Getting Through The First Trimester

Bump to Birth

Getting the news that you are going to have a baby in nine short months can be the most exciting yet frightening news you may get in your lifetime. Preparing for the arrival of your baby can be stressful and confusing unless you have a good idea of what all needs to be done. Use the information below to begin creating a plan of preparation for your baby.

It is never too soon to start buying maternity clothes. Oftentimes, if you start buying things in a retail store as soon as you find out that you are pregnant, you can get them at great prices as the seasons will be changing and the clothing going on sale. Search consignment shops and online classifieds and auctions to find pre-owned articles at great prices.

Buy a journal and write about your experience daily. Even if you are the most miserable pregnant in the history of childbearing, you will appreciate being able to look back and reflect on this time many years down the road. You will also be able to use the journal as a way to keep track of your weight gain, symptoms and progress of the pregnancy. This information may be helpful during your doctor’s appointments helping you remember the questions you have for your doctor.

You may not like the idea of having a big belly, but there is a good chance that you will want to reminisce in the future. Keep a picture log of your growing belly. Take a photo each week of your pregnancy and include them in your journal.

Find online forums or mommy groups to join in your area. You can use this group to get the answers to the many questions that you will have over the next several months. You may even develop relationships with other mothers that you will cherish for long after the babies are born.

Sit down and put your feet up often. You will need more rest than normal if you are going to get through this time. Exhaustion is especially common during the first and third trimesters. Getting an adequate amount of rest will help you feel better when you are up.

Do not neglect going to your doctor appointments. It is crucial that you receive the best prenatal care throughout the pregnancy. Your doctor must monitor your weight, growth and blood pressure among other things. When the doctor orders tests or imaging, do not avoid having it done. You want to be sure that you and your baby are healthy during the entire nine months and these tests will assist you in knowing this.

Get some kind of exercise each day. Even if you are just getting out for a walk through the park or around the block, that increase in blood flow will help your circulation. Exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight, keep your muscles in good shape to assist in delivery and help the baby drop into position during the third trimester.

Now that you know a little more than before about what you are about to go through, you can sit back and enjoy the time you have with your baby developing inside you.

The Fit and Healthy Pregnancy Guide