Parenting Matters

Preparation Phase#

Ovaries - Organs located on either side of the uterus, serving as the "warehouse" for storing eggs. Each girl is born with up to 450,000 eggs in her ovaries, although most will gradually die off. Essentially, as a girl grows day by day, the number of eggs steadily decreases. By the time a girl reaches reproductive age, only about 400 eggs remain. From the onset of menstruation to menopause, these 400 eggs will be consumed one by one.

Every month - Typically around the middle of each menstrual cycle - about 1 to 3 eggs mature in the ovaries, with the most robust and perfect one quickly being drawn into the fallopian tube, which connects the ovaries to the uterus.

Dear friend, this is the entire process of ovulation.

Generally, an egg can survive for 12 to 24 hours after being released. If a sperm is lucky enough to successfully "meet" the egg during this time, a baby is conceived; otherwise, the egg will decompose in the uterus and be expelled from the body during menstruation.

Meanwhile, your "spherical factory" is producing sperm at an incredible rate - on a 24-hour production line, millions of sperm can be generated, and with each ejaculation, about 300 million sperm are "released." This is why your testicles always have to work overtime.

These two "advanced production units" have very high requirements for their production environment and are highly sensitive to external temperatures. To produce healthier sperm, the external temperature must be maintained at 34°C, which is about 4°C lower than normal body temperature, hence your testicles hang outside the body.

Once sperm is produced, it is stored in a place called the epididymis. This is a long, coiled tube inside the testicles that can stretch up to 40 feet (about 12.2 meters) when straightened. When the penis becomes erect, signaling "ready for ejaculation," sperm is extracted from the epididymis and mixed with semen, allowing them to travel further. Now, they are ready to embark on their first and only "charge" in life - to fertilize the egg, which is their lifelong "mission."

Having familiarized ourselves with the two main "protagonists" in the conception process, let’s quickly get to the point - the process of making love. For men, orgasm is accompanied by ejaculation - a rich semen rushes into the vagina at a speed of 10 miles per hour (about 16.09 kilometers per hour) towards the cervix, paving the way for the "little tadpoles" on their long adventure. Safe travels, kids, and God bless you.

As mentioned earlier, female orgasm also promotes conception, as rhythmic muscle contractions can push sperm deeper. So, when you cuddle together after climaxing, wondering whether conception was successful this time, while pondering whether the leftover chicken from yesterday is still in the fridge, both of your bodies are silently contributing to the "victorious meeting" of sperm and egg.

Inside your partner's body, millions of sperm are desperately searching for the one egg, and the scene is somewhat reminiscent of the first 15 minutes of "Saving Private Ryan." Even if the sperm are not killed by the acidic substances in the vagina, they will be mercilessly pushed out of the vagina by the quicksand-like cervical mucus. Among the millions of sperm in the "army," only a few dozen may be lucky enough to meet the egg, while the rest of the "troops" either die, get injured, or lose morale during the long and tedious process.

This can be described as a massacre.

The sperm that can complete the 7-inch (about 17.8 cm) journey from the cervix through the uterus to the fallopian tube are undoubtedly top "swimmers," and those that can make the journey in 45 minutes are even rarer. No wonder the X chromosome takes 12 hours to limp along. However, regardless of how long it takes to complete the journey, what matters most to the sperm is seeing the egg waiting at the "finish line." If the egg does not appear immediately, there is still hope - the sperm can quietly wait for 12 to 24 hours. I guess during this awkward waiting period, the sperm must engage in some conversation. Do you think they often ask, "Do you come here often?"

Once the egg appears, the sperm must use their last bit of energy for the "ultimate sprint." The first sperm to reach the egg dives inside, simultaneously creating a protective layer on the surface of the egg to prevent other sperm from invading its "territory."

At this point, the competition phase is over. When the genetic material carried by the sperm combines with that carried by the egg, a brand new cell is born - the fertilized egg. From a technical standpoint, true pregnancy begins here. The fertilized egg quickly divides and becomes an embryo. The embryo slowly moves down the fallopian tube and eventually attaches to the uterine wall. Ta-da! You are about to become a dad!

Most pregnancy tests work by detecting the amount of "human chorionic gonadotropin" (HCG) in urine. This is a hormone secreted by the embryo that enters the bloodstream, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted in urine. Since the 1990s, most pregnancy tests can measure the precise percentage of HCG in urine.

The pregnancy tests we are familiar with today appeared in the 1980s. Before that, people used various bizarre methods to test for pregnancy. The ancient Egyptians were the first to invent a method of testing pregnancy through urine, but they mixed urine with different crops. Medieval quacks also tested urine, but they mixed it with alcohol or similar liquids and judged by smell. As for whether they would drink the mixture and casually declare, "It's a girl!" - there is no historical record of that.

