All expectant mothers look forward to fetal movements during pregnancy, this is the first contact with the child, which makes the maternal instinct turn on, if this has not happened before. The movements of the unborn baby not only bring great joy to future parents, but help them suspect a pathology and immediately contact an obstetrician. When they start, how many perturbations are normal should be of interest to all pregnant women.
Why does the fetus move?
movements little man in the womb are necessary, they speak of his growth and development. The baby begins to move already in the first trimester, at about 7 to 8 weeks. By week 10, he has swallowing movements, he can change the trajectory of his movements and touch the walls of the amniotic bladder. But the size of the embryo is still insufficient, it only swims freely in amniotic fluid, extremely rarely "collides" with the uterine walls, so the woman still does not feel anything.
Starting from the 16th week, the fetus is already sensitive to sounds, which is manifested by an active motor reaction. From 18 weeks future baby begins to touch the umbilical cord with his hands, knows how to squeeze, unclench his fingers, touches his face.
Therefore, the fetus worries in the mother's stomach, which in turn worries the woman when exposed to external factors that are unpleasant for the baby:
- strong, unpleasant, loud sounds;
- feeling of discomfort in the womb, for example, the mother's hunger;
- stress experienced by the mother (due to the release of adrenaline, the vessels, including those in the placenta, are reduced, the blood supply worsens);
- oxygen starvation (due to active movements the placenta is stimulated, its blood supply is increased, which provides the child with additional oxygen).
In addition, if a woman has taken an uncomfortable position when large vessels are squeezed, the child experiences a lack of oxygen and also becomes active.
First movements
The first movement of the fetus each woman feels differently in different time. When this happens depends on several factors:
- gestational age;
- first or second, etc. pregnancy;
- time of day (usually in the evening or at night);
- mother's complexion (thin or full);
- Times of Day;
- variant of placenta attachment;
- Lifestyle;
- individual sensitivity (some feel from 15 to 16 weeks);
- mother's behavior (physically active women they just don't notice the movement).
According to statistics, the first fetal movement during the first pregnancy is felt by a pregnant woman at 20 weeks. And with repeated bearing of the fetus, the terms of stirring are reduced to 18 weeks.
But everything is individual, even for an individual woman, the second, third and next pregnancy proceeds every time in a new way. If a woman during her second pregnancy began to feel fetal movement at 19 weeks, then during the third pregnancy these terms may change (feel sooner or later).
Movement rate
The rate of fetal movements depends on the gestational age of the expectant mother. The baby is constantly moving, but of course, a woman cannot feel all his movements.
- At a period of 20 - 22 weeks, the fetus makes up to 200 movements per day,
- but by 27 - 32 weeks he is already doing about 600 movements. It is characteristic that with the beginning of the third trimester (32 weeks), the amount decreases, which is explained by its weight (the fetus is already quite large) and it becomes cramped in the uterus. There are no longer “large” movements (turns and coups in the uterus) and the baby can only produce “small” arms and legs.
- After the 28th week, the average amount is 8 - 10 per hour. The exception is the periods of sleep of the child, which is equal to 3 - 4 hours - at this time the baby does not make active movements. The expectant mother should remember certain cycles of the child's activity. The greatest activity is observed from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., and the decrease in activity or the so-called state of rest falls on the period from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- By 32 weeks, the fetus takes the final position, as a rule, this is the head to the small pelvis (longitudinal position, cephalic presentation). But the transverse position or breech presentation is not excluded. Mom should not despair, in order to correct such provisions, the doctor will always prescribe special gymnastics, which contribute to the rollover of the fetus and its acceptance of the “correct” position - longitudinal, head to the small pelvis.
If the child has taken the “correct” position, that is, head down, then the pregnant woman will feel movements in the upper abdomen (the child “beats” with her legs). When breech presentation, movements will be felt below, at the bosom.
Changing the intensity of the movements
If the baby in the womb feels good and comfortable, and the mother does not experience any external or internal stimuli, then the movements are rhythmic and smooth. Otherwise, the nature of the movements changes dramatically, which should alert the woman and requires the advice of an obstetrician.
As a rule, a woman notes the "increased" activity of the baby when she is calm and resting. Conversely, many mothers are afraid that during her vigorous activity the child does not move at all. Similar phenomenon easily explained. When a woman is at rest, she listens more carefully to her feelings and carefully notes the movements of the child. When she is busy, she does not have time to be distracted from business and she simply does not notice that the baby is moving. In order to dispel her doubts (the child is ill, he is dying), the pregnant woman should sit down and relax, following how he moves.
Doctors very often advise pregnant women to take the position of bed rest - on the left side. It is in this position that the blood supply to the uterus is enhanced, which is used in the treatment of chronic fetal hypoxia and for its prevention.
Possible change in activity from uncomfortable or not right position body of a woman, for example, lying on her back or sitting with a straight back. When the expectant mother lies on her back, the pregnant uterus strongly compresses the inferior vena cava (one of the main blood vessels).
