Mother:
Your body is figuring out what is up! A urine pregnancy test would probably be positive by now. They measures the amounts of the pregnancy hormone, hCG, in your urine. You are probably beginning to feel tired, urinate more frequently, experience mood swings, and possibly have tender or swollen breasts - these are common signs of pregnancy.
Be sure to avoid environmental hazards. The first trimester is the most critical time for formation of your baby. This also includes avoiding alcohol, smoke and second hand smoke, street drugs, including healthy eating habits and a pregnancy exercise program.
Baby:
The chorionic villi have begun forming by the end of this week. Towards the end of this week and into next week, a transvaginal ultrasound can show a gestational sac. The yolk sac that helps feed your baby until the placenta is fully functional is appearing as well.
Dad/Partner:
Do you have a plan on how you'll find out about the pregnancy? Will the test be a joint effort? Some moms choose to have dad go and read the results. Be sure you've read the instructions and know how to properly read the test results. The words you say will be remembered forever.
One thing that can be difficult to keep in perspective is that you are becoming a parent as well. Sometimes this can get lost in the fray. Give yourself a break if this feels overwhelming at times or even if it feels really distant. Talk to your partner and let her know how you're feeling.
Readers Share:
This week we hear from other readers about how they came to the decision to bite the bullet and take a pregnancy test. What made them believe that they were pregnant? Did they have a pregnancy symptom or two? Read what others had to say on the topic and share your thoughts.
Twin Tips:
hCG levels in moms carrying multiples are often more elevated. This can often be the first sign that you have more than one on the way! According to one study, at about 18 days of conception, (or 32 days since LMP) the average hCG for a singleton gestation is 450 and for a twin gestation is 1500. Though this is not a foolproof way to detect twins.
Another thing to think about is the sheer shock of finding out that you're having more one baby. Remember to ease into the information, even if it means sitting on it for a few days. You might be delighted, scared or even sad. Crying is a perfectly normal reaction to finding out this news. It doesn't mean that you aren't happy about being pregnant, but a twin pregnancy carries added risks and testing and can be a lot to deal with, be easy on yourself.
Suggested Reading:
A Child is Born by Lennart Nilsson
The ultimate "picture" book in childbirth. You have loved his photos, now they are available in a pregnancy book!
Click Here to Order
More Pregnancy Weeks:
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Week 2 |
Week 3 |
Week 4 |
Week 5 |
Week 6 |
Week 7 |
Week 8 |
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Week 42
Photo © Robin Elise Weiss