It wasn't until a century ago that scientists unveiled the mystery of hormones, and modern pregnancy testing methods began to take shape. Of course, this medical milestone was quite cruel to poor rabbits - the method of testing whether a woman was pregnant at that time involved injecting her urine sample into a small rabbit and observing its reaction. After the experiment, the injected rabbit would 100% die. Compared to this, the inaccuracy of the testing method seems like a minor flaw. Fortunately, this cruel pregnancy testing method was not continued. By the late 1970s, people could test their urine at home. However, oh my God! This method was incredibly clumsy - people had to prepare a whole set of test tubes and mix various reagents in specific proportions. Fortunately, the home pregnancy test method quickly evolved into what we are familiar with today. Most of us find out we are going to be dads through this method.

If you are one of them, it means... you are going to have a successor!

What a wonderful term! It not only means your reproductive ability has been validated, but it is also just right, not too excessive or too embarrassing. When your partner holds the positive pregnancy test stick under your nose - hoping she doesn't hold it too close - at that moment, you truly have a successor.

Beware of the "emotional rollercoaster."

Congratulations, big boy! You are about to enter a whole new world. Everything you see is fresh, and every term you hear is unfamiliar; you will be so excited that you feel dizzy.

Most men will forever remember the moment they heard the good news, which is comparable to President Kennedy's most glorious moment - of course, without that wicked bullet. Some were on the other end of the phone, some watched the pregnancy test results with their wives, and some received the news via text or Twitter.

What is a miscarriage?#

A miscarriage refers to the termination of pregnancy before the 20th week, and medically, it often refers to a spontaneous abortion.

Of course, for some female readers who have experienced a miscarriage, reading about this topic at such a painful moment feels really terrible, but I still want to remind everyone: "miscarriage" generally refers to the termination of pregnancy; it does not specifically refer to voluntary termination.

There are three types of miscarriage:

Complete miscarriage: This refers to the expulsion of the embryo and all remaining pregnancy products from the body. At this time, the cervix is closed.
Incomplete miscarriage: This refers to the expulsion of only part of the embryo, with the amniotic sac or placenta retained. This may be accompanied by bleeding and the expulsion of residual pregnancy products.
Missed miscarriage: This refers to a situation where the fetus has died and remains in the uterus without being expelled. A missed miscarriage may go unnoticed for several weeks, with the pregnant woman only feeling that early pregnancy symptoms have disappeared. However, due to the high levels of estrogen in the body, some pregnant women may even experience a series of pregnancy reactions after the fetus has died.

Management of incomplete and missed miscarriages usually requires dilation and curettage (commonly referred to as D&C). The doctor will open the cervix and remove any remaining fetal tissue from the uterus.

Why do miscarriages occur?#

This is indeed a rather unpleasant topic, but we still need to discuss it. Generally speaking, fetuses with certain abnormalities are more likely to miscarry; for example, nearly half of the fetuses that miscarry in the first three months have chromosomal abnormalities. This can hinder the normal development of the fetus.

The second reason is somewhat similar to the first: the fetus fails to successfully implant in the uterine wall - this is purely due to bad luck and is not caused by negligence or mistakes on your or your wife's part. The age of the pregnant woman is also one of the reasons for miscarriage. The miscarriage rate for expectant mothers under 35 years old is 6.4%, while the rate rises to 14.7% for those aged 35 to 40, and for women over 40, the miscarriage rate can be as high as 23.1%.

Women with a history of multiple miscarriages also have a significantly higher risk of miscarriage again.

The use of certain painkillers is also a potential cause of miscarriage. In 2001, a Danish study reported that taking ibuprofen or aspirin could directly increase the miscarriage rate to 80%. Two years later, a study in the United States further confirmed this claim. Although many authoritative organizations are cautious about this conclusion and are still conducting large-scale studies to verify its accuracy, many pregnant women still carefully avoid these two medications, opting for acetaminophen instead. Currently, scientists have not found any direct or indirect relationship between acetaminophen and miscarriage.

Signs of miscarriage#

The most obvious sign of miscarriage is abdominal pain similar to that of menstruation, accompanied by heavy bleeding. However, your wife may not realize this is a miscarriage, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
Bleeding in early pregnancy does not always mean a miscarriage. Generally speaking, a small amount of spotting or light bleeding in the first three months of pregnancy is considered normal. Statistics show that about 15% to 25% of pregnant women experience this. However, even if most bleeding is not serious, you should seek medical attention promptly - no matter how slight the bleeding, you should contact your doctor, midwife, or go directly to the hospital as soon as you notice it, as you cannot be too careful even if the bleeding stops quickly.

After a miscarriage#

Regardless of how early the miscarriage occurs, losing a child is heartbreaking. Just like at many significant turning points in life, each person's feelings are different. Perhaps you and your wife are eager to have another child immediately, or maybe you are not in a hurry, but the desire to conceive again is almost universal. From a medical perspective, all doctors will advise you to wait some time before trying to conceive again, at least until the woman has had one menstrual cycle, although from an emotional standpoint, that ordinary cycle can feel incredibly long.

