Is your character expecting a few bundles of joy?
Congratulations! Welcome to the beautiful (and kind of gross) world of parenthood! The guide below is to help our members know what type of changes their pregnant character will be experiencing and when. This will help you portray pregnancy accurately in-character, aiding the organic, unfolding story of how they and those around them discover the miracle of life.
Appearance and changes: Your character’s heat has ended, and now all they can do is wait.
Appearance and changes: It’s still too early to tell if conception was successful, even for the most experienced. Your character may begin to feel anxious, either fearing or anticipating the results.
Appearance and changes: Sometimes a character may begin to feel odd, maybe it’s all in their head? Maybe they have a sixth sense? Actual symptoms haven’t quite shown up.
Appearance and changes: An onset of morning sickness may be your character’s first sign of parenthood. Though, it doesn’t mix well with their increased appetite, as their body scrambles to fuel itself for growing all those little bodies.
With the onset of high levels of hormones, pregnant characters may also get extremely affectionate around this time. Cuddling and sticking close to those they care for might be their new favorite activity.
Appearance and changes: Subtle appearance changes are noticeable, if they know what to look for. A minuscule amount of weight is gained, their waist fills out some and aligns more with their ribs. Maybe they’re just getting kind of fat? Or maybe new life is on the way!
Appearance and changes: Your character has gained a bit more weight, and now it’s noticeable to anyone that looks at them long enough. The expecting character now has a faint roundness to their belly. Their scents will often change around this time, too, notifying those around them of their situation. Mood swings and territorial behavior may be evident from the fourth week and lasting until delivery; approach with caution (and snacks).
Appearance and changes: Your character’s belly is getting swollen and firm, adding more weight to their body. Discomfort may arise around this week, as joint pain and cramps can be quite common. Whomever told them they will “glow during pregnancy”, has been added to a list of those to direct pregnant rage at.
Characters will see their breast tissue grow swollen, dark, and tender in preparation for milk stores. It may be recommended to take herbs soon, to increase milk supply!
Pregnant characters can start to feel the wiggling of their litter’s movements, though it’s still too soon for others to feel.
Appearance and changes: Ever growing and gaining weight, visible movements from the young inside your character is now apparent. Other characters can place a paw on their belly and feel the gentle flutter of life.
A loss of appetite or aversion to certain foods is common during this time. Pregnant characters will often begin to grow restless, finding the need to prioritize nesting and preparing a whelping den.
Your character has lost the ability to walk normally, welcome to the waddle stage.
Appearance and changes: Your character's belly will hang very low as their litter moves into position, preparing for delivery. Milk comes in fully around this time, their body is ready to care for the little lives it carries. If others look closely, they can see the little paws pressing against your character’s belly — it’s… a little freaky. Maybe don’t look closely.
Existing is all the work your character can do right now. Hunting, patrolling, and even leisurely strolls are too taxing. Your character’s body is preserving its energy for the fast-approaching day of labor.
They may also have a “false labor”, also called Braxton hicks contractions. While uncomfortable (and a little scary to first time parents), they are not a danger to the litter or the parent.
Someone should make sure to bring your character some food, they’re working hard with this whole “growing kids” business.
Appearance and changes: Your character looks… well, very tired and a bit stressed out. The time has finally come!
Labor will begin with the onset of contractions, these full-body cramps will grow with intensity and frequency as delivery nears. Discomfort may turn into pain, but I promise, it’s all worth it!
BONUS: Characters with herbal knowledge may be able to give pregnant characters something to ease the feeling of it all.
Your character’s body will let instinct take over, notifying them when to lay down and push. After waves of contractions and pushing, a baby (or babies) will arrive! Many newborns arrive in a thin, protective layer that needs to be cleaned away. Once cleaned, the newborns can be moved to their milk source.
Yay! You did it! Welcome to parenthood and thank you for participating in the disgusting miracle of life :)
Please check out our aging/pup development guide to learn more about what to expect in the weeks to come!