Parenting Matters

Preparation Stage#

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, but most of these 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.

Usually, 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 "ejected." This is why your testicles 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 human 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 coiled tube inside the testicles that can stretch up to 40 feet (approximately 12.2 meters) when fully extended. When the penis becomes erect, signaling "ready for ejaculation," the sperm is extracted from the epididymis and mixed with semen, allowing it 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, we must 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 (approximately 16.09 kilometers per hour) towards the cervix, paving the way for the long adventure of the "little tadpoles." Safe travels, kids, and God bless you.

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

Inside your partner's body, millions of sperm are struggling to find the one egg, and the tragic 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 expelled from the vagina by the quicksand-like cervical mucus. Among the millions of sperm, only a few dozen will 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 (approximately 17.8 centimeters) journey from the cervix through the uterus to the fallopian tube are undoubtedly top "swimmers," and those that can complete 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 be chatting among themselves. Do you think their most talked-about topic would be, "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 into it, simultaneously laying down a protective membrane 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 of the egg, a brand-new cell is born – the fertilized egg. From a technical perspective, 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 test sticks work by detecting the level 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 test sticks can measure the precise percentage of HCG in urine.

The pregnancy test sticks we are familiar with 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 for pregnancy through urine, but they mixed urine with different crops. Medieval quacks also tested urine, but they mixed it with liquids like wine or alcohol and judged by smell. As for whether they would drink the mixture and casually declare, "It's a girl!" – there are no historical records 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 little rabbits – the method for testing whether a woman was pregnant at that time involved injecting her urine sample into a little rabbit and observing its reaction. After the experiment, the injected little rabbit would 100% die. Compared to this, the inaccuracy of this testing method seems to be a minor flaw. Fortunately, this cruel pregnancy testing method was not continued. By the late 1970s, people could test their urine at home. But, oh my God! This method was so clumsy – people had to prepare a whole set of test tubes and mix various reagents in certain proportions. Fortunately, the home pregnancy testing method soon evolved into what we are familiar with today. Most of us learned we were 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 also is 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. Your eyes will see all things fresh, and your ears will hear unfamiliar terms, leaving you excited and dizzy.

Most men will forever remember the moment they heard the good news, 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 stick show results with their wives, some saw a text message, or learned through Twitter.

What is a Miscarriage?#

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

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

Miscarriages can be divided into three types:

Complete Miscarriage: Refers to the expulsion of the embryo and all remaining pregnancy products from the body. At this time, the cervix is closed.
Incomplete Miscarriage: 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: 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 high levels of estrogen in the body, some pregnant women may even experience a series of pregnancy reactions after the fetus has died.

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

Why Do Miscarriages Happen?#

This is indeed an unpleasant topic, but we still need to discuss it. Generally, fetuses with certain abnormalities are more likely to miscarry. For example, among fetuses that miscarry in the first three months, almost half have chromosomal abnormalities, which can hinder normal fetal development.

The second reason is somewhat similar to the first: the fetus fails to successfully attach to the uterine wall – this is purely due to bad luck and is not caused by any negligence or error 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 is 6.4%, while for those aged 35 to 40, the rate rises to 14.7%, and for those over 40, the rate can be as high as 23.1%.

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

Using certain painkillers can also increase the risk of miscarriage. In 2001, a Danish report indicated that taking ibuprofen or aspirin could directly lead to an 80% increase in miscarriage rates. 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 menstrual cramps, accompanied by heavy bleeding. However, your wife may not realize this is a miscarriage, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
Bleeding during early pregnancy does not always indicate a miscarriage. Generally, 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 immediately, as you cannot be too cautious even if the bleeding stops quickly.

After a Miscarriage#

Regardless of how early the miscarriage occurs, losing a child is heartbreaking. Just like many of life's ups and downs, 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 a while before trying to conceive again, at least until the woman has had one menstrual cycle, although emotionally, that ordinary cycle can feel incredibly long.

You and your wife may feel similarly or differently about losing the child. Of course, this also depends on the type of miscarriage: a missed miscarriage requires medical intervention to remove the remaining fetal tissue, which adds to the physical pain and leads to greater emotional suffering.

Early miscarriage may be nature's way of screening life: for those less suited for survival, it is best to halt them before their lives begin. Understanding this, I hope you can view miscarriage more rationally and face the future more resiliently. 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 heartbroken you are over the loss of your child, remember: most couples who have experienced miscarriage have supported each other through it, and they eventually have healthy, lively babies of their own.