Your feelings about losing the child may be similar to or different from your wife's. Of course, this also depends on the type of miscarriage: a missed miscarriage requires medical intervention to remove the remaining fetal tissue from the body, which adds to the physical pain and leads to greater emotional suffering.

Early miscarriage may be nature's way of filtering life: for those less suited to survive, it is best to stop them before their lives begin. Understanding this, I hope you can view miscarriage more rationally and face the future with greater strength. Remember, regardless of the circumstances, it is crucial to move past the shadow of miscarriage as soon as possible, especially for expectant mothers.

No matter how terrible your miscarriage experience was, and how heart-wrenching the loss of a beloved child feels, remember: most couples who have experienced miscarriage have managed to get through it by supporting each other and sharing both joys and sorrows, and they eventually have healthy and lively babies of their own.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?#

Ectopic pregnancy (as the name suggests, "ectopic" means "wrong place") refers to the implantation and development of the fetus outside the uterus, commonly known as an ectopic pregnancy. The ectopic pregnancy may occur in the ovaries, abdominal cavity, cervix, fallopian tubes, or even other locations, with the most common site being within the fallopian tubes.

As the fetus develops, the pregnant woman may experience abdominal pain and bleeding. If not taken seriously, the fallopian tube may rupture, causing internal bleeding. This is no trivial matter! If not handled promptly, it can pose a life-threatening risk to the pregnant woman. Regardless of where the fetus is implanted, pregnancy must be terminated - fetal tissue must be completely cleared from the body.

Ectopic pregnancies are generally discovered between the 4th and 10th weeks of pregnancy. The causes of ectopic pregnancy are often due to blocked or narrowed fallopian tubes, preventing the fertilized egg from properly entering the uterus, forcing it to attach elsewhere.

How to determine ectopic pregnancy usually involves two methods:#

Missed period: A missed period with early pregnancy symptoms but suddenly experiencing abdominal pain, usually on one side, accompanied by irregular bleeding. This is the most typical manifestation of ectopic pregnancy.
Sudden severe condition: Without any warning signs, the pregnant woman may feel extremely uncomfortable or even faint, requiring immediate hospitalization. A positive pregnancy test indicates the need for surgery. This suggests that the ectopic pregnancy site has ruptured, leading to internal bleeding.

This is why this relatively rare condition is so notorious.

How to manage ectopic pregnancy#

In very rare cases, the ectopic pregnancy site may not rupture, and the pregnancy tissue may be naturally absorbed by the body. There are also very few cases where medication can stop the fetus from continuing to develop, prompting it to naturally shrink and be expelled.

However, in most cases, ectopic pregnancy must be managed through laparoscopic surgery or traditional open surgery. Regardless of the method used, two tasks must be accomplished: opening the fallopian tube and removing the pregnancy tissue, or removing the fallopian tube entirely.

Among women with a history of ectopic pregnancy, about 65% will experience a recurrence within 18 months, while others' situations depend on the extent of damage to one or both fallopian tubes from the previous ectopic pregnancy.

After an ectopic pregnancy#

Having introduced the manifestations and serious consequences of ectopic pregnancy, we may have overlooked one point: like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy also means that the long-awaited child is gone. We need to spend more time recovering from the grief.

Pregnancy Report: Month 1 (Weeks 1-6)#

Calculating the days of the fetus
To understand pregnancy knowledge in months rather than the cumbersome weeks (I have never seen a prospective dad who doesn't use fingers, toes, or even teeth to calculate the pregnancy date), we first need to make an accurate calculation.

When calculating the days of the fetus, use the first day of your wife's last menstrual period as the first day of the fetus. Although she was not truly pregnant that day, this is a system for calculating gestational age - doctors widely use this method to estimate the due date and calculate how many days your little one has been around.

If we trace back to the first day of the last menstrual period, it means adding two weeks to the entire date (you can add other days, but 14 days is a standard calculation). A more precise calculation method will be detailed later.

Thus, the first month of the fetus is from week 1 to week 6. Don't worry about this causing confusion; each month will still be calculated in 4-week increments, so the second month is from week 7 to week 10, and so on.

Your baby
Your little one is growing rapidly. By the end of the first month, they will be about the size of a raisin. What a miraculous raisin! Once the fertilized egg embeds deeply into the folds of the uterine wall, it begins to change at an astonishing speed. It was originally just a combination of sperm and egg, but now it has become a blastocyst (a fluid-filled ball) with hundreds of cells. Before long, the blastocyst will split in half.

The half of the blastocyst that is fixed to the uterine wall will develop into the placenta - how unfortunate, while the other half will eventually develop into your baby - jackpot!

Next, the fetal half will split into three parts, which will become three different parts of the fetal body. The innermost part will develop into the fetus's thyroid, pancreas, lungs, liver, urinary tract, and bladder. You must be thinking: this is a crucial part! But hold on, let's look at the next part.

