Uterus at 4 months. Feelings of a woman in the fourth month of pregnancy, the size of the abdomen and the development of the fetus, possible complications
The fourth month of pregnancy is obstetric 13-16 weeks inclusive. Manifestations of early toxicosis disappear, and the tummy begins to grow quite quickly, in some women it is already becoming noticeable to people around.
The fetus has completed the formation of internal organs, the placenta is functioning, and it is more protected from various adverse factors. It's time to enjoy your pregnancy!
What happens to the body of the expectant mother in the 4th month of pregnancy, what she feels and notices
1. Growth of the abdomen. The uterus is growing rapidly, and doctors have the opportunity to control the development of pregnancy by measuring the length of the uterus and the girth of the abdomen at the navel. Normally, both the length of the uterus and the girth of the abdomen increase by a centimeter every week. And the height of the fundus of the uterus is equal to the obstetric week of pregnancy. At the beginning of the fourth month, the uterus only slightly shows above the pubic joint, and closer to the fifth month it approaches the navel.
2. Mom's heart. The amount of circulating blood in the mother's body increases up to 40%, and this puts a lot of stress on her heart. For this reason, many mothers from the fourth month of pregnancy periodically suffer from shortness of breath and tachycardia. The pulse can increase to 100 beats per minute and even higher (at a rate of up to 80 beats). However, although this symptomatology is considered a variant of the norm, it is a reason for a deeper examination of the heart. We need to do an ECG, possibly a Holter study of the heart rate and an ultrasound of the heart. There are drugs for tachycardia, but their expectant mothers are prescribed only when absolutely necessary, as they reduce the heart rate and the child. You can fight tachycardia with physical rest, valerian and motherwort - natural sedatives, safe for the fetus.
3. Skin changes. Increases pigmentation. New age spots, moles, freckles appear. Therefore, you should try not to be in the open sun, especially during the warm season and during the time period from 10 am to 5 pm.
A new sign of pregnancy appears - a strip in the middle of the abdomen. During pregnancy, it will darken, possibly become wider. Pigmentation on the abdomen will remain after childbirth, for about a year. Trying to wipe it off with a washcloth is not worth it, it's useless, just hurt the skin.
The nipples and the area around them, the armpits are subjected to pigmentation. But all this too shall pass.
Many expectant mothers develop acne on their face and body. To avoid the spread of acne throughout the body, do not pick them, do not provoke the transfer of infection to other areas of the skin. And wipe the acne itself with an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine - this is an excellent antiseptic that is safe for expectant mothers.
And another skin problem that occurs in most pregnant women is the appearance of a large number of small papillomas. Apparently, this is due to a decrease in immunity and the HPV virus, which, perhaps, we all have. Trying to tear them off, pull them off, should not be. This will lead to infection of the wound, which is very dangerous for you and the unborn child. After childbirth, the papillomas themselves will begin to dry out and fall off, even medical intervention will not be needed.
4. Weight. By the end of the fourth month, the total weight gain should be no more than 4 kilograms. If you have more - try to find errors in nutrition and normalize your menu. Excess weight provokes the development diabetes, leads to the birth large fruit(and hence his birth injuries) and generally complicates the birth process.
If weight gain is normal, then outwardly the woman does not seem fuller than she was before pregnancy. But the waist begins to slowly round.
5. Sprain. Since the uterus is growing rapidly, the load on the ligamentous apparatus becomes stronger. Sometimes, for this reason, expectant mothers experience sharp pains in the lower abdomen, in the groin area. This is not dangerous for the child, although it is unpleasant for mommy.
6. Nosebleeds. Due to the increase in the volume of blood in the mother, her vessels are under load. Moreover, blood clotting is somewhat reduced. All this provokes bleeding. Not only the nose, but also the gums, for example. If you want to avoid nosebleeds, carefully humidify the air in your home, do not allow the mucous membranes to dry out.
7. Constipation and hemorrhoids. The growing uterus and the relaxing effect of the hormone progesterone cause slow intestinal motility and constipation. Also, the intake of certain medications, for example, magnesium and iron preparations, has an adverse effect in this regard. You need to stay as mobile as possible, drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich vegetables.