When this vessel is compressed, blood flow to the uterus is significantly reduced and the baby begins to experience oxygen deficiency.
So that mommy understands that he is ill, he has stormy and frequent movements. It is quite simple to establish blood circulation and eliminate hypoxia - mom should turn on her side.
Also physical activity the child changes if the mother is in a stuffy or smoky room. Due to the lack of oxygen, the child reacts to the situation with painful and strong shocks. A woman should leave the room and take a walk in order to restore a comfortable state for herself and the baby.
In addition, fetal tremors change if the mother feels hungry. He suffers from lack nutrients and "calms down", moves sluggishly and reluctantly. But as soon as the pregnant woman has a snack, the joy of the baby is expressed in increased activity.
Movements in pathological conditions
If the child’s motor activity suddenly becomes violent, prolonged and causes pain to a woman, this indicates some kind of pathological condition and requires immediate medical attention:
- Threatened preterm birth
Movements become frequent and violent due to increased tone uterus.
- Polyhydramnios
In this case, the nature of the shocks is radically different. They are rarely felt by a woman, and their strength is insignificant, which is explained by the large volume of the uterus, where the baby rarely touches its walls and the mother does not often feel his movements.
- oligohydramnios
Due to the small volume of amniotic fluid, the child in the womb becomes crowded, he constantly "beats" in the mother's stomach, which is characterized by a woman as frequent and painful tremors.
- Acute hypoxia
For pathologies such as premature detachment placenta, preeclampsia and others, the fetus experiences acute oxygen deficiency and reacts accordingly.
- Chronic hypoxia
It develops in the presence of fetoplacental insufficiency, anemia, preeclampsia. Movement is sluggish and becomes rare.
- Diaphragmatic hernia in a pregnant woman
In this case, the mother experiences pain under the sternum when the fetus moves.
- Failure of the scar on the uterus
If a woman has a history of C-section, then with the failure of the scar, which can lead to rupture of the uterus, she feels pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe scar when the baby moves.
- Acute cystitis
With inflammation Bladder a pregnant woman complains of frequent, painful urination, pain when moving in the lower abdomen.
How do jolts feel?
Each pregnant woman describes the sensations in her own way, besides, they change with an increase in the gestational age.
- For short periods (20 - 25 weeks), women characterize them as “butterfly fluttering” or “fish swimming”. Other pregnant women report "fluttering" or "phone vibrating" or "tickling". Some describe their feelings not so romantically: "gurgling in the stomach, as if the intestines are acting up."
- After 27-28 weeks, when the fetus has already grown enough, its movements become clearer and more specific. The future mother, and even the future father, can feel a kick in the area of \u200b\u200bthe abdomen where the hand is placed. The dissatisfaction of the baby is very often expressed by such “kicks” - in case of an uncomfortable posture by the mother or with loud and annoying sounds. But if an unfamiliar hand was applied to the mother’s stomach, the child shrinks in fear and does not want to “kick”.
Count
In order to determine how the fetus feels, it is important to count its movements. How to count fetal movements? For this purpose, several methods are used:
Pearson method
This method is based on counting movements over 12 hours. Produced from 9 am to 9 pm. During the this test only one condition is required from a woman - to reduce physical activity. All movements are considered, even the most minimal or weak ones. IN antenatal clinic doctor issues special form or asks you to independently compile a table of fetal movements, where the time of the tenth movement will be noted. Normally, about an hour should elapse between the first and tenth movement. And of course, the mother must remember that a period of rest is also possible, which should last no more than 4 hours. If given time exceeded, it is urgent to contact an obstetrician.
To create a table, take notebook sheet into a box and line it as follows. The gestational age is written at the top. Hours from 9.00 to 21.00 are marked vertically, and days of the week or dates are marked horizontally. From nine in the morning, you should start counting the movements. As soon as their number reaches 10, a mark is placed in the table at the hour when this happened. Additional information is entered in the table: there were less than 10 movements and how many in total. We continue counting and next days and be sure to enter the data in a table with which you need to appear at the doctor's appointment.
Cardiff Method
The basis this method also consists in counting the movements of the baby in 12 hours, the only difference is that the woman herself chooses the hour of the start of the count. Again, a table is compiled, where the tenth stirring is recorded. It is considered normal when the tenth movement happened before the 12th hour of the study. Otherwise, see a doctor immediately.
Sadowski method
The counting of fetal movements begins after dinner from 19.00 to 23.00. This method is based on the fact that in the evening and after eating the fetus increases motor activity. Be sure to record the start time of the count, and the pregnant woman should lie on her left side at this time.
When the fetus makes 10 movements in an hour or less, the counting stops. But if there were fewer of them, continue to count the movements. An unfavorable sign is a decrease in movements (less than 10) in 2 hours.
Thus, it becomes clear that every pregnant woman can master the listed methods of counting the movements of the baby. The use of these techniques does not require any equipment and medical supervision.
