As a woman, pregnancy is a moment that definitely cannot be forgotten. During pregnancy, there are many things that need attention. Starting from daily care, health, to problems having sex with her husband. In addition to preparing things for the needs of the baby, it is important for expectant mothers to know in detail some information about pregnancy. Here are some important points that expectant mothers need to know:
First Trimester
The first trimester lasts from the first week to the 13th week of pregnancy. In the first trimester, the fetus will begin to develop all of its organs by the end of the third month. So, it is very important for expectant mothers to maintain a healthy diet. The risk of miscarriage in the first trimester is quite high. So, the mother must maintain the condition and vitality of the body. Ask the health condition of pregnant women to the doctor for proper pregnancy management.
Even though the physical changes in the mother are not clearly visible, major changes must occur in the mother's body, such as hormone levels that change significantly. The uterus will begin to support the growth of the placenta and fetus. The body will increase the blood supply to carry oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus.
Second Trimester
The second trimester (weeks 13-27) is the most comfortable period for the majority of expectant mothers. The second trimester is the time when pregnant women can feel the fetus moving for the first time. Usually, the movement of your little one occurs in the 20th week of pregnancy. At this moment, the fetus can even hear and recognize the mother's voice. Mothers can also find out the sex of the baby in the second trimester.
The symptoms of nausea and fatigue that often occur in the first trimester begin to disappear.
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the linea nigra or dark line that runs from the navel to the pelvis appears. The dark line is caused by the placenta producing more hormones.
Pregnant women are also prone to experiencing melasma, a condition associated with increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. Melasma causes a pregnant woman's body to make more melanin or brown pigment. This condition causes patches of brown skin around the nipples or face.
Here are some body changes and other symptoms that usually occur in the second trimester of pregnancy:
- The uterus is getting bigger.
- The belly is getting bigger.
- Stretch marks appear on the abdomen, breasts, thighs and buttocks.
- Swollen ankles and hands.
- Body aches.
- Dizziness due to low blood pressure.
- Appetite increases.
Third Trimester
The third trimester lasts from the 28th week of pregnancy until the baby is born. In the third trimester, the fetus can open, close its eyes and suck its thumb. The fetus can kick, stretch, and respond to light.
Pregnant women will experience pain and swelling all over the body. The limbs that often experience swelling are the ankles, hands, fingers and face. The breasts of pregnant women can also secrete milk. Some pregnant women may experience anxiety before delivery. The anxiety experienced by pregnant women can make it difficult to sleep. Other pregnancy symptoms that occur during the third trimester include:
- More often feel the baby's movement.
- Experiencing Braxton-hicks contractions.
- Frequent urination.
- Back pain.
- Heartburn .
Early sign of labour
Before delivery, there are several things that pregnant women may experience, namely:
- The amniotic fluid has broken
- Blood mucus discharge
- Production of vaginal fluids increases
- Body aches
- Frequent contractions
- Mood swings
The right time to see a doctor or midwife
Pregnant women are advised to go to the hospital or midwife immediately when contractions appear regularly for about 30-60 seconds, and the interval between appearances is 3-5 minutes. Pregnant women should also immediately see a doctor or midwife if they experience some of the following:
- The amniotic fluid has broken
- vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever
- Dizzy and weak
- Reduced baby movement
- Severe headaches, especially the back of the head
- Faint
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
- Swelling of the legs, hands, face and several other body parts.
- Out of breath
Those are some basic information that expectant mothers must know. By knowing this information, pregnant women will not feel anxious or worried during the upcoming pregnancy and delivery process. To get more detailed information, pregnant women can go to an obstetrician for a consultation and check-up .
Article reviewed by dr. Aries Joe, Sp.OG, DMAS (Obstetric Obstetrician, Tangerang EMC Hospital).