Preparing for Pregnancy

Whether you are currently trying to get pregnant or planning to begin trying in the next year or two, there are many things that you can begin doing now to better prepare yourself and your family for the big changes ahead. Nine months may seem like a long time but trust me, it goes by fast! As the birth approaches, there are always so many things that moms wish they would have done earlier on to better prepare themselves. So, what are some actions that you can take right now, you ask?

• Either begin or maintain a healthy fitness routine. Be realistic in your goals and find an activity that you enjoy.

• Watch what you eat. Begin to take note of what you are putting into your body. Create four nutritional goals for yourself and work to achieve those. Aim for fresh, seasonal, whole foods and limit your intake of processed or refined foods.

• If you rely heavily on caffeine, this is the time to begin cutting down. Try to get down to one serving a day so that when pregnancy happens you are not walking around like a zombie without your daily dose of energy!

• This is the time to tackle any ongoing health issues you may have. Is there any health-related issue that you have been putting off? Schedule a visit with your doc and tell him/her of your plans to have a baby in the near future. You want to make sure that you enter pregnancy in the best health that you can.

• Get to know the ins and outs of your health insurance plan. Prenatal appointments, hospital stays, and pediatrician appointments will soon be a reality and it can be overwhelming to see so much paperwork come your way. Call your insurance provider and find out what they do/don't cover.

• Begin looking for caregivers in your area that best match your birth philosophy and that are covered by your insurance. Make calls to the offices or schedule consultations if you have specific questions. While you can always change providers during your pregnancy, it is best (and easiest) to be confident in your care from the start so that you can have the same caregiver see you through the entire pregnancy.

• Examine your lifestyle. How do you spend your time? Your money? What is going to have to change when you have a baby? Prepare yourself as best you can for the changes that are to come.

• Hang out with friends that have kids and ask them questions. Better yet, offer to babysit! The best way to learn is first-hand. Get your partner involved. If you are involved in a church that has a children's ministry, volunteer in the nursery. The more experience you have, the less "scary" it is when you are bringing your own little bundle of joy home.

• Search out various pregnancy related resources in your area. Are there prenatal fitness classes anywhere? Childbirth education classes? Breastfeeding classes? Ask around for new mom's support groups and begin taking note of what is being offered around you.

• Take a serious look at your finances. Having a baby (and raising a child) is certainly not cheap! Start tucking away money for pregnancy and birth expenses, as well as the essentials for those first few months with baby. If you don't have one already, create a realistic budget and do your best to follow it.

While this is certainly not a complete list, I hope that these ideas help you in your journey towards motherhood. Remember that other moms have so much knowledge and wisdom to share, so don't miss opportunities to learn from those around you!

Please feel free to comment on this post with other bits of wisdom that you may have...

#beforepregnancy