What is 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 can 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 joke! If not handled promptly, it can pose a life-threatening risk to the pregnant woman. Regardless of where the fetus is attached, pregnancy must be terminated – the fetal tissue must be completely cleared from the body.

Ectopic pregnancies are usually discovered between the 4th and 10th week 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 to other locations.

How to Determine Ectopic Pregnancy#

There are generally two methods to determine ectopic pregnancy:

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 unwell or even faint, requiring immediate hospitalization. A positive pregnancy test indicates the need for immediate surgery. This indicates that the ectopic pregnancy site has ruptured, leading to internal bleeding.

This is why this relatively rare condition has gained such notoriety.

How to Handle Ectopic Pregnancy#

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

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

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 caused by the previous ectopic pregnancy to one or both fallopian tubes.

After Ectopic Pregnancy#

After discussing the manifestations and serious consequences of ectopic pregnancy, we may have overlooked one point: like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy also means 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've never seen a soon-to-be dad not 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). More precise calculation methods 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 will be 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 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 rate. 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 develop into your baby – jackpot!

Next, the fetal half will split into three parts, which will later 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 think: this is a crucial part! But wait, let's look at the next part.

The middle part will become the skeleton, muscles (including heart 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 fetus's spine begins to form, and there is even the faintest heartbeat – but at this point, your wife may still be completely unaware, thinking she just has a cold, unaware that a tiny miracle of life is happening inside her.

Your Wife
Most expectant mothers who are just one month pregnant do not show any obvious signs. She may still feel like her period is about to arrive – this is normal; her "old friend" hasn't gone far yet – she may feel the need to urinate more frequently, and her breasts may feel a bit 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 "drizzle."

However, 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 calm month with no 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 future 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 type of early pregnancy reaction. Everyone has heard of it, and most pregnant women have experienced it, of course, no one likes it.

First, it is important to understand that morning sickness does not necessarily only occur in the morning. The person who coined this term clearly grew tired of waiting by the side while his wife vomited. After seeing his wife vomit several times in one morning, he impatiently thought, "I've had enough; I don't even have an appetite for lunch." Thus, the term "morning sickness" has persisted to this day. Pregnant women may feel nauseous and vomit at any time of the day, even at night.

The cause of morning sickness remains a mystery. Some believe that during early pregnancy, hormonal changes in the pregnant woman's body 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 in their bodies. Additionally, during the first three months of pregnancy, estrogen levels in the pregnant woman's body also surge, coinciding with the most severe period of morning sickness. Elevated estrogen can make the pregnant woman more sensitive to certain smells, triggering morning sickness.

Another theory suggests that morning sickness is entirely a result of evolution. Many scientists believe that nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are a manifestation of humans adapting to nature, preventing pregnant women from mistakenly 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, barking. Additionally, alcoholic beverages 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 101 pages. Let's look at some of the most incredible claims. My personal favorite is that morning sickness is a manifestation of the expectant mother's dislike for her husband. Subconsciously, she hopes to vomit to rid herself of the child in her belly. Let's pay homage to the proposer 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 itself 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 vomits, and perhaps your suede shoes are about to wear out.

For most pregnant women, morning sickness begins to alleviate around the third to fourth month of pregnancy, although some may continue to experience it for a longer period, and some even more unfortunate women may have morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy.

What Can You Do as a Husband?#

First, do not force your wife to eat those nutritious foods that make her feel nauseous. Since she cannot eat, let her have something else, such as grapes, Scotch eggs, or salty crackers. As long as she does not treat these as meals, a little bit will not hurt; the sky will not fall.

Expectant mothers have plenty of nutrients stored in their livers, which can continuously supply the fetus, so occasionally eating something without nutritional value will not 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 is best to drink water in small amounts multiple times rather than in large quantities at once.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals, 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 is a good excuse to snack in bed.
Wait a while before eating very hot food – this is wise because cold food does not 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 do not touch them.

Due to pregnancy, women undergo a series of adjustments in their bodies, including the secretion of large amounts of estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones are the main culprits behind some uncomfortable pregnancy reactions. As hormone levels rise significantly, your wife's breasts will enlarge due to the storage of 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 enticing they become, you must keep your hands to yourself and remain calm.

