What you can do if you are pregnant – Preparing for motherhood
After the wonderful moment of realizing you are pregnant, you may be pleasantly surprised by emotions such as happiness, anxiety, fear, and sometimes even confusion. This encourages women to reflect on their journey of motherhood, from pregnancy to birth. Whether it is a first pregnancy or an ongoing pregnancy, preparation should not be taken for granted. This guide explains in detail the things you need to keep in mind if you are pregnant to be healthier, stronger physically and mentally.
First of all, confirmation of pregnancy by a healthcare professional is important because it allows you to be sure that you are pregnant. Usually, pregnancy is tested through blood or ultrasound and sometimes urine with appropriate equipment. It is recommended to take a pregnancy test at a healthcare facility once, as this provides an opportunity to learn about the early signs of any disease and discuss prenatal care. It is also important at this time to receive guidance about the future course of the pregnancy and you should know what you should and cannot do depending on your situation.
Make sure you choose a healthcare provider where you can go for medical check-ups. It is advisable to choose nearby health centers. At this point, you need to choose a smart assistant who will take care of all emergency issues. And someone who will be available if needed and who should understand natural childbirth and possible complications.
Second, understand the trimesters and stages of pregnancy, these are the main stages of pregnancy development. These stages are divided into three trimesters, the first trimester begins between weeks 1 and 12, at this time vital organs such as the heart, brain and lungs develop, at this stage the mother may suffer from morning sickness, vomiting and fatigue. The second trimester begins between weeks 13 and 26, at this stage the baby can be identified and the mother feels its movements, the third trimester begins between weeks 27 and 40, the pregnancy progresses rapidly in this stage, the organs mature and the mother’s body prepares for childbirth.
Tips to consider during the trimesters. For the first trimesters, make sure to stay hydrated, eat nutrient-rich foods, avoid harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco, due to nausea during this phase, eat small meals as much as possible to avoid morning sickness, try to rest as much as possible to reduce fatigue, and go to the doctor first where you will get direct information. During the second trimester, get more calcium, iron and protein in your diet as your body needs at that time, do some exercise, get ultrasound scans during that time and also make sure to have comfortable clothes as your body size should change.
In the third trimester, at this stage, you should prepare a birth plan, you can discuss it with your partner and healthcare provider. It is recommended to do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor and monitor your baby’s movements every day. At this point, your body needs more rest, so rest more if necessary. You can prepare essential supplies for the baby: prepare a comfortable sleeping bed, baby clothes, blankets, diapers for newborns, baby bath supplies such as a very soft sponge, mild soap and a baby bath. Prepare breast pumps, but also, if they are not breastfeeding, prepare bottles and formula.
Things to prepare for mother during delivery : a portable bag which contains clothes, slippers, toothbrush, soap, nursing bras and maternity pads, nursing pillows, nipple cream, peri bottles, and others which may be necessary due to the nature of the enveronment. All this should be prepared during week of 36.
Lastly, remember to stay active during pregnancy by engaging in physical activities, especially daily home tasks like washing clothes, cleaning dishes, and tidying the entire house. Establish a routine of daily Kegel exercises, particularly in the last trimester. Friendly pregnancy exercises should be incorporated. And do not forget to have frequent meals when you need them.
Contact your health care provider for any health issues for assistance, and feel free to talk to your personal assistant about things you like and things you don’t like. It is important to remember that pregnancy is not a disease; take into consideration the important things that help during pregnancy.
Things to Prepare for Parenthood
Moral and financially, children are blessings, but you should prepare yourself for the necessary costs. Prepare health insurance for your children, make sure you send them to school, and buy them comfortable clothes. In short, you need to provide them with the basic needs for proper growth and their future.
Tips to understand: open savings accounts for your children specifically for unexpected costs and long-term needs.
After delivery, health may not be normal, so it is important to think about health status by doing regular checkups and visiting the doctor when necessary. Also, consideration of mental health is very important. After delivery, you may not be the same as you were before, so keep in mind that you may need to overcome any challenges that will come with parenthood.
Tips to understand: Prioritize your physical and mental well-being by exercising, maintaining a proper diet with all required nutrients, and seeking technical support from a healthcare provider.
Strengthen your relationship with your partner and your family; this will help you overcome unexpected stress. You could also adopt parental behaviors. Being close to your family will help you feel more loved and receive special care.
Generally, the pregnancy journey is very amazing, with its ups and downs. Giving birth is something special, and women should be proud. Pregnancy comes with its challenges, which should be overcome by practicing what has been discussed in the trimesters. This should be taken seriously by focusing on diet, exercise, and guidelines from experts to ensure an easier childbirth. Many women want to give birth naturally, but they may fail due to contractions that occur. However, this is not something to worry about because everyone has different biological traits, and we cannot all be the same. So, take this page as an informative outlook for your pregnancy journey to motherhood.