The stages of pregnancy: before, during and after

I wish to have a child...

This is the time to stop all contraception. To optimize your chances of conceiving, it is best to know your cycle: the date of ovulation varies, but theoretically occurs in the middle of the cycle, between the 10th and 20th day. Once the ovary releases the egg, it has a life span of 12 to 24 hours, whereas spermatozoa survive three to five days in the cervix.

The fertile period therefore begins four days before ovulation and ends 24 hours after the egg is expelled. If your cycle is perfectly regular and lasts 28 days, the ideal window of opportunity for procreation is between the 10th and 15th day.

There are several symptoms that can be used to recognize ovulation: painful breasts, cervical mucus with an egg-white texture, pain on the side of the ovary that is working... There are also fertility tests that can be used to find out exactly when you are ovulating.

If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, a doctor specializing in reproduction can help you and advise you on your approach. It is best to wait about ten days after the fertilization period before taking a pregnancy test: the hormones characteristic of pregnancy are not immediately detectable.

Hooray, I'm pregnant

The pregnancy test is positive: your egg met your partner's sperm. Make an appointment with your doctor so that a blood test can confirm the news. Is everything OK? Here's what's in store for you for the next nine months. In the meantime, forget about alcohol and tobacco, but also about self-medication: from now on, you will have to ask your doctor's advice before taking any medication.

Month 1

Some effects can already be felt: tense and/or swollen breasts, nausea, variable mood... It is possible to have a slight loss of blood, which often coincides with the implantation of the egg in the cervix. An "anniversary period" on the date of your period may also occur. An absorbent high-waisted panty, until your belly starts to round out, allows you to anticipate these little inconveniences without compromising your comfort. However, if you are worried about bleeding, always ask your doctor for advice.

At the end of the first month, you are theoretically at six weeks of amenorrhea: this means that six weeks have passed since the beginning of your last period. These weeks of amenorrhea are referred to as "SA" and are used as a way to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Month 2

Signs characteristic of pregnancy can be felt: nausea, mood swings, fatigue... You may have heavy legs and feel the need to urinate more frequently. White discharge, which is larger than usual, is also a frequent phenomenon.

During your pregnancy, you will need to have seven prenatal visits (covered by Social Security) to your gynecologist or midwife. The first of these visits should take place during the first trimester, before the 15th week of pregnancy. It will be the occasion to perform some tests, to check that the egg is well implanted, but also to declare the pregnancy.

You can already think about the choice of the maternity hospital in which you want to give birth as well as a place in a daycare center or a nanny. Registration in a maternity hospital is often done later, but depending on the establishment, you may be put on a waiting list.

Month 3

The symptoms of pregnancy that you have experienced up to this point are slowly diminishing. It is during this third month, between the 11th and 13th week of amenorrhea that the first ultrasound will take place. It allows us to make sure that the baby is developing normally, to examine its organs and to listen to its heart. This first ultrasound will also be used to date the pregnancy and give you the estimated due date.

There are changes in your diet: it is strongly recommended that you eliminate cold cuts, raw meat, dairy products including soft cheeses, vegetables, seafood and raw fish from your diet during pregnancy. These foods are known to cause listeriosis, an infection that can have serious consequences on pregnancy. If you are not immune to toxoplasmosis, it is advisable to cook your meats and wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

It is during this month that you can notify your employer of your pregnancy and your upcoming maternity leave.

Month 4

The belly becomes rounder, the breasts swell and the uterus, which takes up more and more space, can cause pain. Transit is disturbed, the need to urinate becomes more frequent and stretch marks may appear.

Return to the doctor who is following your pregnancy for the fourth month visit: he or she will examine you and measure the height of your uterus in order to understand the growth of the baby and the placenta, as well as the quantity of amniotic fluid.

You can start to adapt your wardrobe to your curvature: for example, underwear shorts will be more suitable for a round belly, while protecting you from white discharge or bleeding during your period.

You can make an appointment for the early prenatal interview. This visit, not included in the seven mandatory medical consultations, is recommended (and reimbursed by the Health Insurance). It is a time for discussion and information, alone or in pairs, to prepare future parents for birth and parenthood. It is the moment to express your possible fears, difficulties or needs. It is also the ideal time to think about registering for birth preparation courses.