The middle part will eventually become the skeleton, muscles (including cardiac muscle), testicles or ovaries, spleen, blood vessels, blood cells, kidneys, and dermis. The innermost part will differentiate into skin.

The outermost part is also quite important - this will develop into hair, nails, teeth, the lens of the eyes, epidermis, sweat glands, and nipples.

By the end of the first month, the fetal spine begins to form, and there is even the faintest heartbeat - but at this time, your wife may still be completely unaware, thinking she just has a cold, with no awareness of the small miracle of life happening inside her.

Your wife
Most expectant mothers who are just one month pregnant do not exhibit any obvious signs. She may still feel like her period is about to start - this is normal; her "old friend" hasn't gone far yet - she may feel the frequency of urination has increased, and her breasts may be slightly tender. Some expectant mothers may even experience morning sickness for the first time. However, compared to the following months, the reactions in the first month are merely "drizzles."

But this does not mean that the expectant mother's body is calm. The continuously secreted pregnancy hormones make her cervical mucus thicker and more viscous, even forming a plug. This serves as a natural cork, firmly sealing the cervix to prevent other impurities from entering or exiting the uterus.

Month 2: Say Hello to the Little One#

For most pregnant women, the first month of pregnancy is a relatively calm month with no significant physiological reactions. Only a very few pregnant women will experience nausea or vomiting for the first time.

At this time, that little cluster of cells is quietly rooting deep within the folds of the expectant mother's uterine wall, quietly splitting and growing, preparing meticulously for the long road ahead. By the second month, as the feet gradually take shape, the baby will often announce its presence in a way that makes the expectant mother uncomfortable: "Hello!"

Let's tackle its little tricks one by one, shall we?

Morning Sickness and Other Symptoms#

Morning sickness is a common early pregnancy reaction. Everyone has heard of it, and most pregnant women have experienced it, of course, no one likes it.

First, let's clarify that morning sickness does not only occur in the morning. The person who named it was clearly fed up with waiting by the side while his wife vomited. After seeing his wife throw up several times in one morning, he impatiently thought, "I've had enough; I can't even eat lunch." Thus, the term "morning sickness" has persisted to this day. Pregnant women may feel nauseous or vomit at any time of the day, even at night.

The cause of morning sickness remains a mystery. Some believe that hormonal changes in the early stages of pregnancy may cause temporary nausea and vomiting, with the main culprit being human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) - pregnant women carrying twins often experience more severe morning sickness due to higher levels of HCG. Additionally, estrogen levels in pregnant women also surge during the first three months, coinciding with the most severe period of morning sickness. Elevated estrogen can heighten a pregnant woman's sense of smell, making certain specific odors trigger morning sickness.

Another theory suggests that morning sickness is a manifestation of evolutionary adaptation. Many scientists believe that NVP (nausea and vomiting in pregnancy) is a proactive adaptation to prevent pregnant women from consuming foods harmful to the fetus.

This is not something we can clarify in this small booklet.

In simple terms, this theory posits that morning sickness can prevent pregnant women from consuming potentially contaminated foods, such as meats, poultry, and eggs, forcing them to choose lower-risk foods to avoid transmitting diseases to the fetus.

Clearly, pregnant women have an extraordinary sense of smell, comparable to that of drug-sniffing dogs: if you just had a tuna sandwich for lunch, as soon as you walk through the door, she will come rushing out from behind the door, screaming. Additionally, alcohol can easily trigger morning sickness. NVP is nature's exclusive "anti-alcoholism officer," making expectant mothers feel like vomiting at the mere mention of "white wine spritzer."

As with many pregnancy phenomena, there are enough theories about the causes of morning sickness to fill a book. Let's look at a few of the most outrageous claims. One of my personal favorites is that morning sickness is a manifestation of a mother's subconscious dislike for her husband. Deep down, she hopes to vomit the baby out of her belly. Let's pay homage to the proponent of this theory, Sigmund Freud.

However, one thing is certain: as long as the expectant mother can eat and drink a little, morning sickness will not harm the fetus.

Recent studies have shown that morning sickness is actually a sign of a healthy pregnancy, indicating that the pregnant woman has sufficient female hormones, which are essential for ensuring that the placenta firmly embeds in the uterine wall. However, I would prefer that you not share this seemingly uplifting news with your wife - after all, you have already held her hair back for the fifteenth time today while she vomited, and perhaps your suede shoes are about to wear out.

For most pregnant women, morning sickness begins to ease between the third and fourth months of pregnancy, but some may experience it for a longer duration, and some even more unfortunate women may have morning sickness accompany them throughout their entire pregnancy.

What Can You Do as a Husband?#

First, don't force your wife to eat those nutritious foods that make her feel nauseous. Since she can't eat them, let her have something else, like grapes, Scotch eggs, or salty crackers. As long as she doesn't treat these as main meals, a little bit won't hurt; the sky won't fall.

