Guidelines for health care during the first 3 months of pregnancy

This is an automatically translated article.

The first 3 months of pregnancy is the golden period for the formation of the fetus in the womb is also the weakest stage of the fetus, if harmful agents or microorganisms invade during this period, it will leave life-long disability. Therefore, taking care of pregnant women in the first 3 months of pregnancy is extremely important. The following article provides experience in taking care of pregnant women in the first 3 months, which will help women as well as family members have more useful information to take care of the best pregnancy.

1. Fetal development in the first 3 months of pregnancy:

Since the sperm combines with the egg to form an embryo and the embryo successfully moves into the uterus to start the implantation process, it is a step that marks the formation and development of the fetus.
The first 2 weeks after fertilization embryo, the size of the embryo is about 1-2mm. It is at this time that utero-vegetative exchange (the main metabolism between mother and baby during pregnancy) is gradually established. From this point on, embryo development depends entirely on maternal nutrition.
The embryo has a 3-layer structure: The innermost layer in contact with the embryo called the endoderm will develop into the lungs, liver and digestive system. The middle layer called the dermis will develop into organs such as muscles, bones, kidneys, sex organs, and the heart. The outer layer, called the ectoderm, forms the skin, hair, eyes, and nervous system.
The fetus develops and gradually forms organs in the body week by week.
MORE: Live tracking of embryonic development stages
At the end of the first trimester, the fetus has a disproportionately large head, clear outlines of eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. outside. The limbs have finger buds. The major parts of the body (circulation, digestion, heart) are critical times that require a lot of attention.

2. Important antenatal check-ups

6 - 8 weeks : This is the time of the 1st ultrasound. Since the pregnancy was discovered or the previous ultrasound was performed, the doctor will still appoint the doctor to visit during this time. Because the ultrasound during this time will determine whether there is a fetal heart, the status of implantation and the initial development of the fetus.
11 weeks to 12 weeks : When to do the first-trimester screening of pregnancy. Pregnant women should note this important milestone, especially for women over 35 years old or with a family history of birth defects, genetic diseases. This is the most accurate time through ultrasound to measure nuchal translucency, thereby determining the risk of fetal Down syndrome and a number of other chromosomal abnormalities.

3. Danger signs in the first 3 months

The first 3 months of pregnancy is an important period because the fetus is still small, moreover during this period, important parts of the fetus will form and differentiate, along with a number of possible risks. cause miscarriage that pregnant women should be aware of. When you notice warning signs such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps, pregnant women need to go to the hospital immediately for appropriate treatment.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Common causes are ectopic pregnancy, threatened miscarriage/miscarriage, stillbirth,... So when bleeding in the first 3 months of pregnancy, whether it is a lot or a large amount or not. No matter what color it is, you need to go to the nearest medical facility immediately for timely treatment
Lower abdominal cramping: Lower abdominal pain has many causes, but it is common in this stage to threaten miscarriage. Pregnant women need to go to a medical facility immediately if the pain is prolonged, continuous, and the pain affects the activities of the pregnant mother. In addition, pregnant women should also pay attention when having one of the signs such as dizziness, high fever frequently in the first 3 months of pregnancy. If you feel any sudden abdominal pain, pain lasting more than 30 minutes with abnormal vaginal bleeding, you should immediately go to a medical facility for examination and support.