Remember that frequent constipation, coupled with uterine pressure on the rectum, provokes hemorrhoids. And if he appeared, then for life. You can't get rid of it without a major operation.
8. Movement of the child. Some women begin to feel them as early as 14-15 obstetric weeks.
What happens to the fetus in the fourth month
The baby completely becomes dependent on the placenta. It is through it that the body is supplied with oxygen and nutrition. Through it, toxic substances are removed from his body.
In addition, the placenta is a defense against viruses and bacteria, not all, but very many.
The baby already has reflexes, which will remain with him for a long time after birth, and some for life. Swallowing and sucking first.
The baby is very active and moves often, but is still very small, so most expectant mothers will feel the presence of a new life in themselves only in the next four weeks.
The baby has fluff all over his body - lanugo, a small amount of it will remain with him until the very moment of birth. These fluffy hairs have defined function- they help to linger on the child's body protective lubricant, without it it is impossible to live constantly in the water.
But in addition to lanugo, real hairs on the head, cilia and eyebrows are already appearing. There are nails on the fingers.
The baby has a functioning urinary system, and he urinates in amniotic fluid at least once per hour. But this is not scary, since the amniotic fluid tends to be completely renewed once every 2-3 hours. Thus, their sterility is maintained, and nothing threatens the baby. Chemical composition water is the same. Amniotic fluid plays a multifaceted role - it protects the child from mechanical damage, expands the uterus so that the fetus can move comfortably in it, nothing limits its development. Water is also involved in metabolism.
Now the prostate gland is formed in boys, and the ovaries in girls. However, the doctor with an ultrasound examination is still unable to accurately determine the sex of the child by appearance his genitals.
The face of the child becomes more and more formed, close to the ideal. However, the ears are not yet fully formed on the outside. But the baby already hears and reacts to loud sounds.
At the end of the fourth month, the little one sometimes opens his eyes, his retina becomes sensitive to light. Weight is about 200 grams, and height is 20 cm. Still a baby.
2 common and dangerous problems of the fourth month
The first is isthmic-cervical insufficiency or ICI. A pathology in which the cervical os is unable to remain closed throughout pregnancy. The fetus grows, and the fetal bladder begins to protrude into the neck, which leads to its gradual shortening and opening. This is the main cause of premature birth and miscarriage in late pregnancy. The causes of ICI are surgical interventions in which the cervix was mechanically opened (for example, abortions), hormonal disorders, and trauma during childbirth.
Treatment - suturing or wearing an unloading obstetric ring on the cervix. The first method is considered more effective and safer.
The second problem is disturbances in the placenta. Placental insufficiency begins to form. As a result, the fetus receives less nutrition, oxygen, and in the second half of pregnancy, it begins to lag behind in development. These problems arise due to infectious diseases transferred during pregnancy, violations of the formation of the placenta in the early stages of pregnancy. And it's not curable. Doctors can only monitor the condition of the fetus and, if necessary, deliver the woman early to try to save the fetus.
Other problems may arise with the placenta - this is its presentation, that is, being too close to the cervix. It threatens with detachment, severe bleeding and fetal death. With increasing gestational age, the placenta almost always rises to a fairly high level in the uterus. Until then, you need to take care of yourself.
New tests and examinations
At the end of the fourth month, namely at 16 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, a woman takes a blood test for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and unconjugated estriol (NE). This is the second screening. It is necessary for the diagnosis of some congenital abnormalities in the development of the fetus. And if the result of the analysis is unimportant, and the results of the ultrasound are also suspicious for malformations, doctors may recommend an invasive study - to pass amniotic fluid for analysis. This procedure is called amniocentesis. Since miscarriages sometimes occur after it, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons before agreeing to it.
The fetus at the seventeenth week of pregnancy photo: babycenter.com
The most fertile period of pregnancy has come - the 2nd trimester. A third of the way passed. Behind the difficulties of the first months: toxicosis, visiting doctors, passing tests. Anxiety and irritability replace lightness and energy. It is time to exhale and enjoy the position and new status. Pleasant changes await you.
