Your Pregnancy Timeline – The Beginning
You’re pregnant! Congratulations! If you’re anything like me, you want to know exactly what is happening to you and your baby right now, next week, and for the next 9 months. A sort of pregnancy timeline that you can follow and learn from. And if you are like 98% moms-to-be, you just want to skip ahead a few weeks to see what else is coming.
So let’s get started.
Probably the first thing you’ll notice, perhaps even before you’ve missed a period, is that your breasts are tender to the touch and feel heavy. They may have already gotten larger as they prepare for breastfeeding when the time comes. Your areolas are generally starting to get larger and darker, and your hormones are all over the place. You are excited about the pregnancy, but you will burst into tears at the drop of a hat. Your appetite may change, and you could find yourself spending more time racing to the toilet for not much result.
You may feel some nausea or morning sickness, but this usually passes by the end of the third month. If it is possible to have a cup of tea and some toast before you get out of bed (smile sweetly at your partner), it can help reduce your morning sickness. I did this and had no nausea at all. Be aware that not all morning sickness occurs in the morning. It can hit you at any time of the day. You will probably also find that you want to sleep more as you get tired so easily. Don’t worry, this is due to progesterone, which has an anesthetic effect on you.
Development of the Placenta
At four weeks, your baby is a tiny embryo made up of two layers of cells that will become all the organs and body parts. For those of you who like technical names, the two layers are called the epiblast and hypoblast. The placenta is developing, ready to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your baby. The uterus lies on top of the bladder, so as it starts growing, it pushes down on your bladder, creating that ‘need to go’ feeling.
Learn to trust yourself.
Your body is going through a huge mental, physical, and emotional change. Don’t be frightened by what is happening. Find yourself a good doctor and a good friend with whom you can share. Remember that every pregnant woman probably has the same fears and worries that you have.
Take care of yourself, especially in these early days and weeks. Good nutrition and exercise now will pay off later. Rest as much as you can, and don’t get too upset at the roller-coaster ride your emotions have put you on.
While the excitement is still high, sit down with your partner and discuss how you will manage with a baby. Financial concerns need to be gotten out of the way early. Children don’t come cheap. You need to know if you can survive on one income if you are unable to work. It is also a good idea to start putting some money away each week towards the birth and setting up a nursery, and buying necessary items such as a pram and baby clothes. We’ll go further into those items later on in our time plan for pregnancy.
Pamper yourself as much as you can. You deserve it because what is happening now is a miracle. The miracle of having a new life grow within you. There is nothing quite like it. So lie back in a warm bath with some scented candles and a glass of orange juice and dream.
