Second trimester of pregnancy: harmony and activity. Second trimester of pregnancy: size and weight of the fetus, condition of the pregnant woman, necessary tests

The human body is made up of more than half water. And all vital processes in it occur with the obligatory participation of water. Therefore, we cannot exist without life-giving moisture - the slightest deficiency of it does not have the best effect on our health and well-being, and a clear lack of fluid completely disables the body.

It should be said that during pregnancy, the importance of water for a woman not only increases, but also takes on a new meaning, because another one is included in the water circulation system in the body - the child.

At the same time, excess fluid in the body becomes much more harmful and dangerous. So this issue is one of the most important during the period of bearing a child and requires constant monitoring.

The benefits of water for pregnant women

From the first days of pregnancy, the expectant mother faces many dangers in the form of deterioration in health and well-being. Often at this time, blood pressure drops significantly, many women begin to suffer from, the risks of developing thrombophlebitis and increase. But not everyone knows that by ensuring a sufficient supply of fluid to the body, these troubles can be avoided or their occurrence can be significantly reduced. In addition, against the background of a lack of water, metabolic processes in the mother’s body are disrupted, the level of toxicity increases (due to insufficient cleansing of metabolic products), irritability and fatigue increase, immunity decreases, and the skin loses its elasticity and firmness. What’s really scary is that the risk of mutations and other complications increases.

Even the medications that a woman usually takes during this period (the same vitamins) are better absorbed with plenty of water.

This is why every pregnant woman should consume enough fluids, which is most important in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Why shouldn't pregnant women drink a lot of water?

At the same time, we should not forget that the human body can only adapt to a lack of fluid, but cannot fight excess. And if usually this does not bother us much, then for a woman in this position, this order of things poses a certain threat. Excess fluid leads to the appearance of kidneys; the kidneys of the expectant mother already work for two and cannot cope with the sharply increasing load on them. This is also one of the reasons for the appearance of excess weight in a pregnant woman.

This condition is especially dangerous in the third trimester and most of all before the birth itself (this can, among other things, affect the development of defects in the fetus and). The body is preparing to store double the amount of water, because the volume of amniotic fluid and blood is constantly increasing, and the time of labor (when fluid losses are potentially especially large) is approaching. Therefore, in the last months of the term, the mother must limit the intake of fluid into the body.

Norms of fluid intake during pregnancy

Since the importance of life-giving moisture is especially great in the early stages of pregnancy during the period of active cell division and growth, the formation and development of all organs and systems of the baby, the mother’s water consumption during this period should be sufficient. If you weigh 50 kg you should drink an average of 2 liters of water per day, if you weigh 60 kg - 2.3 liters, if you weigh 70 kg - 2.55 liters, if you weigh 80 kg - on average about 3 liters of water per day.

It should be taken into account that in the hot season, at elevated body temperatures or during the period, a pregnant woman’s need for water increases.

But already from the second trimester you should not be zealous with water. Drink enough so that you don't feel thirsty, but don't overdo it. If, according to indications, the volume of fluid entering the body needs to be limited, the doctor will individually establish an acceptable drinking regime for you.

But from the third trimester, the amount of water you drink will need to be strictly controlled. In recommendations for nutrition during pregnancy, you may find instructions to limit drinking in the last stages, however, this formulation of the question is somewhat incorrect - limiting fluid intake without limiting salt intake does not prevent the appearance of edema and, in principle, is not easy for a woman.

The whole point is that you should mainly limit and then completely abandon the consumption of salt, since it is precisely this that leads to fluid retention in the pregnant woman’s body with all the ensuing consequences. Therefore, from the 20th week, begin to gradually reduce the addition of salt to dishes. If you completely stop adding salt to your food, then there will be no need to significantly limit your drinking, unless this is necessary for medical reasons (for example, with kidney pathology, late toxicosis and edema).

By the way, if everything is fine with your health and your condition is normal, limiting drinking in the third trimester can even be dangerous. After all, amniotic fluid has been renewed 8 times a day in recent months! And for this you need a decent water reserve. But still, gynecologists recommend that in the prenatal period, if possible, replace an extra glass of liquid with a whole vegetable or fruit.

It should also be noted that in some conditions it is impossible to limit fluid intake at all: for example, with pyelonephritis or urolithiasis. Therefore, the most correct decision would be to coordinate your drinking regimen with your doctor. But before you get to the doctor, do a home dehydration test. Collect a portion of your urine and evaluate its color: almost transparent or very light urine indicates sufficient fluid intake in the body, and saturated or dark urine indicates a clear deficiency.

