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.
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