3 months
1st Trimester
28
The embryo has graduated to foetus. To get this promotion, the baby has done all the hard work of adding body structures that are needed, and done a thorough check like an efficient commander of a ship sailing off! So, now an important new chapter in the developmental journey starts : the focus shifts towards maturing of these newly-formed structures.
तृतीये हस्तपादशिरसां पंचपिंडका निर्वर्तन्तते अंग प्रत्यंग विभागश्च सुक्ष्मो भवति ॥ (सुश्रुत शारीरस्थान)
It means the panchpindak (five small buds-like projections) have appeared for hands, legs, and head to develop upon.
The little pads on finger ends will start getting ready for nails. The eyelids are formed but still fused. The tiny baby has started to move a little but you can’t feel those movements yet. Your intestines were taking up space meant for the umbilical cord space. But this week, they have moved to the abdomen.
The mass of the brain is increasing. The pituitary gland at the base of the brain has begun producing hormones. That will ensure that this baby will have babies of her/his own in the future! The thyroid is now fully formed.
The placenta is active now. It is sending oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord and taking waste products away. For females, ovarian follicles begin forming. For males, the prostate appears.The pancreas has begun to synthesize insulin. Immunity-building white cells are being formed in the bone marrow. And, the tiny digestive tract is working on its muscles.
"iMumz App is making very good efforts for making pregnancy blissfull.”
– Somya, An iMumz User
Mum, you have entered the golden month. It is referred to as such because the early pregnancy side-effects that have been making you fatigued and sick have lessened or, in most cases, disappeared. Your uterus has moved up so the pressure on the bladder may feel lesser now. Since the morning sickness is behind you now, you may start putting on weight.
Leucorrhoea (a thin, milky, mild-smelling or odourless vaginal discharge) can bother you but it's normal. It is caused by an increased production of oestrogen. This discharge maintains a healthy balance of bacteria in vagina.
You might feel dizzy, occasionally. It’s the other hormone progesterone that has kicked in to make blood vessels relax and widen. This increases the flow of blood to your baby but reduces the same to you.
Some mums complain of excess saliva in the mouth. Excessive salivation is called ptyalism, or sialorrhea, and the condition won't affect your baby.You can chew 4-6 mint leaves for relief.
Headaches can also make their annoying presence felt at times. Don’t take medication without consulting your doctor. A glass of jaggery mixed in chilled water helps.
It is important to start light exercises. Yoga can be such a boon for your body as it starts to add weight. How to get started?
Balasana, also known as ‘the child's pose’ is ideal for this week. It stretches the back, hips, arms, shoulders, and chest and gives your back and pelvic region a much-needed relaxation as your body weight starts increasing.
As your nausea starts to go away, you might feel hungry more often. Keep some nutritious snacks handy. Sunflower seeds, walnuts, fresh fruit, and yoghurt fit nicely in your handbag!
Keep that food plate colourful! Eat healthy, nutritious food and at proper intervals. Eat slowly and chew your food well so that you don’t swallow air that causes discomfort later.
The foetus is forming internal organs hence it is important to pack in protein, calcium, iron and folate in your diet.
Baby-Special Bajra Uttapam
Maintain vaginal hygiene using an over-the-counter perineal wash or triphala decoction (Triphala means, “three fruits” in Sanskrit and is a powder of Amala (Emblica officinalis), also called Indian gooseberry, Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
Yoni dhupan or fumigation of the perineal area with medicated herb fumes is also an age-old healthy practice.
Take time out to converge your mental energies on your body and make connections with the baby. Baby bonding activity and listening to the raag meant for the 12th week help the brain development of the baby and relaxes you. If feeling fatigued and experiencing mood swings, indulge in the meditation meant for week 12 in the iMumz app. Listen to this raag and relax completely.
Eating papaya is unsafe during pregnancy.
Chymopapain, which may be present in raw papayas can induce abortion or early labour. But ripe papaya is considered to be safe and is a good source of vitamin A.
Maternal bonding is good for baby’s health. Do start sending positive vibes to the baby internally!
How about learning a story to tell? While the baby cannot listen yet, a story that narrates good values and fills you with positive emotions does have benefits for the baby. The vibes your body releases reach him.
Pick a story from religious scriptures, or a tale from Panchatantra and read aloud today!
The award-winning iMumz App is helping 350,000 + women make their pregnancies healthier and happier.
Manpreet, the happy-go-lucky girl is not convinced that what she's listening to or watching is reaching her 16 week old foetus. Her mother-in-law, Lalitha tells her about Garbh Sanskars. Intrigued, she joins an iMumz webinar and learns all about it!
Malini is into the first month of motherhood as Baby Sanju turns one month old and takes on new avatar as an expert on 'Stages of Pregnancy', telling her friends about the first trimester and what to expect!
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