What is the best thing to drink during pregnancy is a separate question. But, of course, the best and healthiest drink has always been and will be living, clean water.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

The second trimester of pregnancy (the period from 13 to 27 weeks) is the most interesting for the expectant mother. After all, it is at this stage that the baby begins to move. This period is usually accompanied by a feeling of physiological comfort and well-being. Nausea no longer appears at this time, and the fetus has not yet reached the size to put pressure on the woman’s organs. But there are still certain problems that arise during this period. And today we will find out what health difficulties pregnant women may experience at this time and how to deal with them.

Necessary research

In the second trimester, a woman must undergo the following mandatory tests:

1. Biochemical screening. This is the so-called triple test, which is done in order to exclude Down syndrome and neural tube defects.
2. Ultrasound. Second trimester — This is the period when it is very important to do this research, because it is then that deviations can be identified, because at another time it will be problematic to do this. During this diagnostic method, the doctor will definitely check whether the size of the fetus corresponds to the gestational age, how correctly the unborn baby is developing in the mother’s stomach: the specialist will determine the size, length of the femurs, and the shape of the head. Also during this period, the doctor will evaluate the baby’s blood flow, because it is very important to determine how well the baby is supplied with oxygen and

Also, for a pregnant woman, a gynecologist may prescribe additional tests, such as:

Study of amniotic fluid and fetal blood. The doctor may send you for analysis if the specialist suspects any abnormalities.

Additional research if the expectant mother has chronic illnesses.

Of course, a planned visit to the doctor should be a mandatory event. At the 15th or 16th week, the doctor weighs the woman, measures the circumference of her abdomen, and determines the height of the uterine fundus. During this period, a specialist can also assess the condition of the fetus’s heart, kidneys and brain. At the appointment, the doctor also determines the position of the placenta, its size, thickness and maturity.

Frequent problems facing expectant mothers

The last stage when the embryo finally turns into a person is 15 weeks of pregnancy. What happens to the expectant mother’s body after the first three months of being in an interesting position? First of all, at this time a woman’s body undergoes changes. What may bother a representative of the fairer sex at this stage, we will consider below.

1. Breast augmentation. Under the influence of hormones, the mammary glands become larger during this period. If in the first trimester a woman could observe pain in her breasts, then in the second she will have another problem - irritability of the nipples. Therefore, at this stage, the girl should buy a supportive bra, which will definitely help her.

2. Growing belly. Of course, this is not a problem, but due to the enlarged womb, the woman becomes less mobile; the work that was previously done without much effort will seem difficult and sometimes unbearable to her.

3. False contractions. During this period, the uterus begins to warm up so that it will soon be ready for important work. Such contractions in the lower abdomen are usually weak and impossible to predict. However, if there is severe pain in the second trimester and, in addition, it is regular, then the woman should urgently consult a doctor, as this may be a sign of premature birth.

4. Skin transformations. Some areas on the expectant mother's body become darker, for example, the skin around the nipples, certain areas of the face, and the line leading from the navel to the pubic area.

5. Stretch marks. The second trimester is a period when representatives of the fairer sex can observe pink and red stripes along the abdomen, shoulders, chest, hips, and buttocks. Stretch marks, by the way, can be accompanied by unbearable itching. But no one said that pregnancy in the second trimester is easy. However, there is no need to sound the alarm ahead of time. Although the appearance of such stripes cannot be prevented, most of them disappear over time or become barely visible.

6. Dizziness. Many pregnant women face this problem, because during this period the blood vessels dilate in response to hormonal imbalances. To prevent such a negative phenomenon, a girl should drink enough water and also slowly get up after sleep. When a woman feels dizzy, she should lie on her left side to restore her blood pressure.

7. Problems with gums and breathing. Since pregnancy increases blood circulation, more blood flows through the mucous membranes of the body. And this, in turn, leads to swelling of the airways, as a result of which the woman begins to snore. Also, increased connective tissue circulation can soften the gums and cause them to bleed.

8. Shortness of breath. Why is the second trimester characterized by respiratory discomfort? The fact is that the lungs process the air more intensively than they did before pregnancy. And this allows the blood to carry more oxygen to the placenta and the baby, so breathing in this case becomes more intense, which leads to shortness of breath.

9. Vaginal discharge. If a woman experiences intense leucorrhoea during this period, then this is normal, because it helps suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast. To avoid discomfort, she can wear high-quality panty liners. However, representatives of the fair sex need to be careful, and if they notice discharge in the second trimester with an unpleasant odor, green, yellow, with droplets of blood, then this may indicate a vaginal infection. In this case, the woman should immediately go to her doctor.