Month 5

It's time to go back to your gynecologist or midwife for the usual questions and tests, and to listen to your baby's heart... which you are starting to feel move.

This fifth month is the one of the second ultrasound, called morphological, to be done between the 22nd and 24th week of amenorrhea. The doctor takes measurements and analyzes the baby's organs: you can find out its sex if you wish.

Month 6

The uterus is now above the navel and the weight of the belly is beginning to be felt. Among the discomforts, you may feel small irregular contractions, develop hemorrhoids and find it difficult to sleep... Minimize your efforts, and don't hesitate to pursue a gentle physical activity like walking, swimming or yoga.

On the agenda for the fourth prenatal appointment: tests, an obstetrical examination and, as usual, the measurement of the uterine height. To anticipate the baby's arrival, you can start shopping for a room, equipment, clothes...

If you and your partner are not married, he/she will have to go to the town hall to acknowledge the child, either before or after its birth. For an early recognition, you can make a declaration to the civil status now.

Month 7

The baby is more than 30 centimeters long and weighs more than a kilo. He is taking up more and more space in the uterus, and is starting to be placed upside down for the big day.

The fifth medical visit will be the occasion to ask about a possible prenatal medical leave: it is a sick leave of maximum two weeks, before the maternity leave.

From the seventh month, you are entitled to seven sessions of preparation for childbirth and parenthood. These sessions can be individual or collective and can be done with your regular doctor.

Anticipate the question of breastfeeding: bottle or breast milk?

Month 8

The sitting position is more and more complicated, but you see the end of it. This month's program includes the sixth prenatal visit, but also the last ultrasound. The biometric ultrasound must take place between the 32nd and 36th week of amenorrhea. It allows us to make sure that the baby is growing normally, but also to check the location of the placenta, the position of the baby as well as its size and weight. It is also an opportunity to evaluate the risks of premature delivery or growth retardation.

Make an appointment with an anesthesiologist in preparation for the delivery. This consultation is mandatory, even if you are not planning a cesarean or epidural. It will allow you to learn about anesthesia and epidurals.

Maternity leave, which begins six weeks before delivery and continues for ten weeks after the baby arrives, begins this month. Your spouse can talk to his or her employer about paternity leave.

You can also think about which pediatrician will follow your baby.

Month 9

Hormones-wise, the end of pregnancy can make you feel nauseous and tired.

Last medical consultation before the birth! After the 37th week of amenorrhea, it is time to check the dilation of the cervix, the blood pressure and to do the last tests in view of the birth.

Be prepared: stay close to the maternity ward and pack your suitcase.

I'm going to give birth

The contractions are there, and they are spaced out at intervals of about ten minutes: it is time to leave for the maternity hospital. On the spot, the doctors proceed to some tests and measure the dilation of the cervix. While waiting for all the signals to be green, you will be installed in a labor room before going to the delivery room.

My child is here

Getting organized for the return home

After a few days in the maternity ward and back home with the baby, your whole life rhythm is turned upside down. Anticipate the stock of clothes (for the baby, but also for you) and diapers, so you don't have to do it in a hurry. And above all, spare no effort.

The body after childbirth

On the body side, the pregnancy belly is still there, uterine contractions (called trenches) can be felt, the pregnancy hormones come down and cause milk to come in and breasts to ache. You may also have some bleeding or hemorrhoids, and if you had an episiotomy or cesarean section, the operation takes some time to heal. On average, it takes one year before you regain your pre-pregnancy body.

The perineum, which is put to the test during pregnancy, may require some re-education sessions, to be carried out with a midwife or a physiotherapist. A less toned perineum is synonymous with bladder weakness, but also with a decrease in sensation during sexual intercourse. For bladder weakness, you can buy washable or disposable absorbent pads or towels (again, reusable or not) for more comfort.

Postpartum

Don't neglect the postpartum period: between the physical and hormonal upheaval, the pain, the lack of information that many parents face and a certain amount of loneliness after the birth, depression can occur in the months following the birth.

It is therefore essential to surround yourself with those close to you and to discuss this with professionals. This examination, which is also reimbursed, must take place between the sixth and eighth week following the birth. It can be done by your doctor or a midwife, at home, and can answer your questions: nutrition, postpartum, baby blues, body changes, sexuality, etc.

Source: DansMaCulotte

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