First of all, if you are pregnant: congratulations! The journey of becoming a parent is about to begin, and the next nine or so months will be a whirlwind of appointments, preparations and excitement.
Trying to plan for a new addition to the family can feel overwhelming, and pregnant mothers might be stressed when learning about all the equipment they will need and the new diet they should be following.
To make it easier, use this article as your compact how-to guide on nutrition, vitamins, health, birth preparation, and even preparation for your child’s future.
Eating, Nutrition and Health FAQ
A common misconception is that being pregnant means getting a free pass, diet-wise. In reality, women should be eating just 300-500 extra calories each day, and they should come from nutritious sources whenever possible. The vitamins and minerals that are most needed by pregnant women include folic acid, Vitamin D, iron, calcium and Vitamin C.
If you are unable to meet those minimums through diet alone, supplements that are recommended by your doctor or midwife might be the best choice for your health and the health of your baby.
Being pregnant also means that there are certain foods and beverages that are contraindicated, and there are others that need to be consumed only in marginal amounts. The things you should avoid, or discuss in detail with your doctor, include the following:
- Undercooked meats
- Runny eggs or dressings using raw egg yolks
- Raw fish or sushi
- Unpasteurized milk or cheese
- Canned fish high in mercury
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
Doctor’s Appointments and Health Insurance
You will also want to start planning ahead for the necessary medical treatment throughout your pregnancy. If you haven’t been to a doctor yet for a final confirmation of your pregnancy, make an appointment right away for a full ultrasound and check-up.
You will likely need to make regular appointments every few weeks with your GP to check the baby’s health and confirm that everything is progressing normally. Now is also the time to carefully check your health insurance policy and understand any waiting period restrictions for making claims on birth or pregnancy-related medical attention.
Baby Clothes and Nursery Organisation
For many mothers, one of the most enjoyable parts of being pregnant is buying darling clothes for your little boy or girl. Before you reach the final trimester, make time to organise your baby’s nursery and invest in all the key items you will want in the space.
A crib, a rocking chair and a changing table are three important items you won’t want to live without. Buying clothes, diapers and even changing wipes ahead of time can leave you with less stress when the birth date gets closer on the calendar.
Birth Preparation Classes
If you are going to become a mother for the first time, looking into a birth preparation class is a great idea. Along with classes that help you to breathe during labour and to understand the physical aspects of giving birth, classes can help prepare you for your first days and weeks as a mother.
Your partner may also want to attend courses that help you both learn how to swaddle babies safely, how to breastfeed properly, and even how to change a diaper quickly and without a mess!
Preparing For Your Child’s Future
Bringing your little one into the world is a huge and incredible moment, but it is also important to look beyond those first few days and start preparing for the exciting years ahead. If you plan to head back to work a few weeks or months after giving birth, look for a nanny or a daycare service ahead of time.
If you live in an area with limited kindergartens or preschools, signing up on a waiting list even before you have given birth isn’t abnormal.
Preparing for the birth of your child can feel overwhelming, but taking it one step at a time can help tremendously. From organising the nursery to creating a nutritious eating plan, becoming a mother can be a wonderful experience.
Photo Credit By: telegraph.co.uk