10. Leg cramps. Spasms of the lower extremities are another nuisance of the second trimester: as pregnancy progresses, they become more frequent at night. To prevent cramps from occurring, you need to do appropriate exercises before bed and drink more water.

So you have learned what changes a woman’s body undergoes after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Now we’ll find out what happens to the fetus in the second trimester.

How does the baby develop?

Frozen pregnancy in the second trimester: its signs

The biggest blow of fate that can occur during this period is the cessation of fetal development. Of course, the death of an unborn baby can also happen in the first trimester. But still, the period of 18-20 weeks is considered more dangerous. How to determine whether the measurement is fetal or not?

By movements. If a woman does not feel any movement in her tummy, then this may be a sign of trouble. In this case, she should immediately contact a gynecologist - he will listen to the heartbeat, and if the results are poor (for example, the pulse is dull or absent at all), he will prescribe an additional ultrasound.

On the chest. It is characterized by a decrease in bust size. The mammary glands then become soft, and colostrum ceases to be released.

If the cervix is ​​slightly open, the color of the vagina has become red or pink, and there is thick brown discharge - in this case, the doctor can confirm that the fetus is fading.

Acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract during pregnancy

Flu in the second trimester of pregnancy can be dangerous not only for the mother, but also for the unborn baby. After all, the disease can provoke premature birth. If a woman catches the flu in the second trimester, then when the baby is born, she may experience symptoms of oxygen starvation - pallor, lethargy, and a weak cry. But still, you should not panic at the first signs of the flu, since a sufficient number of pregnant women suffered from this disease in the second trimester, but then gave birth to absolutely healthy children.

Flu treatment

You can get rid of this disease at home, you don’t have to go to the hospital. What is needed in order to recover faster?

Prevention of influenza in the 2nd trimester

1. Vaccination is the main way to prevent the development of a viral infection in the body of a pregnant woman.
2. Increasing the body's defenses, which includes proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, as well as physical activity (do not lie on the couch for days and stroke your round belly, but go out into the fresh air and take walks).
3. Isolation from patients. If someone in the house is sick, it is better to ask this person to live with other relatives for a while so that he does not infect the pregnant woman.
4. Hypothermia and overheating must be avoided.

necessary during the period from 13 to 27 weeks

In the initial stages of pregnancy, a woman’s body needs substances such as folic acid, vitamins A, E and C. Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, expectant mothers also need iodine and calcium, and the second trimester is no exception. Vitamins, as well as micro- and macroelements that are important to consume during this period are the following: iron, manganese, selenium, copper, rutin, etc. For the period from 13 to 27 weeks, these substances are designed to help the baby grow correctly and actively. After all, it is in the second trimester that the baby develops dynamically, so he will need more minerals and vitamins than in the initial months.

How to eat?

The golden mean of pregnancy has arrived. During this period, the main organs and systems of the fetus are already established and functioning. Now bones and tissues will actively begin to grow, the brain will develop, nerve fibers will form, as well as blood vessels. Why do doctors pay so much attention to such an aspect as nutrition? The second trimester is the time when the baby, located in the mother’s belly, actively takes away useful elements from her. And so that a woman has enough necessary substances for herself, doctors try at every appointment to remind the expectant mother to eat well. By the middle of the prenatal period, the content should be in the following ratio:

Proteins - 22%;

Vegetable fats - 18%;

Fruits and vegetables - 38%;

Cereals - 22%.

Now let’s determine what exactly should be on the menu of a pregnant woman in the second trimester:

What foods should you exclude?

Now it’s worth considering the nutrition of pregnant women from a safety point of view. Some foods that women loved to eat before they found themselves in an interesting situation can now pose a threat to the baby's health. The second trimester, as well as the first and third, is the time when the following foods should be excluded from the diet:

Raw meat, as well as fish (for example, sushi).

Various smoked sausages, sausages, etc.

Varieties of blue cheeses.

Raw eggs, as well as sauces based on them.

And of course, let us remind you that no crackers from the store or chips should be consumed during this period. You should generally forget about alcoholic drinks during all stages of pregnancy.

Tone in the second trimester: what to do?

Throughout the entire period that a woman is in an interesting position, uterine hyperactivity is a serious diagnosis, so every visit to a gynecologist should include palpating the abdomen.

Causes of increased tone:

What needs to be done to eliminate the tone of the uterus?

