Signs of Pregnancy

Once the conception takes place, it is time for a baby’s prenatal development to begin. Prepare yourself for the vast changes that will occur during the 38 weeks of pregnancy, which are divided in three phases/trimesters.

All three of these phases are important for proper and healthy development of a child.  During the first trimester most of the development is linked with external body structures, development of nervous circulation system, and the sex of the child becomes evident. If the woman takes care of her health both physically and mentally then there is less chance of worrying about this phase.  In the second and third trimester the baby starts to move, and hear and becomes aware of the environment around it.  Women and those around her play a major role in keeping the baby relaxed and calm. The baby becomes familiar with the mothers sounds and listens to it.  Talking in a positive matter with low stress levels will make both the mom and baby content. Even the food mother takes during pregnancy matters. The babies get a strong tendency of liking that food once they start to eat.

It is very important during pregnancy that the woman takes care of her nutritional needs.  Eating a well balanced diet is important for both mom and her baby, and a woman will definitely have an appetite.

The mothers can form a strong bond with their baby by spending some time reading or singing to it every day. This will not guarantee that a baby will grow up with the love for literature or music however, but both are a very relaxing activity. The child actually does not understand what you are reading but research suggests that babies become calm when they listen to something rhythmic.  Pregnancy in general can be a very stressful time, and this is a great way to just let loose, laugh and keep your mind on the positive side. The effects of heartfelt laughter are bound to impact a fetus positively.

Along with taking care of the baby the health of the mother is a very important factor for a successful pregnancy.  Proper sleep and amount of sleep is of great importance.  At night, when you lay down to sleep, try not to sleep on your back. The additional weight will sit straight on your spine, especially in the second and third trimester and therefore it is advisable to sleep on the side. It should be your left side preferably, since this position guarantees that your baby is getting the needed oxygen. Using pillows to make you comfortable is very common!

Keep your body movable.  Going for a short and relaxing walk everyday will be enough. No hard exercise is needed since you are not preparing to run a marathon. A little exercise will help you a lot during the labor. Walking does wonders to the cardiovascular system of pregnant women simply because it helps them stay fit while avoiding agitation to the ankles and knees. Walking is the safest activity and should be kept as a routine throughout the whole pregnancy.

Start with a relaxing walk that should last about half an hour. Don’t push yourself to the point where you will feel any kind of exhaustion or even worse, breathlessness. If you do this your body will be forced to use more oxygen, which automatically means, less oxygen for your baby.  Do not start the exercises on your own however.  Consult with your health professional first.

It is very important to avoid any alcohol intake or smoking at this time. Excessive drinking can cause the mental retardation to the baby, impairment of motor coordination attention, memory and language issues. Smoking should also be avoided. The weight of the baby drops down severely which can cause a premature birth, impaired breathing and cancer in later childhood. If you have a strong desire for a drink, consider drinking a bit of red wine. However, if you are able to overcome your drinking desire (and you should), consider taking a glass of fresh juice! During the pregnancy it is advisable to avoid coffee intake as well. However, if you are used to drinking coffee, take it in considerably smaller amounts and make it mild.

Enjoy your time alone before the baby arrives. Take a bath, read a book or just do your favorite hobby. Relaxing and putting your feet up while watching a great movie is a great way to calm any stress.  Enjoy time out with family and friends.  This is the time to go to a show with a friend or dinner with family. Once the baby arrives these opportunities may not happen so often.  Sharing your thoughts of happiness and even any concerns should be done at this time. It is best to be comfortable with your thoughts now instead of later!  If you feel healthy, happy, revived and loved, so will your baby!

Taking care of yourself during the pregnancy is essential for the wellbeing of both you and your baby.

Usually the pregnancy is divided into three phases which are called trimesters. All three stages are characterized by the development period of zygote, embryo and the fetus.

First Trimester

The first trimester has three stages included in it.  The most initial one happens when the ovum is fertilized and a zygote is formed.  This zygote then multiplies and forms a structure called a blastocyst that feeds and protects the developing organism by means of a yolk sac, placenta, and umbilical cord.  From 3rd to 12th week of fertilization the zygote is transformed into the embryo and then the fetus. During this time the brain and spinal cord start to appear.  Along with its heart, muscles, ribs, backbone and digestive tract begin to develop.  This stage ends with the rapid increase in the size of the organism which can now safely be called a baby. At this stage, the nervous system and organs become organized and connected.  The baby starts to do activities like kicking, thumb sucking, mouth opening, and rehearsal of breathing.  This is the time when the doctors can tell you the exact sex of the baby as it will be evident in this stage.  The heartbeat of the baby can now be heard as well through a stethoscope.  At the end of third month the first trimester is finished.

Second Trimester

The second trimester begins between 17 and 20 weeks. The new being is now grown large enough that the mother can feel its movements.  A white cheese like substance called the vernix protects the baby’s skin from chapping during the long months spent bathing in amniotic fluid.  White, downy hair appears over the entire body which helps the vernix to stick to the skin.  At the end of the second trimester many organs of the baby are well developed and most of the brain’s neurons are in place.  The brain growth means new behavioral capacities.  The 20 week old fetus can be stimulated as well as irritated by sounds.  If a doctor looks inside the uterus with fetoscopy, fetuses try to shield their eyes from the light with their tiny hands.  This indicates that sight has begun to emerge in this stage.  Even though there has been a lot of development, if the fetus was born at this time, it would not survive.  Its lungs are immature and the brain cannot yet control breathing and body temperature.