Expectant mothers have a lot of nutrients stored in their livers that can continuously supply the fetus, so occasionally eating something less nutritious won't harm the baby (of course, the intake of folic acid must be ensured).

Here are some other suggestions you might find interesting:

Try to avoid overly acidic, sweet, or cold drinks.
It's best to drink water in small amounts frequently, rather than in large quantities at once.
Eat smaller meals more often, preferably low-fat, carbohydrate-rich foods.
Eat a plain cracker 20 minutes before getting out of bed. This seems to be a time-honored tradition. If there are no special reasons, at least it's a good excuse to snack in bed.
Wait a while before eating very hot food - this is wise because cold food doesn't emit such strong odors.

Breast Pain
To be honest, the pleasure of touching the most "undulating" part of your partner's body is something most men cannot resist. If you are such a seeker of "physical beauty," please remember one very important point: many women experience extreme sensitivity and pain in their breasts during early pregnancy, so please do not touch them.

Due to pregnancy, women undergo a series of adjustments, including the secretion of large amounts of estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones are behind some uncomfortable pregnancy reactions. As hormone levels rise significantly, your wife's breasts will enlarge due to storing more fat, and the mammary glands will begin to develop, preparing for breastfeeding after the baby is born.

Breast pain usually ends by the end of the third month of pregnancy. Before that, no matter how full and tempting they become, you must keep your hands to yourself and remain calm.

Pregnancy Rhinitis
Before we shift the topic away from pain, let's pay attention to a rarely discussed but genuinely uncomfortable phenomenon: pregnancy rhinitis.

Pregnancy rhinitis is caused by our old friend estrogen. It can cause swelling and pain in the nasal cavity, promoting the excessive secretion of mucus - leading to persistent nasal congestion or runny nose. About 20% to 30% of pregnant women experience rhinitis.

Constipation
Expectant mothers plagued by chronic constipation truly have a hard time. Abnormal bowel movements, bloating, sluggishness... constipation can turn everything into a mess. Once hemorrhoids protrude, the situation becomes even more serious.

Who is the culprit behind this "anal chaos"? That's right, it's those "troublesome" hormones again. This time, they encourage the muscles inside the intestines to "slack off." They do this for a reason that sounds reasonable: to allow food to stay in the body longer, promoting better nutrient absorption for both the mother and the fetus.

To avoid constipation, expectant mothers should pay attention to three points:

The most effective weapon against constipation is fiber. A large intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and dried fruits can promote smooth bowel movements. However, for the sake of your neighbors, do not let her eat endlessly, as that can lead to bloating and excessive "harmful gases," which can be quite shocking.
Eating six small meals a day is far better than three large meals.
Water, fruit juice, and vegetable juice can not only promote intestinal movement but also soften stools, making it less painful for pregnant women to pass them.

Fatigue
Imagine this - your body is working tirelessly to create, protect, and nourish a new life. Your sleep pattern is no longer a solid night’s sleep but rather intermittent, as you feel uncomfortable every 35 seconds. You spend 12 hours a day vomiting, and the other 12 hours worrying about whether the fetus will miscarry. And yes, those damned hormones are constantly blocking your intestines, making them "slack off."

As a result, expectant mothers feel extremely, extremely, extremely fatigued. Even if she used to be a night owl, staying up until 3 a.m. the night before class, now she can't even sit through an episode of "EastEnders." The solution is simple: don't push yourself. It sounds easy, but it isn't. If your wife loves to work or doesn't want to miss out on her friends' gatherings, she will likely push through the fatigue, but in reality, whether it's work or socializing, it will ultimately lose to the irresistible wave of sleepiness in early pregnancy.

What you can do is encourage her to minimize daily activities, remove all other tasks from her list except the essentials, stock the fridge with ready-to-eat healthy foods, cancel all scattered social activities, and help her develop a habit of napping every day. Although everyone's specific situation varies, generally speaking, before the eighth month when the expectant mother's pace of life comes to a complete halt, she will reminisce about her previous lifestyle during the fourth, fifth, and sixth months.

And don't forget, once the baby is born, you will be begging the heavens for just four more hours of sleep - so while you can still sleep, go ahead and sleep without a care in the world.

Heartburn
This phenomenon is very common during pregnancy and can make the expectant mother feel uncomfortable for the entire nine months. Progesterone (yes, another troublesome hormone) slows down gastrointestinal motility, causing food to linger in the stomach. As if that weren't enough, it also relaxes the esophageal sphincter, reducing pressure in the esophagus, allowing stomach acid to reflux, resulting in heartburn.

Take a look at this introduction: the esophagus passes through the diaphragm into the abdominal cavity through an opening called the esophageal hiatus, which widens during pregnancy, leading to the occurrence of hiatal hernias. If part of the stomach protrudes through this hiatus into the chest cavity, it can cause severe acid reflux. This heartburn sensation is more pronounced at night because when the pregnant woman lies flat, it facilitates the reflux of stomach acid.