Diagnosis of pathology
A change in the nature and intensity of movements in the unborn baby indicates his trouble. A formidable sign is the absence of movements for 6 or more hours, which requires immediate treatment for medical care. Methods for studying the condition of the fetus include:
Auscultation of the fetal heart
Listening to the heart rate is carried out directly by the obstetrician using an obstetric stethoscope (wooden tube). The normal fetal heart rate is 120-160 beats per minute. With a deviation in one direction or another, they speak of oxygen starvation baby that requires holding instrumental methods research.
Cardiotocography (CTG)
CTG is considered to be affordable, reliable and the most exact method evaluation of the fetus. CTG is performed from 32 weeks of gestation, and if intrauterine pathology is suspected and more early dates(from 28 weeks). With the help of cardiotocography, not only the movements of the fetus are recorded, but also the rhythm of its heart contractions and uterine contractions. The study is carried out as follows: the pregnant woman is placed on the couch, and 2 sensors are attached to the stomach. One is in a well-listened place of the fetal heartbeat (he will register the heart rate), and the other is nearby (fixes uterine contractions). A cardiotocogram is recorded for at least 30 minutes, but it is also possible to increase the study time to 1.5 hours. During the removal of a cardiotocogram, a woman needs to note every movement of the baby and press a special button. Cardiotocogram analysis includes:
- basal heart rate (normal 120 - 160 beats per minute);
- amplitude of variability (admissibility of deviations up or down) of the basal rhythm (normal 5 - 25 beats per minute);
- decelerations (sudden jumps in the curve down) - normally absent or sporadic, shortened and shallow;
- accelerations (sudden jumps in the curve up) - normally there should be at least 2 within 10 minutes of the study.
For a more accurate diagnosis of the condition of the fetus, CTG is performed with functional tests(without load and with the introduction of intravenous oxytocin).
doppler ultrasound
Carrying out an ultrasound examination allows you to assess the size of the fetus, their compliance with the gestational age (with chronic hypoxia, there is a lag in size). The doctor also studies the structure of the placenta, the degree of maturity (signs of aging), the volume of amniotic fluid and its type (with oxygen starvation of the baby, these indicators change). With the help of dopplerometry, placental and umbilical vessels, blood flow velocity in them are studied. If the blood flow is reduced, talk about intrauterine hypoxia fetus.
During the ultrasound for 20-30 minutes, the movements of the child, his heart rate and muscle tone are assessed. If the fetus does not experience discomfort, then its limbs are bent - a sign of normal muscle tone. In the case of unbent arms and legs, they speak of a reduced tone, which indicates oxygen starvation.
Question answer
This is my first child, but it's been 4 hours and I don't feel any fetal movements. What to do?
First of all, you need to calm down. The fetus does not always move actively, for 3-4 hours the absence of movements is allowed, at this time the baby is sleeping. Try to hold your breath for a while, the blood will stop flowing to the placenta, to the child, he will experience mild hypoxia and in response he will “be indignant” - he will begin to “beat” with his arms and legs. If this way did not help, watch the baby for another 30 - 40 minutes. In the absence of even the slightest movement, immediately consult an obstetrician.
What movements of the fetus should be before childbirth?
On the eve of childbirth, the baby practically stops moving, which is considered normal. The child is preparing for birth, which is a very difficult process for him and requires a lot of strength, and a decrease in the motor activity of the fetus saves energy before childbirth. But there should not be an absolute lack of movement, the baby, although occasionally, makes movements.
How does cardiotocography and Doppler ultrasound affect the child's condition? Isn't it harmful?
No, these methods are absolutely safe, both for the baby and for the mother.
I am going to give birth to my third child, the term is still small, 10 weeks. What and when should the movements be during the third pregnancy?
It is impossible to say for sure at how many weeks you will feel a stir. Here everything is individual. Normally, at repeated pregnancy Mom begins to feel the movements of the fetus from 18 weeks. But their earlier start is also possible, at 16 weeks. But the nature of the movements can be completely different, unlike the first two pregnancies, and this should not be scared. All children are different, even while still in their mother's belly.
I have a "bad" CTG, which was performed twice. Is it necessary to go to the hospital?
Yes, “bad” results of cardiotocography indicate intrauterine suffering of the fetus and require drug treatment in the hospital. In addition to treatment in the hospital, you will repeat CTG and, if necessary, decide on early delivery.
Update: October 2018
Many couples dream of having a baby, but for some reason their dreams do not come true. One of these reasons is missed pregnancy.
Not only the mother, but also the father can be to blame for this pathology, therefore it is important to be fully examined and begin to lead at the stage of pregnancy planning. healthy lifestyle life for both partners.
According to statistics, missed pregnancy is recorded not so rarely, in 15-20% of cases of all desired pregnancies.
The definition of "missed pregnancy"
A frozen or non-developing pregnancy is a pregnancy that suddenly stops progressing, and the fetus grows and develops, and, accordingly, dies. At the same time, signs of spontaneous abortion are absent for the time being and the embryo is in the uterine cavity, so another name for this pathology is a failed miscarriage. "Fading" of pregnancy can occur at any gestational age (up to 28 weeks), but, as a rule, this happens in the first trimester. Threatened terms of pregnancy for a missed miscarriage are 3-4 weeks, 8-10 and 16-18 weeks.