Third Trimester

If a fetus was born during the final and third trimester it would have a chance of survival.  This time starts from 25th week till the end of the pregnancy at the 38th week.  This is the point where a fetus can survive.  If the baby is born between the seventh and eighth month, it usually needs help with breathing. Although the brain is mature enough, the lungs are not ready to inflate and exchange carbon dioxide or oxygen. The brain continues to enlarge and its intelligence increases.  It is proved that during these weeks fetus spends more time awake and it listens to the environment around it.

Up until twenty weeks baby does not show any signs of waking.  In the 28th week the heart rate variability shows signs of alertness.  The fetus is wake 11% of the time and this time rises to 16% near its birth.  If mother is taking any kind of medicines or drugs during this time, it can be very dangerous for the baby’s development.  The babies who are cycled between quiet and active periods tend to be more calm babies and have a predictable sleep and wake schedule. This simply means that if mother keeps a proper sleep and wake schedule, the baby will adapt to it.  If the mother is not having proper rest, is highly active and irregular in her routine, then evidently her baby will be very difficult to handle.  The baby may be fussy, upset by new experiences, irregular in eating and sleeping.  Therefore, the parents of highly active fetuses should be prepared for extra challenges!

The third trimester brings greater responsiveness to external stimulation.  Around 24 weeks, the fetus can feel pain. It is at this time that the pain killers should be used in any surgical procedure the mother is undergoing. By the 25th week the fetus reacts to the sounds with body movements. During this time the kinds of stories which are being read to them or songs being sung by the mother become familiar sounds.  During the final three months, the fetus gains weight and will receive the antibodies needed from its mother’s blood that protect it against the illness. During the last weeks most fetuses assume an upside-down position, partly because of the shape of uterus and because the head is heavier than feet.  Growth slows, and birth is about to take place.

To know more about these three particular phases means to know more about your baby’s development stages.

Not long ago, women were delivering babies at home. Today, practically all children are born in the hospitals.  We have learned from experience that the safest place for the delivery of a baby is at a hospital that offers good maternity care. The doctor will almost certainly want you to have your baby in a hospital and he will make the arrangements with the hospital for you.

Hospital facilities

Hospitals vary a good deal in the kinds of accommodation they offer, in the services they provide, in the regulations they expect patients to comply and, in some cases fees they charge. Almost all hospitals have private rooms as well as wards with two, four, or more beds. No matter what the expenses are, the life of the mother and the baby is what matters most.  Hospitals have all the available facilities which could be needed in any emergency.

Counseling services

If there are any social problems occurring, the facility of counseling services is available. The counseling service will discuss the issues with the mother and father, or those it concerns. With resource and knowledge the family will get through any issues they have.

Decorating the baby’s room

The fun part is choosing the scheme, color and commodities that will be placed in the room.  Usually the baby stays in the main bedroom where mom is, but there is always the baby’s room.  Along with the decorating, many items can be purchased before baby arrives home. Some of those things may be clothes, towels, bath items and toys. There is also furniture to buy such as a crib, dresser, lamp, mobile, stroller and so much more. A baby shower is usually the event where mom gets a lot of these items.  It makes it an afternoon of, “ahhhh’s” and “ohhhh’s” from all of the ladies attending!

Prepare the siblings

If it is not your first born then it is very important to make other siblings accept the fact of having a new person at home. It is common that children get jealous when they see their mother catering to someone else so try to keep your other children involved in the process of shopping and selecting colors for the new baby. The more they join in the more excited they will be to have the new bundle arrive! Siblings to the unborn baby can share their thoughts, toys, songs so they have developed a bond beforehand.  Knowing they have an important job of being a big brother or sister tends to increase their importance in the whole situation.

Hospital expenses

As soon as you can, find out what your hospital expenses are going to be. Know exactly what each item includes, how payment is to be made, and when payments are due. If you don’t have insurance, go with a plan according to your budget. Some hospitals will charge separately for the delivery room, for anesthetics, and for nursing care for mom and the baby. Other hospitals charge a lump sum that covers everything. Have a clear understanding about this, so that you will not be surprised at the end.  Perhaps you have hospital insurance or belong to some group that provides hospital services for its members. In that case re-read your policy carefully including the fine print to be sure just what it covers.

Pack bag for mom and baby

Make a list of things that will be needed at the hospital. There should be one for mom and a separate one for the baby. The list will also help when it is time to come home from the hospital so nothing is left behind. Keep this bag accessible so if the labor pains start you can immediately grab it and head off to the hospital. This bag needs to contain all the necessary items for the mother such as clothes, medication, toiletries, slippers, pen and writing pad, etc. Also, you should have a special bag for the baby, since most hospitals do not supply diapers, creams or clothing. Checking with the hospital will make preparing of the baby’s bag so much easier.

Invite family to be around

When the birth is near it is very helpful and encouraging to have someone near you. Whether it is a family member, friend or your partner, just knowing that they are close if you need any help is comforting. Sharing the responsibility at home once you are done with the hospital is a great option if you are able to have it.

Prepare yourself

To be ready for the upcoming responsibilities you should start to prepare yourself and get used to the idea of having a baby around. Talk it over with your partner or family members that will be around to help you out. This will help in managing the routine at home and how it will change when baby arrives. Try to understand that it will take time for you to adapt to the new situation.

You can never fully prepare for the new arrival but talking with your partner and having open communication with the loved ones will surely help.