Physiological changes in a woman's body during pregnancy. Fetal development and woman's sensations

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 12:45

As soon as a woman's body receives a signal about the onset of pregnancy, it completely rebuilds and adjusts only to the only important goal - to provide the fetus with ideal conditions for development and growth. What changes will occur in the near future and when do signs of pregnancy appear? Read the article below for what to expect from your body.

Physiological changes in a woman's body during pregnancy

From the first second of implantation of the egg into the uterine cavity, the needs of the embryo will only increase. Naturally, the requests of the fetus cannot but entail cardinal changes in the woman's body. Moreover, this will affect all systems and even tissues.

Physiological changes during pregnancy appear from the first days of conception. But sometimes women, due to excessive employment, are not able to immediately catch the beginning of the process. Such women learn about their interesting position only when they need to register for pregnancy. Others, on the contrary, are aware of the birth of a new life literally from the first days.

In any case, from now on, the burden on the body of a pregnant woman will only increase. In order for the next 9 months to pass without complications, nature took care of the woman and the fetus to the smallest detail. In general, medical correction of the course of pregnancy is needed only in 10 percent of cases, in other cases, the adaptation of the body does not need external intervention.

Hormones run the orchestra

The main producers of female hormones - the ovaries - during pregnancy work at full capacity. In fact, they begin their work long before conception. In one of the ovaries, a corpus luteum is formed, which serves as a source of everything necessary for the embryo at the initial stage.

Chorion sheath begins to produce hCG. Its presence in the blood is already noticeable for a period of 3 weeks. It is these hormones that are a marker during pregnancy and are determined by test strips.

The yellow body, in turn, is able to produce hormones such as progesterone, a small dose of estrogen and relaxin. Progesterone is the basis for all vital physiological changes in a woman's body during pregnancy. In the fourth month, the placenta comes to the place of the corpus luteum. From now on, right up to the very birth, she will synthesize the necessary hormones and reliably protect the fetus.

The placenta also produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone and oxytocin. The first is the culprit of age spots onbody and staining of the nipples in a dark color. Oxytocin will be used to stimulate contractions and start labor.

Slightly increase the size of the thyroid gland. With the onset of pregnancy, the metabolism in the gland occurs 20% faster. Increased protein, carbohydrate, lipid metabolism. There is an accumulation of iron, phosphorus, calcium.

Cardiovascular system

During pregnancy, the most dramatic changes relate to the cardiovascular system. The volume of circulating blood increases. If a person normally has about 5 liters of blood, then with the onset of pregnancy, this figure gradually increases. So, by 32 weeks, blood volume increases by 45%.

As a result of a sharp increase in blood plasma, there is a lag in the growth of red blood cells and, as a result, physiological anemia. In addition, there are other changes in the composition, such as a decrease in hemoglobin concentration, folic acid levels and hematocrit.

Increase in blood volume is a direct need of the fetus. In addition to providing much more oxygen, nutrients, and more to the fetus, the increase in blood volume provides protection against hypotension syndrome, which is very likely in the supine position.

If we talk about changes in a woman's body during pregnancy regarding the cardiovascular system, one cannot but mention the changes in blood pressure. Starting from the third month of pregnancy, blood pressure, as a rule,somewhat lowered. However, according to observations of obstetricians, blood pressure rises more often from the third trimester.

What happens to a woman during pregnancy against the background of increased venous pressure:

• varicose veins;
• hemorrhoids;
• physiological swelling of the face, hands.

If the latter are reversible, then the first two must be cured in time.

What to do if varicose veins appear:

1. Active physical exercise is very useful, but you should give up standing and sitting for a long time.

2. As far as possible, keep your feet above heart level. This can be achieved by lifting them up or placing pillows under your feet.
3. Try to sleep on your right side.
4. Don't cross your legs.
5. Wear compression stockings.

If you have complaints about hemorrhoids or related problems, you should review your diet and add more fiber. In particularly difficult cases, you will have to contact a gynecologist with a request to select medicines.

Digestive system

Changes in a woman's body during pregnancy cannot but affect the gastrointestinal tract. Although each pregnancy is individual and proceeds differently, nevertheless, pregnant women most often present the following complaints:

1. Nausea, excessive salivation, vomiting. Most women suffer from early toxicosis. Relatedthis is due to the fact that the levels of hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin are lowered. About 90% of women note that unpleasant symptoms go away on their own at a period of 16-20 weeks, which just falls at the time when the baby begins to move during pregnancy.
2. Preferences change dramatically. What used to be liked is now disgusted, and the unloved, on the contrary, suddenly began to be liked.
3. Frequent constipation and, as a result, hemorrhoids. Hard stools can be caused by both the wrong diet and hormonal changes during pregnancy.
4. Heartburn, belching. This usually occurs in late pregnancy. Because the belly grows during pregnancy and puts a lot of pressure on the stomach. Next, reflux is observed, that is, the release of gastric juice into the esophagus.
5. Change in taste. This phenomenon is associated with a decrease in the sensitivity of receptors in the tongue.

