Congratulations! Pregnancy is a journey filled with milestones, worries, and daydreams. While you may not look pregnant to the outside world, inside your body is diligently working on creating a new little life. It is your job to give it the best start possible. So take a deep breath, and relax, your body knows just what to do!
What you may be experiencing
In the first few weeks you may be experiencing any of the following: missed period, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, bloating, mild cramping, frequent urination, and breast tenderness. Some women may experience minor spotting around the time that their period was due- this is commonly referred to as “implantation” bleeding and is perfectly normal. Of course some women have no symptoms at all – which is also very normal!
Emotionally you may be all over the place. In the early weeks, you may have feelings of elation, fear, nervousness, and worry. This is all perfectly normal. You may be excited about the journey you are about to embark upon, and scared about your ability to cope with labor and delivery, and the day to day challenges that come with raising a child. Many moms find comfort in starting a journal or discussing their feelings with loved ones or professional counselors or clergymen.
Your Baby
While your baby may not look like much of a baby right now, the building blocks are all there. Shortly after ovulation, the fertilized egg will take a week long trek to the uterus. It will then implant into the uterine lining, and make a nest there for the next 9 months. During the fourth week- the egg will begin to divide into two distant parts. One will become a squirming bundle of newborn, while the other will make up the placenta. The placenta will need another month or two to fully kick in, so in the meantime your baby will be nourished by a yolk sac. So even though you aren’t showing yet, your body is working double time right now.
Concerns or points of interest
Once the strip turns pink, many moms-to-be begin to think about their own lifestyle choices. Flashbacks of cocktails and medications may come rushing back, and cause worry and panic. While it is impossible to turn back time, you can decide from this moment forward to make healthier choices. Begin by identifying bad habits such as: illicit drug use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating, smoking, and dangerous behaviors and work towards breaking these habits.
Choosing a physician should be on your to-do list this month as well. Good prenatal care starts early, and most will schedule their first appointment by the 8th week of pregnancy, if not sooner. Your doctor will be able to aide you with kicking bad habits, as well as choosing healthier food choices. You will likely be instructed to increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, calcium, and protein. A good prenatal vitamin with folic acid is also important for your developing baby- and should be taken daily.
A list of over the counter drugs that are acceptable during pregnancy will also be given to you- though it is important to note that most should be avoided if at all possible.