Get ready for an emotional adventure

How is your baby growing?

You can finally see your baby on the ultrasound. It is a curled-up little worm, in which the early stages of arms and legs are already visible.  

Your baby's heart is beating for the first time. The pulse is visible in the umbilical cord, which is also visible. If at first the heart beats a little slowly, it will soon accelerate to 100 to 120 beats per minute. This is about twice your own heart rate.

Organ development also begins: nerve pathways, inner ear, intestines, lungs, liver, thyroid gland, stomach, and kidneys are formed.

How is your belly growing?

Your body is now fully adapting to pregnancy: the hormones hCg, estrogen, relaxin, and progesterone are now particularly active. This can manifest itself in fatigue, exhaustion, or nausea. Your mood may also fluctuate, and although this is not pleasant, it is completely normal. Be kind to yourself and take short breaks when you need them.  

Each hormone prepares your body for the growth and birth of your baby in its own way.  

• hCg prevents further ovulation and menstruation.
• Estrogen makes your breasts even more sensitive and your nipples darker.
• Relaxin makes your ligaments and connective tissues more elastic to facilitate childbirth later on.
• Progesterone relaxes the muscles of the uterus so that your baby has a soft environment and can grow comfortably. 

What makes you grow as a family?

Are you one of those pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness?  

Then don't worry, unfortunately many expectant mothers feel the same or something similar. These small changes to your daily routine can help:

• Have your first meal of the day lying in bed (e.g., crackers and mint tea or a smoothie). You can either prepare it the night before and leave it next to your bed (e.g., in a well-sealed thermos) or ask your partner to order room service. Here is a delicious smoothie recipe for you.
• It is better to eat five small meals throughout the day than three large ones.
• Season your food lightly.
• Avoid carbonated drinks, sour juices, and raw onions. 

Tip: Be kind to yourself. Take breaks, rest, and enjoy small moments of well-being.  

For parents-to-be, this period is full of new impressions—and sometimes unusual mood swings. Laughing together, being understanding, and supporting each other makes things easier for both of you.  

A tip from mom Anna:  

'Warn' future dads!  When you're pregnant, your hormones sometimes go crazy – at some point, every mom-to-be thinks she's going crazy. Dear dads: this always happens and it's normal – just be prepared, be tender and understanding, and breathe deeply – it will pass!'