What To Expect
Prenatal Process
1st Trimester (1-3 months)
The first trimester of pregnancy is when the sperm meets the egg in the falopian tubes and the egg gets fertilized. The fertilized egg makes its way down the falopian tubes and into the uterus where it implants itself into the wall of the uterus where it will remain for the rest of the pregnancy. The mother will not even realize she is pregnant until she misses her period. She immediately starts providing food, water, and oxygen for the baby through her blood system. After the knowledge of pregnancy, the mother should be careful of what she intakes; it could greatly affect the growth of the baby. The egg (baby) will start to turn into human form, already having limbs and other body parts mapped out. It will also start forming the brain and other major organs. The baby will have it's first heartbeat in the first trimester. It will grow eye sockets, face tissue, and limbs. The baby will be known as "the fetus" at 8 weeks, and will start forming the nervous system at 9 weeks. Mom will get her first ultrasound at 10 weeks!
2nd Trimester (3-6 months)
In the 2nd trimester the liver is developed, and all the organs have formed. This is where the baby starts to develop gender differences and starts moving around and stretching out it's muscles. The baby develops senses in the 2nd trimester. It's eyes grow closer together giving it a more "human" look, and the brain will recieve total control of the body. The details of the nervous system are worked out here. The baby's skeleton will start forming bones, fat accumulates, and it can start making sucking noises. It develops hearing and can respond to the mother's voice. It also starts growing it's hair in the 2nd trimester. In the mother's case, in trimester 2 she will experience, growing breasts, (developing milk) larger belly, maybe some contractions, stretch marks, changing skin, (ex. dark patches on face) leg cramps, dizziness, and vaginal discharge. The mother is not to the point of discomfort yet.
3rd Trimester (6-9 months)
The 3rd trimester is when the final details of the baby's growth is finished. The baby's eyes open, it's bones are fully developed, the nervous system continues to develop, it practices breathing, it detects light, it's fingernails grow, and it has rapid weight gain. This all occurs in the last three months of the pregnancy. But the mother will experience drastic changes; physically and emotionally. The mother will continue breast growth, she will experience backaches, have shortness of breath, heartburns, swelling, and frequent urination up to the time of labor. She will be very emotionally attached to her child at this point; talking to it and reading books to it. She might also write down things that are happening to her and things she feels in her stomach at this point.
Pointers For Fathers
Dad, at this point all you can do is be Mom's number one supporter. Be completely understanding and do all you can to make her comfortable. Being interested in the process of pregnancy and the growth of your baby would probably help brighten her mood when she's going through hormones. Get her food when she's having cravings, rub her back when she's having backaches, soak and lift her feet when they're swollen, and try to help take care of preparation for the baby as much as possible. The best thing you can do for her and the child is be there. Be excited. You really have no idea how much she'll appreciate it!