Most pregnant women know that regular antacids can help relieve their heartburn, but it is important to note that antacids should be taken 15 minutes before meals - otherwise, the medication won't be absorbed by the stomach lining before being expelled along with partially digested food, much like some nauseating ice cream advertisements.

Emotional Fluctuations
As we have seen, a series of volcanic hormonal reactions accompany pregnancy. Almost every manifestation and change in expectant mothers is driven by this intoxicating cocktail of chemicals - the term "hormones" itself in Greek means "to set in motion," and indeed it does.

This powerful "cocktail" is undoubtedly the culprit behind emotional fluctuations, amplifying the various emotional responses of expectant mothers by eight degrees. Of course, it "stirs up trouble" only if the baby in the expectant mother's belly triggers a range of emotions - joy, fear, worry, excitement - all pouring into the "hot oil pot" filled with hormones, no wonder expectant mothers often burst into tears for no apparent reason.

Emotional fluctuations typically occur during the second month of pregnancy and gradually subside by the fourth, fifth, and sixth months. However, as delivery approaches, this phenomenon often "makes a comeback."

During your wife's emotional fluctuations, your performance is crucial. Although you may also easily feel anxious, such as not finding the right book to read (of course, the one you are reading now is very suitable), not buying the right supplies (more on this later), or simply worrying about whether you can cope, you are much luckier than your wife, at least your belly isn't filled with potent hormones. Therefore, you should try to remain calm and confident, being your wife's pillar of support.

During pregnancy, her body undergoes significant changes. As her weight increases, she may feel less attractive. Please pay close attention to her feelings and provide timely and accurate comfort with a few appropriate words. You can also give her a hug, which works even better.

Of course, you will inevitably have arguments. Perhaps one minute she is complaining about the weather forecast being inaccurate, and the next minute she is furious about the cabinet door not closing properly. At this moment, it is really, really hard for you to suppress your anger and not argue with her, but you must endure it, you must swallow your frustration, and you must calm her down as soon as possible; this is your responsibility and obligation. Think of the child in her belly, brother, think of your child. Good luck.

Pregnancy Report: Month 2 (Weeks 7-10)#

Your Baby
By the end of the second month, your baby will grow to four times the size at the beginning of the month. No matter what you compare it to, this is a remarkable growth rate! However, even though this little one is growing so fast, they are still just a mini chocolate chip.

The baby's head is also growing at an astonishing rate to accommodate a disproportionately large brain. The neck begins to differentiate, and the small tail that was originally at the end of the spine is getting smaller and will eventually disappear. This is for the best.

During this busy period, all of the baby's major organs begin to differentiate. Although the little heart is still smaller than a peppercorn, it is already beating strongly. The arms are not fully formed yet, but the wrists and fingers are beginning to appear. The legs are just starting to differentiate, and tiny, adorable toes are already growing at the ends.

Beneath the baby's paper-thin skin, their face is taking shape. The nose is starting to appear, and the lines of the cheeks and jaw are becoming clear, with even a little tongue forming in the mouth.

The baby's reproductive organs are also developing well. If you are having a girl, her ovaries already contain 7 million eggs, which will sharply decrease to 2 million before birth. If it’s a boy, his testicles have already formed the most primitive sperm. If he wants to have children, he can. Rest assured, child.

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop is forming, and it looks beautiful. This is a tar-like substance that accumulates in the baby's intestines, scientifically known as meconium.

Your Wife
This month, your wife's body reaches its best state during the entire pregnancy. She will not feel too uncomfortable, nor will she have much soreness; her belly will not be too large, but just right - she is a healthy, radiant, happy mom. If you are lucky, her healthy state also means she is in a good mood, with increased blood flow to the pelvis, heightened breast sensitivity, and more easily reaching orgasm. I am talking about her, not you.

Of course, even if your wife feels good, as the big day of delivery approaches, she will still have to endure some discomfort. In addition to cravings, bloating, and forgetfulness, her gums may also feel sore, and her active thyroid may cause her to sweat more than usual.

At this point, your wife may start to leak breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

Aside from the somewhat embarrassing situations of farting, sweating, and leaking milk, your wife looks absolutely stunning.

What are you waiting for? Go give her a big kiss.

Essentials#

There are a few things that are essential for the baby, and only a few. Aside from the dreaded stroller, these items are commonly seen in every household with children.

Crib
If you are not picky, you can start with a baby basket, then switch to a portable crib, and finally a standard crib. As the child grows day by day, you can replace it with a toddler bed.

Most baby baskets can only be used for 1 to 2 months. If you can borrow one, that would be great. Buying a crib that can convert into a toddler bed is definitely a wise decision. Although the benefits may not be immediately apparent, before you realize it, your baby will have already burst out of your little cage like a Russian gymnast.

