Once a woman has confirmed her pregnancy, she should express her gratitude before Allah (ta'aalaa) as this is indeed a great bounty of Allah (ta'aalaa). This is such a boon that many people beseech Allah (ta'aalaa) throughout their lives for pious children but Allah has destined otherwise. In fact one of the greatest Prophets of Allah ('azza wa jall), Ibraaheem ('alayhis-salaam) used to supplicate to Allah (the Mighty) most profoundly and frequently for children. Even Zakariyyaa ('alayhis-salaam) used to supplicate for children most passionately and fervently during the latter part of his life.
Hence, a Muslim woman is required to express her gratitude unto Allah (the Glorious) for this great bounty. Gratitude may be expressed in the following ways:
Recite the Following Supplications very Frequently
"Allahummâ Lakal Hamdû Wa Lakash-Shukru."O Allah! All praises are due to You alone and I express my gratitude unto You alone (for granting me the honour of motherhood).
Extra Prayers
Allocate a fixed time for extra nawaafil. While in Sajdah (prostration), make Du‘aa abundantly. Recite the following Du’aa as well,
"Rabbi Hab Liy Min-Ladunka dhurriyatan-Tayyibah Innaka Samee'ud-Du’aa"O my Lord! Bless me from your side with pure children. Verily You are all-hearing of the Du’aa.
Recite the following Du’aa as well:
Rabbi-j‘alniy Muqeema-Salaati wa min dburriyatiy Rabbanaa wa Taqabbal Du’aaO my Lord! Render me as well as my progeny as establishers of Salâh and accept our supplications.
Express Gratitude from the Heart
Similarly, express your gratitude from the heart in such a manner that you try to stay happy at all times. Try to forget all your past sorrows; build your dreams and keep your hopes and spirits high. Ponder over the bounties of Paradise.
On the impending happiness of the birth of your child, maintain a friendly and trouble-free relationship with all. If you do tend to hurt anyone, apologise immediately and try to forget about the dispute. The conditions of the mother during pregnancy, in fact even her spirit and perceptions during this state has a profound affect on the unborn child.
Hence, a Muslim woman should express gratitude at all times especially during the period of her pregnancy. This gratitude should in turn develop in her the love of Allah (the Mighty). She should ponder that since Allah (the Glorious) has blessed us with so many bounties, we should also devote ourselves to Him. To disobey such a majestic benefactor – by strutting about veil-less, watching television, films, listening to music, lying, gossiping, backbiting, wasting time etc – at any time and especially during pregnancy is not acceptable. How is it that Allah ('azza wa jall) showers His bounties upon us and we in turn disobey Him!?
The First Month of Pregnancy
Remember that you are not a single entity now. Now a child is being nourished within your own body. With a bit of precaution on your part, this child may become healthy, intelligent, understanding, pious and religious. However, with your negligence and indifference, the child may turn out to be weak, sickly and incompetent.
Therefore, your life should not be the same as it was before you fell pregnant. Every moment should be passed with caution and concern over the well-being of yourself as well your child. Therefore, pay careful attention to the following points:
Be careful with your diet. Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing. Avoid over-eating and abstain from food that can cause constipation.
Eat green, fresh vegetables, like salads, cucumbers etc in abundance. Make sure that they are clean and washed before use.
Also, a pregnant woman should drink lots of milk because Allah (the All-Mighty) has placed within it vitamins and proteins required by the human body.
If pure or raw milk is detrimental to you, consume it in other forms like Lassî (curds), sour-milk, custard, Khîr etc. This is beneficial to the mother as well as the child.
Ensure that you refrain from all types of medication during pregnancy especially pain-relievers. If you are really desperate, consult a reliable female (or if you can't find a female doctor then a male) doctor explaining your pregnancy and conditions to her. It shouldn't be such that you are prescribed medication that is injurious to pregnant women. Some medication clearly states on the label that it is not advisable for pregnant women. Therefore, if you are really desperate to use some medication, make sure you scrutinize the lable and make thorough investigation before use.
Avoid excessively hard work and picking up very heavy objects as this may lead to a miscarriage. If your cruel mother-in-law or hard-hearted sister-in-law compels you to pick up heavy objects or forces you to carry out some difficult task, then excuse yourself very politely and explain to them that this task is beyond you and that you will pay a labourer to carry out this task or ask someone else, like your husband, to do it.
However, if your cruel mother-in-law or hard-hearted sister-in-law fails to take pity on your condition, explain your helplessness to your husband and with his permission, go to your mother's house to rest. If you are a sister-in-law to another woman (your brother's wife), don’t be cruel to her. The moment she falls pregnant, try to make her comfortable and relaxed at all times. Your benevolence won’t be directed to your sister-in-law alone but you will be showing mercy to a sinless child, a priceless gem, a blossoming flower, the coolness of your brother’s eyes, a luminance of this worldly life and a source of perpetual reward for the hereafter.
The degree of happiness and comfort of your sister-in-law or daughter-in-law will, Allah Willing, determine the well-being, health, robustness and happiness of the new arrival.
Dear Sister, take these points into consideration and turn to your Lord to help you through this time and what comes after.