A failed miscarriage, like other spontaneous abortions, refers to miscarriage. But they speak of habitual miscarriage only in the case of two or more spontaneous interrupts pregnancy.
The essence of a frozen pregnancy is the fertilization of the egg, its transportation to the uterus, where it is implanted and continues to develop for some time, but then the development of the embryo stops. Also, one of the options for a missed pregnancy is anembryony or the "empty fetal egg" syndrome. In this case, the fetal membranes develop, chorionic gonadotropin is synthesized, as evidenced by a positive pregnancy test, but the embryo itself is absent. Often such a pathology is due to chromosomal pathologies.
From what the fetus can "freeze"?
The causes of missed pregnancy are very numerous. They can be divided into several groups:
Chromosomal and genetic abnormalities
This is one of the largest and most important etiological factors failed miscarriage. If the embryo inherits an extra chromosome or a pathological gene, then during the development process, multiple malformations are formed that are incompatible with life, and in this case, the pregnancy is terminated. The action of natural selection is evident - nature decides that it is unprofitable to produce an incapacitated baby into the world and depletes the forces of the mother's body, therefore, stops the progression of pregnancy.
But genetic anomaly may occur during this pregnancy, when exposed to any harmful external factors(radiation, drug addiction, drinking, smoking), and can be inherited from parents, for example, if there is a malfunction in the "susceptibility genes". So, if the fetal egg “accepted” the “thrombophilia gene” from the parents, then during its implantation in the uterus and the germination of the chorionic vessels into the mucous membrane, microthrombi are formed in them, which leads to malnutrition and blood supply to the embryo and its death.
infections
A huge role in the genesis of both spontaneous abortion and missed pregnancy is played by infectious diseases. First of all, these are viral diseases of the TORCH infection group. These include rubella, toxoplasmosis, herpetic and cytomegalovirus infections. Especially dangerous is the primary infection with the listed infections during the onset of pregnancy.
In the early stages, this leads to a "fading" of pregnancy, in later dates to the formation of developmental anomalies. Also, sexual infections (gonococcal, chlamydia, ureaplasma and others) do not lose their significance. Even banal colds(influenza, SARS) in the early stages are the cause of a failed miscarriage. The death of the embryo is due to three mechanisms.
- On the one hand, infectious agents, having penetrated the placenta, have a direct effect on the fetus.
- On the other hand, the infection triggers the production of prostaglandins in the maternal body, which either have a toxic effect on the embryo or disrupt the microcirculation between the fetal membranes and the endometrium, as a result, the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the embryo stops.
- And on the third hand, a chronic inflammatory reaction in the uterus disrupts the normal implantation of the fetal egg and leads to a deficiency in its nutrition.
Hormonal disorders
The lack of the most important hormone of pregnancy is often one of the factors of miscarriage. A high content of androgens, or a violation of the hormonal function of the thyroid gland, also plays a role.
Autoimmune pathology
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the fact that antibodies are formed in the mother's body that fight not with foreign agents, but with their own cells. Since the embryo inherits 50% of the genes from the mother, maternal antibodies begin to attack the cells of his body, which leads to the occurrence of a missed pregnancy.
For example, with antiphospholipid syndrome, the mother in her body has antibodies to phospholipids, without which it is impossible to build new cells. During pregnancy, these antibodies attack developing embryo which leads to his death.
Teratozoospermia
The failed father of the child may also be guilty of stopping the development of the embryo and its death. Such a pathology as teratozoospermia often causes partner infertility, but pregnancy in some cases, although it may occur, is likely to end in a failed miscarriage. Teratozoospermia is a pathology of spermatozoa, which is expressed in their incorrect structure. Anomalies in the structure of spermatozoa can manifest themselves in the form short tail, irregular shape heads of vacuolar cells present in the head, missing chromosome, bending of the tail or its thickening.
Teratozoospermia is said to be when a man's ejaculate contains more than 50% (usually 80%) of abnormal spermatozoa. Conception is either impossible at all, for example, due to a short tail, sperm motility is low, or fertilization of the egg occurs if the spermatozoa have anomalies of the head, which leads to abnormal development of the embryo and cessation of pregnancy progression. After examination (see) and treatment of a man, many couples are forced to turn to assisted reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination.
Wrong way of life
Of course, the occurrence of a missed pregnancy can be affected by both nutrition, daily routine, occupational hazards, and bad habits. Also, do not forget about the dangers side effects drugs taken during gestation, especially in the early stages. The age of the woman is also important. The older future mother, the higher her risk of developing a non-developing pregnancy (35 years or more).
Other factors
Constant stress, a sharp change in climate and other factors can lead to a non-developing pregnancy. In addition, they cause endometrial failure, which leads to malnutrition and oxygen supply to the embryo and the development of the described pathology. After IVF, cases of missed pregnancy are also not uncommon, but the causes of this pathology are due to the diseases that forced the woman to turn to assisted reproductive technologies.