4th month of pregnancy: signs
In the 2nd trimester, changes in the body of the expectant mother occur gradually, smoothly and do not greatly affect health. The symptoms of pregnancy at 4 months are minor and you may have already experienced them in previous months. In general, this relatively calm period will leave positive impressions.
- The placenta has fully matured, and its work in ensuring the full and comfortable state of the baby has been established. In this regard, the volume of circulating blood in your body increases by an average of 40%. The heart starts to work harder. And if it is healthy, then such a load will not affect the general well-being.
- Unpleasant signs of this period include constipation. Due to the size of the uterus and hormones, intestinal motility decreases, as a result of which this symptom occurs. If you do not pay attention to this, then hemorrhoids cannot be avoided, because the uterus will only grow. Therefore, it is better to take care of it now: drink more water, eat vegetables and fruits, walk and do gymnastics.
- Unfortunately, many women at this stage develop warts (including in intimate areas), which cause anxiety. These are warts. If they increase in size, you need to inform your doctor. Don't worry, they are removed without the risk of complications in your position.
- Other skin changes include hyperpigmentation. Freckles may darken birthmarks grow up. The strip from the navel to the pubis becomes more pronounced. Such changes are associated with the deposition of melanin, a substance that causes pigmentation. And the reason is in the hormones that are still rebuilding within you. After giving birth, everything will return to its place.
To prevent pigmentation, use safe cosmetics with sun filters. If you want to lighten already existing spots, this can be done using masks based on lemon juice or sour-milk products.
- Active growth of hair and nails will please any woman. In addition, their condition will improve significantly, which will be noticed even by others.
- The mammary glands will continue to grow, especially the areola - the area covering the nipples.
The 4th month of pregnancy is usually a fertile time, which is characterized by good health, many pleasant discoveries and the first contact with the baby. In rare cases, this period is accompanied by unpleasant complications, but with constant monitoring by a specialist, they are easily eliminated.
Feelings at 4 months pregnant
At 4 months of pregnancy, the general condition stabilizes. It is more like the usual state of health until the moment of conception. The unpleasant symptoms characteristic of toxicosis disappear, the expectant mother feels a noticeable surge of strength. True, during this period, unwanted pregnancy companions often appear:
- heartburn. To reduce its manifestation, it is recommended to eat small portions and mostly healthy foods;
- bleeding gums or gingivitis. You should change hygiene products to more gentle ones, increase the daily dose of vitamin C and calcium taken;
- dizziness and even fainting. It is necessary to eat a balanced diet, get enough rest, breathe fresh air, and minimize the impact of stressful situations.
Allocations: what should be normal?
Belly at 4 months pregnant
Many expectant mothers are interested in whether the stomach is visible at this stage? The fourth month during pregnancy is characterized by the absence of a protruding tummy, but due to the active growth of the child, it begins to increase. At the beginning of the second trimester, it is dense, elastic, and during the entire subsequent time it grows quite rapidly. For this reason, already from the fourth month, it is necessary to use stretch mark creams that can maintain an attractive appearance of the skin on the abdomen.
In addition, already at the beginning of this period, the mother can feel the baby's tremors. Usually those who have a second and subsequent pregnancies feel them on, at the first experience - to. Much depends on the sensitivity of the mother and the size of the baby.
Pain in the fourth month of pregnancy
Pain in the lower abdomen is characteristic of this period, as the uterus is actively growing. They have a pulling, aching character, mild and not permanent. Pain in the abdomen of a cramping type is a bad harbinger, with which it is necessary to contact an observing specialist.
Since the beginning of the second trimester, many women complain of pain in the legs caused by sharp and severe cramps. This happens when there is a lack of calcium and phosphorus. Also at this time, soreness in the gums can be observed, and even their bleeding, from time to time a headache.
Period
Menstruation for this period and others bloody issues is extremely rare and is always considered a serious problem. With her, you must immediately consult a doctor to save the pregnancy. Often the cause is an accident or a fall. There are frequent cases of the appearance of menstruation due to an attempt to terminate a pregnancy. It is extremely dangerous to do this, since abortions are allowed only until after this time the baby is already formed. In some cases, the vesicles detach from the uterine wall, which causes spotting. This is fraught with anemia, so appropriate measures must be taken.
