5 Things to Do When You Get Pregnant
After five kids, you can say that I’m a pregnancy and motherhood expert. At least, I like to think so. This post, things to do when you get pregnant, is not completely your typical post. Sure, there will probably be a few things that every parenting blog tells you to do, but I want to go a little deeper than “schedule your first appointment,” because you already know to do that!
Pregnancy is a ride – a JOURNEY, and although some aspects of each pregnancy or motherhood journey might look the same, there is a lot that is different for each pregnancy and each mother. No matter how your specific journey looks, take time to appreciate the beauty in this process. You are transforming and growing a human! Now, let’s jump into these tips.
Increase your water intake
We all know how important drinking enough water is outside of pregnancy, but throw that into the equation and it’s never been more important. During pregnancy, the recommended water intake is 8-12 cups or 64 to 96 oz. However, a lot of doctors are now recommending a gallon of water, as a minimum. Of course, this depends on you, your health, and your pregnancy specifically, but this is a good starting place for pretty much anyone. Water, of course, has so many benefits like how it aids digestion and helps form the amniotic fluid around the fetus. Water also helps aid circulate in the body and helps waste leave the body. In pregnancy specifically, it can also decrease the risk of hemorrhoids, it reduces swelling, it softens skin (hello, less stretch marks!), it increases energy, keeps you cooler, decreases risk of UTIs and decreases the risk of preterm labor and birth. Needless to say, increasing your water intake is probably a smart idea for most people.
Aside from drinking more water, you should also increase your intake of vitamins such as vitamin C, D, Iron, and Calcium. According to this professional dentist in redwood city, pregnant women are more prone to dental issues, and the aforementioned nutrients will help keep their gums and teeth in good condition.
Make sure your tribe is strong
Over the next year and beyond, you will have a lot of changes. Good changes, but also hard ones. Your body will change, your life will change, and your heart will change. There will be a lot of other changes along the way, too. This can lead to increased stress (more on this in a minute). To thrive in motherhood, you have to count on your close friends, family, and the people you hire to help you. Honestly, it is challenging raising children by yourself, and that is why most need help. Make sure your tribe is strong. Helpful. Loving. Caring. These are the people who will help you through this time of transition and help raise your children to be the best they can be.
Take a good look at your home
When you get pregnant (or even before), take a good look at your home. Is it safe for kids? Is there anything you want to do (renovation-wise), before having kids? If so, get those fixes and updates out of the way now – while you have less to worry about! One renovation idea that you might want to consider is upgraded countertops from Click Countertops. They make new countertops that are beautiful, durable, and easy to clean (great for kids!). Plus, they make the entire process “Amazon easy” and even have a square footage calculator for countertops on their website. When you work with them, they offer price, speed, and quality work + products. You won’t regret it! So, before you get pregnant or have your baby, think long and hard about your house and what improvements you want to get done.
Save, when possible
If it is possible for you, save! Kids are expensive. Life is even more expensive. Also, if you work and do not have paid maternity/paternity leave, you’ll need to save for that too. You definitely want to be financially prepared for the time off Mom will take once she has the baby. Figure out how much you need to make up for and save that amount throughout your pregnancy so you don’t have to worry once the baby arrives. Is Dad planning on taking some time off as well? If so, account for that in your savings, too.
Get more zzz’s
Trust me on this one. No matter how great of a sleeper your baby is, you will need the extra sleep that you are able to fit in your schedule now. The first 1-3 years are rough when it comes to sleep, but don’t worry – you will get through it, and it might not even be as bad as you think it will be! Each child is different and every parent has different sleep needs. Either way, get the zzz’s in now, while you have the opportunity to!
