Is it worth drinking calcium? What are the benefits of calcium? How to drink calcium

If for some reason the birth occurs this week, you will no longer have to fear for the baby’s life. He is sufficiently prepared to meet this world: the respiratory system has formed, the process of thermoregulation has been established, his own immunity has developed, his genitals and limbs have formed, his eyes are already opening, his nose is “breathing”, his head is turning, his kidneys and intestines are working - the baby has learned a lot!

Fetus at 30 weeks of gestation: movements, development, weight and size

However, this is not the limit. Development and improvement continues. At the 30th week of pregnancy, the brain is actively developing, its volume increases, and convolutions and grooves take shape.

According to some experts, by the 30th week of pregnancy, the baby’s brain has developed to the point where the fetus is already capable of analysis and memory. To prove this opinion, the following fact is given: if at first the unfamiliar, initial stimulus caused fear and flinching in the baby, then when it appears again, the fetus now only turns its head towards the source of irritation.

Despite the fact that from the moment of conception the little organism has come a long way on the path of improvement and development, it is not yet ready to be born; improvement continues.

While the nervous system is just starting to turn on in “trial mode”, the digestive system is trying out its work. The liver stores iron to supply blood cells to the small body during the first year of a child's life.

The baby's skin is still wrinkled, but is gradually smoothing out. It is red in color and coated with protective vernix. Lanugo gradually begins to disappear, although many babies are born with vellus hair on their bodies, which disappears over time.

Now it weighs over 1300 g and has grown to almost 40 cm in length. The baby is already quite big, and the space in the uterus is becoming less and less every day. His movements are now taking on a slightly different character: if earlier the baby was freely tumbling and “swimming” in the uterus, pushing off from one wall and moving to the other, now he is kicking and pushing more and more, resting either his elbow, his leg, or his hand on his mother’s stomach. .

The frequency and strength of the baby’s movements now needs to be closely monitored. Normally, within an hour a woman feels up to 6 movements of the baby, during the day - at least 20. Doctors say that sudden strong blows from the inside should alert the mother, because for the most part the baby behaves calmly due to lack of space. But “boxing matches” can also be evidence of the difficult nature of your child, so get ready... It’s interesting that girls’ hearts beat more chaotically and quickly, while boys’ hearts beat more calmly and measuredly.

Future mom

The baby needs your attention and affection. Stroke your belly more often, talk to your baby, get advice, sing songs. Now there are a lot of good music discs for pregnant women on sale. Just calm melodic compositions are also suitable.

You should be extremely careful throughout the third trimester. Every day you become heavier and rounder, the center of gravity shifts, the feeling of fatigue and weakness increases - it is not easy to carry such a burden. Moreover, the heart moves from its place under the pressure of the fetus - sometimes shortness of breath appears. Now it is important to take care of yourself and not rush anywhere. Be careful in the bathroom, on the bus, in the snow, everywhere! Some mothers cannot control their body and fall under the weight of their belly. This is not advisable, so your shoes should be comfortable and you should be leisurely.

This week at work you should have been given maternity leave. Use it for relaxation and... Start collecting the baby's dowry and maternity hospital packages, study useful information, learn to breathe correctly. If the baby is lying incorrectly, do special exercises for breech presentation. By the 32nd week of pregnancy, he still has a chance to turn his head down.

Of course, vitamin-rich nutrition is still very important now. Drink kefir, eat vegetables, fruits and berries, but avoid those that can cause swelling.

Take yourself on a walk every day. It is advisable to take your husband, girlfriend or sister with you - because at any moment you may need their help. And listen to the baby: keep track of his movements.

Pain at 30 weeks of pregnancy

Take care of your back, do not walk or sit for long periods of time, do not cross your legs, do not lie on your back. After all, now the back bears a very large load, associated, among other things, with a shift in the center of gravity. For the same reason, many women at 30 weeks complain of lower back pain.

However, pay attention to the nature of the pain: with nagging pain in the lower back, radiating to the lower abdomen, possibly accompanied by painful urination, the development of a urinary tract disease can be suspected.

In the second half of pregnancy, you probably feel pain, heaviness, and burning in your legs. It can especially bother a woman in the evening, after being in an upright position for the day. The recipe for “taming” pain is still the same: regular “sessions” of rest during the day, avoiding high-heeled shoes, and correct posture. Cool evening foot baths and a relaxing massage will not only help relieve fatigue and soreness, but will also reduce the risk of cramping of the calf muscles at night.

Be prepared for the fact that at some point you will again feel the “curse” of early pregnancy - headaches. As before, headaches become a consequence of major changes that continue in the pregnant woman’s body. Because any medicines Now it’s prohibited, we’ll fight the headaches “ grandma's methods" So, sleeping in a cool, well-ventilated, semi-dark room helps relieve this unpleasant symptom. If a headache does not give you peace, try to lie down and relax, apply a cool compress, massage your temples.

Belly at 30 weeks of pregnancy: tugs, hurts

A mother at 30 weeks of pregnancy is not immune from such a frightening symptom as abdominal pain. But when you feel pain, you shouldn’t panic right away: listen to where exactly it hurts, what character is inherent in the pain.

After all, abdominal pain can also be associated with completely harmless phenomena - pain is accompanied by disorders of the digestive system, pain can occur due to softening and stretching of the ligaments holding the uterus. In the first case, you are unlikely to be mistaken in identifying the cause of the pain: it usually occurs against the background of increased gas formation, bloating, and constipation. In the second case, the pain is localized on the sides or one side of the abdomen and usually occurs when turning the torso, changing position, when rising from a bed or chair, when sneezing or coughing.

It’s as if the stomach can “tighten” or tense painfully at the moment when the baby pounds or sharply hits it from the inside. This usually happens if the child is dissatisfied or frightened with something: for example, a loud unexpected sound can force him to hit his mother sharply and painfully. At the same time, the pain occurs suddenly, but just as suddenly and quickly passes.

But if at the 30th week of pregnancy your stomach feels tight, it hurts for a long time, completely non-painful and irregular contractions become periodic and become painful, pain from the lower abdomen spreads to the lower back - immediately call an ambulance. With such symptoms, the risk of premature labor is too high, the start of which will be indicated by the rupture of amniotic fluid. Please note that it is not possible to stop labor that has begun prematurely, therefore, now you need to do everything in your power to save the baby.

Discharge at 30 weeks of pregnancy

We mentioned above that the rupture of amniotic fluid should be a clear reason for an urgent call to the ambulance. Amniotic fluid looks like liquid, watery discharge that has a slight yellowish color. Keep in mind that the amniotic fluid may not necessarily flow out all at once: it happens that the amniotic fluid leaks in small quantities, leaving only a feeling of increased wetness on the panties. But even then you should go to a specialist as soon as possible: amniotic fluid always leaks unless the integrity of the membranes is broken. Which, in turn, creates a risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus: only 24 hours are enough for the infection to penetrate the fetus.

A pregnant woman should be alerted to the appearance of unhealthy green, yellow or sallow colored discharge, discharge mixed with pus, mucus, flakes, foamy or curdled discharge. Even if the “colored” discharge does not have an unpleasant odor and does not provoke a feeling of discomfort in the genitals, most likely, you will most likely be diagnosed with some kind of infectious sexual disease. It is the infection that is responsible for the change in color, consistency and odor of the discharge, and it must be treated without fail. Otherwise, it is possible that the infection may enter the uterus and infect the fetus.

