Now that you know you are going to be a father, your life is never going to be the same. Your life is no longer about you; it is now dedicated to raising and nurturing the child growing in your wife’s belly. However, life does not have to change yet. There is still time for you and your wife to spend taking a vacation or doing other activities that you enjoy doing together.
Early Days
The first couple weeks of the pregnancy are going to be rattling. Early pregnancy symptoms are going to start effecting your wife. According to Port and Ralston (2005), some of these effects you will notice are (Port & Ralston, 2005):
- Feelings of joy, anxiety, and worry
- Surging hormonal activity
- Breast tenderness
- Morning sickness
Ultrasounds
Arguably the second most meaningful moment—second only to the birth—is the first ultrasound. Regardless of the plans you have when she goes in for her first ultrasound, cancel them. Even as early as the first ultrasound you are able to hear the heartbeat. Hearing the heartbeat for the first time is a huge moment for the both of you, and it is pivotal that you be there with her. Subsequent ultrasounds are also important to track the health of your child, but not nearly as moving. Although I would also recommend being with her when she goes in for the ultrasound to determine the sex of the baby, if that is something that you want to know beforehand.
Do you know any good quick reads on what else to expect in the first trimester?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book so far is "The Caveman's Pregnancy Companion" by David Port and John Ralston. The book is full of useful information and is set to a humorous tone to keep the content entertaining. While the book is not available to read on the internet, it can be found easily at bookstores on and offline.
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