diabetes - a disorder in the endocrine system women, similar to diabetes mellitus (increased blood sugar), which occurs during pregnancy in some women and usually goes away after childbirth; placental insufficiency - impaired function of the placenta (the organ that provides nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus), decreased blood flow through placenta and deterioration of nutrition and oxygen supply to the fetus); obstetric hemorrhage; placenta previa; premature detachment of a normally located placenta; ectopic pregnancy - attachment and further development of a fertilized egg not in the uterine cavity, but in the fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy) or in the abdominal cavity (abdominal pregnancy); fetofetal transfusion syndrome is a specific complication of multiple pregnancy in identical twins who share a placenta (an organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus). With this syndrome, there is an excessive supply of blood to one fetus and an insufficient supply to the other, as a result of which the condition of both fetuses is disrupted until the death of one or both of them. Prevention of multiple pregnancy In order for a child to be born healthy, and to prevent the development of complications during pregnancy, a woman must adhere to the following recommendations: planning pregnancy. A planned pregnancy creates the best conditions for the conception and development of a child. A couple planning a pregnancy should consult a gynecologist (urologist), be examined for sexually transmitted infections and, if necessary, treat them. It is also advisable to undergo medical genetic counseling, especially if there are hereditary diseases in relatives. When planning a pregnancy, a couple needs to eat right, quit smoking and alcohol, and take a course of vitamins; examination for TORCH infections. It is advisable for a woman planning a pregnancy to undergo testing for toxoplasmosis (a hidden infectious disease that can be dangerous for the fetus, especially if infected before 12 weeks of pregnancy), the presence of antibodies to the rubella virus (if the woman did not have rubella before pregnancy, she It is necessary to get vaccinated), testing for herpes simplex virus types 1, 2 and cytomegalovirus infection. These infectious diseases (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus infection, herpes simplex virus type 1, 2) are combined into a single concept of TORCH infection - infections that are most dangerous for a woman if infected during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester; compliance by a pregnant woman with the principles of rational nutrition. During pregnancy, a woman's need for nutrients, vitamins and minerals increases. A pregnant woman's diet should be balanced, varied, providing the woman and child with all the necessary substances. There are two key points to remember: everything the mother eats passes through the bloodstream in the placenta to the baby; If a child needs something, but does not get enough of this substance from food, he can “borrow” the deficient substance from the mother’s body (for example, calcium). Of course, a pregnant woman should exclude alcohol, toxic (poisonous) and psychostimulant substances from her diet; it is advisable to limit substances containing caffeine (coffee, tea, cola) until complete refusal; all medications, herbs, and “folk remedies” can be used only after consulting a doctor; regular observation of a pregnant woman by an obstetrician-gynecologist, timely completion of examinations and tests, strict implementation of all recommendations. If the pregnant woman’s condition worsens or alarming symptoms appear, an unscheduled visit to the doctor; observance of personal hygiene rules by a pregnant woman, avoiding exposure to toxic and strong-smelling substances. It is advisable for a pregnant woman to avoid hair coloring and perm. Cosmetics for pregnant women should be hypoallergenic (not cause allergic reactions); wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. Clothes for pregnant women should preferably be made from natural fabrics, do not compress the stomach, are comfortable and functional. Shoes should be comfortable, loose, stable and non-slip. During pregnancy, a woman should avoid shoes with heels or platforms, as they increase the load on the spine; maintaining the physical shape of a pregnant woman. Pregnancy, if it proceeds without complications, is not a disease, and therefore does not serve as a contraindication for moderate physical activity or doing housework. It is only necessary to exclude heavy lifting, excessive stress on the abdominal muscles and situations that create a risk of injury to the woman. In late pregnancy, women's physical activity decreases somewhat. To prepare the body for childbirth and maintain muscle tone for a pregnant woman from an early stage, it is recommended to perform gymnastics for pregnant women, which can be recommended by a antenatal clinic doctor. Daily walks in the fresh air are also recommended. A woman with a multiple pregnancy is advised to rest on her side more often to reduce compression of the internal organs by the uterus; psychological preparation for childbirth and support. A woman during pregnancy is very vulnerable, susceptible to stress and negative emotions, and needs support and protection. It is necessary to exclude stressful situations and postpone the resolution of all conflicts and problems indefinitely. It is important to receive positive emotions, enjoy your condition, and drive away anxious thoughts that are typical for pregnant women, especially if this is your first pregnancy. If you have a difficult family situation or are unable to cope with anxiety on your own, you should seek help from a psychologist or psychotherapist. Additionally, planning your pregnancy is the key to its successful course. If for any reason pregnancy is currently undesirable, there are various methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy (contraception). These include: biological method: calendar method (exclusion of sexual intercourse or protection during the period of ovulation); interruption of sexual intercourse; barrier method: mechanical (condoms, vaginal rings, caps and diaphragms); chemical (spermicidal suppositories, gels and tablets); hormonal contraception: combined oral contraceptives (COCs); gestagens (mini-pills); hormonal plasters, rings, subcutaneous implants, hormonal intrauterine spiral; hormone inecations; emergency (postcoite) contraception; Intrauterine contraceptives (spirals).
What does a fetus look like at 12 weeks?