Without delay and without hesitation, call the emergency room if you detect bleeding in any quantity and of any nature. Bloody issues, and even brown “smudge” on panties - dangerous symptom, most likely indicating problems with the placenta. Thus, the separation of blood is accompanied by placenta previa or abruption of a normally located placenta - conditions that threaten not only the health, but also the life of the mother and child. Placenta previa usually does not cause abdominal pain, but placenta previa usually causes noticeable abdominal pain.

Ultrasound

The most optimal period for performing the third planned ultrasound is from 30 to 32 weeks. But more often, an ultrasound examination is prescribed to a woman just in time for the period of 32 weeks - then the baby should already be in the position from which it will be born. While at 30 weeks, and this will be shown by an ultrasound, he may still not be in a cephalic presentation, thereby causing understandable anxiety for the mother.

If, nevertheless, an ultrasound was scheduled to be performed at 30 weeks of pregnancy, then, as at more later, the development and well-being of the baby, the functionality of his body, and the condition of the uterus will now be examined and assessed.

So, the doctor will determine the child’s growth rate and determine whether these indicators correspond to the period. The baby's cardiac activity will be assessed. By the way, the ultrasound now shows how the baby is breathing: his chest rises and falls. In addition, now the specialist will be able to examine the functionality of the baby’s internal organs and systems, which was not possible to do before. An ultrasound, for example, will tell whether the fetus suffers from intestinal or urinary tract obstruction, or whether the baby has a heart defect.

An important marker during an ultrasound will also be the condition of the uterus: its size, standing height, condition of the myometrium. The quantity and quality of amniotic fluid are also assessed, the risk of the baby being entangled in the umbilical cord is eliminated, and the attachment site and location of the placenta are examined.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

Termination of multiple pregnancies is much more common than termination of singleton pregnancies. Especially high risk occurs in the second trimester and third. Women who are pregnant with twins are under special supervision of a specialist. To avoid miscarriage, doctors prescribe special medications to women that relax the uterus throughout pregnancy. In the later stages of pregnancy, a woman is observed with particular inattention. If the drugs are not enough, then the woman will be hospitalized until birth occurs.

During pregnancy with twins, the load on the cardiovascular system increases, so the expectant mother may experience problems with heart function. If any symptoms of malfunction occur of cardio-vascular system, then in this case you need to urgently consult a doctor, because the consequences can be negative.

Reasons for the birth of twins

Identical (monozygotic) twins. The fertilized egg is early stages development begins to divide into two absolutely identical parts. Each part develops independently. Monozygotic twins always have the same gender, they are similar in appearance, have the same blood type, their personalities are similar, they can suffer from the same diseases at the same time, and monozygotic twins also have the same set of genes.

Dizygotic twins (fraternal). When two eggs mature in a woman’s egg at the same time, two sperm manage to fertilize them at the same time, then we're talking about about fraternal twins. Children born are similar to each other, like brothers and sisters who were born in different time because every child has a different genetic structure. The appearance of children, their character, blood group and gender may be different. Fraternal twins share approximately 50-60% of their genes, which is the same as regular sisters and brothers.

“Siamese twins” (those that are conjoined) in all cases develop from one egg. The egg does not separate completely, so the children remain fused to each other.

Causes of multiple pregnancy

Of course, the hereditary factor plays a huge role. Approximately 10 out of a hundred women who gave birth to twins have a history of multiple pregnancy among relatives.

If you take hormonal contraceptives for a long time and then suddenly stop taking them, this can trigger the simultaneous maturation of two eggs.

Women aged 35-40 years have a very high chance of becoming pregnant with twins. At this age (before the onset of menopause), a final hormonal surge occurs. For this reason, very often at this age women become pregnant with twins (triplets, etc.).

The hormone that stimulates the ovary is produced better during long daylight hours. In spring, the sun warms up well, the activity of sex hormones increases and the likelihood of conceiving twins increases.

Also, the cause of multiple pregnancy can be the intervention of modern medicine. Reproductive technologies have recently been actively used to treat infertility. A very common method is IVF (in vitro fertilization), when the conception of a child occurs in a test tube, and not in the womb of a woman. It often happens that couples who have not been able to have children for a long time have twins or even triplets!

Features of the course of multiple pregnancy

Carrying twins to term is not an easy task. Women who bear two children at the same time are heroines, and these are not just words. Already at the gestation stage, twin children are at biological risk. A woman's body is programmed to carry and feed only one baby.

In the first three months, in 20-25% of women, one of the fertilized eggs dies; the fertilized egg, which has frozen, stops its development and gradually dissolves over time. But in some cases, the remains of a frozen fertilized egg remain in the uterus until birth occurs.

With twins, the volume of circulating blood increases by approximately 50-65% (compared to 40-50% in a singleton pregnancy). Plasma volume increases and hemoglobin levels decrease, especially in the second trimester. In women, the process of hematopoiesis is active; they have much more red blood cells than in initial stages pregnancy. This condition can cause iron deficiency anemia in some women as limited iron stores are depleted.

If a woman is pregnant with twins, then she can tolerate toxicosis and morning sickness much worse. Toxicosis is provoked various factors, one of which is human chorionic gonadotropin, that is, HCG (its increase). The level of hCG is much higher during twin pregnancies than during singleton pregnancies, which explains why toxicosis in women pregnant with twins is much stronger.

Toxicosis disappears in the twelfth to fourteenth week of pregnancy (exactly the same as in a singleton pregnancy).

Mothers of twins are much more likely to have complaints of heartburn, lower back pain, and sleep problems.

Since there are two children, the uterus has to increase in size much more so that the children do not feel crowded there. The enlarged uterus begins to compress the diaphragm and the work of the lungs and heart becomes difficult; the pregnant woman gets tired very quickly and experiences shortness of breath. Pregnant women often experience constipation and frequent urination.

More common are late toxicoses, which are manifested by protein in the urine, edema, and high blood pressure.

If a woman is pregnant with two children, this does not mean that she can feel the movement of the children earlier than women who are carrying one child. During a twin pregnancy, embryonic movements can be felt around 18-20 weeks. If a woman has already been pregnant and can distinguish the movement of the baby from the work of the gastrointestinal tract, then she may feel the movement a little earlier.

The weight of a woman pregnant with twins should also be controlled. During a singleton pregnancy, weight gain from 8 to 12-15 kg is considered normal (it all depends on what body weight the woman had before pregnancy). And with multiple pregnancies, normal weight gain is 18-20 kg. During pregnancy, the diet should be rich, healthy and high in calories. If there is swelling, then you should reduce your fluid intake to 1.5 liters per day.

Women who are pregnant with twins need to supplement their bodies with plenty of folic acid to prevent birth defects. If a woman with a single pregnancy is recommended to take 0.4 mg of folic acid per day, then in case of twins the dose should be increased to 1 mg.

A woman with twins is sent to the maternity hospital approximately 2-3 weeks before the birth. Childbirth usually takes place at 36-37 weeks. The most favorable period for the birth of twins is 36-38 weeks.

