That's it, you are already 3 months pregnant and this is for your greatest happiness! Because who says third month, says unpleasant signs which fade. At the end of this third month, your breast pain, stomach pain and nausea will give way to other small inconveniences. The third month of pregnancy is between the ninth and thirteenth weeks of pregnancy (SG) or the eleventh and fifteenth weeks of amenorrhea (AS). The end of this month also marks the end of the first trimester !
At 3 months pregnant, it's also a good time to announce the wonderful news to your loved ones!
To prevent the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, in this article we present our organic anti-stretch mark products .
Summary :
- Important events during the 3rd month of pregnancy
- 3 months of pregnancy: what body changes for the mother-to-be?
- Your anti-stretch mark routine during the third month of pregnancy
- Baby development at 3 months of pregnancy
Important events during the 3rd month of pregnancy
What exams during the 3rd month of pregnancy?
As mentioned in our first two parts: the first prenatal visit must be carried out before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy ! The person who will follow you during your pregnancy will carry out a medical interview and a medical examination .
You will also be able to see your baby for the first time if she is equipped with an ultrasound machine! It is recommended to perform the first ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks .
This moment, often very moving for parents, allows them to:
- Date the pregnancy using the LCC (Cranio-Caudal Length) which measures the size of the baby from his head to his feet
- Determine the number of embryos
- Determine the date of delivery more precisely
- Check fetal vitality by listening to the baby's heart and watching its movements
- Screen for chromosomal diseases (including Down syndrome) by measuring the baby's neck, then taking a blood test if there is any doubt
- Carry out a morphological study of the embryo to see if everything is fine and that the baby has no abnormalities!
The ultrasound can be carried out externally , with an abdominal probe, or internally , with an endovaginal probe. Avoid using cream that day to make the examination easier.
In the image, you will be able to see your baby for the first time and discern his head, his limbs and even hear his heart beating .
Don't forget that after this appointment, you will obtain your pregnancy declaration . You will need to send this document to the CAF (or MSA) and to your health insurance fund so that your rights can be activated!
Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy
If you consulted a doctor early in your pregnancy, even before the first prenatal interview, he or she will undoubtedly have prescribed a prescription to monitor your immunity to toxoplasmosis . If you are immune, good for you! On the other hand, if you are not, you will be monitored by regular blood tests to ensure that you are not infected. In this case, it is recommended not to eat raw or undercooked meat, to wash fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs properly and to stay away from cat litter!
Also continue to pay attention to listeriosis, we'll let you read our first pregnancy monitoring article .
When to choose your maternity ward and your childcare method during pregnancy?
The end of the 3 months of pregnancy marks the arrival of the baby since we can begin to rule out the risks of miscarriage. It is time to make a choice for the birth of your child . Hospital, clinic, birth center or even at home, the choice is yours! Please note that to give birth at home with a midwife, a hospital must be approximately 20 minutes from your home in case of problems.
For childcare , now is also the time to decide. The sooner the better so you can fully enjoy the end of the pregnancy by having sorted out all the paperwork!
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3 months of pregnancy: what body changes for the mother-to-be?
At the start of the month, the little hassles of early pregnancy are still common... They will eventually calm down by the end of the third month of pregnancy but they will give way to other inconveniences. Remember that all bodies are different. Maybe your friend's belly, who is also 3 months pregnant , will come out okay while yours won't. We can't compare ourselves! The important thing is that you and the baby are healthy.
Nausea during the third month of pregnancy
If you are prone to nausea during pregnancy , continue to apply our little tips: drink water in the morning before getting up and, if possible, eat breakfast in bed! Also remember that these symptoms will soon pass. By the end of the first trimester, the hormone produced by the embryo (HCG) drops . Good news because it is what causes you these inconveniences, including nausea!
The body and weight gain at 3 months of pregnancy
Your body during the 3rd month of pregnancy
At the end of the first trimester, your body begins to change. At 3 months pregnant, you can hardly hide the roundness of your belly. Your pelvis continues to widen a little and your breasts are still as swollen! It's important to buy underwear that fits you to feel your best.
At 3 months pregnant , your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit and it tends to press quite a bit on your bladder... Hence the regular urge to urinate!