By slightly adjusting your lifestyle and daily diet, you can significantly alleviate the discomfort and feelings of a woman during pregnancy and fetal development. Here's what the experts recommend:

1. Switch to fractional meals. Divide your meal into 4-6 times a day, and refrain from dinner at all 3 hours before bedtime.
2. Of course, it is very difficult for a pregnant woman to limit herself in food, in this case, at least exclude too fatty foods, coffee, chocolate from the diet. These foods can relax the stomach sphincter and promote heartburn.
3. After eating, it is forbidden to lie down immediately orbend over. Try the outdoors.
4. During sleep, you can slightly raise the level of the head, for example, with two pillows. In this way, stomach contents will not be thrown into the esophagus.
5. If you vomit frequently, it is recommended to drink 8 glasses of water (little by little) in order to replenish fluid reserves.

If you are very concerned about the above problems, and the recommendations of specialists do not help, you can try to solve the problem with medication. Only any drug, even the most harmless at first glance, must be agreed with the attending physician. In the most severe cases, inpatient treatment is possible.

Uterus and genitourinary system

Perhaps, as the main organ during pregnancy, the uterus undergoes tremendous changes. The initial mass of this organ is about 70 g, and for a period of 40 weeks - 1 kg. From the moment when signs of pregnancy appear, and until the very birth, the uterus increases 1000 times.

The state of the cervix is also changing. If at the very beginning it is denser, elongated and has a bluish color, then by the time of delivery the neck is shortened and becomes looser. The walls of the vagina increase in size, become elastic and loose. The nature of the discharge changes.

The volume of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration increases by 50%, resulting in an increase in the volume of urine excreted. It is not surprising that pregnant women complain about frequenturge to urinate.

The pelvis and the lumen of the ureters increase. This is due to the action of progesterone and an enlarged uterus.

Central nervous system

Everyone knows about the vulnerability and psychology of a pregnant woman. The first 4 months are especially difficult. During this period, inhibition of the central nervous system is noted, this is necessary to relax the muscle tone of the uterus.

There is increased excitability of peripheral nerves, which contributes to pain. For example, if before pregnancy there were discomfort in the lumbar or sacrum, now the sensations are perceived as severe pain.

What pregnant women usually complain about from the nervous system:

1. Excessive sleepiness. Sometimes it is difficult for pregnant women to concentrate, already because they constantly want to sleep.
2. Mood swings. Bitter tears can turn into bursting laughter in a few minutes.
3. Unbalanced. Because of the constantly changing mood of a pregnant woman, those close to her especially suffer.
4. Dizziness. Fainting is not uncommon.

It is worth remembering that all of the above symptoms are physiological in nature and do not pose any threat to the fetus. All ailments associated with the central nervous system, in most cases, disappear after childbirth.

Respiratory system

During pregnancy, the respiratory organs do not change as dramatically as the rest. When atpregnancy, the baby begins to move, the stomach grows and the uterus shifts the diaphragm upward, many women complain of a lack of air, this is especially noticeable in the later stages. In general, during pregnancy, lung volume increases by 30-40%, because oxygen is vital for the fetus, and during childbirth, this figure increases by 100%. The increased demand for oxygen leads to intense activity of the respiratory muscles, i.e. rapid breathing.

Because oxygen is important for both the fetus and the mother, a pregnant woman should be outdoors as often as possible, ideally by the sea or in a coniferous forest. Try to avoid enclosed spaces saturated with tobacco smoke.

Shortly before birth, the uterus descends, the diaphragm returns to normal and it becomes possible to breathe fully. At the same time, the heart rate remains unchanged on average.

The immune system of a pregnant woman

An embryo in the womb carries 50% of foreign information, therefore, in order for the mother's body not to reject and get rid of the fetus, changes in the immune system during pregnancy are inevitable.

From the first day of attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine cavity, the body receives a signal to lower immune responses. Hence - frequent inflammatory processes and exacerbations of chronic diseases. Exacerbations can affect the genitourinary system, respiratory tract, allergic reactions develop. There are relapseschlamydia, herpes, toxoplasmosis and other diseases.

Increases the risk of a pregnant woman contracting diseases such as:

• flu;
• polio;
• herpes;
• rubella;
• chickenpox;
• toxoplasmosis.

Particularly dangerous in terms of sensitivity to viruses are considered periods from the 6-8th and from the 20-27th week of pregnancy. Recommendations of experts to strengthen immunity:

1. Be hardened. Only without fanaticism, a contrast shower and walks in the fresh air are quite enough.
2. Don't neglect proper nutrition. The diet should be rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fiber.
3. Dose physical activity, try yoga or gymnastics for pregnant women.
4. Try not to visit crowded places, especially during periods of epidemics. Wear a mask if possible.

How and when does breast growth begin during pregnancy?

It is very difficult to say exactly when breasts begin to grow. Accelerated growth of the mammary glands begins from the first weeks of pregnancy. There is tightness of the skin of the chest, darkening of the nipples and halo. By the end of the first trimester, the breasts can increase by 1 size. At the same time, when breasts begin to grow during pregnancy, women often experience discomfort and even pain.

