Glycine during pregnancy - can you drink it in the early stages? Taking glycine during pregnancy

What is Glycine

One of the nonessential simplest amino acids, which is also a central neurotransmitter. Glycine is a component of protein, produced in the body and supplied to it from the outside with food. In its pure form it is a fine-crystalline white powder. It ensures the conduction of nerve impulses, regulates brain activity, has a sedative effect, and prevents the development of muscle dystrophy.

In the pharmaceutical industry, the biotic drug is produced in the form of lozenges:

• Glycine: white tablets containing 100 mg of active ingredient, 50 pcs. in cell blisters;
• Glycine Bio: white tablets, flat-cylindrical, uncoated, 50 or 100 mg of active ingredient per tablet, packaged in 10–100 pieces in plastic bottles or cell blisters;
• Glycine Forte Evalar: yellow tablets with lemon flavor, contain 600 mg of glycine, vitamins B1, B6, B12.

Additional components of the drugs: soluble MCC, magnesium stearate, povidone.

Glycine enhances protective inhibition in the central nervous system, reducing mental and emotional stress. The drug improves brain performance, neutralizes the effects of toxins on it, and prevents the progression of nervous system disorders due to injuries and ischemia. Glycine eliminates signs of vegetative-vascular disorders, helps you fall asleep easily, and normalizes sleep quality.

Glycine has an affinity for the cells of the body, is quickly absorbed through the mucous membranes, and is distributed in all fluids and tissues. The drug does not form deposits, is non-toxic, breaks down into carbon dioxide and water.

Features of the first trimester of pregnancy: what a woman needs to know

From the moment of conception, the female body begins to undergo serious restructuring. First of all, the hormonal background changes, which entails the appearance of certain symptoms. Typically pregnant women notice:

• soreness of the mammary glands;
• frequent constipation;
• decreased performance;
• unusual light-colored discharge from the genital tract;
• frequent urination;
• nausea;
• heartburn;
• mood swings.

All these phenomena are considered normal in the first trimester. They are associated with the rapid development of the embryo and the adaptation of the expectant mother’s body to the changes taking place. By the end of the trimester, these symptoms disappear completely or become less noticeable. What is the reason for such phenomena and when does it make sense to consult a doctor?

Chest pain

One of the very first signs of pregnancy. Due to the intense production of estrogen and progesterone, breast tissue swells and the skin becomes sensitive. The expectant mother should calmly respond to preparing the mammary glands for breastfeeding. It is important to immediately purchase a comfortable bra made of natural material that will not squeeze the breasts and irritate the skin.

Constipation

Difficulty in bowel movements is a consequence of increased progesterone levels. It reduces smooth muscle contractility to reduce the risk of spontaneous miscarriage. A side effect of this exposure to progesterone is a deterioration in intestinal motility.

To avoid constipation, you need to eat right and drink plenty of fluids. Try to include vegetables and fruits in your diet, which are a source of fiber - it stimulates intestinal motility. In difficult cases, a consultation with a doctor is recommended to select a safe laxative.

Decreased performance

Loss of strength is a characteristic feature of the first trimester of pregnancy. Despite the fact that the gestation period is short, and the baby is the size of a tiny grain, the woman’s body experiences serious stress. He adapts to a new role, rearranges his work to give life to a new person. Many metabolic processes occur much more intensely, especially with regard to the synthesis of proteins and other compounds necessary for the formation of the embryo.

A woman needs to rest more and avoid hard work. A good vitamin and mineral complex with B vitamins, designed specifically for pregnant women, will help improve energy production. His appointment should be coordinated with an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Discharge from the genital tract

Normally they resemble white or clear mucus. Their number increases from the moment of conception. If the discharge is heavy, you can use panty liners. Tampons are contraindicated for an expectant mother - they can cause the spread of infection.

Frequent urination

By frequent urination, doctors mean emptying the bladder more than eight times a day. In this case, the volume of one portion of urine turns out to be small. Some pregnant women feel the urge every hour. There are several reasons for frequent urination:

• Increased hCG levels. It stimulates the release of progesterone, which relaxes the uterus, bladder and its sphincter. A decrease in the tone of the latter is the reason for the frequent need to visit the toilet.
• Increased blood flow to the pelvic organs. From the moment of pregnancy, the blood supply not only to the uterus, but also to the bladder, increases. Its walls swell a little. In response, it becomes more sensitive and begins to react to even slight accumulation of urine.

During the entire pregnancy you cannot tolerate it; you need to go to the toilet when you want. Otherwise, cystitis or other infectious diseases of the urethra may develop.

Nausea

Nausea is the main symptom of early toxicosis, most often occurring in the morning. The cause of nausea is a sharp change in hormonal levels and the body’s natural reaction to the development of the embryo. Nausea can also occur due to a lack of vitamin B6.

If nausea does not lead to repeated vomiting, does not cause rapid weight loss, and the woman can eat normally, then there is no need to worry. If you have poor appetite, it is important to take vitamin and mineral complexes to compensate for the lack of nutrients due to malnutrition. If nausea develops into vomiting and does not go away within a day, it is better to consult a doctor to prescribe suitable medications to combat this problem.

