Finding out you are pregnant can be the most exciting and scary moment of your life. The moment the test shows positive, your whole life changes. You are now completely responsible for another human being! The immense gravity of the situation can make anyone’s mind become a jumble of emotions, thoughts and fears. But being pregnant doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming. Just enjoy the miracle that is growing in your body, because you have the next several month to get your body, mind and home prepared to welcome your child.
Stay Healthy and Active
The first few months of pregnancy can be the hardest both physically and emotionally. Morning sickness, aversions to food as well as exhaustion are all common side effects of pregnancy. Eating healthy and staying active may seem like unrealistic expectations, but they don’t have to be such a challenge. By simply taking a prenatal vitamin, you can ensure that your body is getting the nutrition it needs to help support your growing baby.
Staying active is also important during pregnancy. But don’t worry, there is no need to train for a marathon. A brisk walk once a day can help you overcome some of the unpleasant sides of pregnancy such as fatigue and sleeplessness. Staying active also helps build and maintain muscle which will be beneficial as your baby grows and your bodyweight increases.
Schedule Your Checkups
Going to your prenatal checkups is crucial. During your pregnancy, doctors and nurses will monitor you and your baby to make sure that the pregnancy is going smoothly and as planned. By going to your checkups regularly, you will allow your caregiver to notice anything abnormal and get you the help you may need immediately. A high-risk obstetrician like Dr. Gilbert Webb will be able to specifically help those who have a more complicated pregnancy. These checkups are essential for the health of both mother and unborn child.
Don’t Stress
One mistake many new mothers make is to feel the need to prepare for the first three years of their baby’s life prior to their birth. This feeling of needing to over prepare just causes unneeded anxiety. The key to feeling prepared prior to having a baby is to get the basics and then buy as your child grows. A safe crib, infant tub, blankets, bibs, bottles, diapers and simple clothes that are comfortable are examples of some basic items you will need.
Enlist a Back-Up Crew
Pregnancy and the first few months at home with a newborn can be very tiring. It is okay to ask for help even if that means just having a family member or close friend come watch your child so that you can sleep, catch up on laundry, go grocery shopping, or just take some often needed time for yourself to unwind and recharge. Even supermom is going to need a break from time to time. Therefore, it will be extremely important to have people that you trust and call when that time comes.
Sleep
Sleep is critical. Make sure that you get enough sleep during your pregnancy to help reduce stress and increase your energy. Once your baby is born, getting enough sleep continues to be very important. Newborns wake up at all hours of the night completely throwing off your normal sleep schedule. Don’t feel the need to conquer the world while your baby naps during the day. When your baby naps, you can nap too.
Make a Birth Plan
Making a birth plan doesn’t mean writing down what you want to happen every minute from the time you feel your first contraction until the moment you are holding your baby. A birth plan can be as simple as knowing where you are planning to deliver. Do you want to deliver your baby in a hospital, birthing center or at home? Are you planning on using a midwife, doula or an obstetrician? Do you want to have a natural birth or are you open to pain medication? Having a general idea about what route you want to go is always helpful. However, don’t worry if you find yourself taking an unexpected detour. Childbirth rarely goes exactly as planned, but having a healthy baby at the end is truly the only thing that matters.
These six simple things can help you feel healthy, happy and prepared during your pregnancy. And when your baby finally arrives, you’ll be able to enjoy the amazing little person you have created.