2023-04-28 13:01:28
The first 12 weeks of pregnancy have some risks that worry women. We explain which are the most frequent and if they can be prevented.
Early pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be a time full of uncertainty and worry. You may be wondering why many women wait three months to announce their pregnancy. The answer lies in the risks associated with the first trimester.
During this time, the female body undergoes a series of hormonal changes that can have a significant impact on the health of the mother and fetus. Throughout this article, we will provide you with information about the risks of the first trimester of pregnancy and we will offer you tips to prevent them.
A baby is on the way! Find out everything about the first trimester
In accordance with Johns Hopkins Medicinewhen the embryo is implanted in the wall of the uterus, the following processes of tissue formation occur:
- amniotic sac: surrounds the fetus to protect it from injury and regulate its temperature. Gives containment to amniotic fluid.
- Placenta: it is a flat, pie-shaped organ. It adheres to the wall of the uterus by means of villi; fetal blood vessels connect to them to exchange nutrients.
- Umbilical cord: connects the fetus to the placenta. It contains two arteries and one vein that carry oxygen and nutrients.
Although many external changes are not visible, the fetus is undergoing a period of rapid growth and development. During the first trimester, all your organs and systems are being formed, therefore, it is essential to take care of your health and avoid the intake of alcohol, drugs and certain medications.
Common First Trimester Symptoms
The first trimester has physical and emotional changes. As the mother’s body adjusts to the growing life within her, it is normal to experience a number of obvious signs.
Although there are records of women who experience a pregnancy without symptoms, the majority feel the following:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sensitive and swollen breasts.
- Fatigue, sleepiness and lack of energy.
- Mood changes.
- More frequent urge to urinate.
- Aversions towards certain foods and smells.
Why wait 3 months to announce the pregnancy?
Even if all goes well in the first few weeks, the growing fetus is still very vulnerable. Any complication could affect the normal development of the baby.
During the first trimester of pregnancy there is a frequent risk: spontaneous abortion. According to International Journal of Maternal Fetal Health, 15% of feats reach this situation and 1% of women will have repeat abortions. The data is corroborated by a study published in Multimedwhich reports that 1 in 5 recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Different factors can concur for an abortion to happen:
- uterine.
- Genetics.
- infectious.
- endocrine.
- environmental.
- immune.
As suggested by research from the Peruvian Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, numerical or structural chromosome defects account for more than 50% of spontaneous abortions. Therefore, the chromosomal factor would be the main origin identified. These are genetic alterations that are not inherited, but occur while the fetus’s cells multiply.
However, there are times when a specific cause cannot be determined.
The risk of spontaneous abortion is significantly reduced after 12 weeks of gestation. And that is why many women wait until the third month to announce their pregnancy.
ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is another of the potential risks of the first trimester, which may endanger the life of the mother. It occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.
With the growth of the first few weeks, it can cause bleeding and severe abdominal pain. If not treated in time, it causes significant internal bleeding.
Although its prevalence is around 1% to 2% of all pregnancies, and that seems little, it must be considered. Immediate medical attention should be sought if any of its symptoms are experienced.
Risk factors associated with the first trimester
Among other risk factors to take into account during the first trimester, we collect the following:
- Hyperemesis gravidarum: most mothers experience morning sickness during the first trimester. However, in case of reporting other associated symptoms, such as uncontrolled vomiting, severe dehydration and loss of more than 5% of body weight, a health professional should be notified, they indicate in the Hospital Nutrition Magazine.
- Vaginal bleeding: appears in between 20% and 40% of pregnant women during the first trimester, according to a publication by Australian Family Physician. Its presence requires medical attention.
- Severe abdominal pain: In case it becomes unbearable and intense or lasts for many hours, professional attention should be sought to identify the cause.
The risks of pregnant women during the first trimester also depend on the underlying health disorders that they may have. For example, arterial hypertension, kidney disease, anemia and thyrotoxicosis.
Age also influences the possibility of having complications. After the age of 35, the risk of the feat not coming to an end increases.
Based on the above reasons, it is common for women to wait 3 months to announce their pregnancy. From this point on, the risks will have decreased significantly and they will be able to have more confidence that their pregnancy is on the right track.
Is it possible to prevent the risks in the first 12 weeks?
Although the risks of the first trimester of pregnancy cannot be completely eliminated, there are some steps you can take to reduce them, such as the following:
- Avoid intense physical activity: Although there is no conclusive evidence, according to scientific studies, it is preferable to opt for softer exercises.
- Manage stress: To achieve this, meditation, yoga or exercises are suggested. mindfulness. Adequate rest at night is also key.
- Eat a healthy diet: Diet is important in pregnancy. Consult with a nutritionist to put together a plan for you.
- Take the prescribed folic acid: the doctor will indicate this supplement that prevents malformations in the baby’s nervous system.
Every woman is different and has the right to decide when she shares the news of her pregnancy. However, knowing these risks is a step towards adopting healthy habits that reduce the incidence of spontaneous abortion. The accompaniment of a trusted obstetrician is one more tool so that you are sure when communicating that you will be a mother.
You might be interested…
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography for this article was deemed reliable and of scholarly or scientific accuracy.
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