Congratulations on your recent pregnancy! You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment, and that’s perfectly normal. Just know that you are about to embark on an amazing journey full of new and exciting experiences, both physically and mentally. Hang in there, because you’re in for one wild ride over the next few months!
The first trimester of pregnancy is a time of many changes for your body. You may experience nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings, and worry during this time, but most of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses. You may not even realize you are pregnant during the first trimester. Your baby’s heart will start beating by the 25th day. This denotes that your baby’s circulatory system is functioning by 25 days after conception. By your seventh week, your baby’s sex glands will be developing, and they will be discernible by the beginning of your second trimester.
After eight weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s kidneys, liver, and digestive tract have begun to develop. The baby is also beginning to move their arms and legs and send impulses to their organs. The baby’s spinal cord is also beginning to form.
During the 12th week of pregnancy, you can expect the formation of fingers, toes, fingernails, toenails, and fingerprints. Through ultrasound, we can also notice your baby’s ears, eyes, and mouth. We may even be able to see your little one practicing some breathing actions. By the end of the first trimester, your little one will be about three inches long and weigh around one ounce (under natural pregnancy).
It’s important to remember that the first trimester of pregnancy is critical for both the baby and the mother. Many women will experience first-trimester bleeding, which can lead to miscarrying for some. For those who don’t miscarry, they are more likely to have difficulties during their pregnancy. Therefore, it’s important for expecting mothers to be extra careful during this time.
Many couples have a set idea of where and how they want their child’s birth to take place. Others can’t even wrap their heads around the idea of childbirth until they’re in the throes of labor. For couples who have chosen an alternative birthing option like a home birth, it is vital that they understand both the emotional and physical requirements of such a choice. Having a baby and going through natural pregnancy can be daunting for some, so it’s no surprise that choosing an alternative option might be a bit scary too. But as long as you’re prepared for what’s to come, both mentally and physically, you’ll be just fine!
It’s important for couples to accept both the emotional and physical aspects of choosing an alternative birthing option like home birth. Natural pregnancies are not as bad as they seem. However, many of us are blessed enough to have great medical facilities nearby to help and give advice when needed. In recent years, support for women during pregnancy has improved tenfold.
Therefore, expecting parents these days have a lot of options available to them and don’t have to worry about too many things when it comes to having a baby.
I was raised in a family that was always health-conscious and open to exploring alternative health options, like homeopathy. My mom used to buy wholemeal bread – and the loaves were as heavy as bricks! We didn’t get sick often when I was growing up. Then, at 18, I was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. I underwent some aggressive orthodox medical treatment that got rid of the cancer, but it also left me with chronic physical and emotional health issues that orthodox medicine wasn’t interested in addressing.
