Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Does the Baby Take Anything from Mom in the First Trimester?

My boyfriend tells me during the first trimester that the fetus doesn't take in anything from the mother.

So if you drink or do any drugs or whatever then the baby won't consume and of it because the umbilical cord isn't attached yet. I'm just wondering if its true.

So my actual question is Does a fetus still consume what your body takes in during the first trimester?

Answer:

A newly fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and into the uterus where it implants in the uterine lining very quickly; generally within the first 8-10 days or so after conception.

At this point all of the baby's primitive systems begin to develop, including the placenta and umbilical cord. By 5 weeks of pregnancy you can see the placenta and cord - the embryo that is the baby looks much like a tiny seahorse with an oversized heart, and the placenta is seen against the uterine wall. This is just around 24 days after conception, and there is more going on before that which we can't see as well!

Drugs, drinking, poor diet, etc. all have an impact on the embryo at this point. The first trimester is, in fact, the time when all of the baby's organs and vital body systems form. What an expectant mother eats, drinks, smokes, inhales, etc. can all have an impact on the baby.

Many mothers have done some drinking without realizing they are pregnant - and their babies are fine. But it's always, always, always best to stop smoking, drugs, drinking, etc. when you find out you are pregnant. Take your vitamins and follow a good pregnancy diet as soon as you get that positive pregnancy test. Your baby is developing every day - and DOES depend on your body to provide the proper nutrients.