1. A woman can achieve relaxation of the uterus only if she herself is completely calm and peaceful.
2. A pregnant woman should definitely get enough sleep. If you can’t do it at night, then you need to arrange a quiet hour for yourself during the day.
3. As prescribed by the doctor, a woman during hypertension can take sedatives that can reduce spasms of the uterine walls.
4. With increased activity of the smooth muscle hollow organ, the gynecologist may place the expectant mother in hospital to prevent abnormalities in the development of the fetus.

Now you know that in the second trimester, which, by the way, lasts from 13 to 27 weeks, the baby is actively developing and growing. At this time, the mother’s breasts and belly increase, stretch marks form (not for everyone) - that is, the woman’s body changes. There are cases when a woman experiences fictitious contractions during this period, and the tone of the uterus increases. And so that such serious and dangerous problems do not overtake a pregnant woman, she must protect herself from negative emotions, rest more, spend time in the fresh air, and also eat right. And then no health complications will be observed, and the baby will be born healthy and on time.

In this article we will look at how much you should drink during pregnancy and why you should do it. We will also consider what is better to drink and what is better to abstain from.

Why do pregnant women need to drink?

I think that no one argues that not only pregnant women, but everyone in general needs to drink. But, pregnant women need to monitor the quantity and quality of fluid they drink. Let's look at why this is so.

• In the early stages, drinking plenty of fluids reduces pregnancy symptoms.
• Drinking fluid in the right amount “dilutes” the foods you eat. For example, there is a known recommendation that to prevent constipation you need to eat more fiber. But only in combination with a sufficient amount of fluid does this give the result - regular, painless stool. As a result, there is less likelihood of complications such as hemorrhoids. You can read more in the article.
• A pregnant woman’s body needs fluid to form additional volume of blood, plasma, etc.
• Maintaining elasticity and tone of the skin, preventing skin dryness.
• Free removal of waste substances and toxins from the body.
• If you drink enough liquid, beneficial substances are not washed out of the body.
• A sufficient volume of liquid allows urine not to stagnate, to be of the desired composition and consistency, thereby protecting the pregnant woman from the development of pathogenic diseases.

How much should you drink during pregnancy, what is the reason for it.

In the first half of pregnancy, until about the 20th week (4-5 months), it is recommended to drink more, and only the lower norm is relevant. That is, it is advisable to drink at least 2 liters per day. You can do more, since the volume of blood in your body increases, amniotic fluid is formed - these processes all require fluid.

In the second half of pregnancy, starting from the 20th week, the body’s functioning mode is restructured. Now your kidneys work specifically to retain fluid and sodium salts (they retain fluid). Thus, the fluid intake pattern changes. Now the upper limit becomes important. Drink no more than 1-1.5 liters per day. At the same time, it is highly recommended to limit your salt intake, or better yet, avoid it altogether. Because, without limiting salt, it will be simply physically impossible to reduce the amount of liquid you drink. We must remember that salt is contained not only directly in the salt that we add to food. All prepared foods contain salt (cheeses, meat products, some sets of seasonings, etc.). This is where the widespread recommendation comes from not to eat salty, spicy, fatty, or fried foods. These foods cause additional thirst, you are forced to drink more, the kidneys retain salt and water - this leads to fluid retention and swelling.

The appearance of edema, what to do?

It is very important to monitor the appearance of swelling. They definitely need to be noticed. The easiest way is to simply look in the mirror regularly, in the morning. And don’t deceive yourself that “I’m just pregnant with a girl, this happens to everyone,” or “I just haven’t washed my face yet.” Swelling is visible immediately.

Starting around the 20th week, it is very useful to monitor your fluid intake and output. Record how much you drank (and ate juicy foods), and how much came out in the urine. In this case, it is absolutely not necessary to “measure the urine output with a measuring cup,” as is often recommended in various sources. It’s not the most pleasant procedure; it seems to me that you’ll start going to the toilet less often if you have to measure something every time. It’s easier to get a quality bathroom scale and weigh yourself before and after urinating. And write it down. If you see that less is excreted than drunk, then liquid accumulates inside. The reasons for this, and what to do about it, are in the parts below.

Another sign of fluid retention (internal edema) may be sudden swelling. Starting around the 20th week, a woman may begin to rapidly gain weight. In most cases, this is due precisely to the fact that excess fluid accumulates in the body. The increase can be 0.5-2 kg per day, with a norm of 350 g per week. At the same time, recommendations to “eat less” are of no benefit, since it’s not about food (unless, of course, you really overeat). The reason is salt and water. You can complete a simple check within one day. In general, do not eat foods containing salt for one day. And at the same time, arrange a fasting diet on the same day. The most common options: kefir, apple.