Miscarriage
4 months of normal pregnancy is not characterized by a high risk of miscarriage, this time is stable and no longer dangerous. The reason for this may be the rejection of the blood of the mother and child, which happens infrequently. Inflammatory processes and infectious diseases also lead to undesirable consequences. For the continuation of pregnancy, serious violations of hormone production can be very dangerous.
Below you can watch a video about the development of the fetus in the fourth month of pregnancy.
Pregnancy is 9 months of joyful expectation of a baby. For this one not at all short term there are a lot of changes in the mother's body, the baby grows from two cells with half a set of chromosomes in each into a full-fledged person. In some months, the life of a pregnant woman is especially difficult, in some it becomes possible to relax a little and enjoy her condition. The fourth month of gestation is usually referred to as the second type of period, when the condition returns to normal and discomfort does not disturb.
Feelings of a woman in the 4th month of pregnancy
The fourth month of pregnancy is the first month of the second trimester, the period from the beginning of the 13th to the end of the 16th week of gestation. The woman's condition usually improves, nausea and vomiting go away, the taste for food returns. This has a positive effect on the psychological state, the expectation of the baby becomes more joyful and conscious. At this time, some already begin to noticeably round the tummy. The average weight gain this month is 1-2 kg, but there will be an upward trend in this figure.
At the 4th month of pregnancy, the tummy begins to gradually round and become noticeable
Pregnancy is felt in full, changes affect both behavior and appearance:
Most women meet the 4th month with joy, they begin to clearly understand their position and enjoy it.
Changes in the body of the expectant mother at the 4th month
At the 4th month, changes in the mother's body affect the following systems:
- reproductive. The uterus extends beyond the small pelvis and begins its growth already in the abdominal cavity. The height of its bottom by the end of the month will be 12–14 cm (this is the distance from the upper edge of the pubic joint to the highest point of the enlarged uterus). From the 4th month, progesterone is no longer produced by the corpus luteum in the mother's ovary, but by the placenta formed in the uterus. Now all metabolic processes between the fetus and mother will pass exclusively through this organ. The diameter of the uterine arteries increases, the intervillous space, where the contact of organisms occurs, contains 500 ml of blood, which constantly circulates and is updated;
- endocrine. The so-called pregnancy cells are actively produced, producing the hormone prolactin, which prepares the mammary glands for lactation;
- CNS. At the beginning of the second trimeter, the excitability of the central nervous system begins to rise, causing the so-called pregnant dominant - a woman becomes a little distracted, immersed in herself, her interests are primarily aimed at bearing a child. The lower parts of the central nervous system, in turn, reduce their sensitivity, which ensures the relaxation of the uterus and normal conditions for the growth of the fetus;
- metabolism. At the 4th month, the metabolism and oxygen consumption increase significantly, by the 16th week the increase occurs by 15–20% compared with the first months. There is a process of intensive accumulation of lipids in the body, in particular in the mammary glands, the formed placenta;
- digestive system. At the 4th month of gestation, toxicosis disappears early term, there is an aversion to food, a feeling of nausea and vomiting. This is due to an increase in progesterone levels and relaxation of the smooth muscles of the stomach.
Discharge at 4th month
At the beginning of the second trimester, yellowish or creamy mucous discharge from the vagina may appear. Do not worry, this is normal - under the influence of hormonal changes and increased estrogen production in the second trimester, the mucous membrane works more actively, and the discharge becomes more abundant and liquid. Discharge that causes discomfort should be a cause for concern: a burning sensation, itching, and an unpleasant odor. Saturated yellow and green color - evidence of the presence of pus, which requires immediate medical attention. Also a dangerous signal is pink, red and brown - this is a signal of the presence of blood impurities. At this time, bleeding that threatens the life of the fetus may open, indicating placental abruption. This is a direct threat of abortion, so when drops of blood appear, it is urgent to call an ambulance.