Second trimester breast growthsomewhat slowed down. Soreness gives way to sensitivity. Now the slightest touch to this area can contribute to discomfort. It is recommended to choose a bra made of natural fabrics and in size. It is advisable to abandon the "bones". The mass of the mammary glands by this time increases by 700-1000 g.

In the third trimester, a woman discovers colostrum for the first time. On the nipples, the ducts through which milk will be excreted are clearly visible. Probably the appearance of itching - this is due to stretching of the skin. Various remedies for stretch marks will be useful.

Changes in the mammary glands during pregnancy are directly related to hormonal changes. In cases where a pregnant woman does not experience breast enlargement, perhaps the reason lies in the problems of the thyroid gland or adrenal glands. In addition, the cause of such an anomaly may well be an individual feature of the organism.

Physiological symptoms:

1. Feeling of pressure inside the mammary glands, often accompanied by pain.
2. Nipple sensitivity and halo.
3. Probability of stretch marks.
4. In some cases, a burning sensation is possible.

Breast enlargement can lead to pathological changes:

1. Bleeding from the chest (yellow discharge is colostrum).
2. Intolerable pain that does not go away for a long time.
3. Uneven breast enlargement.

On the backgroundof these symptoms, many women complain of the inability to sleep, which also aggravates an already shattered nervous system.

Back muscles

Muscle pain accompanies a woman throughout her pregnancy. The longer the period, the more pronounced the pain. In contrast to the growing uterus, the spine bends forward, ligaments and muscles are stretched, which provokes discomfort and discomfort.

At this time, the ovaries and placenta produce the hormone relaxin, which, acting on soft tissues, softens the ligaments, thereby increasing the deflection of the spine even more. The growing uterus changes the center of gravity and contributes to the load on the spine and lower back.

In addition, back pain can be triggered by diseases such as kidney failure, pancreatitis, intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis, sciatica. Do not underestimate the overall increase in the weight of a pregnant woman, which also affects the load.

The presence of back pain cannot be considered the norm, and any discomfort in this area requires attention. If the pain intensifies or does not stop even after rest, then it's time to sound the alarm. Especially if the pain is accompanied by spotting - this is a direct sign of a threatened miscarriage. In this case, it is advisable to lie down and call an ambulance at home. Even if there is no threat of miscarriage, you should not self-medicate, since any drugs must be agreed with the doctor.

In order to prevent back and lower back pain, doctors recommend that pregnant women do special exercises or yoga and wear prenatalbandage. In addition, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• prefer shoes with low heels;
• try not to lift heavy things and avoid excessive exercise;
• control your body weight, excessive weight gain is undesirable during pregnancy;
• change body position periodically.

Change in the bones of the pelvis

Change in the pelvis during pregnancy is inevitable. Under the influence of the hormone relaxin, the pelvic bones begin to diverge, as a result of which pulling pains may appear in this area. Especially often such ailments occur in women who had problems with the musculoskeletal system or injuries before pregnancy.

At later dates, the so-called duck walk appears. This is due to the fact that, starting from 17 weeks, the pelvic bones gradually begin to diverge, and the woman is forced to lean back while walking, while the stomach bulges forward.

Don't forget to add calcium-containing foods to your diet. It is known that the fetus takes trace elements from the mother's body, including calcium. The lack of which in the bones contributes to increased pain. With excessive calcium deficiency, symphysitis can develop.

Coccyx is also part of the process. Usually this small bone is tilted inward, but during childbirth such a structure could harm the fetus. Therefore, nature intended that towards the end of pregnancy, the coccyxgradually turns backwards due to the relaxation of the sacrococcygeal joint. As the belly grows during pregnancy, women experience especially noticeable pain while sitting on a soft surface. As a rule, pain disappears 3-6 months after childbirth.

Summarize

Despite the fact that the first weeks after conception pass almost without a trace, grandiose changes are already taking place inside the mother's body. Up to 12 weeks, when you need to register for pregnancy, the mother's body and the fetus go a long way. Usually, by this time, morning sickness and nausea are slightly weakened, the woman gets used to her status, and the nervous system noticeably calms down. The baby has almost everything formed, it remains only to grow and improve. And there are still 6 months of waiting ahead.

From the first minute of the fusion of the egg with the sperm to the first cry of the newborn, all systems and organs of the mother and fetus are closely interconnected. To maintain and develop a new life in the mother's body, almost everything changes: organs, appearance, well-being, preferences.

Fortunately, almost all of these changes are reversible, and after the birth of a child, the mother's body slowly but surely returns to normal. Of course, the hormonal background does not immediately stabilize, which will entail a new stream of depression, nervousness and bouts of melancholy. But the baby is able to help the mother return to her previous state. So, frequent attachment of the baby to the chest will help to quickly restore pre-pregnancy weight, and the cute cooing of your child will relieveno blues.