A woman can give birth to twins on her own; natural childbirth proceeds normally. But in some cases, complications may occur, such as prolapse of umbilical cord loops, prolapse of small parts of the fetus (legs, arms), hypoxia (oxygen starvation), premature rupture of amniotic fluid, premature abruption of the placenta of the second child after the passage of the birth canal of the first child, weak labor activity (due to overstretching of the uterus), postpartum hemorrhage.

But nature took care of the twin children. They have a much higher ability to adapt than one baby. It has been proven that twin babies' lungs mature much earlier so that babies born prematurely can breathe on their own. In the postpartum period, the adaptation period for identical twins and fraternal twins is slightly different. If fraternal twins adapt without problems after giving birth, then identical twins endure this process a little more difficult. Children from monozygotic twins are prone to breathing problems, swelling, and icteric syndrome.

Caesarean section for twins

Indications for cesarean section for twins: overdistension of the uterus due to polyhydramnios, very large fetuses, breech or transverse presentation of the first child of twins, extragenital diseases, the birth canal after 38 weeks is not prepared for childbirth, severe gestosis, the age of the first-time mother along with other indications, especially if before this there was long-term infertility or a complicated pregnancy, fetal hypoxia.

Women pregnant with twins have a high risk of loss during childbirth. large quantity blood. To avoid large blood loss and transfusion of someone else's blood, a woman can donate her own blood plasma during pregnancy. The plasma is stored until delivery occurs. If necessary, this plasma is transfused. Autotransfusion drugs can also be used to facilitate the collection of blood during surgery. After washing, the patient is transfused with her red blood cells. Thus, the risk of losing a large amount of blood is minimal.

Multiple pregnancy is not a pathology, but doctors believe that such a pregnancy should be monitored especially carefully. It is best to give birth to twins in maternity hospitals high level, in which there is a fashionable qualified intensive care unit for newborn babies.

How to eat healthy when pregnant with twins?

There is no special diet designed for twin pregnancy. Nutrition should be balanced and healthy. The products consumed must provide children with all the necessary substances so that they can develop and grow normally. We know that twins are usually born prematurely, so babies must receive enough nutrients during this period, otherwise they may be born with a low birth weight.

To the daily norm of the usual diet, you need to add 300 calories for one baby, that is, if you are twins, you need to add 600 calories per day. In order for twins to develop normally, a woman needs to increase her daily diet and reduce physical activity.

Not all women pregnant with twins can simply eat well, because severe toxicosis occurs and changes greatly taste preferences. Frequent occurrences occur. Indigestion. In such cases, you should consult a doctor.

In the second and third trimester, it becomes even more difficult to gain the desired weight, because the uterus squeezes the stomach and the woman, having eaten very little, already feels full. In this case, you should try to eat small portions five to six times a day.

You need to include foods that are rich in iron in your diet. This will help avoid iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplements are not recommended because they can often cause constipation.

As for prenatal vitamins, supplements that contain polyunsaturated fatty acid Omega-3 supplements, be sure to consult your doctor first before taking them.

Multiple pregnancy is a very responsible process and hard work, but at the same time it is a huge gift of fate.

Week 30 is halfway through the 7th month of pregnancy. A very important period for mother and baby. The main task of the baby is to “mature” for an independent life, the main task of the mother is to help the baby and prepare for childbirth.

The height of the uterine fundus above the navel is about 10 cm, above the womb - from 30. Due to the actively expanding abdomen, stretch marks (stretch marks) form at the 30th week of pregnancy. Also characteristic is their appearance on the mammary glands, which are now actively preparing to produce milk.

At this time, “training contractions” may begin, but usually they appear a little later. Excessive pain or a feeling of “hardness” in the abdomen may be a symptom of premature labor at 30 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy at 30 weeks is accompanied by the appearance of many unpleasant symptoms - heartburn, constipation, and frequent urination. This is a variant of the norm, because there is less and less space for internal organs every day.

Stomach

At the 30th week of pregnancy, the belly grows and becomes a burden to the woman. As a result, the gait changes, it resembles that of a duck. The movements of the expectant mother should be measured so as not to hurt the stomach. You need to carefully get out of bed, avoid sudden movements, sleep only on your side.

Stretch marks at 30 weeks are not uncommon. To prevent them, you need to use vegetable oils, special gels and creams.

Uterus

At the 30th week of pregnancy, the uterus reaches an impressive size; it is located at a distance of 10 cm from the navel and 30 cm from the pubic joint. The uterus is preparing for childbirth, contractions appear. They are accompanied by mild cramping pain in the lower abdomen.

Fetus

At the 30th week of pregnancy, the fetus is actively growing and its weight increases. Now it is the size of a head of cabbage. The baby becomes cramped in the uterus, he takes a forced position, most often this is a cephalic presentation. That is, it is positioned head down - the way it will come out during childbirth.

On this period the number of movements is reduced, but the tremors become stronger, even sometimes painful. The baby may rest against the ribs or internal organs, causing significant discomfort to the pregnant woman. The baby opens his eyes, blinks, hiccups, smiles, reacts to light and sound.

Maternal weight and child development

The baby is no longer tiny! The baby's weight at 30 weeks of pregnancy is about 1.5 kg. He is quite capable of independent life, but still poorly regulates body temperature, so he accumulates subcutaneous fat.

Newborns have developed reserves of brown fat, which is several times greater than regular fat in terms of energy. When it breaks down, a lot of heat is generated, which protects the baby from hypothermia. And until the child has accumulated enough “fuel”, it is too early for him to be born.

The nervous system and all sense organs continue to develop. The grooves and convolutions in the brain deepen, new interneuron connections and “bridges” are formed.

In girls, the formation of the vagina has completed and the external genitalia are almost completely formed. In boys, the testicles descend into the scrotum.

Normally, weight gained at 30 weeks of pregnancy should be 8–10 kg. Now the weight should increase by another 300-350 g. The uterus has greatly increased in size and weight, shifting the center of gravity of the body.

Feelings at 30 weeks of pregnancy

The baby can no longer tumble around in the amniotic fluid, but the mother clearly feels every movement of the fetus at 30 weeks of pregnancy. Daily counting of movements is useful. There should be at least 24 of them per day, and at least 10 in 6 hours.

Often at the beginning of the third trimester shortness of breath occurs with physical activity, in a supine position. This occurs due to the upward displacement of the diaphragm dome - there is now not so much space for the lungs. Sometimes it is very difficult to come to terms with the feeling of lack of air.

Nagging pain in the lower back and pelvic bones gradually increases, but many women are already accustomed to such sensations at 30 weeks of pregnancy and do not pay attention to them.

Digestive problems can be uncomfortable. Due to delayed gastric emptying and compression, heartburn, heaviness and a feeling of nausea may occur. If the symptoms are persistent and severe, the doctor will prescribe medications to improve digestion that are harmless to the baby.

Discharge

Discharge at the 30th week of pregnancy is normally transparent or with a slight white-yellow tint. If there is a change in color, smell or consistency, you need to take a smear for microflora.

