Expecting Mothers
Everything You Neeeded To Know!
Congratulations!
You have taken the first step in becoming a parent. Below are a few things that will help you better understand what is occurring within you and some tips on healthy foods, unhealthy habits, and how the father can get involved.
Zygote (conception - 2 weeks)
This is the first stage in pregnancy. The zygote is created when the sperm and egg combine to create a new cell. You should begin to feel changes within your body. At this stage, your menstrual cycle will come to a halt.
Embryo (2-8 weeks)
This is the second stage in pregnancy. The embryo is formed when the zygote attaches to the wall of the uterus. The baby's structure will begin to form and organs will began to develop. It is important to get routine ultrasounds to make sure the baby is healthy.
Fetus (8-40 weeks)
This is the final stage in pregnancy. During this period, the majority of development takes place including muscles, brain, nervous system, and organs. You will be able to feel the baby moving around and kicking inside of you.
Diet and Nutrition
The right foods and nutrients are extremely important in the development of a baby. They provide the fuel for the elements of life.
Sources of protein include: milk, cheese, eggs, fish, poultry
Sources of carbohydrates include: fruit, vegetables, bread, baked potatoes
Sources of iron include: dried fruits, spinach, red meat
Drinking and Smoking
Drinking and smoking are extremely dangerous to your baby's health. They alter the body's natural chemistry. Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome. The symptoms include mental disabilities, premature birth, central nervous system abnormalities, short attention spans, and behavioral disorders. Smoking can cause delays in cognitive, social, and emotional developments. They also experience a higher risk of miscarriages. A mother should treat her body as a temple especially when carrying a baby.
How the father can help
It is important for the father to be there and support their significant other and baby throughout the whole pregnancy. Some suggestions of what a father can do include attending classes, motivating the mother to stay healthy, exercise, and take care of herself, talk to your child, and be prepared to take on all the responsibilities when they are born.