• Kefir. Drink 1.5-2 liters of kefir per day, low-fat.
• Apple. 1.5-2 kg of apples are eaten per day.

As a rule, the weight goes off per day (1-2 kg). And this does not happen at all because you refused to eat. The reason is that salt does not enter the body and excess water leaves. Read the article about, maybe you are eating something wrong.

It is important not only to eat healthy foods in the last months, but also in the early stages to eat very fractionally and as healthy as possible. Therefore, you should choose and buy in Mom’s Store for pregnant and lactating women, which you can take with you to the hospital or eat after the baby is born.

Note 1. Returns of food and cosmetic products are only possible if the packaging is undamaged.

Note 2. There are, of course, cases when a sharp weight gain at this stage is associated with obesity, or with certain endocrine problems, but, as a rule, in such cases, weight gain begins almost from the beginning of pregnancy, and not at the 20th week, and is “immediately visible” to the doctor.

You can read more about internal edema and gestosis in the second half of pregnancy in the article. The article at the link also describes how to take liquid for complications such as pyelonephritis. In short, with pyelonephritis and urolithiasis, you cannot limit fluid intake (in the second half, starting from the 20th week), since it is necessary that the urine is not too concentrated and does not linger in the kidneys, so that the speed of its movement is normal.

Attention! If the swelling does not go away (1-2 days maximum), then you should definitely consult a doctor, since complications with swelling develop very quickly.

What should you not drink during pregnancy, why?

Some drinks are harmful to drink during pregnancy, or not at all. They can be divided into three types. Some retain water in the body, others, on the contrary, have a dehydrating effect, and others simply harm the child. Let's take a closer look.

What is the best thing to drink during pregnancy?

• Water. Still mineral water is best. It is possible (and beneficial) to add a little lemon to the water.
• Natural juices. One glass a day is enough. You can mix different fruits, you can add pulp (this will add fiber to your diet).
• Compotes (no sugar). The compote made from sweet fruits is already sweet, even without added sugar.
• Infusions of dried fruits, without sugar. Dried fruits are poured with boiling water and infused in a thermos overnight.
• Cranberry, lingonberry fruit drinks.
• Decoctions of currant leaves, lingonberry leaves. According to the doctor's recommendation, kidney fees.

Important! Be sure to follow the drinking regime if you have.

Remember that you should not feel thirsty. Always carry a small bottle of water with you.

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Rational nutrition has always been an important component for the normal course of pregnancy. And if there have been few disputes with healthy products and the volume of their consumption, drinking regime has remained a debatable issue for many years.

Water and pregnancy

It was previously believed that limiting fluid intake during pregnancy effectively prevents edema. Modern research data refute this theory.

In the physiological course of pregnancy, in the absence of chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and genitourinary systems, the amount of fluid consumed is practically unlimited and corresponds to the volume necessary for the normal metabolism of the mother and intrauterine fetus. Drinks include more than just water. The liquid part of any food is taken into account: first courses, vegetables, fruits, cereals, meat and fish.

Why do you need to drink water?

It is believed that a person can live up to 50 days without food, if he does not drink water - no more than 5. This leads to the conclusion that liquid is a vital medium in which all metabolic processes take place. The main functions of water in the body can be presented in the following list:

• dissolves nutrients, improving their absorption;
• humidifies oxygen;
• participates in thermoregulation;
• promotes the removal of waste products.

During pregnancy, the importance of proper drinking regimen increases, since in addition to the mother’s own metabolic needs, it is necessary to cover the growing needs of the fetus.

During this period, the volume of circulating blood increases due to the addition of the vascular system of the unborn baby. In addition, the fluid consumed forms amniotic fluid.

How much water do you need during pregnancy?

Every expectant mother wonders: how much liquid can you drink per day? This is a rather serious issue, since both deficiency and excess of water will negatively affect a woman’s well-being. The answer can be the calculation of physiological fluid losses, which normally can be up to 2 liters.

Moreover, 1.5 liters are excreted through the kidneys and 0.5 liters are lost through breathing and through the skin. Considering these losses, for the normal functioning of the body during pregnancy, it is recommended to drink 2 liters of fluid per day.

Need in the first trimester of pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy is the most important period in the formation of organs and systems of the fetus. Therefore, it is important to provide the unborn child with the necessary amount of fluid, nutrients and oxygen.

