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Are You Pregnant? Pregnancy Guide

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Are You Pregnant?

So you and your partner have just discovered that you are going to be parents. You realize that not only are you thrilled with the prospect of becoming a parent; you are also terrified of the road that lies ahead. If this is your first baby you are probably wondering what life has in store for you and exactly what changes are going to occur along the way.

The early signs of pregnancy will quickly be replaced with the later stages of pregnancy. Those nine months do go by very quickly. You will go from first learning the results of your pregnancy test to delivering a bouncing baby boy or girl.

One of the most important things to consider when you first find out you are expecting is medical care. Healthy babies are born to healthy mothers. You want to ensure that you are doing everything in your power to give your child the best foundation for a healthy life. Your doctor will initially run some tests to determine if everything is in order.

The doctor will also chart your progress through the different stages of pregnancy. They will explain in detail the different stages of fetal development and what is happening with your baby during each month. The doctor will also routinely weigh you and measure your stomach to determine the size of the baby. An ultrasound test will probably be in your future and the doctor may even tell you the gender of the baby.

When your friends and family discover you are pregnant they will have many pregnancy tips to offer. Everything from where to learn Lamaze techniques to what foods you need to be eating will be offered. Although all well-wishers want to believe you will follow their advice when it comes to a diet for pregnant women, you are best off to ask the advice of your doctor or nutritionist.

With the arrival of your new bundle of joy comes a whole host of things you’ll need to buy. The first are actually for you and no doubt you’ll want maternity clothes that reflect your own personal style. You can find maternity clothes that are appropriate for almost any occasion. There are even bikinis for expectant mothers to wear as they exercise in the water. If you are too shy for that consider a one piece but don’t forego the exercise, it’s an essential part of a healthy pregnancy.

Get ready for everything to change once the baby arrives. Three am feedings and days without a shower will become the norm. No longer is your life your own, instead you’ll feel compelled to tend to that wonderful new member of your family. Enjoy each and every moment of your pregnancy. You will be happy when the baby arrives and you will also have all of the memories of the months spent getting ready for the most important day of your life, the day you become a parent.

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Pregnancy Tips – Getting Ready For Baby

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Pregnancy Tips

The nine months before the birth of a baby is one of the most important and exciting times in any woman’s life. It’s a time for anticipating the future and readying for the new addition to the family.

There are many things that need to be done while pregnant, but it can seem like the time flies by and before you know it you are bringing your new daughter or son home from the hospital. With some careful planning you can have more time to spend with the new arrival. Just by doing a few things during the pregnancy, the transition from expectant mom to parent can be seamless.

Some important tips during pregnancy revolve around you, the mom-to-be. The first is to get your rest. Many people will probably tell you that once the baby is born you’re not going to sleep much. To someone who has never had a baby this may seem like an exaggeration, but it’s not. Infants are cute, they are cuddly and they are demanding!

Once the baby is born, it has entered an entirely new world. It doesn’t understand what a schedule is and going to bed at 8 pm is probably not in their agenda. Babies have no concept of time and they simply cannot occupy themselves at three in the morning. If you are nursing this is particularly relevant as you will have to be the one tending to the baby when it’s feeding time. Get as much rest as you can in the weeks before the birth; you will be glad you did.

Take swimming or yoga classes while pregnant. Gentle exercise is not only relaxing, it’s also encouraged. Keeping fit is important for the delivery and also for the weeks following the delivery. It’s also a great way to socialize.

Purchase all the essentials before the baby arrives. You don’t want to be out buying diapers on the day you are discharged from the hospital. Create a soothing nursery for the baby and stock it with everything you need so that you can spend all of your time focused on the little one.

Arrange for child care. This may seem a bit foolish before the baby is born, but after its arrival you are going to need to get out once in a while. Many couples plan on one evening out every two weeks or each month and it’s important to leave the baby in the care of someone you trust. This may be a family member or a close friend. It’s difficult for many moms to leave their baby for the first time and if it’s something that you’ve planned for awhile you’ll feel more comfortable.

Pick a pediatrician before the baby arrives. The baby’s doctor is someone you’ll really need to trust and someone who is accessible. The best way to find a pediatrician is to either ask your doctor for a referral or you can also ask a friend with an infant for their pediatrician’s name. Although your baby will most likely be healthy when it’s born you will need to see the baby doctor with any concerns. It’s much less stressful to have that person in place before the big day arrives.

With a little planning and some forethought you can welcome the baby with little stress. Having a baby is a big event and just like any major production, planning makes it that much better.

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