Congratulations! Now that you’re pregnant, you might be wondering what comes next. While there are plenty of important steps that you’ll want to take as your pregnancy unfolds, there are a few things that should take priority. This quick checklist covers ten things every pregnant woman should do to prepare for a healthy, happy nine month.
- Learn about common pregnancy complications. While most pregnancies are fairly uneventful, there are certain health problems that can put you and/or your baby at risk. The aim isn’t to frighten yourself; rather, it is to be well-educated and to know what to watch for. Understanding which symptoms are normal during your first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and which might indicate a problem can be the first step toward ensuring that you get help quickly if you need it.
- Use a pregnancy calendar. A great online pregnancy calendar can provide valuable insight into your baby’s developmental milestones while serving as a guide to your pregnancy symptoms. Helpful tips, fun facts, and week-by-week information are just a few of the things you’ll find inside.
- Choose an ob/gyn if you haven’t already done so. Your insurance company may offer a list regular doctor might be able to refer you to someone, or you can conduct some research and ask questions to determine which obstetrician you’d like to work with throughout your pregnancy. Some women also choose doulas or midwives. Whatever your choice, you’ll find that these dedicated professionals offer help and support when you need it most.
- Be sure that your health insurance is in order, and that your pregnancy and delivery will be covered. You may need to make some changes to your policy, and it might be tough to read the fine print, but a little effort now will pay off later.
- Eat a healthy diet and stop any harmful habits. Your doctor or nutritionist can help you create a healthy eating plan, and you’ll find plenty of great resources online, too.
- Start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you can. Like many other supplements, they offer a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Prenatal vitamins include elevated levels of certain nutrients, including folic acid, which is essential for your baby’s development.
- Decide when to tell family and friends that you’re expecting. Many couples opt to share the news once the first trimester has come to an end.
- Get plenty of sleep. Most women suffer from fatigue at some time during pregnancy, and you’ll want to make an effort to prevent a serious sleep deficit.
- Create an exercise routine with your doctor’s approval. It’s one of the best ways to keep your energy level up, and it can help you manage some of the most common pregnancy discomforts while increasing your strength and ultimately making the labor and delivery process a little easier.
- Start thinking about names! Maybe you’d like to go with a family name in honor of a cherished relative, or perhaps you’d like to have fun with a baby name generator.