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The third month of pregnancy is no less important for a woman than any other. At this time, the expectant mother experiences new sensations and sometimes even gets scared of natural changes. The fetus also develops, acquiring new features in these weeks of pregnancy. We are together with obstetrician-gynecologist Elena Kollerova we will tell you what awaits a woman in the 3rd month of pregnancy, how the body changes and what should be avoided so as not to run into trouble both for yourself and for the unborn baby.
Key facts about 3 months pregnant
| Myth | Reality |
| Need to eat for two | Such recommendations are often heard by women, being in an “interesting” position. But this is not true. The expectant mother should monitor her weight and nutrition. For the entire pregnancy, a woman should gain 10-15 kg, and with multiple pregnancy – 15-25 kg. Therefore, doctors do not advise to go “into a gap” and eat whatever your heart desires, and even in double portions. |
| Ultrasound negatively affects the unborn child | Ultrasound during pregnancy is usually done three times: in the first, second and third trimesters. This procedure is safe for the woman and the baby. Ultrasound examination helps the doctor to find out information about the condition of the fetus, the woman herself and about the features of pregnancy. |
| You can’t sleep on your stomach | Many women, having learned about their situation, are worried that from now on it is impossible to sleep on their stomach. According to experts, this is not entirely true: it is possible up to 10 weeks. But starting from the second half of the third month, a woman will have to give up sleeping on her stomach. This will be not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous for both the fetus and the expectant mother. |
| Can’t massage | Massage of the collar zone or face of a woman can be done at any stage of pregnancy. But we must remember that the expectant mother should not lie on her stomach or back – only lying on her side is allowed. If a woman is in the first months of pregnancy, you should consult with your doctor and inform the massage therapist before the procedure. A full massage is not recommended in the first trimester: such actions can cause premature birth or miscarriage. |
Symptoms, signs and sensations
During each period of gestation, a woman constantly observes various changes that occur inside and out. The third month of pregnancy is considered difficult for the expectant mother. Her body gives “signals” that you must definitely listen to and, if necessary, consult with your doctor. We will tell you why a woman gets tired faster, goes to the toilet more often, why her stomach “hardens” and what else can happen to the body at 3 months of pregnancy.
Is there a period at 3 months pregnant
By the end of the first trimester, a woman usually does not remember menstruation. But there are the usual highlights.
The secret of the vaginal mucosa should be odorless, light in color and in moderation. Allocations should not cause itching, burning, dryness, and have an unpleasant odor. Also, a pregnant woman should be wary of spotting and pulling pains in the lower abdomen. This is a “call” about the danger for both the expectant mother and the fetus, so you need to urgently see a doctor (1).
Frequent urination
Already in the early stages, a woman may experience increased urge to go to the toilet. Frequent urination is normal. The uterus grows, rises above the level of the pubis, and presses on the bladder. It is because of this that urges occur that a woman cannot control.
Petrification of life
The first frightening and exciting sensation at the 3rd month of pregnancy is the petrification of the abdomen. This is often normal and usually painless. This is due to the fact that the muscular wall of the uterus, contracting, tenses and becomes hard, as if petrified. These sensations should pass quickly.
Toxicosis
From 9-12 weeks of pregnancy, toxicosis usually does not bother a woman anymore. Possibly, taste sensations change and olfactory sensitivity increases (2). But if a pregnant woman during this period is faced with severe toxicosis, then it is better to consult a doctor to identify the cause.
Constipation
In the first months of pregnancy, expectant mothers often face a problem in the form of constipation. This is due to a violation of intestinal motility. To get rid of this disease, it is worth drinking more water, moving a lot, eating fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as dried fruits, especially prunes.
Photo life
In the early stages, it is difficult to notice changes in the appearance of a pregnant woman, so others most often do not pay attention to some points. But the expectant mother herself, already at the 3rd month of pregnancy, sees a slightly enlarged belly and feels changes in the body.
Child development at 3 months of pregnancy
9 Week
At the ninth week of pregnancy, all parts of the body are formed in the embryo. Now growth begins. Also, the tail of the embryo decreases, and it looks more and more like a human coccyx. The main thing is that the placenta begins to work actively, which protects and “feeds” the fetus.
| Growth | 20-25 mm |
| The weight | about 5 gram |
10 Week
At the tenth week, the embryonic period ends and the fetal period begins: the embryo becomes a fetus and will be called so until the end of pregnancy. During this period, his hair begins to grow, and the skin gets used to the first tactile sensations. At the end of the tenth week, the fetus begins to distinguish taste due to the activation of the corresponding receptors.
| Growth | 30-40 mm |
| The weight | about 5 gram |
11 Week
The period of fetal development begins.
