In most cases, the mother usually misses out the first month of pregnancy, given that the pregnancy will already be in 4th week by the time she discovers it. Most part of the first month of pregnancy is spent in ignorance of its happening, but there are definitely certain changes taking place in the mom-to-be as well as the baby.
The risk for the embryo are highest at this stage, hence, parents who have been planning on having a baby should take precautions ahead of pregnancy. As the initial period is very crucial in development of child, it is wise for the mom to avoid exposure to chemicals, hot tubs, medications, alcohol, drugs, etc.
Changes in the baby
The first changes in the baby start when the single cell ovum is penetrated by a sperm in the Fallopian tube of the woman. The journey of the fertilized egg from the fallopian tube to the uterus will take 7 to 10 days. The uterus meanwhile will have developed a rich nutrient lining for the fertilized egg to implant itself in, where it will grow into a new human being.
- Making its tough journey, the zygote, or fertilized ovum travels from the fallopian tube into the uterus or womb
- The zygote then develops into a small solid cluster of cells known as a morula by the end of day 4
- The morula grows to a blastocyst by day 5-6
- A yolk sac develops to sustain the fertilized egg until the placenta is formed
- The fertilized cell divides to form an embryo
- Umbilical cord begins to form
- The single cell grows to the size of a 0.1-0.2 mm that is the size of a rice grain
- The brain, spinal cord, limbs and few organs are developed
- Lung buds appear
Changes in the mom to be
Though the woman has been pregnant for sometime before she discovers it, technically the pregnancy test is the start of motherhood for her. After verifying the pregnancy, she goes through various emotions like confusion, excitement, exhilaration, joy, fear, and uncertainty. Adding to the emotional turmoil, there are many other changes taking place in her body:
- Hormonal changes causing symptoms such as mood swings, nausea, and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination due to pressure on bladder by the uterus
- Swollen and tender breasts
- Dizziness
- Cravings for specific food
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Headaches due to increased level of hormones in the blood
Tips for the 1st month
Though discovering being pregnant can be a joyous moment in the life of a couple, especially those that were looking forward to it, the loss of the child can be equally painful. The risks of miscarriage are high in the first few months of pregnancy, with 45% of miscarriages occurring during the first 2 weeks after fertilization. Therefore utmost care should be taken to prevent it.
- Confirm pregnancy; take a backup test if necessary
- Get ready by finding a doctor, deciding on a hospital, checking your insurance coverage, and so on
- Dehydration can increase the chances of miscarriage; therefore take in plenty of water and other fluids
- Watch out for ectopic pregnancy which can be dangerous
- Follow a healthy lifestyle
- Avoid teratogens that cause miscarriage or birth defects
- Try to stay away from stress and anxiety
- Do not hesitate to rest, because relaxation is important
- Do not worry about weight gain, parenting, or losing your figure at this stage.