4. Good food for pregnancy

4.1. Foods rich in folic acid Folic acid will be advised for women to take supplements about 3 months before pregnancy. However, folic acid is one of the essential components that need to be supplemented in the early stages of pregnancy. The reason is, this nutrient has a supporting role in the development and maturation of the neural tube. In case the fetus does not have enough folic acid, there is a high risk of premature birth or neural tube defects. A few foods rich in folic acid and safe for pregnancy pregnant women can choose such as: Beans, liver, eggs, broccoli, asparagus, citrus, berries...
4.2. Vitamin B6 This is a vitamin you need to supplement in the first 3 months of pregnancy, especially in the first month. The reason is that Vitamin B6 helps improve nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness in pregnant women. Instead of drug treatment, you can completely get vitamin B6 from easy-to-find foods such as whole grains, salmon, tuna, beef, bananas, nuts like almonds, walnuts ..
4.3. Iron During pregnancy, the body's blood needs will increase much because part will cross the placenta to feed the fetus. If you do not absorb enough iron, you will experience symptoms of fatigue, dizziness and more seriously, anemia during pregnancy. According to recommendations from nutritionists, pregnant women should supplement about 27mg of iron per day as soon as they find out they are pregnant. Besides iron-providing drugs, you can also choose iron-rich foods such as: lean meat, organ meats, spinach, grapefruit, pumpkin seeds, legumes...
4.4. Dairy products Milk is a source of many nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and for pregnant women. Some dairy products such as pasteurized milk, yogurt are very good for pregnant women in the first 3 months.
4.5. Meats Pregnant women in this period gain weight quite quickly and need a large amount of protein. Therefore, the use of carefully cooked pork and beef is both safe and provides enough protein and iron. During this period, seafood should be limited, especially some fish (especially the eyes) because of the risk of mercury poisoning.
4.6. Fruits Fruits provide all the essential vitamins, water, antioxidants and especially fiber to help you stay hydrated, eat better and overcome constipation in the early stages of pregnancy. period.

5. Foods to avoid

Pineapple, green papaya, wormwood, laksa leaves, water spinach, or licorice are foods to avoid. The reason is that these foods cause strong uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage.
Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk: This should be noted during pregnancy because they often contain harmful bacteria and microorganisms. More dangerous, it can carry pathogens that are harmful to the health of both mother and fetus, especially infection in the first 3 months of pregnancy will increase the risk of fetal malformations
Similar to unpasteurized milk Pregnant women should avoid eating soft-boiled eggs or raw eggs because they also contain a lot of harmful bacteria, especially the risk of salmonella infection in hard-boiled eggs.
Alcohol is a drink that should not be consumed during pregnancy because of the risk of neurological defects in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Besides, it also greatly affects the function of other organs such as liver, kidney, stomach.

6. Lifestyle in the first 3 months

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy in the first 3 months? This is definitely a question that many women wonder about. Sex is not an absolute contraindication during the first trimester of pregnancy. Many women with stable pregnancy health can continue to have sex normally, but should be restrained and should do gentle positions. Ideally, you should consult your doctor about this at your antenatal visits.
Gentle exercise in the first 3 months of pregnancy:
This is very useful, helping to improve health and relieve stress. At this time, the pregnant belly is still small, so you can sign up for a yoga course for pregnant women to receive the great benefits of yoga during pregnancy. However, there are some complicated yoga poses: difficult techniques, lots of stretching, strong movements in the hip area are not good for pregnant women in the first 3 months
A light walk in the morning or afternoon helps blood circulation, relieve stress, reduce stress
Try to take time to relax every day. This is also an important secret for you to maintain health and beauty during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Difficulties during pregnancy, morning sickness, changes in the first 3 months of pregnancy will certainly make you stressed many times but you need to stay calm, do not get angry because it can affect your health. whole fetus.

7. Activities to avoid

Avoid lifting heavy objects Avoid taking a bath that is too hot because high temperatures increase the risk of birth defects in the unborn baby. Running and jumping, especially in slippery places, horseback riding, cycling, rollerblading, etc. are also activities that have the potential to fall and cause fetal harm that you need to avoid. Being a mother is indeed an extremely arduous and difficult problem, but at the end of the road, the result is extremely wonderful. So equip yourself with good knowledge so that your baby can be born in a healthy way.
To ensure the best health of pregnant women and fetuses, you should choose to register for all-inclusive Maternity packages at reputable medical facilities to be regularly examined and monitored by doctors for treatment. timely arising and risks occurring during pregnancy and after labor.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormalities The package pregnancy helps to facilitate convenient for the birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.