Pregnancy Rhinitis
Before we shift the topic away from pain, let’s focus on a phenomenon that is often overlooked but can indeed make expectant mothers quite uncomfortable: pregnancy rhinitis.

The cause of pregnancy rhinitis is our familiar old friend estrogen. It causes swelling and pain inside 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 have a lot of unspoken suffering. 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"? Yes, those "evil" hormones again. This time, they encourage the muscles inside the intestines to "slack off." They do this for a reason that sounds somewhat reasonable: to allow food to stay in the body longer, promoting better absorption of nutrients by the mother and 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 will cause bloating and produce a lot of "harmful gas," which can be quite shocking.
Eating six small meals a day is far better than three large meals.
Water, juice, and vegetable juice can not only promote intestinal movement but also soften stools, making it less painful for pregnant women to pass stools.

Fatigue
Imagine this – your body is working hard to create, protect, and nourish a new life. Your sleep pattern is no longer a solid night’s rest but rather intermittent, as you feel uncomfortable every 35 seconds. You spend 12 hours a day vomiting and another 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 may not be able to sit through an episode of "EastEnders." The solution is very simple: do not push yourself. It sounds easy, but it is not. If your wife loves to work or does not want to miss out on her friends' gatherings, she may try to push through the fatigue, but in reality, whether it is work or socializing, it will ultimately be defeated by the relentless waves of fatigue during early pregnancy.

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

And do not 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 accompany expectant mothers for the entire nine months, leaving them feeling uncomfortable. Progesterone (yes, another troublemaking hormone) slows down the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, causing food to linger in the stomach. As if that is not enough, it also relaxes the esophageal sphincter, weakening the pressure inside the esophagus, allowing stomach acid to reflux, leading to heartburn.

Let’s take a look at this introduction: the esophagus passes through the diaphragm into the abdominal cavity through a hole called the esophageal hiatus, which widens during pregnancy, leading to the occurrence of hiatal hernia. 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 pregnant women lie flat to sleep, it facilitates the reflux of stomach acid.

Most pregnant women know that regular antacids can help them relieve heartburn, but it is important to note: antacids should be taken 15 minutes before meals – otherwise, the medication will not have time to be absorbed by the stomach lining and will be expelled along with partially digested food, just like some disgusting ice cream commercials.

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 word "hormone" itself in Greek originally means "to arouse to activity," and indeed it does.

This powerful "cocktail" is undoubtedly also the culprit behind emotional fluctuations, heightening the various emotional responses of expectant mothers by eight degrees. Of course, its "stirring up" premise is that the baby in the expectant mother's belly has triggered all her emotions – joy, fear, worry, excitement – a mix of feelings pouring into the "hot oil pot" filled with hormones, no wonder expectant mothers often burst into tears for no apparent reason.

Emotional fluctuations usually occur in the second month of pregnancy and gradually decrease around the fourth, fifth, and sixth months. However, as labor approaches, this phenomenon often "makes a comeback."

During your partner'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 just worrying about whether you can cope, while you may feel confused and at a loss, you are much luckier than your wife, as at least your belly is not 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 she gains weight, 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 inaccuracy of the weather forecast, and the next she is furious about the cabinet switch not working smoothly. 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 calm her down as soon as possible. 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 an explosive 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 once 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 very strongly. The arms are not fully formed yet, but the wrists and fingers are starting to appear. The legs are just beginning to differentiate, and tiny, adorable toes are already growing at the ends.

Beneath the baby's paper-thin skin, the face is taking shape. The nose is beginning to appear, the lines of the cheeks and jaw are becoming clear, and there is even a little tongue 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 is a boy, his testicles have already formed the most primitive sperm. If he wants to have children, he can do so. Rest assured, kid.

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop has formed, 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 throughout the entire pregnancy. She neither feels too uncomfortable nor experiences much soreness, and her belly is not too big, but just right – she is a healthy, radiant, happy mom. If you are lucky, her good health also means she is in a good mood, with increased blood flow to the pelvis, heightened breast sensitivity, and an easier time 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 thyroid activity may cause her to sweat more than usual.

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

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

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

Essential Items#

There are a few things that are essential for the baby, and only a few. Aside from the terrifying 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 to a standard crib. As the child grows day by day, you can then transition to 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 the little cage you created for them like a Russian gymnast.