Abortion clinic
The symptoms of a missed pregnancy are characteristics. First of all, women disappear likely signs pregnancy (in the first trimester). Nausea and vomiting, intolerance to smells disappear, the mammary glands lose tension and become soft. However, the disappearance of these symptoms does not always indicate the death of the embryo.
- Early toxicosis may be absent, as well as breast engorgement.
- Often the moment of embryonic death goes unnoticed.
- The pregnancy test remains positive for another 2 to 4 weeks, since hCG is not immediately excreted from the body.
- But the basal temperature will be in the range of 37 degrees and below.
- If the dead embryo is in the uterus for more than 3-4 weeks, then an intoxication syndrome occurs (fever, general weakness and malaise) due to decomposition of the embryo and infection of the mother with decay products of fetal tissues and toxins.
- If a frozen pregnancy arose in the second trimester, then the first call will be the cessation of fetal movement.
- When a dead embryo is in the uterus for more than 2-6 weeks, signs of a spontaneous abortion that have begun (smearing dark discharge, aching pain in the lower abdomen and lower back) join.
- Plus, during a gynecological examination, the lag of the uterus in growth from estimated time pregnancy. That is why gynecologists perform bimanual palpation of the uterus (examination on the chair) in the first trimester during each woman's visit to the appointment.
Case Study: In the antenatal clinic, a multi-pregnant woman was observed from 6 weeks of pregnancy. From the anamnesis it is known that there were 3 births, abortions and medical-diagnostic curettage were not performed. The pregnant woman and her husband did not have bad habits, chronic diseases were absent. the only negative moment were the woman's age (40 years) and work in night shifts (nurse). During the next appearance at the reception, the woman complained about drawing pains in the lower abdomen and periodic "daub". On vaginal examination, the uterus is soft, enlarged up to 12 weeks, painless (estimated period was 16 weeks). After confirming the diagnosis of a missed pregnancy by ultrasound, the woman underwent curettage of the uterus and antibiotic therapy was prescribed. Fortunately, there were no infectious and coagulopathic complications, and after 10 days the patient was discharged home. What caused the missed pregnancy was never established, since parts of the fetus sent for histological analysis were “lost” in the laboratory.
Treatment of a missed miscarriage
A woman must be immediately hospitalized even if a missed pregnancy is suspected.
- After the examination (ultrasound, hCG in the early stages and AFP in the second trimester, coagulogram), a careful evacuation of the fetal egg is performed.
- Expectant tactics are possible if the embryo is dead for no more than 2 weeks (in the early stages of pregnancy) and there are no signs of an abortion and infection of the uterus. In this case hCG level in the body of a woman decreases sharply, and the uterus begins to contract, pushing out the fetal egg. But, as a rule, resort to surgical method, that is, to remove the fetal egg and membranes by therapeutic curettage or vacuum aspiration.
- Application possible medical abortion(up to 7 weeks) through the appointment of Mifegin (progesterone blocker).
After surgical or medical release of the uterus from the embryo, it is necessary. IN postoperative period antibiotics are prescribed to prevent endometritis and chorionamnionitis.
If the death of the fetus occurred after 14-16 weeks of gestation, then its evacuation is carried out by transcervical amniocentesis of a hypertonic solution of sodium chloride and / or prostaglandins or intravenous administration solution of prostaglandins.
Frozen pregnancy: what then?
What to do after a frozen pregnancy? - this question is puzzled by all patients. The material obtained after curettage or induced labor must be sent for histology. In some cases (if you suspect chromosomal pathology) an additional genetic study of the tissues of the embryo (the number and quality of chromosomes) is prescribed.
A woman is recommended to refrain from pregnancy for six months, while oral contraceptives are prescribed (Yarina, Zhanin). An examination for all genital TORCH infections is also indicated. The hormonal status of a woman is necessarily examined, if necessary, an adjustment is made. In addition, an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, the blood coagulation system and a blood test for antibodies to its own phospholipids are performed.
When planning the next pregnancy, spouses are advised to abandon bad habits, lead a healthy lifestyle, treat infectious diseases and, if possible, eliminate the causes that led to a missed pregnancy. A woman 3 months before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks of gestation is prescribed folic acid and vitamin E.
Let's talk today on the site for moms about a missed pregnancy.
Pregnancy in most cases is a joyful event. But sometimes it happens that you have to part with it. Coming certain state in the female body, which is called in medicine. It may occur all women regardless of age, regardless of gestational age. Most often occurs in the first three months.
It is typical for a missed pregnancy that fetus stops developing, dies. The confluence of various circumstances and factors leads to pathology of pregnancy.
Frozen pregnancy: common signs
health status and general well-being requires special attention by a pregnant woman. This does not mean that you need to look for certain symptoms, which may indicate an abnormally developing pregnancy. It is enough just to know the signs of a frozen pregnancy.