Bathtub
Putting a newborn in an adult bathtub is like using a pruning shear to shape your eyebrows. You need to prepare a baby bathtub, but remember, it’s just a big plastic bowl that can hold water. All those claims that their products can make bath time incredibly enjoyable and relaxing, and protect the child's precious creativity, are just marketing defenses for that £30 price tag.

Changing Pad
No need to make your home a filthy mess - a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

Diapers
In the first couple of years after the child is born, you really have to spend money on diapers. Although there are constant criticisms about the environmental pollution caused by disposable diapers - it is estimated that in the UK alone, 8,000,000 disposable diapers are discarded in a single day - this should be blamed on brands like Pampers and Huggies. However, when you actually go to wash reusable cloth diapers, you will realize how much time it takes.

Pure Cotton Cloth
It has excellent absorbency and is usually used to clean various sticky messes. Scientists have confirmed that pure cotton cloths in our homes always seem to "mysteriously disappear" - so you might as well buy a hundred thousand and hide them in every corner of your two bedrooms. I bet when you urgently need to deal with a sticky mess, you will find that all the pure cotton cloths have mysteriously ended up under the sofa, smiling faintly at you.

Baby Clothes
Babies grow very quickly. They really grow fast. Just when you bend down to find a missing piece of fine cotton cloth under the sofa, your baby may have already outgrown all the little vests and socks in the wardrobe. It happens that fast.

In the first six months before the baby is born, if someone asks you what you need the most, you must say baby clothes, practical baby clothes. This answer may seem boring, but compared to plush crocodile toys, you would definitely prefer them to spend the same amount of money on two sets of short-sleeved baby clothes and a pair of baby mittens, so your baby won't scratch themselves to pieces at night.

You should pay attention to those around you who have had children before you; they must have a whole box of baby clothes in their attic. Spend some time and effort to get them; it’s equivalent to a treasure chest. If you don’t have such friends or neighbors, check community websites; you might find someone in your neighborhood giving away baby clothes for those in need.

New Products
Although they are not necessities, these products have quickly become new favorites among dads since their launch, so I want to mention them here.

A diaper pail is a plastic container for holding dirty diapers. Its top is a small box containing a roll of scented garbage bags. When in use, you simply stuff the dirty diaper in from the top, twist the handle, and the diaper is sealed in the garbage bag. Once the pail is full, you can empty it all at once. With this gadget, you won’t have to go out in the middle of the night to throw away diapers, and you won’t have to deal with a kitchen full of foul odors or a stairwell that smells bad for a week.

You should be careful: once the child starts eating solid foods, their waste will smell like an adult's, and the diaper pail will also start to smell. This poor device will have to retire after serving diligently for a few months.

Don't Rush
Before the baby is born, no matter how much advice you hear, you will inevitably fall into a strange cycle. For some reason, you always forget that the place you live is just a short drive from the supermarket or department store, and whatever you urgently need can be seen, bought, and brought home within an hour. You always want to stock up on everything your child will need for a lifetime all at once. From months before the child is born, you start buying children's cutlery and tiny fish fryers. Next, you buy enough new clothes for the child to wear until their teenage years, along with puzzles and test books that even Stephen Hawking would struggle with.

From one perspective, hoarding is a kind of fun, an excitement and anticipation for the new life about to arrive. It feels like Christmas, except this time, it’s your wife who is carrying Jesus.

But on the flip side, this is also a tremendous waste. Pay attention to eBay, your local charity shops, community websites, or similar sites; this will save you a lot of money. Also, read books about how new parents manage their finances, such as Madeleine Thomas's "Baby Economics," which will also help you.

One major issue you must not overlook is that regardless of what money-saving tricks you and your wife employ, you must reach a consensus and execute it together. You certainly don't want to have a falling out over a hairbrush with Winnie the Pooh or Tigger printed on it just after the baby is born!

Pregnancy Report: Month 6 (Weeks 23-26)#

Your Baby
After several weeks of growth and development, by the fifth month, your baby's length will be about 19 cm. At this point, their growth rate begins to slow down (though weight continues to increase), and the development of other key parts begins to take precedence, such as the development of brain cells.

In the newborn's small head, a tissue called the germinal matrix is rapidly generating new brain cells. This production line will continue to work until delivery, but from birth until about the age of 5, the brain will continue to develop.

As muscles begin to take shape and nerve fibers connect like lights on a Christmas tree, your baby is about to develop according to a more refined and complex program, such as enhancing motor functions and strengthening bones.

A creamy white thick substance begins to wrap around the fetus's body; this is called vernix caseosa, which acts as a waterproof protective layer to prevent the fetus's skin from being soaked in amniotic fluid for too long. If the baby has a celery stick or a carrot nearby, they can enjoy their first vegetable salad in life. Haha.

The development of the fetus's reproductive organs is also progressing well. If you are having a girl, her ovaries already contain 7 million eggs, which will sharply decrease to 2 million before birth. If it's a boy, his testicles have already formed the most primitive sperm. If he wants to have children, he can. Rest assured, child.

