Understanding Pregnancy Dating

Pregnancy is calculated from the Last Menstrual Period (LMP), not conception. This means your partner is considered "pregnant" for about 2 weeks before conception actually occurs.

Full-term pregnancy: 37-42 weeks from LMP
Due date: 40 weeks from LMP
Conception occurs around week 2
Implantation occurs around week 3-4

First Trimester: Weeks 1-12

Weeks 1-4: Pre-Conception to Implantation

What's Happening

Week 1-2: Last menstrual period
Week 2: Ovulation and conception
Week 3: Fertilized egg travels to uterus
Week 4: Implantation occurs
Pregnancy hormones begin

How You Can Help

Support healthy lifestyle choices
Take folic acid supplements together
Quit smoking/drinking if applicable
Start tracking cycles if trying to conceive
Be patient and supportive

Weeks 5-8: Confirmation and First Appointment

🏥 First Prenatal Appointment (Week 6-8)

This is a big moment for both of you!

Tests and Procedures

Pregnancy confirmation
Complete medical history
Physical exam and pelvic exam
Blood work (CBC, blood type, STI screening)
Urine test
Pap smear if due

Your Role

Attend the appointment if invited
Provide your medical history
Ask questions about the pregnancy
Discuss your concerns and excitement
Start taking prenatal vitamins together
Begin learning about pregnancy

Weeks 9-12: Managing Early Symptoms

Common Symptoms She May Experience

Morning sickness and nausea
Extreme fatigue
Breast tenderness
Frequent urination
Food aversions and cravings
Mood swings

How to Support Her

Take over cooking if smells bother her
Handle household chores
Let her rest when needed
Be patient with mood changes
Keep healthy snacks available
Research pregnancy together

Second Trimester: Weeks 13-27

Weeks 13-16: The "Golden Period" Begins

🏥 Regular Prenatal Visits (Every 4 weeks)

Routine monitoring begins

What Happens at Visits

Weight and blood pressure check
Urine test for protein and glucose
Fetal heartbeat monitoring
Fundal height measurement
Discussion of symptoms
Answer questions and concerns

Your Involvement

Attend appointments when possible
Listen to baby's heartbeat
Start discussing birth preferences
Begin planning nursery
Consider announcing pregnancy
Start thinking about childbirth classes

Weeks 15-20: Optional Genetic Screening

🧬 Genetic Testing Options

These are optional tests to screen for genetic conditions

Available Tests

Quad screen blood test (15-20 weeks)
Cell-free DNA testing (10+ weeks)
Amniocentesis (15-20 weeks)
Carrier screening for genetic conditions

Decision Making Together

Discuss testing preferences
Consider your family histories
Understand what tests can and cannot detect
Talk about how you'd handle results
Support her decision either way

Weeks 18-22: The Big Ultrasound

📱 Anatomy Scan - Don't Miss This!

This is when you'll see your baby in detail and possibly learn the gender

What the Scan Shows

Baby's anatomy and development
Growth measurements
Placenta location
Amniotic fluid levels
Gender (if you want to know)
Multiple babies confirmation

Make it Special

Take time off work to attend
Bring a camera for photos
Ask for extra ultrasound pictures
Decide together about learning gender
Plan a celebration afterward
Share the news with family

Weeks 24-27: Feeling Movement and Preparing

Exciting Developments

You might feel baby's kicks
Baby responds to sounds
Viability milestone reached (24 weeks)
Her energy levels are good
Belly is clearly showing

Activities and Preparations

Start talking/singing to baby
Begin shopping for baby items
Research childbirth classes
Start planning maternity leave
Take maternity photos
Consider a babymoon trip

Third Trimester: Weeks 28-40

Weeks 28-32: Increased Monitoring

🏥 Visits Every 2 Weeks + Important Tests

More frequent monitoring begins

Key Tests Around 28 Weeks

Glucose screening test (gestational diabetes)
Complete blood count
RhoGAM shot if Rh-negative
Antibody screening
Blood pressure monitoring

Supporting Her Comfort

Help with household tasks
Attend glucose test with her
Support dietary changes if needed
Massage her back and feet
Help her find comfortable positions
Start childbirth classes together

Weeks 32-36: Final Preparations

Medical Monitoring

Baby's position assessment
Growth monitoring
Blood pressure checks
Protein in urine testing
Fetal movement counting

Practical Preparations

Install car seat
Pack hospital bags
Finish nursery setup
Stock up on essentials
Plan route to hospital
Discuss birth plan

Weeks 35-37: Group B Strep and Final Checks

🧪 Group B Strep Test (35-37 weeks)

Important test to protect baby during delivery

What to Expect

Simple swab test
Checks for GBS bacteria
Results determine labor treatment
Positive results need antibiotics in labor
Very routine and common

Getting Ready for Labor

Practice breathing techniques
Review labor signs
Know when to call doctor
Have emergency contacts ready
Prepare for different scenarios
Take care of last-minute tasks

Weeks 37-40: Weekly Visits and Labor Watch

🏥 Weekly Appointments + Cervical Checks

Baby is now considered full-term!

What Doctors Monitor

Cervical dilation and effacement
Baby's position and station
Blood pressure and weight
Signs of preeclampsia
Fetal heart rate
Signs of labor beginning

Your Final Preparations

Be on call 24/7
Keep hospital bag in car
Have phone charged
Know labor signs
Arrange pet/child care
Stay close to home

Financial and Practical Timeline

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)

• Review health insurance coverage
• Start emergency fund
• Research maternity/paternity leave
• Consider life insurance

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)

• Submit insurance pre-authorization
• Research childcare options
• Budget for baby expenses
• Consider changing health plans

Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)

• Finalize maternity leave paperwork
• Add baby to insurance
• Prepare FMLA documentation
• Stock up on necessities

After Delivery

• Submit birth certificate
• Apply for Social Security number
• Update insurance coverage
• File FMLA if applicable

Your Journey as an Expectant Father

This timeline helps you stay informed and involved throughout your partner's pregnancy. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so some timelines may vary. The most important thing is to be present, supportive, and engaged in this incredible journey to parenthood. Your involvement and support make a real difference in your partner's experience and your baby's health.