Baby development at 4 months
By the 4th month, the placenta has already been formed, and now the baby in the womb protects the placental barrier from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and harmful chemical compounds. In the first month of the second trimester, the active development of the fetus begins, during these 4 weeks it grows to 120-150 grams and will be about 12 cm tall. Its organs and systems are also rapidly forming:
- the bone marrow begins to function, the vascular system continues to develop;
- a layer of fat is formed, which will provide the baby with normal heat transfer after birth;
- the endocrine system is actively formed;
- towards the end of the month, the thymus gland or thymus is formed - the organ responsible for the formation of immunity;
- the first hairs appear on the head and in the eyebrow area;
- arms lengthen, and by the end of the 4th month, the baby can close them in front of him, connecting his palms;
- the baby begins to hear sounds from the world that surrounds him;
- the formation of the eye retina occurs, and the child can already distinguish between light and shadow;
- a swallowing reflex is formed, and the baby can swallow the amniotic fluid;
- the foundations of the sucking reflex are laid, but it will be fully formed only by the 8th month.
At the 4th month, the baby can already close his hands in front of him, all his systems and organs are actively developing
At the end of the 4th month, the baby will already be able to bend his arms, suck his thumb and clench his fists.
Video: Ultrasound at the 4th month of pregnancy
Gynecological visits and examinations in the 4th month of pregnancy
In the fourth month of pregnancy, the regularity of visits to the antenatal clinic does not change - the doctor will wait for the pregnant woman for a scheduled visit every 2-3 weeks. Every time before a visit to the gynecologist, a woman needs to take a urine test. An examination on a chair at this time is not carried out, only blood pressure, weight and volume of the abdomen are measured for the mother. At the appointment at the end of the month, the doctor will already begin to measure the height of the bottom of the uterus - the pregnant woman will need to lie on the couch on her back, and the doctor will measure the distance from the pubis to the top of the uterus with a centimeter tape. No planned ultrasound and additional examinations are normally planned at this time.
Usually, the course of IVF pregnancy at the 4th month does not differ from the usual one, therefore, there is no need for more frequent visits to the doctor at this time. The only feature may concern hormonal support, which often occurs with in vitro fertilization - patients are advised to drink hormonal preparations before the 20th week, so blood tests may need to be taken more often - this will help regulate the required dose of medication.
If a woman did not pass the first screening at the 3rd month of gestation, then it can still be done in the first quarter of the 4th month until the baby is 13 weeks and 6 days old. Conducting it at a later date is not informative - the results are accompanied by a large error and their reliability is doubtful. The dual test involves an ultrasound examination and a blood test for the content of human chorionic gonadotropin and plasma protein. Based on the results of such an examination, one can judge the risk of a baby having chromosomal abnormalities - Down and Edwards syndrome.
Pathologies and complications of pregnancy in the fourth month
At the 4th month of pregnancy, threats that were previously irrelevant may arise. So, the possible complications include:
May show up at 4 months increased tone uterus - the tension of its muscles, which makes it difficult for the baby to feed and jeopardizes successful bearing. The condition is manifested by discomfort in the lower abdomen, a pronounced feeling of tension, often of a cramping nature. All the problems described require medical attention on an emergency basis.
Until the 22nd week, the risk of miscarriage remains - spontaneous termination of pregnancy, and at the 4th month it is classified as late. Risk factors remain:
- complications of the course of pregnancy, in particular Rhesus conflict and developing fetoplacental insufficiency;
- complex infectious diseases (pneumonia, rubella);
- hormonal disbalance;
- congenital and acquired defects of the uterus (cervical failure, fibroids, malignant tumors);
- hyperglycemia ( elevated level blood sugar) in diabetes;
- maternal high blood pressure.
The threat of a late miscarriage is characterized by the appearance of bleeding, in some cases severe pain in the lower abdomen, nausea and vomiting. When symptoms appear, a woman needs urgent medical attention.
