You’re Pregnant! Now what?
Congrats on your pregnancy! Whether you’re floating on cloud nine or totally freaking out- or maybe somewhere in the middle- here are a few simple things to do to get your pregnancy off to a great start!
Continue (or start!!!) taking a quality prenatal vitamin! Even if you are a healthy eater, think of it like an insurance policy! Especially because some of the more unpleasant pregnancy symptoms may pop up soon making it harder to eat as you normally would. Take care of your body with nutrient dense food, plenty of water, exercise and of course lots of rest! Growing a baby is hard work!
Choose your provider! But Cece I’ve been seeing the same Ob-Gyn since I was 16, doesn’t that count? The short answer? Maybe! The long answer? I would suggest putting a little thought into what and how you want your pregnancy and birth experience to look. There are many options out there and just because your previous doctor has served you well for an annual visit and maybe a birth control prescription, does not necessarily mean they are the right fit for your pregnancy and birth. Take it from me! I made a switch during my third pregnancy and am so happy I did! There are many options out there and you absolutely should not feel bad for switching or exploring your options. Get your first appointment on the books and consider consulting with a different provider if you have any inkling they are not the best fit.
Find a fun app to track your baby’s growth! With all of the lists, do’s and don’ts of pregnancy, and things to worry about…it’s fun to follow along week by week to see how baby is growing and developing! I also found it to be a fun way to bring my husband into the experience by letting him know what was happening in my body (and why I was so dang tired all the time!).
Lastly, take a deep breath! You have months to prepare. There are SO many books and blogs and opinions on literally everything. Don’t get too bogged down by that! Find a trusted mom friend or someone you think might have similar views on pregnancy & childbirth and outsource some of this! Ask who their provider was and what their experience was like*, do they have a favorite book or pregnancy pillow they suggest? What pediatrician do they visit? There is no need to reinvent the wheel, lean on your tribe to help weed through the resources!
You can also visit my RESOURCES page for my list of suggested reading!
*Not everyone LOVES their pregnancy or birthing experience. In fact some women have traumatic stories. Some are just negative Nancy’s. And thats okay…but just a little warning to protect your headspace! Before diving into all the stories, make sure to say, “Hey I love you and honor your story. But right now I’m only trying to fill my head and heart with positive birth experiences. Maybe we can chat more about your experience later.” Or something along those lines!