Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life. Throughout the course of your pregnancy, many changes will take place. Each trimester will bring different feelings as you change and your baby develops within you. Pregnancy may require changes in roles, especially if you're married. Everyone in the family will be impacted by conception and pregnancy. Childbirth classes, video programs, and other training materials may help, especially if this is your first baby. The first trimester changes include nausea and fatigue, tingling breasts, and cessation of your menstrual period. You may question your effectiveness as a parent and your ability to care for your baby. Fathers may stress about being a good provider. Upsetting dreams about your baby and family can be normal during this time.

The second trimester brings warm feelings of well-being. Your blood volume will increase. You will be able to feel the first movements of your baby known as quickening or fluttering. Preoccupation with yourself and your baby is normal. You may experience a sense of pride in the development of the baby as you begin to show more. Many thoughts about the future and your roles as parents are normal too. You may have dreams about the baby's personality. The third trimester you will start preparing for delivery. You may question your role as a mother. Feelings of anxiety on being a parent and caring for an infant are normal. You may become engrossed with all babies and baby items. You may have concern over your attractiveness due to the size of your body and your physical appearance. You will probably have thoughts about financial security and preparation of the baby's area or room. Interest in sex may decrease, so finding new ways to express your love and emotions are important. This is a good time to experiment with alternative ways of communicating love and caring for each other instead of traditional intercourse. Effective communication with each other during this time is important.

The postpartum period places high demands on your time from your new baby. Overwhelming exhaustion, lack of sleep, lack of knowledge and feelings of too many responsibilities are normal. Many of these can cause feelings of depression. Remember that all this is temporary and that things will return to normal soon. Staying active and busy can help. Partners need time together to support and love each other, but also need space to grow and develop as individuals.

The above caregiving information is merely suggested. Always consult your physician for your specific needs. Your health and that of your baby should always be your primary concern. The authors assume no risk for misapplication of the above information.

More information regarding emotional changes can be found on programs #00180, "Emotional Changes & Sexuality during Pregnancy and Postpartum" and #00260, "Postpartum Period: The Mother and the Newborn"