Since we have months of 28, 30, and 31 days, some doctors often suggest that calculations for a woman's length of pregnancy be done according to the lunar calendar. This basically means considering the following:
- 1 lunar week = 7 days
- 1 lunar month = 4 weeks of 7 days = 28 days
As the period between the beginning of pregnancy and the day of delivery is about 280 days, we can see that this value corresponds to 40 weeks. Since a lunar month is 4 weeks, 40 weeks of pregnancy corresponds to 10 lunar months.
Now that you understand these accounts, let's move on to talking about the third month of pregnancy. During this period, between the 9th and 12th lunar week, the embryo already has a typically human appearance. Initially, it measures about 28 mm, and is approximately 3 g in mass. At the end of the 12th week, he already has approximately 61 mm, and 13 g.
From the 10th week, it will be considered a fetus, with the growth and maturation of the structures formed during the embryonic period. It is also at this stage that the development of her genitalia and the ossification process begins.
Its head is still much larger than the body, as are the upper limbs in relation to the lower ones. The eyelids are no longer transparent and cover the eyes completely. Neck, hands, feet, fingers and ears are well differentiated; and its “tail”, still present at the beginning of the third month, diminishes a lot, and then it is no longer there. The nipples and hair follicles begin to develop.
The nervous system gets better and better. The fetus gains a huge number of neurons every minute; and every day he refines his five senses more. The heart is all formed. Besides, it already moves, but subtly; and your kidneys are already working.
As for the mother, her breasts grow considerably and are more sensitive. The nipples can also undergo changes, such as an increase in diameter and the appearance of granules in the areola. The waist becomes less defined and, from that month onwards, the pregnant woman tends to gain about one kilogram every four weeks.
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The sickness, in many cases, still manifests itself in this phase, and the gums can be painful. Mood fluctuations, like headaches, tend to become more pronounced.
Some veins, such as those in the belly, breasts and legs; tend to be more visible due to the increase in blood volume. Some professionals believe that, for the same reason, in some women, hair and nails can grow/thicken at this time.
Feeding the pregnant woman:
The intake of cereals, toast and crackers of water and salt, at breakfast, as well as the intake of liquids between meals; can help reduce nausea. With the same objective, the pregnant woman should eat juicy fruits, preferably the most acidic ones.
Due to the demand for calcium, drinking milk and its derivatives is a good measure. Including sources of vitamin C in the diet (tomatoes, broccoli, melon, acerola, orange, etc.) is also important, as this nutrient helps in the absorption of iron.
Important:
The use of comfortable bras guarantees the pregnant woman greater relief in terms of breast sensitivity.
Migraine attacks can arise, or become more accentuated, during pregnancy. As the use of drugs to control this problem is generally contraindicated; it is necessary to seek specific medical advice to prevent or, at least, to get around this problem in a healthy way.
Adequate diet and regular exercise, guided by competent professionals, help to control sudden changes in mood and depressive feelings.
Finally, as for nausea, fat and spicy foods tend to accentuate them, as well as prolonged fasting and tiredness. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, milk and lemonade; and eating small portions several times a day; are good measures to reduce its incidence.
See more!
second month of pregnancy
Fourth month of pregnancy
By Mariana Araguaia
Biologist, specialist in Environmental Education
Brazil School Team