Considering how much is spent on physiological losses, the daily volume of water for this trimester can be 2.5–2.7 liters. Factors that may increase fluid requirements:

• hot period of the year, accompanied by increased sweating;
• increased body temperature;
• some disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
• symptoms of toxicosis.

It is worth noting that during toxicosis, a pregnant woman may experience signs of dehydration and vomiting. In this case, the correction of water and electrolyte balance should be performed by a doctor. In severe cases, when the patient is unable to drink the required volume of fluid on her own, intravenous administration is resorted to.

Drinking regime in the second trimester

During this period, there is some restriction in water consumption. Many pregnant women note that it is in the second trimester that swelling appears, the signs of which may be:

• pits that remain when pressure is applied to the lower leg;
• inability to take off or put on the usual jewelry on the fingers;
• facial pastiness;
• significant increase in body weight.

It becomes clear that a lot of fluid consumed during this period leaves the vascular bed and remains in the tissues of the body. However, it is also not recommended to significantly limit the volume of water, since the second trimester is characterized by increased fetal metabolism.

This is accompanied by an increase in the amount of waste products that need to be removed from the body. Consequently, the load on the mother’s internal organs increases: kidneys, heart, lungs, liver. Without sufficient water intake, it will be difficult to cleanse the blood of harmful chemicals.

Third trimester: a lot or a little?

This period can be called a time of strict control over the volume of water. Doctors advise keeping a diary in which to note how much fluid was consumed and excreted per day. Previously, there were many recommendations for limiting drinking to 1.5 liters to prevent edema.

However, modern data suggests that it is necessary to reduce the amount of salt, not liquid.

Therefore, it is important to review your menu before pregnancy begins. Salt supplied with food is a factor that retains fluid outside the vascular bed, in the tissues. Therefore, limiting this chemical can be considered an effective way to prevent edema.

What to drink during pregnancy?

This section of the article will discuss the benefits or harms of various drinks. It is clear that during pregnancy it is necessary to either limit or completely abandon some types.

So what can a pregnant woman drink without harming her health? What drink consumption should be limited during this period?

Healthy drinks

The basis of the drinking ration during pregnancy is water. For drinking, it is best to use liquid purified from impurities, heavy metals and toxic substances. In megacities, bottled or filtered water meets these criteria.

Far from civilization, the best option would be to look for a spring that has been tested and approved by specialists. The daily volume of such liquid is up to 70% of all drinks. In addition to water, you can use:

1. Freshly squeezed juices that are rich in beneficial microelements and vitamins. They should be made from seasonal and local fruits to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
2. Fruit compotes that can be prepared throughout pregnancy. In summer they are made from fresh fruit, in winter they use dried preparations, jams or frozen semi-finished products.
3. Tea made from raspberry leaves, currants, light sedative plants (mint, lemon balm), rose hips, linden flowers. It is worth choosing raw materials without a strong smell and taste due to the increased sensitivity of a pregnant woman to these types of irritants. Herbal teas can be alternated in order to get the maximum benefit from nature.

By consuming the above drinks, a pregnant woman will receive vitamins and microelements, replenish her fluid reserves and will not cause any harm to the unborn baby.

What should you limit?

Habitual drinks are often not beneficial for a pregnant woman and their consumption should be limited. This applies to:

1. Caffeine-containing drinks - coffee and tea. It has been proven that their regular consumption in large quantities leads to fetal malnutrition and prolongation of pregnancy. It is recommended to limit caffeine to 200 mg per day. This corresponds to one cup of coffee or tea. This medicine can slightly increase blood pressure in case of hypotension. There is an opinion that tea contains less caffeine than coffee. However, it is not. Popular varieties of tea (black, green) can easily outperform coffee in terms of their characteristics.
2. Cocoa, which often provokes allergic reactions.
3. Carbonated drinks contain large amounts of harmful chemicals. In addition, they increase gas formation in the intestines, causing extremely unpleasant sensations.
4. Mineral water is a liquid in which the content of certain salts is naturally or artificially increased, which contributes to the formation of edema.
5. Packaged juices, which in addition to vitamins, contain preservatives, dyes, sweeteners - substances that are not very beneficial for the body of a pregnant woman.

Naturally, small amounts of the above drinks will not cause much harm to the unborn child, but you should not get carried away with them.

How to drink correctly?

Starting from the second trimester, a pregnant woman has to slightly reduce the amount of fluid she drinks. Water is replaced with juicy fruits or dairy products, which effectively reduce thirst.

