The term pregnancy refers to the particular condition in which the woman finds herself from the moment of conception to that of childbirth. A real transformation process (not only from a biological point of view but also from a psychological and social point of view) that lasts - under normal conditions - for nine months, or 280 days, then 40 weeks. The term of a physiological pregnancy, however, is to be understood more generally between 38 and 42 weeks.
The first trimester of pregnancy is particularly delicate. First of all it is the phase of the so-called embryogenesis and organogenesis of the conceived. It is precisely in this phase that the fertilized egg, the zygote, transformed first into a morula and then into a blastocyst, will give rise to the embryo. And this is the phase in which the embryo itself will pass from a few millimeters to about 10 centimeters in length .
Not only. Precisely in this phase the embryo will progressively begin to develop all the pieces of its organism. From the brain to the spine, from the limbs to the circulatory system, from the mouth, to the eyes to the ears. By the thirteenth week it will also be possible to hear the heartbeat. fetal through the appropriate ultrasound devices.
It is therefore a fundamental phase of pregnancy in which, for example, great attention must be paid before using any drugs and substances of any kind that could cause abortions or malformations. If necessary, it will be essential to contact your doctor first. For the same reason it will also be important - in case of suspicion, for example in the face of a significant delay in the cycle - to diagnose a possible pregnancy as soon as possible. harmful products for oneself and for the unborn child.
But first-trimester transformations go beyond these basic precautions. The hormonal picture of the pregnant woman, in fact, will face a real earthquake. For example, beta-HCG appear (used precisely to diagnose pregnancy), produced by the transphoblast first and then by the placenta. Levels of this glycoprotein multiply rapidly for weeks until they reach their peak at the third month. The presence of this hormone - which allows the corpus luteum to remain active and produce progesterone - is essential to allow the pregnancy to proceed correctly; however, the side effects caused by its rapid growth - as well as by the increase in progesterone itself - are at the basis of some characteristic and annoying disorders of the first trimester: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mood swings, breast turgor and pollakiuria (ie an increased need to urinate). There are those who even speak of real "anarchy of the body".
Pregnancy will also lead to important changes in the cardiovascular system, with an increase in the volume of circulating blood, heart rate and output and gastrointestinal, with a consistent slowdown in persisis - due to both hormonal and mechanical factors over the months - and consequent risk of heartburn, reflux, constipation and hemorrhoids. Finally, the pregnant woman may also experience a certain increase in water retention with the possible formation of edema and swelling, for example in the lower limbs.
In addition to strictly physical transformations, however, the woman in the first trimester also has to face some delicate psychological and emotional passages. The awareness of the new pregnancy - beyond the fact that this was more or less planned and desired - still involves a moment of intense and articulated settlement. There will be moments of uncertainty and feelings of ambivalence. The joy for this extraordinary event will be accompanied by doubts and uncertainties about her own adequacy and about the changes that the arrival of a child will inevitably entail. Until that moment exclusively a daughter, the woman will begin to perceive herself as a mother, oscillating between acceptance and rejection of this new condition.
With the advent of the second trimester, however, a new chapter generally opens. Pregnancy - which by now has been largely metabolized, both from a physical and psychological point of view - begins to manifest itself with tangible signs. First of all it becomes visible thanks to the "uterus that increases in volume and grows to the abdominal level. Pregnancy now becomes a social event.
Secondly, the woman begins to perceive the so-called active fetal movements (MAF). The fetus - among other things, already sensitive to external stimuli - manifests itself directly to its mother. The woman feels pleasantly invaded. She establishes a relationship of authentic symbiosis with her baby. Feelings of containment and acceptance develop.
The organogenesis is now over. The placenta completes its growth. Many of the ailments listed above disappear, such as nausea and vomiting. However, vaginal secretions can increase and some annoying heartburn can occur. Estrogen and progesterone continue to shape the woman. , creating the necessary conditions for a good gestation. There will be a first significant weight gain. The size of breasts and nipples will develop and we will have pigmentation changes in the areoles (where there will also be an increase in the Montgomery sebaceous glands) Furthermore, some phenomena affecting the skin (chloasma gravidicum, linea nigra, strie rubre) may progressively intensify and some vascular modifications (such as angiomas) appear.
Third trimester of pregnancy "
.jpg)