At some point, the expectant mother understands that something is wrong compared to how it was before. In particular, toxicosis stopped abruptly: was and suddenly was gone. For some reason, the chest has ceased to be painfully sensitive. There is a decrease basal body temperature. The woman stops hearing baby stirring in the later months of pregnancy.
According to the listed symptoms, the onset of a missed pregnancy is determined. And then pains of a cramping nature, bleeding, spotting may follow. The process of expelling the fetus from the body will begin- there will be detachment of the fetus and subsequent.
How to detect a missed pregnancy?
Every woman has a unique body. It happens that the pregnancy froze, the fetus stopped developing, and the woman does not feel anything. In her opinion, the pregnancy is proceeding normally.
If future mother there are certain doubts, then it is better for her to immediately contact a medical institution. The gynecologist will dispel all doubts.
The diagnosis of "frozen pregnancy" is made on the basis of the tests performed.
- Most exact result gives ultrasound where the doctor can see with his own eyes whether the child's heart is beating, whether everything is in order with him.
- Sometimes it helps hCG analysis. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a special hormone responsible for ensuring that the mother's immune system does not harm the unborn child. The level of the hormone in the blood is determined. If the pregnancy has frozen, it will be lower than that of a normal pregnancy.
- And the last option is gynecological examination, he feels the belly of the pregnant woman, comparing the size of the uterus and the fetus. If there are contradictions, this may indicate the fading of pregnancy.
Main reasons
Why is it ok developing pregnancy freezes? Unknown. In medicine, only certain reasons that increase the likelihood of pregnancy fading.
1. Genetic failure
One of the main- genetic failure, violation of the development of the embryo at the genetic level. Medicine is powerless in such cases.
And from two other reasons a woman can be insured.
2. Infectious diseases
Separately, it is necessary to talk about infectious diseases. Various infections provoke the occurrence of a missed pregnancy at all times. Infection rubella or chickenpox has a significant Negative influence leading to fetal anomalies. In the near future, there is only one outcome - termination of pregnancy.
But you can be safe here.. You need to know exactly about all diseases of childhood, especially infectious ones. The fact of the disease was not recorded anywhere? Is a woman at risk because the work is related to raising children? Then it's better get all the necessary vaccinations.
3. Medicines
Can lead to a missed pregnancy uncontrolled drug use.
In the early stages of up to 10 days, pregnancy is difficult to notice. Some certain time will pass, and only then the woman understands that the woman has settled in her body. new life. And until that moment, she took medication and did not seriously change her measured life in any way. That is why the medications taken can affect the baby. The teratogenic effect on the fetus sometimes depends not even on the amount medication taken, but from the timing of pregnancy.
To insure., If you are not protected, then it is better to carefully study the instructions for medicines - can they be pregnant? If it is not exactly written, then it is better to consult a doctor, and not to expose future life danger.
What's next?
The consequences of such a phenomenon are severe not only psychologically. Naturally, it goes to our health.
When diagnosed with a missed pregnancy, doctors sometimes simply do nothing. They bide their time. Nature will do everything by itself.
Only if the natural process of expulsion of the fetus, i.e. miscarriage, does not come at a certain time, doctors remove it themselves: under general anesthesia, they clean the uterine cavity (in the early stages) or cause a medical miscarriage (in the later stages).
If there was a miscarriage, and something was left in the uterine cavity, and the ultrasound confirmed that the uterine cavity was being scraped.
Unfortunately, termination of pregnancy, even in case of fading, is a serious shake-up. female body. Frozen pregnancy is a serious danger, and here you need to be attentive to yourself. What happens if you do not notice a frozen pregnancy and think that everything is in order, but the miscarriage never happened? The tissues of the dead fetus begin to disintegrate, toxins are absorbed into the woman's blood. And then there are inflammatory processes with all the ensuing consequences.
Don't blame yourself! What to do next?
Frozen pregnancy is not a sentence or a punishment. It just happened. In no case do not blame yourself and punish yourself. And do not think that in the future there will be no children. You just need to be more careful about the next pregnancy.
Preferably a few months.. It has long been proven that a healthy mother means a healthy child. And, of course, the health of your partner will not be superfluous at all. Almost everything in our time is effectively treated.
Prevention of missed pregnancy
Nothing special needs to be done. It is enough just to lead a lifestyle that will benefit primarily the child and the pregnant woman. Smoking and drinking is contraindicated. They say that the risk of this process in the body of a woman increases in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed and the number of cigarettes smoked. The harmful and hard work of the expectant mother increases the risk.
A preventive measure against a missed pregnancy is strengthening immunity. Do I need to take vitamins, dietary supplements? Yes, to some extent. But sometimes the fact that a pregnant woman will eat right is enough. Do not follow certain diets, do not limit yourself in food, and do not eat for two. You need to eat fully.
Definitely surrender blood for hormones. The lack of the main hormone of pregnancy, progesterone, is indicated by menstrual irregularities, previous miscarriages. But if you planned and just didn’t have time to do the above, then in this case you should not panic. The doctor will prescribe antiviral therapy.
