Pregnancy can be a beautiful, powerful, and overwhelming experience, especially if you are a first-time mom, but worry not, this is always an exciting time!
Taking care of your baby during your pregnancy means taking care of yourself in the right way. Along with physical and mental preparation, you also want to be emotionally prepared for what’s to come.
There are many ways in which you can prepare for your first pregnancy – and you want to be as prepared as possible. From pre-pregnancy planning to post-partum preparation, you want to be well-equipped, have a healthy pregnancy, and be ready to take on motherhood.
This useful guide will help you navigate the pregnancy journey for the first time and arm you with some awesome information!
Keep reading for 10 tips on pregnancy for first-time moms.
1. CREATE A PREGNANCY AND BIRTH PLAN
During all stages of pregnancy, having a plan will help any first-time parents.
You want to enter the first stage of pregnancy as healthy as possible. In pre-pregnancy, you want to make sure that you are equipped with your prenatal, folic acid, and omega-3. This is a good time to have a visit with your doctor to get prepared for pregnancy.
During your pregnancy, you can create the birth plan that is right for you. You can have a natural childbirth, homebirth, waterbirth or assisted childbirth. Each of these come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The choice is personal and you can create the plan that works best for you. Deciding on a birthing plan will help you get prepared as a first-time mom.
2. STAY HYDRATED TO HELP WITH MORNING SICKNESS
If you are pregnant, you need to drink a lot more water than you usually do. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, water is needed for the layer of protection around your baby known as the amniotic fluid. If your fluid intake is low, it can lead to problems during your pregnancy. It can lead to a miscarriage or issues during your delivery.
Drinking lots of water also helps you eliminate toxins in your body. Flushing out your system’s build-up of toxins is important before, during, and after pregnancy.
Water will also help you with one of the most common pregnancy symptoms: morning sickness. Unfortunately for some women, morning sickness is not only limited to the morning. Therefore, it is helpful to stay hydrated throughout the day.
As a first-time mom, here are some ways that you can ensure that you stay hydrated and avoid morning sickness:
- Drink two to three litres of water each day
- Carry water with you on the go
- Add some wedges of lemon to help with nausea
- Drink ginger tea
These are some easy ways to ensure that you and your baby stay healthy and hydrated. Be sure to talk to your OBGYN in your antenatal appointments about the water intake that is right for you.
3. EAT A WELL-BALANCED DIET
Many women get cravings during their pregnancy and eat foods that they might not eat otherwise. In many cases these foods can be high in sugar and fats.
A healthy diet, however, is crucial during pregnancy for the healthy development of your baby. It is important to watch the foods that you are eating while pregnant.
Eating several balanced meals each day with folate-rich foods can help your baby grow. This includes lots of cooked vegetables like spinach, broccoli, cabbage and zucchini. Also, lots of fruits like orange, grapefruit, and avocado.
There are some foods that you should avoid while you’re pregnant. Some can cause food poisoning and others are not good for the growth of your baby and can pose as risk factors.
Here are some foods to avoid during pregnancy:
- Raw meat, fish, and eggs
- Sugar substitutes like aspartame
- High mercury fish
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
Be sure to talk to your physician about a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Additionally, you can take supplements to ensure that you are getting the nutrients that your baby needs, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy.
4. EXERCISE REGULARLY
Keeping up with physical activity during your pregnancy is a great way to relieve stress and pregnancy pain.
However, you want to be sure that you are not overexerting yourself and putting stress on your limbs while you are pregnant. You want to avoid heavy lifting or high-impact exercise.
There are certain exercises for pregnant mothers. Low-impact exercise like swimming and cycling can help to relieve back pain, increase blood circulation, and improve your mood. Exercise can also strengthen your body and prepare it for labour.
Kegels exercises are also helpful during pregnancy. They help to open up your hips, strengthen your pelvic floor, and can help your mood.
There are also yoga classes for expecting mothers which can relieve physical aches and pains, using specific exercises. Not only can yoga help with your physical discomfort, but it is also a great practice for your mental well-being. To help to truly reap the benefits of yoga, you can use the Buddalife Biocrystal Yoga Mat which is infused with biocrystal crystals which help regulate oxygen levels, lower levels of stress and anxiety, and help relieve muscle tension.
You can also get a little bit physical in the bedroom. Talk to your spouse and enjoy some time together.
5. SLEEP MORE COMFORTABLY WITH THE ULTIMATE SLEEPING POSITION
Getting a good night’s rest in the first weeks of pregnancy might not be an issue, but when you get into your second and third trimester it can get difficult.
Your baby is getting bigger and so is your stomach. This can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Also, you will be going to the bathroom more frequently with your baby playing football with your bladder. This makes it difficult to sleep through the night because you are constantly waking up to go to the bathroom.
The best sleeping position during pregnancy is on the left side, with knees bent. This not only helps to protect the liver but also increases the flow of blood to the uterus, heart, and fetus. You also want to avoid sleeping flat on your back as it can decrease the flow of oxygen to the placenta.
