The first four weeks of pregnancy – the mother’s body
The first four weeks of pregnancy is a very special time. The woman may suspect that she is pregnant, because her period should have come about two weeks ago. A pregnant mother may have begun feeling the first symptoms of pregnancy – early morning nausea, tiredness and maybe even vomiting. On the other hand, the woman may feel perfectly normal, wondering if she is pregnant at all! Except for the excitement of possibly being pregnant, she may have energy and optimism to know if it is possible that she will soon become a mother.
In time, the woman will discover – most likely through a home pregnancy test – that she has conceived a baby, which is no bigger than a poppy seed inside her uterus. In spite of this, the woman’s body is undergoing a huge reconstruction process in preparation for the baby’s development. Blood streams are being reinforced, the uterus is being prepared and the placenta will be situated to provide a source of nourishment for the baby growing within.
At this time and throughout her pregnancy, the body will be taking her calcium reserves as material to help get the baby’s bone and skeletal system off to a good start. For this reason, a wise mother should plan on drinking plenty of milk and milk products, like non-fat yogurt to supplement this double-duty calcium need. It would also be wise to visit the dentist, since many times a woman’s teeth suffer as a result of pregnancy. Ask for advice, what you can do to protect your own teeth and try to have all emergency dental work done before the pregnancy gets further along.
The mother may feel fat, bloated, tired, hungry, or have a marked loss in appetite. It all depends on the person. Many pregnant moms crave food. There is no harm to giving in to cravings, as long as that craving is not something unnatural or harmful. Salty foods, sweet foods, and conserved foods like pickles or green olives may be craved. As long as the woman is getting good nutrition, there should be no problem.
Weight gain is a big issue, but with a little care, it can be easily controlled. Since the mother will be soon walking the baby outdoors with the stroller, now is the perfect time to think about getting in condition! By including a daily walk in her routine, drinking plenty of water and three normal meals with light snacking as necessary, it is perfectly normal to gain about 20 pounds or so during the entire pregnancy. Some gain more and some gain less. In the first trimester, it is also not uncommon to drop a few pounds due to nasal sensitivity, which makes the mother not want to eat foods that she formerly would have liked.
A woman may get information on how her mother’s pregnancy with her was, and what the experience had been like, including symptoms and so forth. This is nature’s way of the mother and grandmother to be to join forces in welcoming the new addition to the family. There may be marked similarities in the pregnancies due to heredity – or not. The mother can get good advice and reap the benefit of the grandmother’s pregnancy in helping to cope with the minor aches and pains of the constant changes within her as her body grows to accommodate the little one growing inside.
