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Your Prenatal Baby

Last Updated: September 03, 2009 Related resource areas: Parenting

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Congratulations! Becoming a Parent Brings Joy and Change

Download the 1st Trimester Newsletter (PDF) in  English
Download the 1st Trimester Newsletter (PDF) in English

Becoming a parent is fun and scary at the same time. Future moms and dads feel all kinds of things like excitement, joy, pride, fear, worry, and insecurity. All of these feelings are normal. This is a very important time for you and your partner. You will need each other’s support and encouragement as you start this new and exciting adventure called parenting.

Having a baby, especially your first, is a time of many changes. Most first time parents get very little preparation for the big event and how this new little one will impact their lives. You will need to figure out how to juggle responsibilities of work or school and family. Your new baby will bring new joy, but also new pressures and worries. It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed. You’re not expected to figure everything out overnight. You’re not alone in how you feel and this time of adjustment will pass.

If you will be raising your baby alone, you will have added pressures on your time and energy. The decisions and arrangements you make now will help make your transition to parenthood a little easier. Check for resources for parents in your community. It is important to build a support network to help you adjust to becoming a parent.

Tips for the First Trimester

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Learn more about Your Prenatal Baby: Second Trimester from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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