what to expect in the first month of pregnancy
(conception to about week 8: After your last period)
YOUR BABY
- By the end of this period, your baby has grown from 1/4 in to one inch long inside the beginning sac of amniotic fluids.(bag of waters)
- Hereditary characteristics were set from the time the mother's egg(ovum) and the father's sperm met.
- The father's sperm has already determined the sex of the baby.
- Brain and nervous system are forming.
- Heart and lungs are beginning to form.
- Tiny spots for the eary, nose, and eyes are appearing.
- Arms and leg buds are forming.
YOUR BODY
- You were two weeks pregnant when you missed your first period and you've already been pregnant 6 weeks when you missed your 2nd period.
- Your breasts are now beginning to feel tender and tingly.
- Your pregnancy test turned up positive about 10 days after you missed your first period.
- You may feel nausea("morning sickness")but it can come at any time of the day.
- You haven't gained any weight, nor has your body changed in appearence this month.
- The placenta is forming and beginning to produce hormones to prepare your body for pregnancy.
- You may feel unusually sleepy or tired.
- Your uterus will grow larger, softer, and rounder, but it's still down behind the pubic bone where you cant feel it.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
- Make and appointment to begin prenatal care.
- Check with your health care provider before taking ANY medications.
- Aviod cigarettes and alcoholic drinks; limit your drinks of colas,teas, and coffee containing caffeine.
- Avoid having x-rays now that you are pregnant.
- Eat a well balanced diet of whole grain breads, cereals, fruits, vegies, milk products, and meat/fish or other sources of protein.
- discuss with your partner any positive or negative feelings you both may have about the pregnancy.
- Decide how and hen to tell you families, friends and maybe even your employer about your pregnancy.