Pregnancy is a unique period of time and you can choose to live in a positive or negative frame of mind. It’s a period of growth, reflection, education, and opportunity to gain inner strength.
These are the five most important things that I learned through my own experience being pregnant.
#1 Listen to and respect your body
Yes, take it easy! In 9 months, your body is growing another human. A lot is changing, being created, being nourished, and is taking away your energy (without even physically doing anything).
Lean into relaxation while your body adapts. In a few short years, you’ll be chasing a toddler and will look back at the time you spent on the couch. 😊
#2 Eat small meals throughout the day
I found eating small meals that included healthy fats, lean proteins, lots of veggies, and optimal grains helped keep me energized, less nauseous, and healthier.
#3 A kind and powerful support team should be inside your OB/GYN, fertility office, and your family and friends should also align similarly
To start off, if your doctor’s office is not on top of your pregnancy and showing they are responsive and caring — fire your doctor. Pregnancy is not the time to be advised or ignored by a bad doctor.
Sharing what you’re going through with your partner, parents, or closest friends can be tremendously helpful (miscarriage, sciatica pain, tiredness, irritability, FSH injections, trigger shots, losses, nausea, fatigue, uncomfortable testing or scans like HSG).
#4 Have a plan and a backup plan
Sign up for all the baby classes available to you well in advance of your due date. Do you know how many people deliver early? Seems like everyone in my circle have delivered as early as 30 weeks onward! Best to be prepared.
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ll want to take a related class and as the time draws near, maybe consider scheduling an appointment with a lactation consultant. Make sure and take a maternity tour of the hospital you plan to deliver at and attend the orientation. Take a baby safety class. Be prepared to formula feed whether its your first or second choice. Do the research!
Get the essentials in advance for baby’s nursery. Have the crib all ready, get the car seat installed properly, and have your hospital bag ready to grab and go.
#5 Pregnancy is a gift
It’s not always easy to conceive, even with assistance of IVF, IUI or other hormone-related therapies. But what a beautiful blessing it is once you get to the point of a healthy, sustainable pregnancy ultimately welcoming that new bundle of joy.
Never take pregnancy for granted.
Many people are focused on limiting weight gain, saying no to everything, or being in a perpetual state of fear and clinging to a bad mood.
My viewpoint is that you should respect your body and baby, do the best you can for both of you, but also respect your cravings! Find the joy, happiness and love in this moment of life. If you’re part of a pregnant woman’s support team, celebrate this time with her!
A new family member is being created. Memories will be endless. Happy tears and new beginnings await for all.
Not all the stages feel pretty or comfortable. Know that these are each stages. If you are struggling, remind yourself that you will feel yourself again. Your body is incredible during all the stages: pre-conception, pregnancy, and postpartum.
I hope you have a healthy pregnancy and look back once you have your newborn in your arms to what a joy it was to carry that little baby for 9 months.
This website does not provide medical advice. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a medical professional or other qualified health care provider on any health matter or question.