For most women, pregnancy (267 days on average) is a very special time.
After all, a new life grows within them. Expectant parents will find many helpful articles on the following pages. From A for drug passport to W for childbirth, we have put together numerous tips for pregnant women.

Tips for pregnant women and parents-to-be

There it is again – the gentle fluttering in your stomach. In fact, a small, new person is emerging there. The little creature matures for nine months in a safe environment and goes through numerous stages of development – but this phase also means a time of change for the parents-to-be. Not only for the mother-to-be, but also for the father-to-be.

Current tips & information for pregnant women:

  • Take advantage of the beautiful days in autumn for long walks. Movement is good and after the birth you have to do with redesigning everyday life. So take some more time for yourself.
  • Especially during the Corona Pandemic it is difficult for many pregnant women to find a midwife. Therefore, you should start your search as early as possible.
  • Find out in good time at the hospital or birth center how the birth is currently taking place. (Can the father be present at the birth ? Can family and friends come to visit?)
  • Since pregnant women have an increased risk of getting seriously ill with Corona, you should get vaccinated. Your family doctor and gynaecologist will advise you on this. It is very important to comply with the current corona rules during pregnancy. So keep your distance, wear a mask and do a corona test regularly – even if you are vaccinated.
  • Get the initial equipment for the baby, breastfeeding clothes and anything else you need in good time. In some areas there are delivery problems due to the Corona Pandemic. The sooner you take care of the errands, the more time you have to look for alternatives.
  • Find out more about what your health insurance company offers! For example, some health insurance companies cover the costs of care by a midwife, birth preparation courses and postnatal gymnastics.
  • After giving birth, many women want their old figure back as quickly as possible. But it’s usually not that simple. A little exercise and a healthy diet are definitely part of it. You should also admit that a new phase of life begins with the child and that your figure and appearance will change as a result. So a few “rolls of bacon” aren’t bad.

Pregnancy – What’s happening in the belly?

In the first few days and weeks, the pregnancy often goes unnoticed, while a new life develops inside the mother. Rapid cell divisions and growth spurts lead to the formation of the first organs and limbs. From around the 10th week, the baby can already move its arms and legs and perceive the first stimuli from outside. Around the 18th week of pregnancy, mothers often feel the first movements of the child, the offspring are now consolidating their own sleeping and waking rhythm. Around four weeks later, the development of the brain begins, from the 7th month the baby can open its eyes and suck its thumb.

There is still enough space in the stomach for somersaults, but already in the 8th month it is getting tighter and tighter. The offspring now puts on a lot of weight again and turns with its head downwards. Finally, the last month is equally exhausting for mother and child. There is hardly any room to move in the stomach, the child is constantly bumping into its mother’s stomach, heart and diaphragm.

If it’s in a good location, you can sometimes hear your heartbeat through your abdomen if you put your ear to it. A tiny thing has become a perfect little person, the birth is imminent. The water is breaking.

Pregnant – woman in a state of emergency:

Hooray – a baby! Many women seem to float with happiness during the first few weeks of pregnancy. They literally glow until the physical and biochemical changes in their bodies begin to take effect. Lead tiredness, bad mood, morning sickness, back pain and stretching pain (Other pregnancy complaints) are fortunately often gone after the first trimester, but then the belly grows.

While the gentle curve initially arouses enthusiasm, the rapidly expanding front soon gets in the way and makes relaxed sitting or lying down a challenge. Very lively children attack their mothers with kicks and punches while they are still in the womb; the baby often wakes up when mum wants to rest – namely at night. All daily chores are becoming increasingly difficult, and the euphoria about growing a family is often replaced by the desire for salvation. Most pregnant women find the last 2-3 weeks in particular to be extremely strenuous.

In addition, there is a wildly bubbling rollercoaster of emotions, in which anticipation, worries, fears, panic at being overwhelmed and self-doubt with pride, Mix happiness and deep contentment. To a certain extent, this is all completely normal, but no woman has to be afraid to openly express her feelings. Regular medical checks create security, and many partners appreciate being involved in every development and every condition. Just talk to your partner about it! After all, he was involved in procreation.

parallel universe man

In contrast to the mother, the father lacks all physical experiences in connection with pregnancy. Still, no man is doomed to live apathetically by the action. “He” has numerous opportunities to consciously support his partner and to get actively involved. Maybe he (temporarily) shares unusual cravings, takes care of the stomach, takes a joint birth preparation course or accompanies the birth. It’s meant for expectant fathers who, out of a feeling of solidarity, develop physical symptoms similar to those of the pregnant woman – that can be very comforting. It is important not to lose intellectual contact with each other and to talk about everything – men can have pregnancy worries too! These often revolve around the well-being of mother and child and also around the financial side of family planning.

Now in the Corona Pandemic, pregnancy is a very special challenge for many women. Ask your doctor how you can protect yourself and your child from the coronavirus. Feel free to include your partner in the conversation as well.