Pain

The most common cause of abdominal pain at 30 weeks of pregnancy is excessive fetal movements. This can happen if the baby is uncomfortable: for example, he was scared by a loud sound. All the mother's experiences are transmitted to the fetus. To calm your baby down, you need to relax and stroke your belly.

Physiological changes also affect a woman’s well-being. A pregnant woman gains about 10 kg by the 30th week. The load on the back increases, causing back pain. A woman may be bothered by nagging pain in the lower back.

Headache is also normal at this time. A pregnant woman cannot take painkillers, so you should get rid of pain at 30 weeks of pregnancy with the help of folk remedies. You need to get enough sleep, walk in the fresh air, relax during the day, and not be nervous. If you have a severe headache, you should lie down, you can massage your head and neck, and apply a cool compress.

It is necessary to learn to distinguish training contractions from the threat of premature birth. If the pain in the lower abdomen is accompanied by bloody or copious liquid transparent discharge, then you need to go to the hospital. This is a sign of premature birth. Training contractions last no more than 2 minutes and are manifested by abdominal tension.

Childbirth

At this stage, there is a possibility of premature birth, despite the fact that it is too early for the baby to be born. Childbirth at 30 weeks of pregnancy guarantees every chance of life: the survival rate at this stage reaches 100%. All organs and systems function normally. Respiratory system The baby is not yet fully formed, but he can breathe on his own. After birth, the child is connected to a special device for “growing up.”

The most common causes of premature birth are polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios, placental abruption, sexually transmitted infections and chronic systemic diseases, poor quality nutrition, smoking or alcohol abuse.

Having passed 75% of the way, there is no need to slow down and let everything take its course. It is necessary, as before, to monitor your health and regimen very carefully.

Nutrition

Nutrition at 30 weeks of pregnancy should contain a minimum amount of useless carbohydrates - sweets, baked goods. It is better to replace them with fruit desserts and jellies. Drinking regime remains the same - if there is no swelling, high blood pressure, then you need to drink small portions of up to 2 liters of water per day.

It’s better not to drink at night, since high pressure on the bladder can lead to frequent trips to the toilet, and there’s no need for an extra factor causing edema.

Vitamins

Taking vitamins on your own is not allowed, since at the 30th obstetric week, an excess of vitamins is as dangerous as their deficiency. The doctor may prescribe calcium and iron supplements.

Sex at 30 weeks pregnant

During a normal pregnancy, there is no prohibition on intimate relationships. It is important to be careful not to harm the baby.

Physical activity

Walking is still required. The main thing is not to overexert yourself, and not to spend a lot of time outside in the heat or severe frost. Swimming - no restrictions.

If mommy still does not attend childbirth preparation courses, the 30th obstetric week of pregnancy is the time to start classes! Correct breathing techniques and exercises for pregnant women are the main elements of physical activity during this period.

Possible problems

At week 30, there is a risk of developing late toxicosis (preeclampsia). This pregnancy complication is extremely dangerous for the mother, so you need to know its signs. The following symptoms should alert you:

• the appearance of edema;
• vomiting and nausea regardless of food;
• headache and dizziness;
• high blood pressure.

If one of the symptoms appears, you need to urgently tell the leading obstetrician-gynecologist about them.

Common problems at 30 weeks of pregnancy are premature birth and placental abruption. Detachment manifests itself with bleeding of varying intensity; even streaks of blood in the discharge can be a signal to call an ambulance and be sent to the maternity hospital. Premature birth at 30 weeks of pregnancy is characterized by increasing contractions and rupture of amniotic fluid.

Genital tract infections may be manifested by changed discharge (unpleasant odor, unusual color), itching, burning and other unpleasant sensations at 30 weeks of pregnancy. Correct treatment can be selected only after tests (vaginal and urethral smears).

When examined by a gynecologist, you can find a problem such as softening and shortening of the cervix. This may cause premature birth. The doctor will prescribe treatment and, most likely, refer you to the maternity hospital to maintain the pregnancy.

Ultrasound and tests at 30 weeks of pregnancy

As a rule, they are referred for third trimester screening this week. To prepare, you need to take a urine and blood test. The screening itself in most cases is carried out at 32–34 weeks, so ultrasound at 30 weeks of pregnancy is performed only when indicated.

Features of IVF pregnancy

IVF pregnancy at 30 weeks is monitored very closely: if there is the slightest threat, then hospitalization is indicated. Individual timing of studies, including Doppler ultrasound, ultrasound and CTG, is also possible.

Features of twin pregnancy at 30 weeks

In case of multiple pregnancy already at 30 obstetric weeks determine the tactics of labor management - will it be a cesarean section or a vaginal birth. A caesarean section will be prescribed if:

• there is already a scar on the uterus;
• one child is in a transverse position;
• both children are in breech presentation;
• there is an entanglement of the umbilical cord in one or more babies.

Babies usually appear earlier than with a singleton pregnancy and this is normal. But the 30th week of pregnancy with twins is a fairly early date for childbirth and, if possible, the pregnancy is extended for a few more weeks.

Video of the thirtieth week of pregnancy

Today we will discuss all the issues of the development of twin pregnancy, features of the course of pregnancy itself and childbirth. As a pediatrician, I will even say a few words about my observations of the development of twins and pairs of twins after birth in my area.

So, a pregnancy is usually called multiple when two or more fetuses develop. But, since triplets and even more multiple pregnancies are not so common, today we will talk only about twins. If the problem of triplets is relevant for some of you, then I will say that everything works out in approximately the same way.

Twins and twins: what's the difference?

Twins develop when not one egg, but two, matures in a woman’s body. These germ cells can develop both in one ovary and in different ones at the same time. Of course, the obligatory condition is that both of them will be fertilized by two sperm (different ones, of course).

This results in two organisms with different genetic material. They can be the same or different gender. There is no particular similarity in their appearance; they look just like brothers and sisters.

Since children develop from different eggs, they may be called fraternal twins. Touching upon medical details, let me explain that each baby has its own fetal sac, its own placenta.

Twins are babies who develop from one egg fertilized by one sperm, which at a certain time divided into two parts, and from each part the development of a separate organism began. One egg, one sperm, same genetic material. Thus, twins are always the same sex, have an identical set of genes and the same appearance.

Twins can also have their own two sacs and two placentas. Doctors call such twins bichorionic and biamnionic. The sooner the egg separates, the greater the likelihood of a separate placenta and separate amnion (fetal sac) forming. So, for example, the above-described version of twins will occur if the separation of the egg occurred on the 3rd day from the moment of fertilization.

But more common are twins with one placenta and two separate membranes (biamnic monochorionic twins). This scenario is possible if the fertilized egg decides to give two lives 3-8 days after meeting the sperm.

The third option for the development of twins is also common. This is when one amnion and a single placenta are formed (monochorionic monoamnionic twins). Usually this option is possible when the egg divides quite late - 9-10 days after conception.

Why does multiple pregnancy develop?

Not everyone can experience double happiness. The incidence of twin births in the human population is approximately 1.5%.