Features of the course of multiple pregnancy
With multiple pregnancies, a large burden falls on the mother's body, because not one, but two or more babies develop at the same time. They grow on the principle of competition, because they have to share food and oxygen, so expectant mother you need to pay more attention to yourself and provide the children with everything they need. At the 4th month, active growth of the fetus begins, so the woman is recommended:
- once again review your diet, focusing on the quality of the products consumed. It is better to minimize the amount of salt and sweets, as the problem of edema becomes relevant, because the load on the kidneys during multiple pregnancy is even greater;
- maintaining a comfortable emotional regime and ensuring sufficient rest. If there are several babies in the uterus at once, it stretches more, which increases the risk of tone on the 4th month. To avoid this, the expectant mother is advised to rest more and avoid stress;
- more frequent visits to the doctor, blood tests and ultrasounds. With multiple pregnancies, there is a high risk of placental insufficiency, since the load on the placenta is greater and it wears out faster, and the likelihood of anemia in the mother also increases. Careful medical supervision will allow timely detection of dangerous conditions and neutralize them.
- food. Despite the fact that the appetite increases from the 4th month, you should not lean on food, especially buns and sweets. The risk of excessive weight gain becomes relevant, which creates additional dangers for gestation and childbirth. It is better to refuse culinary experiments, alcohol is also prohibited;
- taking vitamins. At the appointment with the doctor, you should ask about the need to take vitamin complexes for pregnant women - they are usually prescribed to maintain the maternal body at the stage of active growth and development of the fetus;
- sex. Reasonable intimate relationships at this time are not only allowed, but also recommended - the stomach is not too big yet, but due to hormonal changes and improved well-being, the desire returns;
In the presence of threats and complications, sexual contacts will have to be abandoned - the doctor will definitely tell about this.
- moderate physical activity. Daily walks in the fresh air will bring maximum benefit to the condition of the mother and baby. Physical activity is also allowed, but without weights and in a volume that is comfortable for the mother;
- clothes. Despite the fact that the belly may not yet be very visible, the wardrobe will already have to be updated. This applies primarily to pants - you need to abandon ordinary jeans and all trousers that put pressure on your stomach. It is recommended to give preference to special clothes with a soft belt for pregnant women;
- treatment. Colds and flu are no longer so terrible for the child as in the first trimester - due to the fact that the placenta has already been formed, the mother's disease can no longer cause serious deviations in the development of the fetus. But the risk remains, since the disease can become the root cause of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and the appearance of placental insufficiency. Treatment is carried out exclusively with those drugs that the doctor prescribes, but it is worth considering that their list is now wider, again due to the presence of a protective barrier in the baby. Avoid prescribing antibiotics, dietary supplements, drugs with aspirin;
- visiting the bath and sauna remains prohibited, and until the very birth;
- air travel for this period is still allowed, but only after consulting a doctor. If there is the slightest risk, it is better to refuse from this type of transport, as well as from long trips.
The fourth month of pregnancy is the end of the first trimester and the beginning of the second. This period lasts from 12 to 16 weeks. By now, the condition of the expectant mother is stabilizing. The embryo is firmly established. Toxicosis replaces a good appetite. A more pronounced belly appears, the figure of a woman is rounded. It's time to think about changing your wardrobe.
Child development
The placenta is fully formed. It provides nutrition to the embryo, protects it from infections, removes waste products.
By this time, the laying of all the main internal organs had taken place. Some of them immediately take on the final form. And some, for example, the brain are formed gradually, in several stages.
Significant changes are observed in the embryo. For example, with regard to the nervous system, then:
- The developing retina of the eye is already able to detect changes in light.
- The auditory ossicles are formed. The fetus reacts to your voice or loud noises. During this period, it is recommended to start talking with the child.
- There is a sucking reflex. On ultrasound, you can clearly see how the baby holds a finger or toe in his mouth.
- Mimicry develops. He can squint, frown.
- Swallows amniotic fluid and feels a change in their taste.
- Active production of neutrons continues, up to 5000 nerve cells are formed in one second.
- Grasping reflex. The kid catches his legs with his hands, pulls the umbilical cord.
At this time, you can already determine the sex of the child:
- In boys, the testicles are sent to the scrotum, by the end of the 14th week the prostate is formed.
- In girls, a uterus appears, a follicle is laid in the ovaries.
From the musculoskeletal system, the following can be observed:
- The ossification of the skeleton begins. During this period, it is very important to consume enough calcium.
- Milk teeth are laid and the dates when they will erupt.
- Increases joint mobility.
- Muscles are formed and strengthened. The child can already hold his head.