Your uterus is also constantly expanding, so you may feel some pain in your lower stomach. And yes, these are indeed contractions. Rest assured, these are not labor contractions that will open your cervix! However, you may notice some bleeding. If the bleeding increases and the pain turns into period pain, consult as soon as possible. Although the risk of miscarriages is fading , they are still possible. If it is not a miscarriage, it may be a placental abruption. In this case, the mother-to-be will be put to rest for a while.
Disadvantages at 3 months of pregnancy
Fatigue-wise, it doesn't necessarily get better... All this work puts a strain on your body and the more months go by, the more things you carry! Your blood volume increases and the placenta takes up quite a bit of space. You may experience some shortness of breath and racing pulse : remember to rest as soon as you can!
During this 3rd month , some women see a line appear between the pubis and the navel: this is the pregnancy line ! It is due to the hormonal upheaval caused by pregnancy.
Weight gain level: the first little kilo is coming! Weight gain in pregnant women becomes really significant around the 4th/5th month of pregnancy. Then, it will be between 1 and 2 kilos per month.
Blemishes during pregnancy can appear as early as the 1st trimester and can persist even after delivery. Nearly 1 in 2 women experience pimples and blackheads during pregnancy. Blame it on hormonal variations! A healthy lifestyle, non-comedogenic cosmetics and a daily facial routine are essential actions to put in place.
Sexuality and pregnancy
Little-discussed yet important subject: sexuality during pregnancy . Although there are no medical contraindications to sexual intercourse during pregnancy, some couples have difficulty getting started. Please note that the act poses no danger to the pregnancy or the baby !
The hormonal changes experienced by the mother-to-be can slow down her libido during the first trimester. Rest assured, the second trimester is more fulfilling. In any case, do not cut off communication between the couple! You can also try to find other ways to spend pleasant, pressure-free intimate moments.
The changes that pregnancy involves can also disrupt those around you, particularly the person who is with you on a daily basis. Being worried doesn't mean not being happy! Discuss together, ask all your questions, your worries and your doubts. Once things are said, the couple will feel much better and more connected to each other.
Food
In terms of diet, continue to eat balanced, nutrient-rich meals ! This month, you will also experience “pregnancy cravings” and have small hunger pangs throughout the day. If you need a snack, try eating fruit or compote. Indeed, the goal is not to feed two people! Gaining too much weight too soon can increase the risk of high blood pressure and may not be good for the baby. Making full meals is a good tip to avoid cravings 2 hours later!
Continue to drink plenty of water : it helps your organs function well. And yes, now they have to work for you, and for your baby! From the 3rd month , the baby drinks amniotic fluid. The more variety you eat, the more tastes he will discover and get lots of nutrients!
Your anti-stretch mark routine during the third month of pregnancy
All these bodily changes and especially these hormonal upheavals are conducive to the arrival of stretch marks ! To protect your skin and prevent the formation of stretch marks at 3 months of pregnancy , turn to organic and natural care. The Anti-Stretch Mark First Treatment Cream from Laboratoires Téane meets all the skin needs of pregnant women. This cream hydrates and prevents the formation of stretch marks thanks to its patented Cassia Alata extract. Applied morning and evening during the first trimester, it works wonders!
Baby development at 3 months of pregnancy
The 3rd month is just as important for the baby: it goes from embryo to fetus ! His sex is now differentiated but be patient, you will find out during the second ultrasound. Your obstetrician (person who monitors you during pregnancy) can already guess this from the ultrasound but nothing is completely certain. If he tells you the news, don't make it true, everything can still change!
The baby's body continues to develop : his face takes shape, his forehead takes shape, his nostrils, his lips and his eyelids too. Its features resemble those of a real baby although its head is still a little larger than the rest of its body.
His vocal cords are being formed and so are his pulmonary apparatus. Its little body grows and is covered in fine down which will protect it throughout the pregnancy. His fingers are well individualized and you can even see him sucking his thumb ! His tongue and palate are also developing, he works hard!
The first ultrasound allows you to discover it in its entirety, to discover each of its organs and to hear its little heart beating! You will also be able to see it move which may be surprising because the mother-to-be does not yet feel it in her belly. His first movements are reflex movements , you will have plenty of time to feel him move within a few weeks.
At the end of the third month, baby measures approximately 11 cm and weighs 50 g .
Find now our article on the 4th month of pregnancy .
* Sources: https://ivg.gouv.fr/ivg-un-droit-garanti-par-la-loi.html (accessed November 25, 2022.)