The main reasons for the development of twins and multiple pregnancies in general are:

• hyperstimulation of the ovaries by hormones. It is used in medicine as an auxiliary technique for conceiving a child as quickly as possible. Hyperstimulation is indicated for a woman whose cause of infertility has been identified, and it consists of impaired maturation of female germ cells in the ovary;
• Twins are often born after in vitro fertilization. To increase the likelihood of pregnancy during IVF, several embryos are simultaneously fertilized and implanted into the expectant mother's uterus (in Russia, up to three embryos are possible at once). In the early stages, embryo death may occur, so doctors count on the successful consolidation of at least one of the implanted embryos.
• Of course, at the request of the parents, embryo reduction is possible if two have implanted. But this is quite a risky step, not to mention a sin. Reduction of an implanted embryo at the request of the parents after unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant is uncommon;
• recent cancellation oral contraceptives after a long rest of the ovaries, it also increases the likelihood of several eggs maturing at the same time;
• hereditary factor. Heredity plays an important role in this phenomenon. Moreover, this feature is transmitted more through the female line, and more often through a generation. That is, for a woman who has given birth to twins, her granddaughter is more likely to give birth to twins, not her daughter. Although this is not a fact. For example, my mother never had twins in her family. But in my father’s family, having delved into the pedigree, they finally found a case of twins. Few people remembered this case, since out of two children there, only one survived after birth. And the fact that the possibility of multiple pregnancies was transmitted through the paternal line does not in any way contradict genetic laws.

Are there early signs of multiple pregnancy?

It is practically impossible for a woman to find out about her multiple pregnancy on her own. More often, pregnant women with twins note the appearance of early toxicosis. Moreover, the pregnancy test can be with the usual color intensity of the indicator strip. Only at the appointment can the doctor note too big sizes uterus and their discrepancy with the calculated gestational age.

It is not always possible to recognize two embryos at the first ultrasound confirming the fact of pregnancy. But at 8-10 weeks of pregnancy, when it is possible to determine the heartbeat using Dopplerometry, it is already possible to accurately say about the beating of two hearts. And at the mandatory first screening ultrasound, which is carried out up to 12 weeks, the specialist will always notice the development of two babies, since their size at this stage is no longer tiny.

At later stages, women with twins report more severe heartburn, shortness of breath, and swelling of the lower extremities. A pregnant woman gains weight more rapidly. Normally, during a multiple pregnancy, a woman can gain 20-22 kg.

After 18-20 weeks, a woman may feel tremors simultaneously in different parts belly. And the doctor can feel several large parts, for example, two heads and two butts of babies.

Features of multiple pregnancy

I already wrote above about the earlier appearance and more pronounced toxicosis. It is understandable that pregnancy with one child puts a colossal load on all the systems and organs of a woman, and with twins it is even more difficult for the body to withstand the load.

Women pregnant with twins more often suffer from iron deficiency anemia, since it is incredibly difficult to provide oxygen and iron for the synthesis of red blood cells to two babies.

During pregnancy with twins, the volume of circulating blood increases. Since the mother's blood performs the function of providing the embryos with nutrients, the blood in the mother's body must circulate more intensively than during a normal pregnancy in order to provide nutrition to two babies.

Placental insufficiency is a fairly common occurrence during pregnancy with two babies, since two embryos require a more intense metabolism in the placenta. Because of this, changes inevitably appear in the structure of the placenta, leading to disruption of the blood supply and nutrition of the babies.

More often, this nutritional disorder occurs in one of the babies, which can lead to fetal freezing. early. There is another option that often occurs - one baby develops more intensively and is born with a noticeably greater weight than the second.

As a rule, during pregnancy with twins, the size of the placenta is more impressive than during pregnancy with one fetus. That is, it is often partially or completely attached to the baby’s path at the time of birth. This phenomenon is called placenta previa. With this development of events, childbirth through the birth canal is contraindicated. Placenta previa is one of the absolute indications for surgical delivery.

Since a double load falls on the kidneys of a pregnant twin, very often edema in such women appears earlier and manifests itself in to a greater extent than during pregnancy with one baby.

An excessively enlarged uterus forces a change in the location of internal organs - the stomach, intestines, and ureters. In this regard, such women have more severe heartburn, constipation, and a greater risk of urinary tract diseases during pregnancy.

The expectant mother can hear the babies moving as early as the 15th - 16th week. The intrauterine development of children in both singleton and multiple pregnancies is the same. However, during pregnancy with twins, due to the close location of the enlarged uterus to the surface of the skin, the woman notices the first movements earlier.

The intensity of fetal movements also differs from their intensity during a more common singleton pregnancy. In the later stages, babies push very intensely, trying to compete for a more comfortable position in the cramped space of the uterus.

In the antenatal clinic, a woman with a multiple pregnancy is observed more carefully and examined more often. Until the 30th week, an appointment is scheduled every 10 days, and after the 30th week of pregnancy - once a week.

The condition of the cervix is ​​carefully monitored, since isthmic-cervical insufficiency (prenatal dilatation of the cervix) due to overdistension of the uterus is a fairly common occurrence in multiple pregnancies.

A woman with twins can receive maternity leave and sick leave two weeks earlier than with a singleton pregnancy. That is, at 28 weeks, and not at the required 30 weeks of pregnancy. Payments of benefits after the birth of babies do not differ in terms. But they are charged for each of the kids.

Twin pregnancy calendar

Obstetricians-gynecologists count the first week of pregnancy from the first day of the last menstruation, when, in fact, menstruation is still ongoing and the egg is not fertilized. That is why, with the arrival of a delay in regular menstruation, a woman learns about the existence of pregnancy with a fairly decent period of 3-4 weeks.

Let's look at what happens to the babies and mother week by week. different dates pregnancy.

First trimester

• 1-4 week

As a rule, a woman does not even suspect she is pregnant yet.

After the fusion of the egg and sperm in the fallopian tube, a zygote is formed. This is one single cell from which will later form multicellular organism. If there were initially two eggs, and they are fertilized by two different sperm, then two zygotes will be formed, and fraternal twins will develop.

During the process of cleavage, the zygote turns into a morula. First there are 2 cells (one cell is divided in half), then 4, then successively 8, 16 and 32 cells, located in a dense cluster in the shape of a raspberry. It is at the morula stage of 32 cells that the proembryo enters the uterine cavity. It may not be implanted into the wall of the uterus immediately, but after 2-3 days.

I will dwell in more detail on the moment when one fertilized egg gives two lives. This happens if, during crushing, the morula at some point suddenly “falls apart” into two parts, and each part begins to develop further independently, forming a separate organism.

If the division of a single fertilized egg occurs in the first three days after meeting the sperm, twins develop with separate membranes and separate placentas (second column in the figure).

If this division of the egg occurs between the 3rd and 8th days after conception, the twins will have separate membranes and one placenta (third column in the figure).

If the egg decides to divide later than 8 days, but before the 13th day from the moment of fertilization, twins will develop with a single membrane and a single placenta (fourth column in the figure).

Late division of the egg (after 13 days of life) threatens the development of undivided twins (Siamese).

Before implantation, a cavity is formed between the morula cells, and it turns into a blastocyst - a hollow vesicle filled with liquid contents.

Implantation occurs approximately on the 7th day after conception. At this stage, the process of cell division is only progressing. The process of implantation of the embryo into the wall of the uterus can take a couple of days. This is considered the first critical period in the development of pregnancy.

