I've officially almost half way through my pregnancy today, and I'd like to think I've learned a thing or two along the way. I really enjoy reading posts on "pregnancy must haves" and advice from other expecting mamas-to-be, so I hope this will be helpful for those on the maternity journey!
1. Make sure to take your pre-natal vitamin with OJ - my dietician friends tell me it helps the iron supplement get absorbed.
2. Don't panic if you feel slight cramping, almost like the dreaded period starting, around week 5-7. It is just part of the implantation process. Also normal to feel totally exhausted during these weeks too, there is alot of things going on in there!
3. There are a ton of pregnancy books out there...many of which I own. By far, the most straight forward and helpful to me has been What to Expect When You're Expecting. It sits on my bedside table (well on my ereader) and has literally been like a bible during this time. I learned early on to avoid reading the message boards on the pregnancy websites...they are too many scary {and quite frankly, negative} posts out there that made me more paranoid than anything else. For me, this book gave it to my straight and I appreciated the matter of fact tone throughout.
4. Small amounts of caffeine are ok during pregnancy - but through away that Diet Cola and anything else with artificial sweetners.
5. Stock up on fiber rich foods, I love the Kashi cereal! Nobody wants to be constipated.
6. Don't stop exercising just because you got prego. I kept up my regular routine and I swear that's why I felt so great to date and had little to no nausea. It can also lower your chance of miscarrying, and can reduce labour complications and the length of labour.
7. Bloating is very common, something to do with increased progesterone.
8. Mood-swings can be drastic and totally normal during the first 12 weeks. Lots of sleep and rest helps with this.
9. Don't worry too much about miscarrying, after 8 weeks the chances of miscarrying are very slim (only 3%). So wake up every day with a positive attitude.
10. Purchase a stretch mark cream early, it can't hurt right!
11. I found eating as soon as I woke up during the first trimester, really helped with the nausea.
12. Catch yourself staring at your tummy in the mirror and pushing out your belly to see a preview of what's to come...yeaaaa that's normal hahaha.
13. Zits (in odd places), many urges to pee, strange dreams, sore boobs, heartburn, constipation, heightened sense of smell, food adversions, vomitting, headaches, yes it's all part of the first 12 weeks.
14. Register early for pre-natal classes with Public Health, they fill up quick.
15. Take a baby-moon with your hubster during the 2nd trimester. This is a GREAT time to travel, and it gives you some much needed alone time before the baby comes.
16. Start budgetting early - babies and baby items are expensive!!
17. Try to keep healthy snacks nearby at home and at work. Not eating only makes nausea worse. I keep bran crunch crackers and yogurt at work for when I get snacky.
18. As hard as it is, try not to get freaked out by the numbers on the scale. I am STILL struggling with this!
19. Try eating smaller meals, and don't eat late at night will help with heartburn. Lots of water intake too!
20. Don't like regular milk? Try chocolate milk! It'll help with nausea and heartburn, and also gets you that extra calcium that baby needs.
21. Learn to follow your own intuition and not rules made up by other people.
22. In the beginning, I was so excited to buy "maternity" clothes to show off the bump and couldn't wait to go on a crazy shopping spree. But I've realized that today is actually a good time to be pregnant, as a lot of fashion already caters to pregnant bodies, ie: long tops, maxi dresses, leggings, blousy tunics, etc. Last, this is really random, but I swear by La Senza's ITEC thong undies. I wore them before I was pregnant and they are still ultra comfortable now. They're low rise and super soft and stretchy, which as been accommodating with my growing belly.