Heartburn

Heartburn in the first trimester is caused by rising levels of progesterone. By reducing the tone of the muscles of the internal organs, it creates conditions for the relaxation of some gastric sphincters and the development of gastroesophageal reflux.

As a result, the contents of the stomach are periodically thrown into the esophagus. Hence the unpleasant burning sensation. How to prevent heartburn?

• Eat small meals.
• After eating, do not lie down, try to move a little.
• Avoid late dinners.

However, if these measures do not help, do not endure discomfort, consult a specialist. Today there are drugs that neutralize the aggressive effect of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which are allowed for expectant mothers.

Mood swings

In the first trimester, many women become unusually emotional and sensitive. Their mood often changes and, unfortunately, those around them do not always treat the situation with understanding, which leads to conflicts. It is advisable to explain to your family and people with whom you have to communicate about the peculiarities of the emotional state in the first trimester of pregnancy and ask them to be gentler. During this period, for the proper development of the baby, it is very important to eliminate negative emotions. If you cannot do this on your own, you should make an appointment with a psychologist.

When and how to take Glycine

The drug is indicated for:

• stress;
• psycho-emotional breakdowns, neuroses;
• high mental stress;
• diseases that provoke nervousness, insomnia;
• alcohol withdrawal syndrome;
• behavioral deviations in children and adolescents;
• ischemic transient attacks, stroke.

The drug is taken on an empty stomach, before or after meals. The presence of food in the stomach does not affect the absorption of glycine. The tablets are placed under the tongue or buccally - between the gum and lip. Contact of the drug with the mucous membrane is necessary. There is no need to chew or swallow it; you just need to wait until it is completely dissolved in your mouth. Glycine does not require drinking water.

The daily dose for adults is from 100 to 1000 mg, depending on health problems. General recommendation for use for adults: 1 tablet. 2–3 times a day.

Indications for use

Indications for use:

• – reduced mental performance;
• – stressful situations - psycho-emotional stress (during exams, in conflict situations, etc.);
• – deviant (deviating from the norm) forms of behavior of children and adolescents;
• – various functional and organic diseases of the nervous system, accompanied by increased excitability, emotional instability, decreased mental performance, memory and sleep disturbances: neuroses, neurosis-like conditions and vegetative-vascular dystonia, stress nervous disorders, consequences of neuroinfections and traumatic brain injury, perinatal and others forms of encephalopathies (including those of alcoholic origin);
• - ischemic stroke.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to glycine or other components of the drug.

Precautions for use: does not require special precautions.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Glycine is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the lack of sufficient data.

Is it possible to drink Glycine during pregnancy?

To relieve tension and stress in pregnant women, the drug Glycine may be prescribed. After oral administration, the tablets quickly dissolve and penetrate into the lymph and blood. The medicine does not accumulate in tissues: after entering the human body, a metabolic process occurs, then the substance is broken down into molecules of water and carbon dioxide, which are excreted naturally. The drug is not capable of having a toxic effect on the child; it can be used even in the first and second trimester.

Contraindications

Firstly, it is likely that the symptoms that Glycine is designed to “extinguish” can be relieved by any other proven means or medications. Secondly, a side effect of taking Glycine may be the development of allergic reactions, which is completely undesirable during pregnancy. Well, Glycine is contraindicated during pregnancy, and in general it is contraindicated if low blood pressure is observed. That is, hypotensive mothers should not take this medicine, and women whose blood pressure drops even occasionally should not take Glycine during pregnancy.

If possible, it is better to abstain altogether from taking medications while carrying a baby. If it is not possible to avoid “acquaintance” with medications, and the doctor sees the need to take Glycine, then you should strictly follow the specialist’s instructions, resorting to the appropriate tablets only if absolutely necessary.

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special instructions

Replenishment of glycine deficiency occurs quickly: after the tablet is completely absorbed, the active substance enters the blood and lymph within a few minutes. The drug does not have a negative effect on the fetus, since it does not accumulate in the body.

Pregnant women experiencing unstable blood pressure are not advised to take Glycine. With low blood pressure, the medication can cause a sharp deterioration in health, sudden fainting.

The risk becomes especially high with a single dose that exceeds the recommended daily dose of the drug by more than 5 times. A drop in pressure can lead to oxygen starvation, which is fraught with intrauterine developmental disorders of the central nervous system, organs and systems with irreversible consequences.

If you follow your doctor's recommendations and there are no contraindications, Glycine is safe during pregnancy, including in the early stages. However, this medication should not be taken independently, without consulting a doctor.

It is not advisable for pregnant women to take Glycine, the name of which contains the prefix “forte” or “extra”. It indicates a higher concentration of the active substance compared to regular Glycine.

