What to Expect of Becoming Parents
By: Maliq Miller
First Trimester
The mother should expect hormone levels to change significantly. She should definitely also expect her uterus to support the growth of the placenta & fetus, fatigue, morning sickness, constipation & tender breast. Now during the first trimester for the baby, fertilization & implantation will take place. The baby then turns into a embryo & it's heart will start beating quickly & intestines are forming.
Second Trimester
During the second trimester the mother will feel the kicks and flutters of the baby and the abdomen will start to look pregnant. Discomfort of the early pregnancy will ease off and the breast will enlarge, hair will grow and she will have frequent urination. For the baby in the beginning of the second trimester its height will be 3 1/2 in & weigh 1 1/2 ounces and the finger prints are now in place. The baby's heart will pump 25 qts of blood a day, the bones will start to harden, the ability to hear will develop and you may feel kicks and flutters.
Third Trimester
During the third trimester the mother's belly will enlarge, she will have abdominal and back aches, and fatigue. The mother will also begin to get stretch marks, leaky breast and she will lack bladder control. For the baby in the third trimester will weigh about 2 1/2 pounds, the eye lashes will be grown in and it will have the ability to blink. The baby's wrinkled skin will start to smoothen and it will put on baby fat. The finger nails, toe nails, real hair, and neurons to the brain will also be developed at this time and then the baby will go into the mother's uterus and gain weight.
ADVICE for Fathers
-Cherish your time with your children.
-Share responsibilities. (don't see anything as mom duty)
-Allow children to make their own decision (when times call for it)
-Be VERY patient
-Have a sense of humor
-Read to them
-Don't be the absent dad
-Treat the mother with respect, ALWAYS.