It’s Month 3 of your pregnancy. If this is your first pregnancy or it was a surprise pregnancy, odds are you just found out you’re pregnant. If that’s the case, and you would like to play a bit of pregnancy update catch up, please check out:
For now, let’s learn about the third month of your pregnancy, which will complete your first trimester and carry you into everyone’s favorite second trimester.
What’s Going on For Mommy and Baby?
If you’re a first-timer, and you have strong abdominal tone, there’s a chance you’re still not showing. Most repeat mothers, however, will have the distinct beginnings of the baby bump. This precious bump is proof of miraculous things going on inside and Month 3 has some biggies.
By the end of the third month, your baby is about the size of a pack of Life Savers. Doesn’t sound like much, but that little roll of delight has a heart able to pump as many as 25 quarts of blood through his system every day. Whew! That’s a lot of work for an entity that is just three-inches long and only weighs in at about an ounce. All that circulation is now visible via the veins that show up through his translucent skin.
Also evident at close range (a range your average ultrasound won’t be able to perceive): a tiny tongue with taste buds, the start of his lanugo (a coat of downy hair that helps to protect his skin from constant exposure to amniotic fluid) and his sex organs.
As for you, queasiness and fatigue may still be your M.O. Take heart, though, because most women find quite a bit of relief – if not total salvation – from these tell-tale symptoms of pregnancy once their second trimester commences. If you can, try not to focus too much on your weight gain. It’s normal for women in Month 3 to have gained up to four pounds or so. However, your focus should be placed on eating a healthy and well-balanced diet. With that part in place, healthy weight gain will follow.
What’s Happening for Daddy?
Does the idea of fatherhood still seem a little farfetched? This is almost always the case for daddies whose pregnant partners have yet to show, or who haven’t made it to a doctor’s appointment yet. Try to get your partner into your prenatal check up with you this month so he can see that little bundle of joy (or Life Savers) on the monitor. There’s a more recognizable baby in the works now, and the aforementioned heart pumping will be dramatically more visible than in previous visits.
Have an honest conversation about any fears or concerns your partner may be having so you can be understanding of his perspective. Then, share yours with him. Yes, babies are exciting but bringing a new human into the world is a big responsibility, so honest conversation about fears, concerns, stressors and so on can help to dissipate the negatives and create a space for problem solving and prenatal bonding!
What’s Happening for Sister and Brother?
Have you told your other children about the pregnancy yet? If not, you may choose to hold off a few more weeks just to be safe. In the meantime, you can start stockpiling fun “sibling gifts,” like bottles, their favorite books to read to the baby and so on, so everyone feels a part of things when the final announcement is made.
If you have already shared the news, consider scheduling a prenatal appointment when the whole family can attend so the siblings can get a clear picture of their little sibling-in-the-making, which can help to make it all feel more real.
Still looking for a prenatal care provider for your pregnancy, labor and delivery? Please contact us here at Women’s Health Associates. We form a compassionate network of doctors, midwives and experienced female healthcare practitioners who work to empower women through their pregnancy, labor and post-partum journey.