Bathtub
Putting a newborn in an adult bathtub is like using a hedge trimmer to shape your eyebrows. You need to prepare a baby bathtub, but remember, it is just a big plastic bowl that holds water. Any claims that their products can make bathing incredibly enjoyable and relaxing, while also protecting the child's precious creativity, are just advertisements defending the £30 price tag.

Changing Pads
There is no need to make your home filthy – a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

Diapers
In the first couple of years after the child is born, you really need 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 million 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 that will take.

Cotton Cloths
They are highly absorbent and are usually used to clean up various sticky messes. Scientists have confirmed that our household cotton cloths always seem to "mysteriously disappear" – so you might as well buy a few hundred and hide them in various corners of your two bedrooms. I bet when you urgently need to deal with a sticky mess, you will find that all the cotton cloths have mysteriously ended up under the sofa, smiling faintly at you.

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

In the first six months after 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 outfits and a pair of baby mittens so that the baby won't scratch themselves to pieces at night.

What you should pay attention to is those around you who had children before you; they must have a whole box of baby clothes in their attic. Spend some time and effort to get your hands on them; it is equivalent to a treasure trove. If you do not have such friends or neighbors, check community websites; you may find someone in your neighborhood giving away baby clothes for those in need.

New Products
While not essential, this product has become a new favorite among dads shortly after its launch, so I want to mention it here.

A diaper pail is a plastic container for holding dirty diapers. Its top is a small box that holds a roll of scented garbage bags. When in use, you simply stuff the dirty diaper into the top, twist the handle, and the diaper will be 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 your kitchen won't smell terrible, nor will the stairwell carry an unpleasant odor for a week.

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

Don't Rush
Before the baby is born, no matter how much advice you hear, you will inevitably fall into a strange loop. For some reason, you always forget that the place you live is only 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 tests that even Stephen Hawking would struggle with.

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

But conversely, this is also a significant waste. Pay more attention to eBay, your local charity shops, community networks, or similar websites; this will save you a lot of money. Also, read books on how new parents can manage their finances, such as "Baby Economics" by Madeleine Thomas, which will also be helpful for you.

Another major issue you must not overlook is: regardless of what money-saving tricks you and your wife employ, you must reach a consensus and execute it together. You certainly do not want to have a falling out over a brush with Winnie the Pooh or Tigger just because your child was 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 centimeters. At this point, their growth rate begins to slow down (though weight is still increasing), and the development of other key parts begins to take center stage, 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 until just before birth, but from birth until the child is about five years old, the brain will continue to develop.

As muscles begin to form, 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 improving 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 soaking in amniotic fluid for too long. If the baby has a piece of celery or a carrot nearby, they can have their first vegetable salad in life. Haha.

The development of the fetal reproductive organs is also going well. If you are having a daughter, her ovaries already contain 7 million eggs, which will sharply decrease to 2 million before birth. If it is a boy, his testicles have already formed the most primitive sperm. If he wants to have children, he can do so. Rest assured, kid.

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop has formed, 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 leaking breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

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

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

Essential Items#

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

Changing Pads
There is no need to make your home filthy – a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

New Products
While not essential, this product has become a new favorite among dads shortly after its launch, so I want to mention it here.

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

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop has formed, 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 leaking breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

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

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

Essential Items#

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

Changing Pads
There is no need to make your home filthy – a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

New Products
While not essential, this product has become a new favorite among dads shortly after its launch, so I want to mention it here.

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

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop has formed, 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 leaking breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

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

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

Essential Items#

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

Changing Pads
There is no need to make your home filthy – a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

New Products
While not essential, this product has become a new favorite among dads shortly after its launch, so I want to mention it here.

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

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop has formed, 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 leaking breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

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

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

Essential Items#

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

Changing Pads
There is no need to make your home filthy – a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

New Products
While not essential, this product has become a new favorite among dads shortly after its launch, so I want to mention it here.

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

Another little surprise: the baby's first poop has formed, 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 leaking breast milk, which may seem a bit early. That should be the first delicious meal for your baby after birth.

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

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

Essential Items#

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

Changing Pads
There is no need to make your home filthy – a £10 changing pad can solve everything.

Cotton Cloths
They are highly absorbent and are usually used to clean up various sticky messes. Scientists have confirmed that our household cotton cloth