Preparing for the arrival of your first child is intense and often daunting. It is undoubtedly the hardest pregnancy as you are moving into uncharted territory. You should expect to see vast changes in your body, or your partner's body. You should expect dozens of check-ups and doctor's appointments, a lot of stress, mood swings and other side effects brought about by hormonal imbalance, cravings for strange foods and kicks in the stomach.
Mothers
Your body will change significantly as the fetus grows. Never hesitate to call your doctor if something bothers you. The most common complaint associated with pregnancy is morning sickness, which generally starts in the fourth week and lasts until at least the 13th week. According to the National Institute of Health, almost all pregnant women have nausea, and one-third experience vomiting. Because you eat for two, your food is quickly turned to glucose, lowering blood sugar, so it is advisable to frequently eat small meals. Levels of the hormone progesterone rise when pregnant, and may leave you exhausted and can put you to sleep, explains MayoClinic.com. Take naps, go to bed early and exercise regularly. You will not just notice changes to your bulging weight. Expect to see changes to your skin, nails, hair and your mood.
Fathers
It is not just pregnant women who are expecting. Whenever possible, pregnancy should be a team effort. As an expectant father, you might not understand your partner's hormonal changes, strange demands, cravings and bodily changes, but just being there and listening can be helpful. Try not to dismiss your partner's often illogical complaints. Instead, commiserate and try to read up on the process and become as informed as possible.
Purchases and Preparations
Expect to pour a lot of money into getting ready for your first child. You will need a crib, car seat, rocker, changing table, toys, and dozens of weird and wonderful gadgets. It is easy to get carried away when buying clothes for your baby, but he will grow quickly, so limit the amount of cardigans, vests and pants you buy. Purchase mittens, a hat, socks and a bib. A pushchair should allow your baby to lie flat to support his growing back. You should decide whether you intend to breast-feed, and if so, get breast pads, a pump and bottles.
Effects
Pregnancy symptoms include fatigue, bloating, aches and pains, vomiting, diarrhea, breast swelling and leaking, heartburn, insomnia, nosebleeds, nausea and snoring. A pregnant woman's hormones rise and fall rapidly, so mood swings are common. Pregnancy is a testing time for couples.
Time Frame
Healthy pregnancies last nine months. You should be in regular contact with a doctor and undergo scans to check the baby's health. By week 11, the baby is distinctly human-looking, and after week 12, the threat of miscarriage is significantly reduced. By week 17, you should be visibly pregnant. A baby born by week 32 stands a good chance of survival, but the baby should be born during week 40.
Considerations
When pregnant, don't smoke, or drink alcohol or caffeine. Also, don't take saunas and hot baths, or clean cat litter. Consult your doctor before starting any medication or herbal remedy.