Determining the correct drinking regime for each period of pregnancy is one of the tasks of a gynecologist. However, the expectant mother may have not only the question: “how much to drink?”, but also “am I drinking correctly?” The following recommendations can serve as an answer:

1. You need to drink in small sips, without excessive greed, wetting your lips with water. This method will help you quickly feel a sense of relief from thirst, without drinking large amounts of liquid.
2. You can drink while eating, since dry food, acting on our taste buds, causes a feeling of thirst.
3. In order for the brain centers responsible for thirst to react quickly, it is necessary to drink water at the right temperature. It depends on the time of year. In winter, it is recommended to drink at room temperature, in summer - drinks at 10–12 degrees Celsius.

Don't be thirsty! This can negatively affect the health of the unborn child and your own. By adhering to the correct drinking regime, you can minimize the risks possible during pregnancy.

What to do if swelling appears?

Limiting salt and adjusting the amount of fluid consumed does not always help minimize the appearance of edema. What to do if they do form? In addition to consulting a gynecologist, we can recommend the following:

1. Use special creams to reduce swelling;
2. Take cool foot baths and then lie down with your legs elevated above your head.
3. Massage your feet yourself or ask your spouse to do this pleasant manipulation.
4. Don't wear rings until after your baby is born.

It is worth remembering that any medications can be taken only after consultation with a gynecologist. This also applies to diuretics, which, in addition to the potential risk for the unborn baby, can blur the clinical picture and disrupt the electrolyte balance in the body.

Features of the second trimester

In the second trimester of pregnancy (from 13 to 26 weeks), the most active growth of the baby occurs. All the internal organs of the child are already formed, he is gaining weight well, which will not slow down the impact on the woman’s figure. Due to significant progress in fetal development, a woman may experience problems with the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system.

From the point of view of pregnancy, the 2nd trimester is considered the safest. However, the body needs an increased amount of nutrients, it's time to reconsider your diet.

The most essential vitamins and substances

What vitamins do you take in the second trimester?

Name	Benefits for the woman’s body and fetus
Vitamin E	Necessary for the normal formation and maintenance of placenta activity. Participates in the normalization of metabolism, reduces the risk of premature birth. It also improves the condition of the skin and hair, and helps avoid stretch marks on a growing tummy.
Vitamin C	Necessary for strengthening the immune system of the expectant mother. Reduces vascular permeability, reduces the load on veins and capillaries. It plays a special role in the nutrition of women who smoke, since in this case the risk of infection in the fetus increases.
B vitamins	B1 (thiamine) improves the absorption of carbohydrates, reduces the manifestations of late toxicosis, and helps avoid hypotension. B2 (riboflavin) is necessary for the formation of blood cells, this is a good prevention of anemia. Lack of B2 in the fetus can cause growth retardation. B3 (niacin) in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy helps fight insomnia and improves amino acid metabolism. B6 (pyridoxine) is involved in the synthesis of fetal growth hormone and reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. B9 – folic acid in the second trimester normalizes the activity of the nervous system and is necessary for the proper development of the fetus. B12 (cyanocobalamin) stimulates metabolism, normalizes the growth and development of the fetus.
Vitamin D	In the second trimester of pregnancy, it is needed for the absorption of calcium and is involved in the formation of the skeleton and cardiovascular system of the fetus. Also reduces the risk of rickets in newborns.
Calcium	Pregnant women need this mineral, because from the 12th week accelerated growth of the fetus begins. Calcium is needed for the normal development of the baby’s musculoskeletal system. If a woman lacks calcium, her teeth can decay, bone fragility increases, and osteoporosis progresses.
Iodine	It is better to take during the 1st and 2nd trimester. This element is involved in the formation of the baby’s skeleton and affects his mental development. For an expectant mother, iodine is good because it reduces the risk of obesity and normalizes metabolism.
Iron	You should also take iron supplements during pregnancy. This element is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin, proteins, and the prevention of anemia. Iron deficiency can cause uterine tone and premature birth.

Drug rating

Which prenatal vitamins are best to take in the 2nd trimester:

Drug name	Reception features and main components
Complement for 2nd trimester	The composition includes vitamins A, B, C, D, rutin, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iodine, lipoic acid and other substances. Available in tablet form. Take 1 tablet per day after meals.
Alphabet Mom's health	The composition includes 13 vitamins and 11 minerals (calcium, phosphorus, selenium, iron, iodine, zinc and others). The daily dose is three tablets of different colors. They contain optimally balanced substances that combine with each other. There should be 4-5 hours between taking each tablet. Drink during meals.
Vitrum prenatal	Contains vitamin A, B, C, D, calcium, iron, zinc. A significant drawback is that it does not contain iodine, it will need to be taken separately. Drink 1 piece per day after meals.
Multi-tabs Prenatal	Vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester. The composition includes vitamins A, B, C, D, calcium, iodine, iron and other minerals. Take 1 tablet once daily with meals.
Femibion ​​Natal Care	Inexpensive and good vitamins. The drug contains vitamin A, C, E, PP, B vitamins. The composition includes iodine, biotin, iron. Take 1 tablet daily with meals.
Elevit Pronatal	A complex of vitamins for pregnant women, it includes 12 vitamins, 8 micro- and macroelements, biotin, and plant extracts. You need to take 1 tablet per day 15 minutes after meals.

