Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life, but can sometimes be a difficult experience especially if the expectant mother does not have the support she needs. Just as it takes two individuals coming together to form the growing embryo it also requires the two, mother and father, to make the 9 month journey and beyond. The female egg is fertilized by the male sperm each carrying 23 chromosomes. These chromosomes which are housed in both mother’s egg and father’s sperm carry DNA, RNA and other genetic materials. It is the quality of the egg and sperm that determines the beginning of human development, the sex of the child, the child’s mental and physical constitution as well as hereditary factors (traits).
We know the mother’s nutrition plays a significant role in the baby’s development. But do we consider her physical, mental and emotional condition, her support systems, or her relationship with her partner (male parent)? The mother’s emotional and mental state are also major influences in fetal development. Emotional reactions such as sadness, anger, and fear release a chemical from the brain. These chemicals do affect the mother’s blood and it is her blood that builds the baby’s body.
All chemicals made from the brain due to the emotional state of the mother do cross the placenta into the baby’s blood stream and affects all of the tissues. It is pertinent to be balanced both physically and emotionally.
The best pregnancy is one planned for 24 months prior to conception. This involves both parents, male and female, from planning period to gestation. Research was done on paternal involvement during pregnancy and featured in the 2009 issue of the Maternal Child Health Journal. Studies show the support from the father (of an unborn child) during pregnancy alleviates some of the burdens of stress on the pregnant mother. When fathers are involved with the pregnancy, maternal negative behaviors diminish and risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and fetal growth restriction is significantly reduced.
So we see the man plays a major role in being present and supportive during the development of the baby. To all pregnant couples especially the dads I have provided a link to one father’s story on his loving commitment to his wife and child on their journey of pregnancy.
Click here to access the story “How to Take Care of a Pregnant Wife”
Peace and Bliss
Carole
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