Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 6
Welcome to Week 6! So much growth is taking place inside your body and you may be noticing more changes like running to the bathroom more often!
What’s Going on with Baby
Week 6, your baby is the size of a pomegranate seed!
Rapid growth occurs as your baby develops essential parts of their tiny body. The heart and organs are also starting to form and your baby is beginning to take on a C-shaped curvature. Little arm buds are forming that will eventually become their left and right arms. Here are some other things going on with your baby:
The neural tube is closing this week, which is what becomes your baby’s brain and spinal cord.
An optic ventricle is present, forming your baby’s eyes later.
Can you believe your baby is also forming their nose, ears, and jaw during this time?
What’s Going on with Mom
Getting up to go to the bathroom more often? Yes, that is normal, even if it is annoying. The reason why pregnancy causes increased urination is because of that precious hormone known as hCG. Increased blood volume is another reason you’re running to the bathroom more than average.
When am I at a lower risk for miscarriage? You may be wondering whether you’re in the clear or not during this early stage of pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage depends on various factors, including:
Age. The risk for miscarriage increases slightly between the ages of 30 and 34, while women in the 35-39 age bracket have a more noticeable increase. While the risk increases as women age, many women 40 and over have healthy babies.
Health. Some chronic health conditions can increase the risk of miscarriage. Obesity, certain infections, and cervical issues can also increase a woman’s risk of miscarriage.
Medical history. Similar to health, a woman’s medical history, such as experiencing a previous miscarriage or having a reproductive disorder like PCOS, can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Lifestyle. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and even excessive amounts of caffeine increase Mom’s risk of having a miscarriage.
In general, the risk for miscarriage decreases significantly after Week 12 or when Mom transitions into the second trimester of her pregnancy.
What’s going on with Partner
As Dad prepares for the future, now is a great time to talk with Mom about developing a budget for baby’s eventual arrival. If you don’t already know—babies need things and those things add up in cost! Here are some things to consider when budgeting for baby:
Prenatal care, labor, and hospital costs. These expenses can be pretty steep if insurance isn’t covering it all. Talk with your healthcare professionals to understand what you should budget for childbirth and other costs.
Nursery and baby gear. We’re talking about a crib, rocking chair, pack ‘n play, swing, stroller, car seat, and more.
Diapers, wipes, and formula. You may be surprised by how quickly your baby will go through diapers, wipes, and formula. Budgeting ahead is ideal! If you’re planning to nurse, that’s one less thing you must budget for.
Childcare. One of the most expensive costs is childcare for your little one. If you plan to utilize childcare, now is the time to start budgeting.
For more ways to prepare for baby as a couple, check out The Pregnant Couple Playbook.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
Ben talks all about paying for childbirth in this blog. If you're in the US, be sure you're prepared financially to pay for your birth! If you're not in the US, be sure to confirm if there's any hidden costs you need to prepare for.