In the second week, the formation of primary and secondary chorionic villi (the future placenta) and differentiation of the germ layers, which will subsequently give rise to all the organs and systems of the baby, occur. This is considered the second critical period in obstetrics.

Up to 14 days, the embryo looks like a vesicle consisting of three germ layers. From the third week, blood vessels form and grow into the chorionic villi. Thanks to this, when the chorionic villi come into direct contact with the mother’s blood, the fetus receives nutrients. Thus, the type of nutrition of the embryo changes to hematotrophic (through blood).

With the beginning of the third week, the formation of all organs begins (organogenesis). First, the neural tube, heart and gonads are formed, then the liver, lungs, primary intestine and primary kidney. Starting from the 3rd week, you can determine the fetal heartbeat on an ultrasound, if the permission of the device and the qualifications of the doctor allow this to be done.

At the 4th week, the nervous system continues to develop, the rudiment of the brain and spinal cord is formed. At this time, the rudiments of the upper and lower limbs are already visible in the embryo.

By the end of the 4th week, the embryos will be no larger than 2 cm in size.

• 5-8 week

During this period, organogenesis continues, that is, the formation of organs and body systems of developing children. The structure of all previously laid down organs and systems becomes more complex. Are formed nerve fibers, connecting organs with the central nervous system, that is, with the brain and spinal cord. The head of the embryos at this time is disproportionately large.

At the sixth week of pregnancy, embryos can already bend and straighten their necks, changing the position of the head. Gradually, facial features emerge, eyes, ears, and mouth are formed. There is a clear difference between the upper and lower extremities, and the fingers are different.

At this stage, gender has already been formed, but gender cannot yet be determined. The genitals visible on ultrasound have yet to form.

Blood flow in the uterus and placental bed becomes more intense to ensure such intensive growth and development of embryos.

The eighth week marks the end of the embryonic period of baby development. At this time, the embryos are usually 4.5-6 cm long and weigh about 15-20 g.

• 9-12 weeks

By the ninth week, babies are fully formed to be called not embryos, but fruits. Your own blood type and Rh factor appear. With the end of the embryonic period, complete differentiation of the brain and spinal cord, central and peripheral nervous systems is observed.

The fruits swallow amniotic fluid. Their bladder and kidneys function. The movements of the fetuses become more varied - they can cover their faces with their hands, suck thumb, move to the sides. The external genitalia are formed. The structure of the placenta becomes more complex. It begins to perform more and more functions (respiratory, protective, metabolic, hormonal).

At 12 weeks, the babies are approximately 85-90 mm long, and babies weigh up to 30 g each.

The first trimester of pregnancy has come to an end.

What changes await the expectant mother of twins in the first trimester?

The expectant mother of twins in the first trimester may experience earlier and more severe toxicosis, which may also make itself felt in the second trimester.

The uterus quickly increases in size. By the end of the first trimester, it often extends beyond the pelvis, therefore putting pressure on adjacent organs and can disrupt their normal functioning. Thus, pregnant women with twins feel a frequent urge to urinate already in the first trimester. Constipation is also a frequent (but not obligatory) companion to multiple pregnancies.

In women during this period, the mammary gland actively enlarges and becomes moderately painful and sensitive. But this symptom is characteristic not only of twin pregnancy, but of any pregnancy.

A woman should visit her doctor once a month. The gynecologist, at his discretion, can set you an individual schedule of visits. Up to 12 weeks, women must undergo an ultrasound, during which all disorders and malformations of the babies are excluded.

Second trimester

• 13-16 weeks

The skeletal system of babies is actively developing. The rudiments of the ribs are formed. The bones of the skull become smooth and denser. Shallow breathing movements can already be observed. It's more like training a muscle chest. The digestive system begins to function. Peristaltic waves of the intestine appear. Bile production begins in the baby's liver. Interestingly, it is at this time that babies develop their sense of taste.

The movements of developing children in the uterus become increasingly active. They already have quite rich facial expressions, but so far they remain involuntary (children frown, smile, open their mouths, perform sucking movements).

The skin of babies is quite thin, blood vessels are clearly visible through it. There is practically no subcutaneous fat tissue. The scalp is gradually covered with the first vellus hairs.

The approximate size of 16-week-old babies is about 12 cm from rump to crown, and they weigh approximately 90 g each.

• 17-20 weeks

Children are growing actively. The growth of the body of children at this stage prevails over the growth rate of the head.

At the seventeenth week of pregnancy, the size of the babies from the sacrum to the crown is approximately 14-15 cm, each already weighs approximately 130-140 g.

Children at this stage of intrauterine development already hear and distinguish sounds and respond to them with certain movements. With loud, sharp sounds, babies move more intensely. Their eyes are still closed, but they can already distinguish between light and darkness. On an ultrasound, you can observe that the baby, in response to some external influences, tries to cover his face with his hands, bring his chin to his chest, that is, bend his head.

It has been proven that twins sense each other's presence.

As a rule, women carrying twins hear the first movements of the fetuses earlier than usual (16 weeks for first-time mothers, 18 weeks for repeat pregnant women). Since babies are cramped in the uterus, they push away from its walls more actively. At this stage, a woman can feel up to ten baby movements per day. At this stage, babies develop the blink reflex.

The fetal heartbeat can already be clearly heard with a phonendoscope or obstetric stethoscope. The rudiments of teeth, including permanent ones, are intensively formed. During this period, a cheese-like protective lubricant is formed on the fetal body. Subcutaneous fat tissue is formed.

Babies' bodies are already producing immune cells. Fetal hemoglobin is gradually replaced by adult hemoglobin.

By the end of the fifth month, the coccygeal-parietal size of the babies reaches 21-24 cm, and the weight is already quite decent - 320-340 g.

• 21-24 weeks

During this period, all pregnant women already felt the first movements of their babies. Baby's sleep time gradually decreases, and the time of wakefulness and active movements increases.

There is an active strengthening of bones. The skin is still wrinkled and has many folds; in large folds, especially a lot of cheese-like lubricant of the fetus accumulates.

The child actively swallows amniotic fluid containing particles of lubricant and desquamated epithelium, and dark green feces already accumulate in his intestines. In a normal pregnancy, bowel movements of babies can occur only after birth.

At this time, the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue increases, including brown fatty tissue, which will protect babies from hypothermia after birth.

Babies are already very good at distinguishing sounds. It is noticeable that for themselves they identify sounds that are sharp, loud, pleasant or unpleasant, and react to them in a certain way (with excitement or freezing).

By the end of this period, the babies reach a height of 26-28 cm, their weight increases to 450-550 g.

• 25-28 weeks

The children’s facial features are becoming more and more clearly visible; they already have eyelashes and eyebrows. The curves of the ears gradually form.

The lungs are actively developing, so-called air sacs (alveoli) are formed. They are not yet filled with air, but at the 25th week a substance called surfactant begins to be produced, which will prevent these sacs from collapsing after birth, when they are filled with air.

Babies are actively gaining weight due to an increase in the amount of adipose tissue, muscle growth, growth and strengthening of bones.

During this period, boys' testicles begin to descend into the scrotum, and girls' genitals continue to form.