After such preparation, it is highly likely that the next pregnancy will pass without any complications and will end with the birth of a child. Do not worry about trifles, and everything will work out for you!
Approximately one in ten women in the position of the doctor diagnoses "delay prenatal development fetus "(IUGR). The specialist determines the presence of deviations, characterized by a discrepancy between the size of the baby and the normative indicators for a particular week of development. How dangerous this pathology is in reality and how it threatens the child, it is important for every mother to know, because absolutely no one is immune from such a phenomenon.
What is a ZVUR?
Symmetrical form of pathology
With a symmetrical form, a uniform decrease in the mass, size of organs and growth of the fetus is observed. This pathology most often develops on early stages pregnancy due to fetal diseases (infection, chromosomal abnormalities). Symmetrical intrauterine growth retardation increases the likelihood of having a child with an imperfectly formed CNS.
Diagnostic measures
If you suspect this pathology a woman is recommended to undergo a complete diagnostic examination. First of all, the doctor collects the patient's history, clarifies the previous gynecological diseases, features of the previous pregnancy. Then a physical examination is carried out with the obligatory measurement of the circumference of the abdomen, the fundus of the uterus, the height and weight of the woman.
Additionally, ultrasound, dopplerometry (assessment of blood flow in the arteries and veins) and cardiotocography (continuous recording of the fetal heart rate, its activity and directly uterine contractions) may be required. Based on the results of the tests, the specialist can confirm the diagnosis or refute it.
What treatment is required?
To determine the subsequent tactics after confirming the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation, the causes of the pathology, the form and degree of the disease should be taken into account. The main principles of therapy should be focused on improving blood flow in the uterus-placenta-fetus system. All therapeutic measures are carried out in stationary conditions. First of all, a woman needs to ensure peace, rational nutrition and a good long sleep. An important element therapy is considered to be monitoring the current state of the fetus. For these purposes, ultrasound is used every 7-14 days, cardiotocography and blood flow dopplerometry.
Drug treatment includes taking angioprotectors to protect blood vessels, tocolytics against muscle tension uterus ("Papaverine", "No-shpa"), restorative agents. In addition, all women, without exception, are prescribed drugs that reduce neuropsychic excitation (tincture of motherwort, valerian) and improve blood flow in the placenta (Actovegin, Curantil).
Depending on the severity of the pathology, the results of treatment may vary. usually responds well to therapy, the likelihood of occurrence in the future negative consequences is reduced to a minimum. With more serious pathologies a different approach to treatment is needed, while its results are quite difficult to predict.
Abortion
Early delivery, regardless of the gestational age, is recommended in the following cases:
- Lack of fetal growth for 14 days.
- A noticeable deterioration in the condition of the baby inside the womb (for example, a slowdown in blood flow in the vessels).
Pregnancy is maintained up to a maximum of 37 weeks if, due to drug therapy, there is an improvement in performance, when it is not necessary to talk about the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation.
Consequences and possible complications
Babies with this pathology after birth may have deviations. varying degrees severity, their subsequent compatibility with ordinary life will largely depend on the parents.
The first consequences appear already during delivery (hypoxia, neurological disorders). The intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus inhibits the maturation of the central nervous system and its functions, which affects all systems. In such children, the body's defenses are usually weakened; at a more mature age, there is increased likelihood occurrence of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
In children under five years old, slow weight gain, psychomotor retardation in development, improper formation of internal organ systems, and hyperexcitability are often diagnosed. IN adolescence high risk diabetes disease. Such children are usually overweight, they have problems with blood pressure. This does not mean that their daily existence will be reduced to taking medications and living in hospitals. They just need to pay a little more attention to their own nutrition and daily physical activity.
Some children who have been diagnosed with grade 2 intrauterine growth retardation and treated appropriately do not differ from their peers. They drive habitual image life, play sports, communicate with friends and get an education.
How can IUGR be prevented?
The best prevention of this pathology is the planning of an upcoming pregnancy. In about six months, future parents must undergo a comprehensive examination and treat all existing chronic diseases. Refusal of addictions, rational nutrition and daily dosed physical exercise — the best option prevention of IUGR.
Visiting a antenatal clinic on a regular basis after registration plays important role with a diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation. Treatment of a timely detected pathology minimizes the risk of negative consequences.
Pregnant women should have a well-organized work and sleep schedule. correct and good rest implies 10 hours of sleep at night and 2 hours during the day. This mode allows you to improve blood circulation and transport of nutrients between mother and child.
Daily walks to fresh air, dosed physical activity not only improves the general well-being of the pregnant woman, but also normalizes the condition of the fetus inside the womb.
Conclusion
Do not ignore such a pathology as intrauterine growth retardation, the consequences of which can be the most sad. On the other hand, parents should not take this diagnosis as a sentence. If it is delivered in a timely manner, the future woman in labor will take all necessary measures to eliminate its cause and will follow all the doctor's recommendations, the prognosis may be favorable. There are no obstacles in the world that cannot be overcome. It is important to remember that the happiness of motherhood is incomparable!