Preparations based on aminoacetic acid are in most cases prescribed to expectant mothers in the last weeks of pregnancy if there are signs of gestosis and edema. Glycine will help stabilize a woman’s psycho-emotional state on the eve of childbirth.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Glycine serves as a natural regulator of metabolism, normalizing and triggering the transmission of nerve impulses due to its antitoxic, antioxidant and adrenergic blocking effects. This component is an indispensable receptor stimulant, which reduces the performance of cognitive centers responsible for conflict and aggressiveness.

With long-term use of Glycine, the patient achieves a higher level of social adaptation, which is especially important for patients with damage to the cerebral cortex of various etiologies or who have suffered strokes. Aminoacetic acid eliminates sleep disturbances due to vegetative-vascular disorders, including in women during menopause, pregnancy, and lactation.

There is also an opposite opinion about the pharmacodynamics of Glycine. For example, psychiatrist from Minsk V. Pikirenya believes that the use of sublingual tablets does not make sense: aminoacetic acid does not penetrate the hematoencephalic membrane, so the substance is synthesized by the body independently and it is impossible to compensate for its deficiency with the help of medications.

The doctor does not deny that glycine stimulates the transmission of impulses between the cells of the nervous system, but, in his opinion, it cannot reach them from the gastrointestinal tract.

Glycine does not really settle in tissues, which is one of its advantages for use by pregnant women, but this substance is still able to penetrate into the bloodstream from the digestive system.

For the expectant mother, there are other positive aspects of taking this drug as indicated:

• the possibility of overdose is eliminated due to the properties of aminoacetic acid (it easily breaks down in the body into simple trace elements);
• membrane protection of nerve cells is ensured, due to which their partial restoration occurs;
• detoxification of hazardous substances in the body occurs;
• the processes of microsynthesis of serine, an organic material necessary for the reconstruction of damaged receptors, are being established.

Side effects

Due to Glycine tablets, a woman may experience adverse reactions in her body.

Most often the drug causes:

• allergies, which are manifested by nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, skin rashes, hives, itching, redness;
• increased lacrimation;
• decreased blood pressure;
• weakness, lethargy, relaxed limbs;
• headaches and dizziness;
• flickering of spots in the eyes, deterioration of visual acuity and hearing;
• deterioration in performance;
• lack of concentration.

The drug may cause abdominal pain, nausea or bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea. In isolated cases, severe allergic reactions are possible in the form of bronchospasm, Quincke's edema, accompanied by swelling of the face, lips, neck, respiratory failure, anaphylactic shock with a sharp drop in pressure and cyanosis of the integument.

The importance of the first trimester of pregnancy for fetal development

The first trimester is decisive in shaping the child’s health. The danger is that until the fourth or fifth obstetric week, the expectant mother usually does not know that conception has occurred. Unknowingly, a woman may undergo medical examinations that are contraindicated for her or take prohibited medications.

You can reduce the risks for the unborn child by planning your pregnancy in advance and taking special care from the moment of expected conception. In order for the embryo to form correctly, it is advisable to take a high-quality vitamin complex from the first day of pregnancy.

To make it clear how important the first twelve obstetric weeks are for the baby, we list the main changes that occur to him during this period:

• 5th week. The nervous and cardiovascular systems are formed. With a deficiency of folic acid, disturbances in the formation of the neural tube may occur.
• 6th week. The baby has a head and notochord, and the brain and spinal cord are developing. Blood circulation begins throughout the tiny body. These processes cannot proceed normally if there is a lack of iron. It is not easy to get it in the right amount from foods, so doctors often prescribe iron-containing supplements to pregnant women. Also, the baby has already outlined the places where the ears and eyes will be located.
• Week 7 The umbilical cord is formed. The supply of nutrients and oxygen, as well as the removal of metabolic products, is significantly accelerated.
• Week 8. The head is clearly defined, facial features are distinguishable. Bone and cartilage tissue is formed, but calcium is needed to make them denser. The retina begins to form in the eyes. For its development, omega-3, potassium, vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, B6, C are needed. The fetus already has external genitalia.
• Week 9 Only at this stage does the formation of the placenta come to an end. This means that the baby is now better protected from adverse external factors. Dangerous compounds circulating in the mother’s body practically do not reach it. The heart becomes four-chambered. There are eyelids on the eyes.
• Week 10 The genitourinary system begins to work, the kidneys of the embryo secrete urine. Sex cells are formed in the genital organs.
• Week 11 The baby's main organs are already formed! Some of them have begun to work, some will continue to develop and begin to function only after birth. There will no longer be revolutionary changes in the fetal body. Now he needs to actively grow.
• Week 12. The fetus makes swallowing movements. Its brain is divided into the cerebellum and two hemispheres. A blood test can determine your group and Rh factor.

The body of an unborn child changes incredibly quickly. That is why the first trimester is a difficult and critical stage in fetal development. During it, internal organs, groups of cells and tissues are formed. These important processes can be disrupted by:

• deficiency of vitamins and microelements in a woman’s body;
• medications contraindicated for pregnant women;
• radiation exposure;
• infectious, viral and bacterial diseases.