By the 28th week, as a rule, the final presentation of the fetuses is established, since they are already cramped in the uterus, they cannot turn over from the cephalic presentation to the pelvic presentation or vice versa.

By this period, babies are practically formed. In case of premature birth, with proper nursing, they are already quite capable of surviving.

By the end of this period, the weight of the babies is approximately 800-900 g, height up to 35 cm.

Changes in the body of the expectant mother of twins in the second trimester of pregnancy

The uterus has already grown enough, the tummy is noticeably rounded. At this stage, it is already more difficult for a pregnant woman to lead her usual active lifestyle. But proper alternation of periods of rest and activity will help avoid problems with constipation, varicose veins, and swelling.

During this period, the expectant mother should pay special attention to the diet, namely the sufficient content of protein and calcium in it. It is worth enriching the diet as much as possible with products containing calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D 3 (fish, canned fish, eggs, nuts, hard cheeses, dairy products), since the skeletal system in children is actively developing. At this stage, the expectant mother may already be bothered by heartburn.

It's time to use a support bandage, since during this period most often the woman still has to work, and lower back pain and heaviness in her legs are already bothering her. The very physiologically changing gait (swinging) contributes to less strain on the back and pressure from the uterus on the pelvic bones. But in case of multiple pregnancy, it is difficult to do without additional support of the bandage.

Pregnant women often complain that it is difficult for them to find a comfortable position while sleeping. Experts recommend sleeping on your left side, with your upper leg bent at the knee and your lower leg straightened. Specially designed pillows for pregnant women are designed to relieve the pelvic bones and lower back and support a woman’s already enlarged belly.

Actively in the mammary gland, adipose tissue is replaced by glandular tissue. To the touch, the mammary gland has a fine-meshed structure.

Pigmentation of the parapapillary region on the chest and midline on the abdomen becomes more and more apparent. Pigment spots and freckles may appear on the body. This is due to an increase in melanin content in the skin of a pregnant woman.

Before the 22nd week of pregnancy, women undergo a second mandatory (screening) ultrasound. During this study, they may already be told the sex of the babies, if, of course, the position of twins allows them to consider their gender.

Third trimester

• 29-32 weeks

In children, the brain and cerebral cortex are actively developing, and the number of its convolutions is increasing. The brain mass of babies is 25% of the mass of an adult.

Now one of the cerebral hemispheres is beginning to function more actively, which determines whether the child will be left-handed or right-handed, and whether left-hemisphere or right-hemisphere activity will predominate.

The endocrine glands that produce hormones (thyroid and parathyroid glands, pancreas, pituitary gland) are actively working.

Surfactant already accumulates in large quantities in the lungs, and they begin test mode of operation.

By the end of this period, the weight of the babies is 1500-1600 g, length - about 40 cm.

• 33-37 weeks

The skin of babies becomes lighter as subcutaneous fatty tissue accumulates (about 10-15 g per day). The vellus hair is gradually wiped off. By birth, they may remain on the shoulders and back. There is more and more cheese-like lubricant on the body.

During sleep, babies' eyes are closed, and during periods of wakefulness, the eyelids are open. The color of the iris of all children's eyes is the same (deep dark blue) and only after birth it can change. The pupil already reflexively reacts by narrowing or dilating to the intensity of the penetrating light.

Pulmonary and digestive system fully formed. The kidneys are functioning fully, excreting up to 500 ml of urine per day. Amniotic fluid is renewed approximately eight times per day (every three hours). The bones of the skull are denser, but mobile and pliable, which is so important for the normal passage of the head through the birth canal.

The babies are fully formed and ready to meet their mother. By the end of this period, the weight of babies can fluctuate significantly - from 2200 to 3000 g, height - approximately 43-46 cm.

A pregnancy at 37 weeks is already considered full-term, and a woman pregnant with twins is being prepared for a planned delivery.

Changes in the condition of the mother of twins in the third trimester

Future mothers of twins have the right to finish work early and retire. For them, maternity leave starts from the 28th week. In the third trimester until the 30th week, gynecologists prescribe a visit to a pregnant woman every 10 days, and after the 30th week of pregnancy - once a week.

During this period, the intensity of the babies' movements decreases (they are cramped), but the force of the shocks increases. A greatly enlarged uterus can compress the inferior vena cava when a woman is lying on her back. Therefore, in this position, pregnant women often experience weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

Constipation, incessant heartburn, hemorrhoids are frequent (but I repeat again - not at all necessary!) companions of the third trimester of multiple pregnancy. During this period, women may notice the first drops of colostrum released from the mammary gland. This is fine. The mother's body is preparing for the birth of babies. The reproductive tract and mammary gland are prepared for childbirth and functioning after childbirth, hormonal levels change.

At 32 weeks, women undergo a third screening ultrasound. Here you can finally see the position of the babies, their presentation, which fetus is closer to the womb. You can evaluate the condition of the placenta, since when twins develop, it often shows signs of aging prematurely (fast and intense metabolism through the placenta quickly wears it out). This is another reason for earlier delivery of multiple pregnancies.

The expectant mother of twins is hospitalized in advance in an obstetric hospital. This occurs approximately 3-4 weeks before the expected due date. This is done to finalize the method and timing of delivery.

In just the third trimester, a mother of twins can gain up to 6-7 kg. In the last weeks of pregnancy before giving birth, a woman can lose from 500 to 1.5 kg. The body gets rid of excess fluid, the mother’s blood thickens, and swelling decreases.

Peculiarities of childbirth when carrying twins

A woman with twins should be prepared for early hospitalization before birth. This situation requires more careful monitoring of the pregnant woman in the later stages.

Premature births in such women are very common. This is due to overstretching of the uterine muscles, which can serve as one of the triggers for the onset of labor. As a rule, if surgical delivery of a multiple pregnancy is required, it is planned for 36-37 weeks.

If there are problems with carrying twins and it is difficult to safely bring intrauterine development to 36-37 weeks, doctors try to maintain and bring the pregnancy to at least 32-34 weeks.

During this period of children's development, surfactant is already produced in their lungs. This is a substance that prevents the air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) from collapsing, and the lungs become more or less prepared to perform their function after the birth of babies.

But more often a different picture is observed - when one child is in a cephalic position and the other is in a pelvic presentation. It happens less often when one child is located in the cephalic or pelvic position, and the other in a transverse presentation.

Natural childbirth with a single placenta of twins is dangerous because at the birth of one of the babies, placental abruption may occur and, accordingly, the nutrition of the other child may be disrupted. In this regard, you will still have to resort to an emergency caesarean section in order to save the second baby.

Thus, preliminary hospitalization of a woman with twins 3-4 weeks before the expected date of birth is necessary to clarify the obstetric status and additional examination of the expectant mother, as well as to resolve the issue of the method of delivery. More often the issue is resolved in favor of the planned caesarean section, since natural births of twins much more often end in complications for both the fetus and the mother.

My observations on the development of twins and twins after birth

As a pediatrician, observing the development of twins and twins after natural birth, I always note that the first born child of twins is larger and healthier for health reasons. It is he who endures the adaptation period after birth more easily.

Children born first are less likely to experience transient (borderline) conditions after birth (toxic erythema, physiological jaundice, transient neurological disorders: depression or excitation syndrome).

