Pregnancy and Bırth

Pregnancy and birth are among the most important and miraculous events nature offers. Pregnancy is considered one of the most delicate periods for a woman. Paying attention to certain aspects during pregnancy can contribute to a healthier pregnancy. To ensure comfort and avoid complications during pregnancy, there are some key factors that should be considered.

Week by Week Pregnancy

The pregnancy process is extremely important for expectant mothers. Therefore, every expectant mother is curious about many aspects of pregnancy. Below, we have explained the week-by-week pregnancy process for you.

1st week of pregnancy: In the first week of pregnancy, the egg is fertilized. No symptoms are present.

2nd week of pregnancy: This is the process where the egg begins to be fertilized. At this stage, the egg and sperm have merged, and the fertilized egg starts its journey to the womb.

3rd week of pregnancy: By this time, expectant mothers can take a pregnancy test, as the hCG hormone will be elevated, resulting in a positive test.

4th week of pregnancy: At this point, the baby’s organs begin to develop, and some even start functioning. Pregnant women may experience nausea, while the embryo is about the size of a fig seed.

5th week of pregnancy: The embryo grows faster than ever. Mothers may feel tired, and the baby is now the size of a sesame seed.

6th week of pregnancy: The baby's mouth begins to form, and the ears and nose start to develop. You can hear the rapid heartbeat during an ultrasound.

7th week of pregnancy: The baby's head is developing quickly. Your baby, now about 2 cm long, is going through significant brain development, so consuming phosphorus-rich foods is essential.

8th week of pregnancy: Nausea may become more frequent. The baby’s eyelids form, and the nose continues to shape. The digestive system and lungs also begin functioning.

9th week of pregnancy: Both physical and brain development of the baby continue, but mothers should always pay attention to their nutrition.

10th week of pregnancy: The baby is growing rapidly, reaching about 3 cm in length. At this stage, the baby starts moving its toes.

11th week of pregnancy: Nausea tends to subside, and expectant mothers may feel more energetic.

12th week of pregnancy: Weight gain becomes more noticeable, and the belly becomes more prominent.

13th week of pregnancy: Your breasts are preparing for milk production, which may cause discomfort, but there is no need to worry.

14th week of pregnancy: Welcome to the most enjoyable phase of pregnancy! Nausea, fatigue, and other discomforts begin to fade, marking the start of the second trimester.

15th week of pregnancy: Urinary tract infections are common during this period, so be sure to drink at least two liters of water a day.

16th week of pregnancy: By this stage, your baby weighs about 100 grams and is 11 cm long, and will start growing rapidly from here on.

17th week of pregnancy: The baby starts moving its mouth, and its eyebrows and hair begin to form.

18th week of pregnancy: Expectant mothers should reduce their intake of sweets and avoid lifting heavy objects.

19th week of pregnancy: Doctors often recommend vitamin and mineral supplements during this time.

20th week of pregnancy: Your baby is about 16 cm long and weighs around 300 grams. The heartbeat is stronger, and brain development increases.

21st week of pregnancy: This week is typically very comfortable for mothers, with the baby’s brain and body development continuing.

22nd week of pregnancy: It is important to consume plenty of vitamins and minerals for the baby’s health and cellular development.

23rd week of pregnancy: The baby’s development continues, and mothers may experience constipation. In such cases, consult your doctor for treatment options.

24th week of pregnancy: The baby is now around 30 cm long and looks like a fully developed baby.

25th week of pregnancy: This week, there will be a doctor’s visit to check for vaginal bleeding.

26th week of pregnancy: Mothers should start taking daily walks to prepare for birth.

27th week of pregnancy: The baby’s development continues, and mothers may feel a strong urge to sleep frequently throughout the day.

28th week of pregnancy: You can begin to feel all the baby’s movements, and due to the growing belly, you will feel closer to the baby.

29th week of pregnancy: By now, the baby is about 40 cm long and continues to grow rapidly.

30th week of pregnancy: The baby’s lungs and brain are developing quickly, and the toenails are forming.

31st week of pregnancy: Frequent contractions may occur as the body prepares for birth.

32nd week of pregnancy: The baby’s bone development increases, and more vitamin D is needed.

33rd week of pregnancy: Your baby has started to see and hear, and will begin to respond to sounds from the outside world.

34th week of pregnancy: It’s time to finalize all preparations for the baby, as most babies are born before their due date.

35th week of pregnancy: The baby has grown to around 45 cm and is fully ready for birth.

36th week of pregnancy: Prepare your body for birth by staying hydrated and taking regular walks.

37th week of pregnancy: Most babies are born around 37 weeks, so it’s important to be ready for birth. The baby’s sucking reflex has also developed.

38th week of pregnancy: Colostrum begins to leak from the breasts, a substance essential for the baby’s development.

39th week of pregnancy: Labor signs increase, so be prepared for birth at any moment.

40th week of pregnancy: This is the week of birth. Mothers will now focus on nourishing and caring for their newborn.

What to Pay Attention to During Pregnancy and Birth?

The food consumed during pregnancy and birth is crucial for the health of both mother and baby. Iron, folic acid, and protein are among the essential nutrients that should be taken daily. Consuming nutrient-rich foods is vital for the baby's growth and development. Sautéed vegetables should be frequently consumed during this period. Additionally, consuming fiber-rich foods regularly can prevent constipation. It is also important to avoid foods that may pose risks, such as undercooked eggs, raw meat, and unpasteurized cheese.

During pregnancy, it is essential to pay attention to snacks as well as main meals. Opting for healthy snacks such as apples, pears, and nuts can be a smart choice. These filling snacks can help manage weight during pregnancy.

Both during pregnancy and while preparing for childbirth, staying relaxed is crucial. Exercise is one of the most important factors to consider. Regular exercise not only prepares the body for a comfortable and easy birth but also provides psychological and physical benefits. The most suitable exercises during pregnancy include yoga, Pilates, walking, and swimming. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities such as weightlifting and running.

One of the common complaints among pregnant women is disrupted sleep patterns. The most comfortable sleep position during pregnancy is lying on the left side, with a pillow supporting the belly. On the other hand, to maintain daily energy levels, at least seven hours of sleep is necessary. Insufficient sleep can lead to fatigue and other issues like lack of rest and weakness.

How to Prepare for Birth?

To ensure a healthy pregnancy, expectant mothers should prepare themselves both physically and psychologically for childbirth. Understanding the birth process, avoiding misinformation, and recognizing that childbirth is a natural process can help ease the experience. Hearing difficult birth stories or experiencing challenges during pregnancy can lead to fear of childbirth. To avoid this, it is important for women to properly prepare themselves and adopt a positive attitude toward the process, which will contribute to a smoother birth experience.

During pregnancy and childbirth, muscle tension may occur due to both psychological and physical reasons. Relaxation exercises can help reduce tension and strengthen the muscles necessary for childbirth. Learning to engage the pelvic floor muscles can facilitate a smoother birth and is important for the health of both mother and baby.

For every expectant mother, proper breathing during labor is more critical than it might seem. Through breathing exercises, you can learn to control your breath by working the chest and abdominal muscles separately. Holding your breath, taking deep breaths, and rhythmic breathing can be very helpful during labor pains. Big and deep breaths are especially effective during the pushing phase, as they help deliver oxygen to the baby and assist in focusing during contractions.

Expectant mothers who receive the news of their future baby must regularly monitor their pregnancy to ensure both their safety and the baby’s healthy development. Certain tests performed during different stages of pregnancy are vital for ensuring healthy growth. Many potential issues, such as Down syndrome or neurological disorders, can be detected while the baby is still in the womb, allowing necessary precautions to be taken early on.