Here are some extra tips to help you sleep more comfortably during pregnancy:
- Use a body pillow for extra support
- Try a foam mattress topper to help with sore hips
- Place a pillow or rolled blanket at the bottom of your back
- Place a pillow between your leg
Pillows can be a great way to relieve pressure and give you a more comfortable sleep. Try a pregnancy pillow between the knees or even under your baby bump.
The Buddalife Akimbo is a great multi-functional pillow for mothers as it can be used as a pregnancy pillow during your pregnancy, and then after birth, it can be used as a cushion for your baby when you are breastfeeding or holding them in your arms.
6. FOCUS ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Pregnancy takes a toll on you mentally and physically.
There are pregnancy pains, mood swings, and overwhelming stress. As a first-time mom, it might be difficult to know how to tackle these stressors and emotions.
It is important to take care of your mental health during pregnancy. One of the ways you can do that is to get informed and prepared. Know what to expect during each phase of your pregnancy including hormones, cravings, and postpartum depression.
Understanding these will make it easier when and if you experience symptoms, so make sure to reach out to your health care provider for help if needed.
Additionally, it is important to have a strong support system around you. If you have a spouse try talking to them about how you are feeling as this is a good way to relieve your stress. Opening up to friends and family is also a great way to get some support and encouragement.
You can also try yoga, meditation, or mindfulness to help keep you calm. Incorporate these into your day to alleviate mental and physical stress.
7. AVOID COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS
Your pregnancy is a personal journey. Pregnancy will also look different on you than it does on other women and that’s normal and natural.
We tend to visit social media websites and compare lives, bodies, homes, and lifestyles. However, social media is one obvious culprit of misrepresenting people’s lives. No one posts a photo after a night of no sleep, or messy home, or their baby’s tantrum.
Additionally, your postpartum body is also your journey. You might experience pelvic pain, back pain, and incontinence during the postpartum phase of your pregnancy. It will take time to heal and that might look different than other first-time mom bodies.
Honour how much your body has been through and focus on your health and healing. Also, take time to enjoy all of the wonderful parts of being a first-time mom. Avoid comparing your body and your journey to someone else’s – you’ll be much happier.
8. STOCK UP ON BABY ESSENTIALS
Stocking up on your baby’s needs is a great way to be prepared for your baby’s arrival. It will save you time and trips to the store once you are caring for a newborn. There are certain items that you cannot have enough of.
Diapers
Diapers are one of the most obvious items that you will need. Some newborn babies can go through up to 10 diapers in one day. You can start with a couple of packages of newborn diapers and have some ready for when they need a size up.
You want to be ready for when the transition happens that your baby needs a bigger size. When your baby begins to pee through their diapers often, or the diaper looks too tight, it’s time to go up a size.
These biodegradable nappies are the perfect option if you plan to use disposable diapers.
Wipes
Wipes are another essential baby item that you will use every day.
There are many brands and types so you should decide which one is right for you before you stockpile. There are fragrance-free wipes, wipes for sensitive skin, and other ones that contain sneaky chemicals that could be harsh on your baby’s skin.
You may want to have a few different types on hand. Some moms enjoy the clean smelling wipes like cucumber or aloe vera, but you will want to watch for any skin irritation.
A biodegradable wipe is not only good for the environment, but it also makes for a happy baby bum as well!
Be sure to make an inventory of wipes and diapers that you may already have at home. These are common items added to baby shower gifts and items that you pick up on a casual trip to the grocery store. You should aim to have stock for at least a month upon your baby’s arrival.
9. TRUST YOUR INTUITION
This is one of those first-time mom tips that women wish that they had heard sooner.
Regardless of all of the advice, you will get during your pregnancy and even after birth, you know what is best for having a healthy baby. Many people will chime in and try different approaches to offer you advice.
However, you are connected to your baby and your intuition will tell you what is right. You will know their every facial expression, every sound, and every movement. Therefore, you are the only one who can decide what is best for you and your baby.
Many moms even feel that they can anticipate their baby’s needs before they make them known.
Of course, as a new mom you will want to do your research, take parenting advice from your mother or other mothers, and get a doctor’s opinion on many things. But at the end of the day, go with your gut and trust your intuition.
10. TREAT YOURSELF
Carrying a baby takes a toll on you mentally and physically. In the hectic weeks leading up to your baby’s arrival, take some time to honour your journey and do something to indulge yourself.
You can go for a prenatal massage, get a pedicure, or even get a solid night’s rest and sleep in. It may not seem like getting nine hours of sleep is a treat, but once your baby comes, it will be the only thing you crave.
Go to lunch with your girlfriends, have a romantic dinner with your partner, or even spend the night at a nice hotel.
Whatever way you choose to relax, de-stress, and treat yourself is up to you. But you deserve it after creating and carrying a life inside of you.
EASE PREGNANCY JITTERS WITH THESE TIPS FOR ANY FIRST-TIME PARENT
Pregnancy can be a beautiful and scary experience. For first-time moms, it can be especially overwhelming. These awesome tips will come in handy during your first pregnancy and help you get prepared for motherhood.
Remember to eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, get a good rest, focus on your mental health, treat yourself, watch your blood pressure, sign up for antenatal classes, avoid comparisons, and stock up on baby supplies.
Be sure to check out our website for a full selection of baby supplies for all of your baby needs.