The size of the baby at 12 weeks of pregnancy is up to 6-8 cm from crown to tailbone, its approximate weight is 10-14 grams. He is already actively moving, although the woman cannot yet feel it. Facial features and facial expressions are more clearly visible: the child opens and closes his mouth, closes his eyes. Its structure is still disproportionate, the head is much larger than the body.
All organs and systems are rapidly developing:
- the muscles of the larynx master swallowing movements;
- taste buds begin to function;
- sucking and grasping reflexes appear;
- the retina, lens and cornea of the eye are forming, but the baby’s eyelids are still completely covered;
- nail plates are formed, the first hair coat appears on the body - lanugo;
- The inner part of the ear is formed.
At week 12, the fetal genital organs are already formed, but during the first ultrasound you are unlikely to be told the gender of the unborn child due to the high risk of error. The baby is practicing breathing movements. The kidneys are already working, producing urine, which enters the bladder and is excreted into the amniotic fluid. Calling a baby an embryo at 12 weeks is incorrect. This is a full-fledged fruit.
Why is it worth saving cord blood in Cryobank?
Today, more than 100 diseases can be cured using stem cells. The procedure for collecting umbilical cord blood is possible only at the birth of a child - at the moment of cutting the umbilical cord.
It is absolutely safe and painless for both the child and the mother in labor. When the days are counting, and there is no way to urgently find a suitable donor, then the only way out is treatment with stem cells. While searching for a donor takes months, preparing stem cells takes several hours.
A feeling of maximum peace of mind for the most valuable thing in life - for your children - is only possible if you are 100% sure that the right medicine is at hand. It is stored in the Cryobank of the Institute of Cell Therapy and is available to you and your family upon request.
placenta
Tests and ultrasound
Now is the optimal time for testing for fetal pathologies, or first screening. It detects genetic abnormalities in development. Knowing about the condition of the fetus, the woman and the medical staff can specially prepare for the birth of a special baby, or the woman still has the opportunity to terminate the pregnancy at this stage.
How to do screening at 12 weeks of pregnancy
The woman takes a blood test for the hCG hormone and PAPP-A protein, then an ultrasound examination is performed. Laboratory data and ultrasound results are entered into a special program that calculates risks taking into account the age of the expectant mother, the number of pregnancies, lifestyle (whether she or the expectant father smokes), and concomitant diseases. As a result, you receive a form where the risks of various chromosomal disorders in the fetus are indicated in percentage terms. A gynecologist will help you decipher the data.
Three weeks after IVF. Embryo development
In the third week of pregnancy after IVF, the embryo develops a neural tube. The gastrulation phase is completed and the embryo now has a neurula shape. At the site of the future spinal column, a gradually deepening bend is formed. When they meet, the edges of the depression form the neural tube, the precursor of the child’s brain and spinal cord. The formation of the heart rudiment also occurs.
During this same period, the growth of the placenta, a unique organ that provides protection and nutrition to the fetus, begins. The amnion and chorion are formed from the trophoblast and ectoderm. The amniotic cavity is filled with amniotic fluid, and the chorion begins to actively produce hCG. The size of the embryo reaches 4 mm and can already be seen on ultrasound.
Possible complications
At the twelfth week, a woman may experience the following unpleasant symptoms.
Unusual vaginal discharge
Normally, they should be light, whitish, with a slight sour odor. Mucus, pus, blood clots are symptoms of an inflammatory process. Usually accompanied by itching or a burning sensation.
Pain in the lower back and pelvic area
Caused by stretching of the ligaments that hold the uterus, as well as congestion due to a sedentary lifestyle. If pain does not bother you constantly and disappears when you change position or after self-massage, do not worry. If they are intense and accompanied by unusual discharge, such as brown or pink, you should seek medical help.
Decreased immunity and high risk of ARVI
Susceptibility to colds during pregnancy is explained by a lack of vitamins against the background of toxicosis, iron deficiency, and disruption of sleep and rest patterns. To protect yourself from complications, get a flu shot, and during the epidemic season, spend less time in crowded places. If you have a high temperature, you should call your doctor and tell him about your situation, since not all anti-fever medications are safe during pregnancy.
Do's and Don'ts
The twelfth week of pregnancy is a period when appetite significantly improves. But this does not mean that now you should start eating for two. Make sure your diet is balanced. It must include protein products: meat, fish, dairy products. The latter are also beneficial due to their high calcium content.
Include sources of vitamins and microelements in your menu: vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts, various vegetable oils. This is the best prevention of constipation, which pregnant women are prone to.
Checklist for 12 weeks of pregnancy
- If before the 12th week, flights could worsen the condition of the mother and fetus, then in the second trimester you can travel without fear.
- Start doing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This is an excellent prevention of involuntary urination during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Still have questions? You can always consult with specialists at the Women's Medical Center. We provide comprehensive pregnancy management and also perform 1 fetal screening based on the Delfia-LifeCycle system, the accuracy of which is 98%.
Central (complete) placenta previa
This is a more serious diagnosis than low placentation in pregnant women.
With central presentation, the placenta is located at the bottom of the uterus, blocking the exit from it. There is also partial presentation - marginal and lateral. In the first case, the placental tissue covers two-thirds of the exit from the uterus, in the second - no more than a third of its pharynx. In case of central placenta previa, delivery is carried out by caesarean section.