At the eleventh week, the anatomy of the fetus is fully formed. True, all organs and limbs are small and functionally immature.
During this period, the fetus is able to push off the barrier and swim in different directions.
| Growth | 40-60 mm |
| The weight | about 10 gram |
12 Week
By the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy, the formation of the placenta is completed.
At the twelfth week, the eyes of the fetus are fully formed, now it has a distinct human appearance. He also mastered the sucking reflex, began to perfectly distinguish flavoring shades.
| Growth | 60-80 mm |
| The weight | about 14 gram |
Examinations at 3 months of pregnancy
From 9-12 weeks of pregnancy, a woman must take general blood and urine tests every two weeks. Below we will tell you what else is needed for a complete examination during this period.
US
An ultrasound examination is just as necessary as the above tests. It is with the help of this procedure that you can find out the size of the fetus, whether it develops correctly and how its internal organs are located. During this period, the specialist excludes the presence of chromosomal abnormalities.
But the sex of the unborn child is still difficult to determine due to the small size of the fetus and its increased activity.
HCG
HCG is recognized using biochemical blood screening. Analysis of human chorionic gonadotropin is necessary in order to detect Down’s syndrome and plasma protein A (PAPP-A). If the indicators of the latter are lowered, this indicates either a lack of functioning of the placenta, or an incorrect reaction of the woman’s immune system to the pregnancy itself.
Screening
From 9-12 weeks of pregnancy, it is necessary to do the first screening. This will help assess the condition of the placenta, the woman’s uterus and the well-being of the fetus (3).
Do’s and Don’ts for Expectant Mothers
The first trimester of pregnancy is challenging both physically and mentally. During this period, a woman should not lean on physical activity, expose herself to stressful situations and neglect the recommendations of a gynecologist. We tell you what else to avoid in the third month of pregnancy, and what you can do.
Sport
If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, then you can go in for sports – and even need to. Small physical activity is important for strengthening muscles and for a stable emotional state. During pregnancy, a woman should not engage in extreme sports, but moderate outdoor walks, swimming and cycling are usually allowed. But remember: everything is individual.
Alcohol
During the period of bearing a child, the expectant mother should stop drinking alcoholic beverages in order to avoid unpleasant consequences for the fetus and her own health.
Sex
If the pregnancy is going well, then sex is even useful. But be sure to consult a gynecologist about this. But in any trimester, it is important to know the measure and be careful.
If the pregnancy proceeds with complications, then it is better to refrain from intimacy and not endanger either yourself or the fetus.
Air travel
Whether you can fly or not, only the attending physician will tell. If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, then air travel is usually allowed. In the case when a pregnant woman encounters difficulties in bearing, it is better to postpone the flight until the baby is born. There is a high risk of complications up to a miscarriage.
Popular questions and answers
Obstetrician-gynecologist Elena Kollerova answers questions about the features of the 3rd month of pregnancy.
How to deal with toxicosis?
Unfortunately, the causes of toxicosis in the early stages are poorly understood and there are no specific tips for dealing with it. As a rule, a measured lifestyle, which involves a lot of rest, citrus fruits (grapefruit, for example), daily walks and the absence of annoying odors, helps to cope with this condition. At the 3rd month of pregnancy, it is useful for a woman to breathe more fresh air, eat fractionally and drink enough fluids.
All this will not get rid of toxicosis, but will help minimize the symptoms. If the nausea does not go away and nothing helps, you should consult a doctor. Severe toxicosis is dangerous due to dehydration of the body, which can lead to complications and miscarriage.
How does a woman’s appearance change at 3 months of pregnancy?
Can I have sex at 3 months pregnant?
How much weight can you gain at 3 months pregnant?
At the 3rd month of pregnancy, a significant increase in kilograms is most often absent due to toxicosis, which affects appetite. But the opposite also happens. If a woman moves little, consumes a lot of fatty, sweet and other unhealthy foods, the weight will definitely increase. How much – depends on how she will control her diet. This does not mean that “goodies” are prohibited, just do not get carried away. If the expectant mother ate a little more than expected, then it is better to exclude this product the next day, and instead of drinking tea, go for a walk. With a balanced diet, she will be able to avoid excessive weight gain at any stage of pregnancy.
Sources of
- Savelyeva G.M., Sukhikh G.T., Serov V.N. / Obstetrics. National leadership. 2nd edition // 2018
- Chernykh M.N. / The state of olfactory function in pregnant women. otorhinolaryngology // 2008 URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sostoyanie-obonyatelnoy-funktsii-u-beremennyh/viewer
- Sidorova I. S., Nikitina N. A. / The course and management of pregnancy in the trimesters of its development: a guide for doctors // 2021