And development in the first year of life, as a rule, shows that the first child of twins develops faster than the second born.

These observations are confirmed by my family of twins. The twin sister was born larger and 5 minutes earlier than her twin brother. So, let's say, the brother, like a true gentleman, let the lady go ahead.

And throughout life, my sister quickly acquired new skills. She sat down faster, crawled. I learned to walk much earlier than my brother.

Now I am the mother of two children, the youngest of whom has just learned to walk. It so happened that at different times I had to lead both of them by the hand for a long time before the children walked on their own. The little man wants to walk, but he still doesn’t have enough strength. So he demands: “Lead me, Mom, by the hand!” Although there is still a question of who is driving whom)) J More likely, the baby is driving his mother. He also shows with a demanding hand: “Take me there!”

I asked my mother how she coped with twins in such a difficult time. You need to drive and hold two people. But here nature itself probably took care that the twins did not simultaneously enter a new period of development. One is still crawling - the other is learning to walk.

So it’s possible to cope with twins, although it’s not easy. If, having learned about your double joy, you doubt and are full of fear about the upcoming birth and the future in general, then do not doubt it.

Not everyone can experience double happiness, which means you are a special person. Your pregnancy time will fly by. Another positive thing is that instead of 18 months in a pregnant state, you will only have 9 months. The result will be two babies, two of your wonderful little bloodies. Double positive emotions and double your difficult happiness await you.

Health and happiness to you and your children!

A practicing pediatrician and twice-mother, Elena Borisova-Tsarenok, told you about pregnancy with twins.

At 30 weeks of pregnancy, your fetus may already weigh more than 1.3 kg and be more than 37 cm tall.

The skin of the fruit is thin and pink. In boys, the testicles may begin to descend into the scrotum, previously they were in the abdominal cavity. From these weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is intensively prepared for its life after childbirth, internal organs and systems are actively improved. The immune system works quite well, the spleen functions.

During an ultrasound performed at 30 weeks of pregnancy, you will be able to see how the baby breathes amniotic fluid and how its chest moves. In this way, the baby strengthens the chest muscles and helps it expand as it prepares to take its first breath after birth. By the way, even if the baby decides to be born right now, he has a high chance of developing and becoming the same as babies born on time.

It is wrong to think that the baby, being in your tummy, does not understand anything. He hears your speech perfectly, identifies it and understands your intonations. When you massage your belly, your baby feels it and loves it!

In addition, the fetus perfectly understands where it is. By the way, the uterus is not at all as dark as we think. It turns out that rays of light penetrate the skin of your tummy into the uterus - and the baby sees this light, although, of course, not as brightly as you do. Thus, the child already has a good understanding of darkness and light.

At the thirtieth week, the fetus’s vision continues to develop, although it cannot yet be called good. Even after birth, the child will only distinguish between objects that are a few centimeters from his face.

If you are having twins

If you are expecting twins, then most likely the results of your ultrasound will show that the babies, in their physical development, correspond to those children who are alone in the uterus. Although, of course, there may be some discrepancies, which depend primarily on the location of your twins' placenta. The most favorable location is on the fundus, on the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus. The lower the placenta is located, the worse its nutrition. And, accordingly, the less nutrients the fetus receives.

This is not an accident, but a completely reasonable biological dependence, with the help of which the body perceives central placenta previa as disadvantageous to it. Indeed, in this case, not only does the baby receive insufficient nutrition, but also the cervix is ​​completely blocked by the placenta, as a result of which the natural birth of the baby becomes impossible.

Therefore, during pregnancy with one baby, in the case of a low placenta, its growth usually goes towards better nutrition, due to which the placenta rises, opening the cervix closer to childbirth.

If you are expecting twins, and the placenta of one of the children is low-lying, then the likelihood of developing placental insufficiency in this child increases. The consequence of placental insufficiency can be gestosis in the expectant mother. This explains the potential risk of developing preeclampsia during multiple pregnancies.

As for the uterus, when there are two babies in it, it grows much faster than a uterus with one child. In this regard, the belly of a mother expecting twins becomes equal in size to the belly of a mother expecting one child at a much earlier stage. The uterus, of course, experiences very strong tension, holding twins within itself, and therefore strives to be freed as early as possible. This is why twins are often born.

Woman's perception

The 30th week of pregnancy is accompanied by increased stress on your spine, as the center of gravity of your body gradually shifts. Remember to have correct posture when walking or sitting. Before getting out of bed, first roll onto your side. This is especially important because the abdominal muscles are already stretched and weakened due to an enlarged uterus.

The internal organs of the expectant mother can hardly fit inside her, as the growing baby puts more and more pressure on them.

As for your internal state, the most dangerous thing that can happen to you at 30 weeks of pregnancy is depression and fear. According to experts, depression negatively affects both your psychological state and the physical state of the unborn child.

In order to avoid these undesirable moments, try to spend your time pleasantly. free time and do not dramatize the situation regarding the upcoming birth. After all, childbirth is a natural process and almost every woman over 30 has gone through it and is now a happy mother. In addition, medicine today pleases with its advanced technologies and drugs. If you don’t believe me, ask how your mother or grandmother gave birth.

The 30th week of pregnancy is the time when a working woman with a normal pregnancy has the right to go on maternity leave. From now on, you can devote yourself completely to your baby.

But this does not mean at all that having freed yourself from one responsibility, you should immediately find yourself many other activities. It often happens that future mom, not having time to go on maternity leave, begins to run around the shops, intensively do housework or find himself doing renovation work in the marital bedroom. Stop and think that maternity leave is given to women not in order to solve global problems by the sweat of their brow, but in order to relax, take care of themselves and prepare for childbirth. Take a walk, go to prenatal classes, read your favorite books, talk to your baby. And only then can you say that your maternity leave is going well.

In the end, there is already hard work ahead of you, for which you need to prepare with all responsibility. This . You must get used to the idea that very soon you will meet your long-awaited baby.

Do not forget to visit your doctor as planned, tell him about all the changes in your body that you feel, consult on issues that concern you, including those that seem intimate to you. Your trust in your doctor and complete frankness with him are very important conditions for the successful course of your pregnancy and subsequent birth. In addition, knowing the explanation for all your worries, you yourself will feel calmer and more secure.

By the 30th week of pregnancy, many women are already accustomed to discussing all issues with a doctor and do not feel embarrassed when talking about some intimate things. It's good if you find it from the very beginning mutual language with your doctor. Ask questions, ask about how the pregnancy is going. If any complications arise late in pregnancy or during childbirth, you can contact your doctor for advice and help. He will explain to you what is happening and how to deal with it. As you learn more and more, you will feel more protected.

What to do at 30 weeks pregnant?

Surely, you already know your blood type and your Rh factor. Now is the time to consult with your doctor about the presence of Rh and blood group conflicts between you and your baby. This question is very important for one reason: if you have an Rh conflict, your body may begin to produce antibodies that can harm the baby. But if this problem is detected in time, modern medicine will be able to help you and do everything possible to ensure that your pregnancy continues successfully until childbirth.

So, we can congratulate you on your arrival at 30 weeks of pregnancy. You have come a long and thorny path, but just a little remains, and in some 10-12 weeks you will see your unborn child, your dearest person!