Being a first-time mom comes with many questions. Those nine months are exciting, but they’re also confusing and challenging.
One of the best pieces of advice you’ll ever receive is to be as knowledgeable as possible about the journey. This will ease your mind and help you be prepared for some of the challenges that can come about. You can also opt for an elective 4D ultrasound to get a look at your baby before the big day.
Here are some tips to help you get ready:
1. Eat Right for Both of You
Always start your day with a balanced and nutrient-rich breakfast. If you suffer morning sickness, it’s even more important that you replenish the nutrients that you lose. Try to eat foods that don’t have strong smells. Whole wheat bread is a great go-to for when food aromas make you feel sick.
If you’re hungry between meals, opt for healthy snacks. Vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fruits are ideal. Protein is your friend and you shouldn’t worry about your weight since you’re eating for two. Foods like legumes, eggs, beets, asparagus, seeds, nuts, and broccoli are high in folic acid. You need a lot of folic acid during pregnancy.
Another thing to make sure you get plenty of is fiber. Digestive issues can run rampant during pregnancy, but fiber will help you deal with it.
Fish is fine to eat as long as you don’t eat too much of it. The Omega-3 fatty acids, D vitamins, and B vitamins are important. Just avoid any that are high in mercury.
2. Take Your Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are important, so make sure you take them as directed. They aren’t meant to be a replacement for eating healthy. Vitamins are simply supplements to what you should be eating each day.
3. Exercise
Exercise is your friend during pregnancy. This doesn’t mean you should be dead lifting 300 pounds. It’s ok to take walks and do light cardio. Yoga is also helpful during pregnancy. Always be sure to talk to your doctor before starting anything new.
4. Take a Childbirth Class
Childbirth classes are very useful because you learn about the common fears that exist in pregnancy, the stages of labor and delivery so you know what to expect, the best ways to handle the pain, how to care for your newborn, managing postpartum depression, and other pieces of advice.
5. Shop for All the Right Things
It’s best to do some shopping before the baby arrives. This is another reason why it’s good to get a gender scan so you know exactly what to buy. You’ll need things like a car seat, diapers, bottles, onesies, blankets, a crib, a breast pump, breast pads, a nursing bra if you’re nursing, a breastfeeding pillow, a high chair, a baby swing, a bassinet, a bouncer, and a pack n’ play. It’s good to start buying these items as soon as you find out the gender so you are well prepared for baby’s arrival.