Endocrine system:
- The adrenal glands are active.
- The thyroid gland begins to produce thyroxine (it ensures the development and growth of cells, activates metabolism).
- The pancreas secretes insulin, which controls the amount of sugar in the blood.
- The pituitary gland produces a hormone (ACTH) responsible for the development of muscle tissue, skin pigmentation.
- The work of the kidneys, which excrete urine into the amniotic fluid, is normalized.
- As a result of the development of the muscles of the chest, a respiratory reflex is formed.
- The lungs are not yet divided into alveoli, but the baby performs actions similar to inhalation / exhalation, absorbing and expelling amniotic fluid.
The immune system:
- The thymus produces lymphocytes and teaches them to recognize and destroy viruses.
- The bone marrow produces red blood cells and white blood cells.
- Almost all the main components are present in the blood, and its group and Rh factor can be determined.
Digestive system.
- The spleen is active.
- Bile is produced by the liver.
Eyebrows, eyelashes, hair begin to grow, the body is covered with guns. Nails were formed, a pattern of fingerprints was outlined.
Depending on whether the child is blonde or brunette, the follicles produce the appropriate pigment.
Physical activity
The fetus begins to move at the age of 7-8 weeks. But a woman can feel the first signs of this only at the 4th month of pregnancy, sometimes later. But it should be noted that the absence of tremors after the 20th week is not a sign of deviations. Especially if this is your first pregnancy. In women who gave birth before these women, the abdominal muscles are more stretched and sensitive.
It feels like flatulence. But some compare, as if small bubbles burst in the stomach or butterflies flutter.
The activity of the child in the womb depends primarily on his mood and movements of the expectant mother. If a woman walks a lot, it is lulling. During rest, the child, on the contrary, is energetic. But it must be borne in mind that when a person is busy or passionate, he listens less to his feelings.
Woman's well-being
The fourth month of pregnancy is considered the easiest period. The body began to adapt to the new state:
- Toxicosis is significantly reduced or disappears without a trace. Appetite increases.
- Irritability and increased fatigue go away, there is a surge of strength, self-confidence, complacency. Anxiety about the unborn child does not go anywhere, but it becomes less than in the first trimester. As a rule, it is now that most people understand that pregnancy can be pleasurable.
- The expectant mother continues to gain weight. On average, since the last menstruation, this is plus 5-6 kg. But a lot depends on height and physique. If the indicator is significantly different from the norm, a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary.
- After four months of pregnancy, the woman notices that her hair has become unusually dense, and her nails have become stronger and grow faster. As a result of hormonal changes, progesterone produced by the body reduces natural hair loss and prevents delamination of the nail plate.
- The temperature returns to normal, thanks to which the state of health improves.
- The amount of whitish vaginal discharge increases.
Many women experience a burst of creativity. They feel an unexpected craving for knitting booties, sewing cute toys, creating culinary masterpieces in the kitchen. New hobbies emerge. Some begin to write stories, draw. Information is easy to digest. There may be an idea to learn a foreign language or get a second education. True, this period lasts several weeks, so it is better not to build long-term plans.
Stomach
The size of the uterus is actively increasing, and by the end of the 4th month of pregnancy, it rises from the small pelvis, where there is no longer room for it. Its bottom reaches the navel, as a result, the stomach is noticeably rounded. But if desired, an interesting position can still be hidden with skillfully selected clothes. The main thing is not to wear tight clothes and tight belts.
If you stand in front of a mirror and look closely, you will see a dark, vertical line running down the center of the abdomen and down to the pubis. It appears due to the deposition of melanin pigment. During pregnancy, the strip may darken, but after childbirth it will disappear without a trace.
Sex
Intimacy has a beneficial effect on the baby and the expectant mother. But only on condition that the child develops normally, and there is no threat of miscarriage.
There are no significant restrictions in postures. The belly at 4 months of pregnancy is still small and will not interfere. Only need to avoid increased stress or pressure on the uterus.
The doctor may restrict sexual life if you have:
- Bleeding from the vagina.
- Tone.
- Low location of the placenta.
- Sexual infection.