Food Sources of Vitamins

List of natural sources of vitamins and minerals:

• E (tocopherol). Contained in vegetable oils (olive, corn, sunflower, sea buckthorn, flaxseed). Vitamin E is also found in greens, tomatoes, nuts, dried fruits, legumes, and cereals. It is found in small quantities in meat, offal and milk.
• C (ascorbic acid). The main sources of vitamin C are: citrus fruits, rose hips, black currants, sea buckthorn, sweet peppers, cabbage, carrots, lettuce.
• D (calciferol). Contained in fish oil, cod liver, sardines, salmon, herring. Vitamin D can also be obtained from dairy products and eggs.
• B vitamins. Most are found in products of animal origin - meat, offal, dairy products. Also sources of vitamin B are cereals, green vegetables, and legumes.
• Calcium. To obtain calcium, pregnant women should include eggs, dairy products, and all types of cabbage in their diet.
• Iodine. A significant amount of iodine is found in seafood, dried figs, seaweed, and iodized salt. It must be taken into account that heat treatment destroys iodine.
• Iron. Iron is found in large quantities in meat products, cream, sour cream, and chicken egg whites. Its sources are also apples, pomegranates, persimmons and other fruits.

Reception features

Important features of taking vitamins:

• In the 2nd trimester, the expectant mother should receive at least 100-200IU of vitamin E. An overdose of tocopherol is dangerous. This is a fat-soluble vitamin that can accumulate in the body. High doses of drugs can cause allergic reactions and oxygen starvation in the fetus. The first symptoms: headache, nausea, pain in the right hypochondrium.
• The norm for vitamin C is 90-100 mg. With an excess of ascorbic acid, a pregnant woman may feel fatigue, nausea, and frequent headaches. High doses may worsen diabetes or cause kidney stones. The excess has almost no effect on the baby, since the placenta carefully filters out the excess.
• Vitamin D should be consumed in a dosage of 400-600 IU. It is synthesized when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Hypervitaminosis can be accompanied by cramps, joint pain, and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract). In case of an overdose, insoluble calcium salts can be deposited in a woman’s body, the concentration of urea in the blood increases, and blood pressure rises.
• Iodine during pregnancy should be consumed 150 mcg. Iodine is quite toxic and can cause miscarriage or thyrotoxic crisis. Main symptoms: thirst, cough, tachycardia, enlarged thyroid gland, dizziness.
• Calcium should be taken 800-1000 mg per day. An overdose can cause calcification of the placenta.
• The optimal dose of iron is 30-60 mg. If you have anemia, your doctor may prescribe additional medications. During pregnancy, an overdose of iron can provoke premature birth, increased blood pressure, and preeclampsia. Obvious signs of overdose: glandular taste in the mouth, nausea, lack of coordination.
• An overdose of B vitamins is rarely recorded, since they are water-soluble and are easily excreted from the body in the urine. However, you should not abuse the drugs.

It is necessary to take vitamins in the second trimester of pregnancy as prescribed by your doctor. The best time to take it is the first half of the day. You need to drink them with clean water. You should not take pills on an empty stomach. Be sure to follow the prescribed dosage.

Only a doctor can determine whether there is a need for pharmaceutical vitamins and dietary supplements based on the tests performed. You can take vitamins only in the specified dosage, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The drugs are especially indicated in the following cases:

• If a woman is malnourished or suffers from severe toxicosis.
• If you have previously had diseases associated with a lack of vitamins or minerals (for example, anemia).
• If there is a history of interrupted pregnancy or pathologies in fetal development.
• Under unfavorable climatic or environmental conditions.

Multivitamins for pregnant women should be taken wisely, since hypervitaminosis can negatively affect the development of the fetus and worsen the well-being of the expectant mother.

If nausea, dizziness, skin rashes and other unpleasant symptoms occur while taking vitamin preparations, you should stop taking vitamins and consult a specialist.