WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN EXPECTING
By: Lauren and Tagan
First Trimester (mother)
During the first trimester for the mother is when the body starts to change. The mother's breast will become bigger and tender due to hormones. This change in the breast prepares the mother for breast feeding. Lasting form 8 to 12 weeks, nausea and vomiting will happen at any time of the day. The mother can also have an increase of urination, tiredness, food cravings, dizziness, heartburn and constipation. You're emotions will begin to change, emotional stress can occur.
First Trimester (baby)
The first trimester is a time of rapid growth for the baby. The baby's brain, spinal cord and other organs will begin to form. The baby's heart will begin to beat. The fingers and toes will begin to take shape. By eight weeks the baby will have all its organs. At about twelve weeks the sex of the baby can be determined. Also fingernails and toenails are starting to form.
Second Trimester (mother)
During the second trimester the breasts begin to grow even more, along with the belly. The skin begins to change. The breasts may begin to leak colostrum. By the second trimester the mother may begin feeling the baby's movement: the kicks. The mother can also begin feeling back and leg pains, swelling in the ankles, feet, hands, and face.
Second Trimester (baby)
During the second trimester the baby has the ability to kick, make facial expressions, and hear. The baby will also have hair on it's head, it will have eyelashes, and eyebrows. The doctor will now also be able to hear the heart beat of the baby through a stethoscope.
Third Trimester (mother)
During the third trimester the breast continue to grow larger. You will gain weight, expect to be from 25-35 pounds more than you were before you got pregnant. You will also experince irregular and weak contractions. You will get back pains too. Back pains are caused when the baby gains weight the hormones relax joints in bones and that puts stress on your back. Shortness of breath, heartburn, swelling in the feet and ankles, varicose veins, spider veins, hemorrhoids, frequent urination, and vaginal discharge will all occur.
Third trimester (baby)
During the third trimester for the baby's pupils will react to light because at 28 weeks the baby's eyes open and at 30 weeks the eyes are wide open. The baby will be aware of sounds outside of the body. The baby's bones will be fully developed. During this trimester the baby will also practice breathing.
Fatherly Advice
You may not notice it but you may start excluding yourself due to traditional social forces. During the pergnancy and the birth it is very important to stay connected, you can do this by keeping an honest and open relationship with your partner. You need to know what your priorities are! Taking care of the baby is a full-time demand. You need to be patient and understanding. This isn't the time to play poker nights every weekend or stay out parting everynight. If you need support dont worry, there are many support groups out there. While looking for support you need to remeber to not be so hard on yourself!