In other cases, you should not deprive yourself and your spouse of pleasure. But abuse is not recommended. You can make love 2-3 times a week.
A woman is unlikely to be comfortable when her husband lies on top of her. The optimal position is the wife on the left side, the husband is attached behind.
Surveys
Except surrender general analysis blood and urine must be examined by a gynecologist. The doctor will check:
- Woman's weight.
- Pressure.
- The size of the uterus, with the help of palpation and a centimeter tape.
- Fetal heartbeat.
- Status of the cervix during vaginal examination.
In addition, the following examinations are required:
- First ultrasound. If you haven't already, hurry up. According to the norms, it must be carried out up to 14 weeks.
- A triple test is preferably carried out at 15-16 weeks. It detects the level of hormones AFP, hCG, E3 in the blood. As a result, it is possible to determine the risk of a child developing chromosomal diseases: Down syndrome, neural tube defects, Edwards syndrome.
But this study defines only increased risk. And with a poor test result, an additional examination of amniotic fluid is performed.
Possible problems
Although the second trimester is considered one of the easiest periods, a woman may face certain difficulties:
- Areolas of nipples, freckles become darker. Perhaps the appearance of age spots, moles, including on the face. To avoid this, try to be less in the sun.
- Heartburn. It occurs as a result of the fact that the uterus presses on the internal organs and gastric juice partially enters the esophagus. Raw carrots and potato juice work well for her.
- Bleeding gums, caries. Maintain good oral hygiene and rinse your teeth with clean water after eating. It is advisable to visit a dentist.
- Slight nasal congestion, possibly nosebleeds. As a result of an increase in blood volume, thin vessels can be damaged.
- The formation of spider veins (varicose veins), exacerbation of hemorrhoids. Under the influence of hormones, vascular tone decreases. To prevent the occurrence of unpleasant diseases, it is recommended to walk more and add fiber-containing foods to the diet.
- Falling iron levels in the blood.
- Oily or brittle hair.
- Increased sweating.
- Dizziness.
- Constipation.
There are pulling pains in the lower abdomen as a result of the growth of the uterus and sprains. This condition is considered normal and does not require treatment. But it is necessary to consult a gynecologist to exclude the possibility of a miscarriage.
Food
After toxicosis, the appetite of the pregnant woman increases. To avoid problems with excessive weight gain, meet the body's nutritional needs and prevent constipation, it is necessary to balance the diet. It must contain the required amount of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
Some tips for proper nutrition:
- You need to eat fractionally, avoiding the feeling of hunger.
- Breakfast should be nutritious. It would be nice to cook porridge with a side dish.
- For dinner, leave easily digestible foods.
- Between main meals, snack on fruits and vegetables.
- It is useful to eat lean fish and meat.
- Dairy products and cottage cheese must be included in the daily diet. They will help to fill the lack of calcium, and improve intestinal motility.
- Pomegranate, beef liver, green apples, dried apricots will reduce the manifestation of anemia, which is usually detected in the 4th month of pregnancy.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Drink the main amount of water, juice, tea or compote before 5 pm.
- Avoid potatoes, fresh cabbage, grapes.
- If you are prone to edema, reduce your salt intake.
- Limit sweets, cakes, chocolate. It is better to replace them with marshmallows, marshmallows, honey, jam. And it is desirable to eat in the morning, little by little.
Smoked, overcooked, fast food, sweet soda, alcohol and other harmful products should not be consumed. Coffee is allowed, but not strong and in limited quantities.
It is necessary to monitor the quality of food - it should be as natural and healthy as possible.
In the second trimester, the well-being of the expectant mother improves. And the risk of complications in the fetus is minimal. Now is the time to do what you've been putting off:
- If you were planning to move, then the 4th month or a little later is the best time. Pregnant women are even allowed to fly.
- Surveys by narrow specialists. If additional treatment or medication is needed, a developed placenta will be able to protect the baby from most drugs.
- Repair in the apartment. It is necessary to make a plan so that all work is completed before the start of the 3rd trimester, when the woman can no longer cope with her usual workload.
In case of doubt, whether it is possible to perform certain actions, it would be useful to consult a gynecologist. You should also seek help if you feel unwell.