1 week pregnant

Be prepared for the pregnancy

Congratulations! If you’re reading this article, you’re either pregnant already or planning to have a baby soon. Bringing a child into the world is a wonderful miracle, but it’s a huge responsibility as well. That’s why both parents should try to be as prepared for the pregnancy as possible.

13-week trimesters

As you may have already heard before, a full term pregnancy lasts forty weeks. This is further divided into 13-week trimesters, beginning from the first day of the mother’s last period. That means for the first two weeks of pregnancy, the baby hasn’t even been conceived yet!

Just Before the Baby

Uterus is shedding its lining

Since it’s the first day of the last period, the uterus is shedding its lining to prepare for the release of an egg. So basically, that’s what the baby is right now – just an unreleased, unfertilized egg.

What’s Going on with Mommy

28-day menstrual cycle

If you have a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation (or the process of releasing an egg) usually occurs 14 days after the start of the cycle. Even though you’re not yet pregnant, now is a great time to begin thinking and acting as if you are, by adopting healthy habits. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and take a pre-natal vitamin or folic acid, which helps prevent defects in the neural tube. Stay away from tobacco smoke, alcohol, over-the-counter medications, x-rays, toxic materials and chemical birth control.

Now for Daddy

Healthy habits for the sake of the baby

Since the mother will begin adopting healthy habits for the sake of the baby, it’s time for you to follow suit. Help her with the adjustment to a healthier lifestyle by watching what you eat and joining your partner when she exercises. Make sure you stop smoking – she cannot be exposed to second-hand smoke, as it could harm your baby. Avoid excessive alcohol as well.