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop is forming, and it looks beautiful. This is a tar-like substance that accumulates in the baby's intestines, scientifically known as meconium.

At this point, your wife may start to leak breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

Aside from the somewhat embarrassing situations of farting, sweating, and leaking milk, your wife looks absolutely stunning.

What are you waiting for? Go give her a big kiss.

Essentials#

There are a few things that are essential for the baby, and only a few. Aside from the dreaded stroller, these items are commonly seen in every household with children.

Crib
If you are not picky, you can start with a baby basket, then switch to a portable crib, and finally a standard crib. As the child grows day by day, you can replace it with a toddler bed.

Changing Pad
No need to make your home a filthy mess - a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

New Products
Although they are not necessities, these products have quickly become new favorites among dads since their launch, so I want to mention them here.

From one perspective, hoarding is a kind of fun, an excitement and anticipation for the new life about to arrive. It feels like Christmas, except this time, it’s your wife who is carrying Jesus.

Pregnancy Report: Month 6 (Weeks 23-26)#

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop is forming, and it looks beautiful. This is a tar-like substance that accumulates in the baby's intestines, scientifically known as meconium.

At this point, your wife may start to leak breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

Aside from the somewhat embarrassing situations of farting, sweating, and leaking milk, your wife looks absolutely stunning.

What are you waiting for? Go give her a big kiss.

Essentials#

There are a few things that are essential for the baby, and only a few. Aside from the dreaded stroller, these items are commonly seen in every household with children.

Crib
If you are not picky, you can start with a baby basket, then switch to a portable crib, and finally a standard crib. As the child grows day by day, you can replace it with a toddler bed.

Changing Pad
No need to make your home a filthy mess - a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

New Products
Although they are not necessities, these products have quickly become new favorites among dads since their launch, so I want to mention them here.

From one perspective, hoarding is a kind of fun, an excitement and anticipation for the new life about to arrive. It feels like Christmas, except this time, it’s your wife who is carrying Jesus.

Pregnancy Report: Month 6 (Weeks 23-26)#

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop is forming, and it looks beautiful. This is a tar-like substance that accumulates in the baby's intestines, scientifically known as meconium.

At this point, your wife may start to leak breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

Aside from the somewhat embarrassing situations of farting, sweating, and leaking milk, your wife looks absolutely stunning.

What are you waiting for? Go give her a big kiss.

Essentials#

There are a few things that are essential for the baby, and only a few. Aside from the dreaded stroller, these items are commonly seen in every household with children.

Crib
If you are not picky, you can start with a baby basket, then switch to a portable crib, and finally a standard crib. As the child grows day by day, you can replace it with a toddler bed.

Changing Pad
No need to make your home a filthy mess - a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

New Products
Although they are not necessities, these products have quickly become new favorites among dads since their launch, so I want to mention them here.

From one perspective, hoarding is a kind of fun, an excitement and anticipation for the new life about to arrive. It feels like Christmas, except this time, it’s your wife who is carrying Jesus.

Pregnancy Report: Month 6 (Weeks 23-26)#

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop is forming, and it looks beautiful. This is a tar-like substance that accumulates in the baby's intestines, scientifically known as meconium.

At this point, your wife may start to leak breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

Aside from the somewhat embarrassing situations of farting, sweating, and leaking milk, your wife looks absolutely stunning.

What are you waiting for? Go give her a big kiss.

Essentials#

There are a few things that are essential for the baby, and only a few. Aside from the dreaded stroller, these items are commonly seen in every household with children.

Crib
If you are not picky, you can start with a baby basket, then switch to a portable crib, and finally a standard crib. As the child grows day by day, you can replace it with a toddler bed.

Changing Pad
No need to make your home a filthy mess - a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

New Products
Although they are not necessities, these products have quickly become new favorites among dads since their launch, so I want to mention them here.

From one perspective, hoarding is a kind of fun, an excitement and anticipation for the new life about to arrive. It feels like Christmas, except this time, it’s your wife who is carrying Jesus.

Pregnancy Report: Month 6 (Weeks 23-26)#

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop is forming, and it looks beautiful. This is a tar-like substance that accumulates in the baby's intestines, scientifically known as meconium.

At this point, your wife may start to leak breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

Aside from the somewhat embarrassing situations of farting, sweating, and leaking milk, your wife looks absolutely stunning.

What are you waiting for? Go give her a big kiss.

Essentials#

There are a few things that are essential for the baby, and only a few. Aside from the dreaded stroller, these items are commonly seen in every household with children.

Crib
If you are not picky, you can start with a baby basket, then switch to a portable crib, and finally a standard crib. As the child grows day by day, you can replace it with a toddler bed.

Changing Pad
No need to make your home a filthy mess - a £10 changing pad can solve everything.