What to Do When You’re Expecting

There are a few things in life that can’t compare to the monumental day when you learned you are about to take the journey of motherhood. It is a news that will evoke many and varied emotions, from joy and excitement to anticipation and worry.

Being a mom is not an easy feat, and a new mother will always have that nagging fear and anxiety of the changes that are to come. Of course, you will read, prepare, and brace yourself for the new addition in your lives.

It is normal for you to be nervous about your changing body and the baby you will accommodate inside. But when you plan for this most awaited arrival, things will surely run more smoothly. Here is a list of must-dos for expecting mothers.

Do the Pregnancy Basics

The first thing that every mother should know is her due date. Visiting your obstetrician will take care of this. Once you have confirmed your pregnancy, it is also mandatory to find your doctor or midwife to help you every step of the way.

You can then start to book your first prenatal appointment, which usually happens when you are eight weeks pregnant. In the event of pregnancy issues and medical conditions, you are highly advised to have prenatal care earlier.

Know What’s in Store in Pregnancy

If you are planning to be a parent, you must have read and covered every subject related to pregnancy and motherhood. It is important that you know what is in store for you now that you are carrying a child in your womb.

Aside from that, you will also need to know about the many changes in your body. They can be uncomfortable and annoying, especially for first-time mothers. By knowing and understanding all of these, you will determine what are the best things you should do once you encounter morning sickness, tenderness around your breast areas, and the gradual growing of your womb.

Take Care of Your Body and Baby

There is always a need for a healthy lifestyle, and even more so when you are living for two. It is important for you to boost your nutrition for your body and your baby. A healthy diet will help your baby develop properly, from his bones and organs to his nervous system.

Foods rich in protein, calcium, complex carbohydrates, and folic acid are just some of the things you should include in your diet. Some doctors recommend prenatal vitamins, so you can also consider that option.

You should also know habits that are dangerous to pregnancy and avoid them at all cost. This includes alcohol, cigarette smoke, too much caffeine, some medications, and recreational drugs.

Share the Exciting News

Every good news is better shared with your loved ones, and a baby shower must be in order. Let your closest family and friends celebrate with you, and find out together whether the newest addition to your brood is a boy or a girl.

Of course, every party needs careful planning. You will have to think of decorations and cakes. There are also beautiful gender-reveal invitations that will delight your guests and give them a glimpse into the actual party. Make it memorable for you and your little bundle of joy. 

Plan for the Future

Looking forward to the next months is exciting for mothers-to-be. But aside from that excitement, you should also plan ahead. You should start sorting out your finances and setting aside a budget. It is no secret that babies cost money, from hospital bills to their food and vitamins.

Another consideration is to prepare the baby’s nursery and buy the necessary supplies like diapers and formula milk if you are not planning to breastfeed. Brainstorming for baby names can be included in your agenda as well.

You will also need to think about the future. Will you be a full-time mom, or are you going back to work after? These decisions will affect your family life, so they are better thought out properly.

Having a baby is a blessing and a joy to every expecting parent. But carrying another human being, despite the excitement it brings, is not a walk in the park. A baby means constant care, effort, and a lot of sacrifices along the way. However, knowing what to do when you are expecting is always better than groping in the dark, so make sure to keep all these things in mind and enjoy this momentous experience.

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