From time immemorial, all pregnant women have been listening with hope, anxiety and joy to all the movements of an unborn baby, since movements are the main indicator of the baby’s well-being, which speaks of his viability.
At how many weeks does the baby start moving?
All mothers remember the emotions they experienced at the first push of the baby. After this, the movements of the child become frequent.
How often should the baby move?
The first tremors begin at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. It is impossible to say more precisely, everything is individual here: some begin to move earlier, others a little later. After the first aftershocks, they occur every day. When the gestational age reaches 30 weeks, the baby will move more often. As a rule, these are 10 series of shocks per day. However, as the birth approaches, this number will decrease, as the fetus grows and cannot move normally in the uterus. If the pregnant woman does not feel tremors or they suddenly stop, then this is a cause for concern.
If there were no tremors for 3-4 hours, then the child simply rests. To verify this, you need to hold your breath for a couple of seconds. Due to the fact that oxygen does not enter the womb, the fetus will become worried and begin to move.
If the child began to move less and his movements are not felt for more than 12 hours, or they become lethargic, then you need to consult your doctor. And you can't drag this thing out. These symptoms may indicate oxygen starvation, which in medicine is called hypoxia. If the necessary measures are not taken, this can lead to a miscarriage.
Why did the baby begin to move less in the stomach?
Possible reasons why the fetus does not move for a long time:
- Diseases of a pregnant woman;
- For a long time stay in a poorly ventilated area;
- Congenital malformations of the fetus.
The doctor will make a diagnosis after listening to the rhythm of the baby's heartbeat. If the condition of the fetus is normal, then it will be from 120 to 160 beats in 60 seconds. A stethoscope and cardiotocography will help to establish the heart rate. The second method will give a more accurate result.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, then you will have to decide on an artificial termination of pregnancy. Otherwise, the diagnosis will develop into a frozen pregnancy, which means the death of the baby in the womb.
Every pregnant woman needs to understand the seriousness of everything that happens to her in these 9 months. After all, at first glance it seems that pushes are a simple trifle. But if you do not notice in time that the child moves less, then you can lose the unborn baby.
Now you know why the fetus does not move - possible reasons and be able to take action.
Why does the baby move in the stomach?
For a better understanding of the "language" of the baby's movement, remember the stages of its development in the womb - the stages of embryogenesis.
- At the end of the embryonic (end of 8 weeks) and at the beginning of the fetal (from 8 weeks) period, nervous system the child responsible for motor activity. At this point, there is already muscle tissue and nerve fibers that give impulses to the muscles, thereby ensuring the contraction of these muscles.
- Motor reflexes, which are caused by excitation of nerve endings, occur from the end of the 8th week. The first reflexes as a response to irritation of the perioral zone (near the mouth), mandibular (cheeks) and maxillary (upper jaw) of the trigeminal nerve appear in the fetus at 7.5 weeks.
- And from the 10th week, reflexes also appear, which are caused by irritations of the skin areas where the spinal nerves go. In a word, the child begins to move quite early. Of course, these movements are not coordinated and not yet conscious, and the dimensions of the ratio of the embryo and the fetal bladder are such that the embryo swims freely in the waters and rarely touches the walls of the uterus so that the mother can feel it.
- From the 10th week, in a collision with the wall of the uterus, the baby can already, and change the trajectory of its movement.
- From the 9th week, the baby can even swallow water, and this is a rather difficult motor process.
- By 16 weeks, the fetus moves more, it has motor activity in response to sound (especially the mother's voice, a change in intonation).
- The fetus of 17 weeks begins to squint.
- And an 18-week-old baby can touch the umbilical cord with his hands, squeeze and unclench his fingers, touch his face and even cover his face with his hands at loud, sharp and unpleasant sounds.
For the normal functioning of the fetal brain, many stimuli and their sufficient intensity are needed. The perception of sensations has been formed, now the child is learning to respond to them with movements. That's why the baby moves.
In the first trimester, the fetus has already formed some ideas about comfort. They help him to navigate in what should be the intensity of different stimuli from the outside. The fetus discovers that when moving, he himself has the ability to regulate the level of intensity of stimulation (for example, move away from loud, unpleasant sounds), he already becomes, as it were, the creator of his own life.
The main task of the child is to develop. For this he needs: food and a sufficient amount of incentives. If he lacks oxygen or nutrition, the baby begins to move more actively, massaging the placenta in order to receive a portion of blood during uterine contraction, and with it oxygen and nutrition. Or, for example, the mother lies on her back, while squeezing the large vessels of the body with the pregnant uterus. The fetus in this case will immediately respond to this with violent movements, forcing the mother to change position, so pregnant women are advised to lie on their side. If the child is pressed against the loops of the umbilical cord, he also begins to move more actively, and changes position.
The motor activity of the child characterizes his general condition.